Pets should be seen urgently if they’re having trouble breathing, collapsing, unable to walk, vomiting repeatedly, or showing signs of severe pain. Sudden changes like not eating, extreme lethargy, or difficulty urinating can also signal an emergency. When in doubt, it’s always safest to call us so we can help you decide next steps. 

These symptoms can come from many causes — some mild, some more serious — and the safest approach is to have your pet evaluated. Vomiting, limping, shaking, or itching can be related to pain, infection, allergies, or something they ate. A quick exam helps us start to pinpoint the cause and get your pet comfortable again. 

Any time your pet is struggling to breathe, unable to stand, bleeding heavily, or seems suddenly “not themselves,” it’s considered an emergency. Rapid changes in behavior or severe pain also warrant immediate care. If you’re unsure, call us — we can guide you in real time be it coming to us or going straight to the ER. 

Please bring any previous medical records, vaccine history, and a list of medications or supplements your pet takes. If your pet is anxious, bringing a favorite treat or toy can help them feel more at ease. Arriving a few minutes early gives your pet time to settle in. 

Core vaccines protect pets from serious, preventable diseases and are recommended for all dogs and cats. Additional vaccines may be recommended based on lifestyle, travel, or exposure risks. We tailor vaccine plans to each pet so they get exactly what they need — no more, no less.

Puppies and kittens typically start vaccines around 6–8 weeks of age and continue every 3–4 weeks until they’re fully protected. This series helps build strong immunity during their most vulnerable months. We’ll guide you through the full schedule and what to expect at each visit.

Most pets benefit from a yearly exam, while seniors or pets with chronic conditions may need more frequent check-ins. Regular visits help us catch small changes early and keep your pet feeling their best. Wellness care is one of the most important ways to support a long, healthy life. 

We recommend year-round prevention to protect pets from parasites that can cause illness. The best product depends on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health history. During your visit, we’ll help you choose a safe, effective option that fits your pet’s needs

Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe, especially with the monitoring and individualized protocols we use. Before any procedure, we perform a thorough exam and complete bloodwork panel to ensure your pet is a good candidate. Throughout surgery, your pet is closely monitored by trained staff from start to finish and while recovering. All these measures minimize the risks. 

We’ll give you clear instructions based on your pet’s procedure, including when to remove food and water. Keeping your pet calm the morning of surgery and bringing any medications they take helps us start smoothly. Our team will walk you through everything, so you feel comfortable and prepared. 

Pets go home the same day and rest comfortably with pain medication. You’ll need to limit activity, monitor the incision (if applicable), and follow feeding instructions for a few days. We’re here for any questions during recovery and it’s our priority that your pet heals quickly and comfortably. 

Bad breath, tartar buildup, red gums, or difficulty chewing can all be signs of dental disease. Even pets who seem fine may have hidden issues below the gumline. A dental exam helps us determine whether a cleaning is needed to protect their long‑term health. 

Daily brushing is the gold standard, but dental chews, rinses, and diets can also help reduce plaque. We can recommend products that are safe and actually effective. Combining home care with professional cleanings keeps your pet’s mouth healthy and comfortable. 

Yes — we’re always happy to welcome new patients and their families. Our team works hard to make the first visit smooth and stress-free. You can request an appointment online or give us a call.

Our current hours are listed on our website, and you can schedule by phone/text or through our website. If you’re unsure which type of appointment your pet needs, our team can help guide you. 

We reserve a limited number of same day spots for urgent needs like sudden illness or injury. If your pet isn’t feeling well, call us early in the day so we can do our best to fit you in. For afterhours emergencies, we’ll direct you to the nearest emergency hospital. 

We proudly serve pets and families in Gladstone, Oregon and the surrounding communities. Many of our clients come from nearby areas like Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Oregon City, Estacada and West Linn

While we don’t provide emergency and overnight care we partner with trusted local emergency hospitals. If your pet needs afterhours support, we’ll guide you to the closest and most appropriate option. During business hours, we can often see urgent cases same day.

Lotus Veterinary Clinic is privately owned and lmanaged, which means every decision is made with our community, our clients, and our patients in mind. We’re not guided by corporate policies — we’re guided by relationships, transparency, and the long‑term wellbeing of the pets and families we serve. This independence allows us to stay flexible, invest directly in our team, and create a warm, personal experience that feels truly local.  We focus on relationship centered care, gentle handling, and clear communication so pets and families feel supported. Our team takes time to listen, explain, and tailor care to each pet’s needs. We want every visit to feel calm, personal, and genuinely caring.