When to Bring Your Pet to The Vet

If your pet isn’t feeling their best, you may wonder whether they need to be seen or if it’s just something to monitor. While emergencies are often clear, urgent issues can be more difficult to discern. If you’re unsure, give us a call, and we’ll help your pet get the care they need.

Signs your pet needs to be seen:

Vomiting

Repeated or intense vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration and may point to a blockage, infection, or dietary issue.

Loose stool (especially when prolonged or paired with vomiting) can lead to dehydration and should be evaluated.

If your pet seems unusually tired or uninterested in usual activities, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Skipping meals isn’t normal, especially if it lasts more than a day.

Drinking more water than usual may be linked to diabetes, kidney disease, or other metabolic disorders.

A shift in mood or habits, like hiding, aggression, or confusion, can point to pain or illness.

Favoring a leg or sudden limping could result from injury, joint problems, or soft tissue trauma.

Discharge from the eyes, nose, or elsewhere can indicate infection or irritation.

Drooling beyond normal levels may be a sign of nausea, dental pain, or toxin exposure.

Heavy panting without exertion may indicate overheating, respiratory distress, or anxiety.

Difficulty breathing is a medical emergency and should be addressed right away.

Trouble urinating, especially in male cats, could signal a dangerous urinary blockage and should be addressed urgently.

Ongoing scratching can indicate allergies, parasites, or skin infections.

Whining, trembling, or vocalizing may be signs of pain, stress, or discomfort that shouldn’t be ignored.

Persistent coughing or gagging could signal respiratory infections or something stuck in the throat.

Sudden swelling may result from an allergic reaction, injury, or underlying infection.

Sudden skin welts may be signs of an allergic reaction that could become more serious without treatment.

Even minor wounds should be cleaned and evaluated to prevent infection or complications.

Lifelong Wellness Care for Your Pet

Preventive care is the foundation of a healthy, happy life. With regular exams, vaccines, and personalized care plans, we help catch problems early and keep your pet thriving through every season of life.

Wellness Exams

Routine physical exams help us monitor your pet’s health over time, identify subtle changes, and address concerns before they become a problem. It’s the best way to keep your pet feeling their best.

Vaccinations

We offer core and lifestyle-based vaccines for dogs and cats, tailored to your pet’s age, health, and risk factors. From rabies and distemper to bordetella and feline leukemia, we’ll help build the right protection plan.

Parasite Prevention

Internal and external pests like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites can cause major discomfort and health issues. We’ll recommend safe, effective preventives based on your pet’s needs and the risks in our region.

Microchipping

Give your pet a permanent form of identification with a quick and simple microchip. It’s one of the most reliable ways to reunite with your pet if they ever get lost.

Lifestyle Guidance

We’re here to support your pet’s overall wellness with advice on diet, behavior, exercise, and enrichment, all tailored to their age and lifestyle.

Health Screenings

From bloodwork to fecal testing and urinalysis, routine diagnostics give us insight into your pet’s internal health, which is especially useful in senior pets or those predisposed to certain health issues.

Specialized Care

When your pet needs more than routine care, we’re equipped with advanced tools and skilled hands to help them heal and feel better, faster.

Our experienced veterinary team performs a full range of soft tissue surgeries, including spays, neuters, mass removals, and more. Every procedure is done under AAHA-standard safety protocols with in-depth monitoring and pain management.

Dental disease is one of the most common (and preventable) health issues in pets. We offer professional teeth cleanings, digital dental X-rays, and tooth extractions to help your pet maintain a healthy, pain-free mouth.

End-of-Life Care

Saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of pet ownership, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team provides thoughtful guidance, gentle pain management, and peaceful euthanasia services to help you honor your pet’s life with dignity and love.

Pet Boarding

Traveling soon? The Armistead Animal Inn, conveniently located next door, offers safe and cozy boarding for your furry family members. With spacious accommodations and attentive, loving care, your pet will be in good hands while you’re away.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a gentle, drug-free treatment that reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and promotes healing. Whether your pet is recovering from surgery or managing chronic arthritis, this noninvasive therapy can help improve their comfort and mobility.

Radiology

We use digital radiography to get clear, detailed images that help us diagnose injuries, illnesses, and internal conditions quickly and accurately, so we can start the right treatment right away.

FAQs

We treat dogs and cats. For exotic veterinary care for small mammals or pocket pets, we recommend our sister hospital, Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital.

Yes! We’re always excited to welcome new pets and their families into our care. Call us today or book an appointment online to get started.

To help us get to know your pet and provide the best care possible, please bring:
 
• Your pet on a secure leash or in a carrier
• Any previous medical records or vaccine history
• Any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss
 
We look forward to welcoming you and your pet!

Being AAHA-accredited means we’ve met rigorous standards in over 900 areas of veterinary care, from cleanliness and safety to team education and medical protocols. Only 15% of U.S. practices earn this distinction, and we’ve proudly maintained it for more than 30 years.

Armistead Avenue Veterinary Hospital opened in 1956 and has been part of the Hampton community ever since. We’re honored to serve families across multiple generations and look forward to welcoming you into ours.

Yes! The Armistead Animal Inn offers doggy daycare and overnight boarding for dogs and cats. It’s the perfect place for social pets who enjoy extra attention and activity throughout the day.

From your first visit, you’ll be welcomed by a team that views veterinary care as a true partnership. We’re here to offer guidance, answer questions, and support you through both routine checkups and unexpected health concerns. Every visit is designed to be as calm and comfortable as possible, with a focus on lifelong health, well-being, and peace of mind.