Sick Pet Exams in Minnetonka, MN
When your dog or cat isn’t feeling well, you want answers.
At Glen Lake Animal Hospital, our veterinarians provide sick pet exams for dogs and cats in Minnetonka, Hopkins, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, and surrounding communities. Whether your pet has an upset stomach, an ear infection, a cough, or just isn’t acting like themselves, we’ll work to identify the cause and recommend the next steps.
Our approach is simple: individualized care, tailored medicine, and clear communication. Every pet is different, and every treatment plan should be too.
Signs Your Pet Should See a Veterinarian
Pets cannot tell us when something hurts, so changes in behavior are often the first clue that something is wrong.
Schedule a sick pet exam if your dog or cat is experiencing:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst
- Changes in urination
- Coughing or sneezing
- Ear infections
- Skin irritation or itching
- Eye redness or discharge
- Lethargy
- Limping
- Weight loss
- Breathing changes
- Behavioral changes
If you’re unsure whether your pet needs an appointment, give us a call. We’d rather talk through a concern early than have you wait and worry.
What Happens During a Sick Pet Exam?
Every sick pet visit begins with a conversation.
Our veterinary team will ask about your pet’s symptoms, medical history, medications, lifestyle, and any recent changes you’ve noticed at home. Those details often provide important clues.
Your veterinarian will then perform a thorough physical examination, evaluating:
- Heart and lung function
- Temperature
- Weight and body condition
- Hydration status
- Eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
- Skin and coat
- Abdomen
- Muscles and joints
After the exam, we’ll discuss our findings and recommendations.
Diagnostic Testing for Sick Pets
Some conditions can be diagnosed during the physical exam. Others require additional testing.
Depending on your pet’s symptoms, we may recommend:
- Bloodwork
- Urinalysis
- Fecal testing
- Ear or skin cytology
- Digital X-rays
- Blood pressure evaluation
- Additional diagnostics as needed
Diagnostic testing helps us understand what’s happening internally so we can develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your pet.
Caring for Dogs with Jobs
We have a special appreciation for dogs with jobs.
Our veterinarians regularly work with sporting and performance dogs, breeding dogs, service dogs, and other active working breeds. These patients often require a different approach because their health affects more than daily comfort. It affects their ability to perform important tasks.
We frequently see sporting breeds such as Retrievers, Spaniels, Vizslas, and Weimaraners, along with service dogs that support their handlers every day.
When these dogs aren’t feeling well, identifying the problem quickly matters. Our goal is to help them return to doing what they love safely.
Sick Pet Care for Brachycephalic Breeds
Flat-faced breeds often have unique medical needs.
Dogs such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers can be more sensitive to breathing issues, heat stress, and upper airway conditions.
If your brachycephalic dog develops coughing, noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, or respiratory changes, prompt evaluation is important. Our veterinarians have extensive experience working with these breeds and understand the factors that can affect their health and comfort.
Drop-Off Appointments
Life gets busy. Sometimes staying for a full appointment isn’t possible.
When scheduling allows, drop-off appointments may be available for sick pets. You leave your pet with us for part of the day, and one of our veterinarians performs the examination when an appointment slot becomes available.
After the exam, we’ll contact you to discuss findings, recommendations, and treatment options.
If you’re interested in a drop-off appointment, please call ahead to discuss availability.
Do You Offer Same-Day Sick Pet Appointments?
Glen Lake Animal Hospital is not an urgent care facility.
That said, we understand that pets don’t always get sick on a convenient schedule. Our team triages requests and works to accommodate sick pets whenever possible.
If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, severe trauma, or suspected toxin exposure, immediate emergency care may be necessary.
As a neighborhood veterinary hospital that has served the community for decades, we do our best to help established and new clients navigate unexpected health concerns.
Why Choose Glen Lake Animal Hospital?
Families throughout Minnetonka choose Glen Lake Animal Hospital because they value a relationship with a veterinary team that knows their pets.
We focus on:
- Individualized care
- Tailored medicine
- Whole-animal care
- Preventative medicine
- Clear communication
- Long-term relationships with pet families
Is Your Pet Not Feeling Well?
Whether it’s an upset stomach, a persistent cough, an ear infection, or a change in behavior, a sick pet exam can help identify the cause and get your pet on the road to recovery. At Glen Lake Animal Hospital, our veterinarians provide individualized care for dogs and cats throughout Minnetonka and the surrounding communities.
Call Glen Lake Animal Hospital at (952) 935-1232 to schedule a sick pet exam.
Do You Have More Questions?
Call us today at (952) 935-1232
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Sick Pet Exams
How do I know if my pet needs a sick exam?
If your pet has vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, appetite changes, lethargy, limping, or other unusual symptoms, it’s a good idea to contact our team.
Can my pet eat before the appointment?
It depends on the symptoms and whether testing may be recommended. Call ahead and we’ll provide guidance.
How long does a sick pet appointment take?
Most appointments take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your pet’s condition and any diagnostics that may be needed.
What if my pet needs additional testing?
Your veterinarian will explain the recommended diagnostics, discuss findings, and review treatment options with you.
Do you accept walk-ins?
We schedule appointments whenever possible. While we triage urgent situations, we recommend calling ahead so we can determine the best way to help your pet.