Our Vets are Available 🟢
Dial A Vet Logo
🐾 Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!Vet Tips - By Our Vets!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet Clinic
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial GuidelinesNewsletter
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
💵 Pricing📖 How it Works📧 Contact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

Is it worth seeing a vet for this?

I'm feeling pretty worried and could really use some advice. My 3-year-old Labrador, Max, has been acting really strange the last couple of days. Normally, he's super energetic and loves going on walks, but recently he’s been really lethargic and just not himself. Yesterday, he wouldn’t even touch his favorite chicken treats, which he usually devours in seconds! I thought maybe he had just eaten something weird and would snap out of it, but today he still seems super off and has been drinking a ton of water. I'm torn about whether I should take him to the vet or if I’m overreacting and this will pass. Have any of you experienced something like this with your pets before? Is it worth seeing a vet, or should I wait it out a bit more? Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks for reading.

Answer:

Hello there! I understand why you're concerned about whether your pet's issue needs a vet's attention or if it's something you can handle at home. Let's walk through this together to see what's best for your furry friend.



First, let's consider the symptoms. If your pet is experiencing any of the following, it might be a sign of something that requires a vet's immediate attention: sudden loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea that persists over 24 hours, difficulty breathing, or any signs of pain like whimpering or limping. These could indicate underlying issues such as infections, injuries, or even diseases that need professional care.



For less urgent symptoms, like mild stomach upset, you can start with some at-home care. Ensure your pet has plenty of water and try to maintain a quiet, comfortable environment. Offering a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, can help settle their stomach. Observing them closely for any changes is key.



If you ever feel uncertain about a symptom's severity or if things aren't improving within a day or two, it's worth getting advice from a vet. Sometimes, what seems minor can be a bigger deal than it looks.



To dig deeper into what's going on or for peace of mind, I recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet. It's a great way to get professional guidance without leaving home.

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 22, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Dog may have eaten bone on walk
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Is Tidy Cat unscented and Fresh step unscented good cat litter?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cat over grooming for 1.5 years: allergies or compulsive behavior? Allergy test positive pics on a different post
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Afraid to have my cat's dental cleaning done this week due to risk of anesthesia death. What are some questions I should ask before committing?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support - anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicAsk A Vet: Q&AGlossary
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links