Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My chicken is wheezing. Can a virtual vet help or prescribe medicine?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Exotic | Unknown - Exotic | Female | unspayed | 3 lbs

Do you know of any "virtual" vet exam sites? I can't get in to see a vet until tomorrow and my chicken is having a really hard time breathing and eating. She's wheezing like mad. :( Can you prescribe medicine over the internet for her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on June 6th, 2017

Unfortunately it is not permmitted to prescribe medications without an in-person examination. If Della is having a hard time breathing you can try to see if there is an emergency veterinarian in your area that can see her sooner than tomorrow. Keeping her separated from the flock in a small pen that is cool and dark with access to food and water may help her long enough until you can get to the vet.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello Unfortunately in the US veterinarian's are required to establish a veterinary--client-patient relationship (VCPR) which many state veterinary boards oversee and require at least an annual hands-on exam to establish. So right now virtual vets aren't allowed to prescribe medications. One option is to contact any local large animal veterinarian's as well as possibly a veterinarian that sees birds at all and see if they can see your chicken sooner. Sometimes a veterinary college will see chickens on emergency basis as well.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored