Five dog health problems owners should recognise early

Knowing your dog’s normal appetite, movement and behaviour makes it easier to notice a change. The five areas below are examples of problems owners may encounter, not a ranking of the most common diseases in the UK.

Only a veterinary professional can diagnose and advise on treatment. Contact your vet about persistent or worrying signs rather than using a blog to decide what condition your dog has.

1. Dental and mouth problems Bad breath, a change in chewing, dropping food or sensitivity around the mouth deserve a veterinary check. Do not assume that eating normally rules out dental pain. Ask your vet about a suitable preventive dental-care routine.

2. Ear discomfort Repeated head shaking, scratching, discharge or an unusual smell may indicate an ear problem. Avoid inserting objects or using leftover drops without veterinary advice, because the cause and appropriate treatment can differ.

3. Joint pain and reduced mobility A dog may become slower to rise, hesitate at steps or be less willing to walk or play. These changes are not simply something to ignore because the dog is older. Tell your vet what you have observed and follow advice on exercise and comfort.

4. Coughing and breathing changes Keep a coughing or unwell dog away from group care until you have veterinary advice and have spoken to the care provider. Breathing difficulty is urgent. Tell the vet about recent contact with other dogs and when the signs began.

5. Vomiting and diarrhoea Record timing, frequency, appetite and energy. Repeated vomiting, severe illness, blood, collapse or suspected ingestion of a harmful item need prompt veterinary advice. Young puppies and vulnerable dogs can deteriorate quickly.

For reliable information about particular signs, use PDSA’s Pet Health Hub, and speak to your own vet about your dog.

Before day care, boarding or walking Keep vaccinations, medication directions, allergies and emergency contacts current in your pet’s care profile. Notify the team of new symptoms before attendance and discuss any restrictions the vet has given.

At Paws n Klaws, accurate information helps us plan appropriate routine care. Our services near Yeovil complement veterinary care; they do not replace it. For a future booking, create a client account and request a Meet & Greet once your dog is well enough.

Updated 11 October 2026 by the Paws n Klaws team. For current availability and prices, check the linked service pages.