The importance of Early detection in pet health: 5 key signs to watch for in Dogs

When it comes to your dog’s health, early detection is crucial. Spotting subtle changes early can prevent discomfort, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of costly treatments down the road. Here are five key areas to watch for, how they can impact your pet, and how Vetsy can help.

1. Behavioural Changes

Dogs are creatures of habit, so sudden shifts in behaviour or temperament can signal something more serious.

• Signs to Watch For: Lethargy, irritability, withdrawal from activities, or a change in routine habits.
• Why It Matters: Behavioural changes can stem from anxiety or be a sign of underlying pain or discomfort. If left unchecked, conditions like arthritis, chronic pain, or even systemic illness could worsen.

How Vetsy Can Help:

Through a video consultation, our vets can perform a visual examination, gait analysis, and posture assessment. We can identify sources of pain or discomfort and prescribe appropriate treatments, such as pain relief trials or anti-anxiety therapies combined with behavioural modification.

Did you know? Anxiety-related behaviours can often mask physical discomfort. Read more about how Vetsy can help anxious dogs.

2. Mobility Issues

Joint problems, especially in older dogs, are often mistaken for natural ageing. Early intervention can make a huge difference.

• Signs to Watch For: Stiffness, limping, difficulty rising, or reduced enthusiasm for walks.
• Why It Matters: Mobility issues can lead to advanced osteoarthritis and joint disease if untreated. With early care, these conditions can be managed to improve your dog’s quality of life.

How Vetsy Can Help:

At Vetsy, we take a multimodal approach to arthritis management. This includes advice on weight management, environmental modifications at home, pain medication, joint supplements, and referrals for complementary therapies like physiotherapy or hydrotherapy.

Learn more about managing arthritis in dogs from here.

3. Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Digestive upsets in dogs can range from minor to severe but always warrant attention. Whether its a fussy appetite, an avid grass eater or a dog that suffers with repeated bouts of diarrhoea.

• Signs to Watch For: Vomiting, diarrhoea, a change in appetite or weight loss.
• Why It Matters: Recurring symptoms can indicate food intolerances, infections, or gut microbiome imbalances. Without proper management, these issues can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, or long-term gastrointestinal diseases.

How Vetsy Can Help:

We tailor treatment plans to your dog’s needs. Our vets can recommend diet trials, prescribe gastro-protective medication, and discuss advanced investigations for complex cases.

Check out helpful tips on dog digestion.

4. Skin and Coat Health

Skin issues can be frustrating for dogs and their owners. Symptoms often wax and wane, making long-term solutions difficult to find. Regular veterinary visits become pricey and owners are often left feeling lost trying every shampoo and supplement on the market.

• Signs to Watch For: Itchy or dry skin, redness, bald patches, recurrent ear infections, or smelly coats.
• Why It Matters: Skin conditions, allergies, or atopic dermatitis can lead to infections if untreated. Persistent symptoms like chewing feet or scratching ears are often signs of deeper allergy issues.

How Vetsy Can Help:

Our consultations focus on immediate relief and long-term solutions. This includes diet trials (novel protein or hydrolysed diets), medicated baths, parasite control, and anti-allergy medications.

Learn more about common dog skin conditions here.

5. Dental Health

Dental care often takes a backseat in pet care routines, but it’s one of the most critical aspects of a dog’s overall health.

• Signs to Watch For: Bad breath, tartar build-up, or gingivitis (red gums).
• Why It Matters: Dental disease, if untreated, can cause pain and infections that may spread to vital organs. Preventative care saves your dog from unnecessary discomfort and costly dental procedures under general anaesthesia.

How Vetsy Can Help:

Our vets perform oral exams via video consultations, assessing dental disease severity. We’ll guide you on home care routines, recommend effective dental products, and provide tailored advice for your pet’s needs. Learn more about caring for your dogs dental health.

Why Early Detection Matters

Early detection is about more than treating problems—it’s about preventing them. Acting early not only saves your dog from pain and discomfort but also helps you avoid higher costs and invasive procedures in the future.

With Vetsy, you can access professional veterinary advice from the comfort of your home. Book a consultation today for just £39 and give your dog the expert care they deserve.

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