Vet says commonly ignored signs in your dog may mean something is wrong
Dr Sean McCormack has listed the easily missed symptoms that may mean you need to take your dog to a vet
Vet examining a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dog owners have been warned of the symptoms that are often overlooked but which could indicate a serious health problem. Tails.com's Head Vet is offering advice on what to do if your pet has potentially serious symptoms.
Dr Sofia Izquierdo Sanchez, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Manchester University, said workers taking time off to care for sick pets costs the UK economy £13.8 billion a year in lost wages. Research from Tails.com reveals 72% of pet owners have pulled a sickie to look after their pet with the average dog owner needing to take eight days off a year.
Dr. Sean McCormack, Head Vet at Tails.com, said: 'Whilst some illnesses can't be prevented, ensuring your dog is eating a complete, balanced and nutritious diet, getting the right amount of exercise and having regular health check ups can help to limit the need to take too much time off and your pets living healthier lives.'
Dr McCormack provided tips for spotting when your dog might need a vet check:
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Keep an Eye on Their Eating Habits: If your dog suddenly goes off their food or becomes ravenously hungry, it might be a red flag. Changes in appetite can indicate anything from dental issues to digestive upsets or more serious internal conditions. Remember, sudden weight loss or gain is always worth investigating. Check Their Coat and Skin: Your dog's coat is a great barometer of their overall health. Look out for excessive scratching, bald patches, redness, lumps, or a dull, greasy coat. These can indicate allergies, infections, parasites, or hormonal imbalances. A quick daily brush can help you spot issues early. Watch for Changes in Drinking and Urination: If your dog is suddenly drinking more water than usual or asking to go out to pee more frequently, this could be a sign of underlying health issues like diabetes, kidney disease, or a urinary tract infection. On the flip side, straining to urinate or accidents in the house that are abnormal, can also indicate problems. Don't Ignore Bad Breath or Drooling: While doggy breath isn't always pleasant, a sudden increase in bad breath, drooling, or difficulty chewing can indicate dental disease, which if left untreated can affect the heart and kidneys. Regular dental checks and brushing can help keep your dog's mouth healthy.
Carolyn Menteith, Behaviourist at Tails.com said: 'Your dog's behaviour can tell you if they're feeling a bit under the weather or are even in pain or discomfort. Trust your instincts and for any unexpected changes, however subtle, it's time to go and talk to the vet.'
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Wales Online
25-06-2025
- Wales Online
Vet says commonly ignored signs in your dog may mean something is wrong
Vet says commonly ignored signs in your dog may mean something is wrong Dr Sean McCormack has listed the easily missed symptoms that may mean you need to take your dog to a vet Vet examining a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog owners have been warned of the symptoms that are often overlooked but which could indicate a serious health problem. Head Vet is offering advice on what to do if your pet has potentially serious symptoms. Dr Sofia Izquierdo Sanchez, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Manchester University, said workers taking time off to care for sick pets costs the UK economy £13.8 billion a year in lost wages. Research from reveals 72% of pet owners have pulled a sickie to look after their pet with the average dog owner needing to take eight days off a year. Dr. Sean McCormack, Head Vet at said: 'Whilst some illnesses can't be prevented, ensuring your dog is eating a complete, balanced and nutritious diet, getting the right amount of exercise and having regular health check ups can help to limit the need to take too much time off and your pets living healthier lives.' Dr McCormack provided tips for spotting when your dog might need a vet check: Article continues below Keep an Eye on Their Eating Habits: If your dog suddenly goes off their food or becomes ravenously hungry, it might be a red flag. Changes in appetite can indicate anything from dental issues to digestive upsets or more serious internal conditions. Remember, sudden weight loss or gain is always worth investigating. Check Their Coat and Skin: Your dog's coat is a great barometer of their overall health. Look out for excessive scratching, bald patches, redness, lumps, or a dull, greasy coat. These can indicate allergies, infections, parasites, or hormonal imbalances. A quick daily brush can help you spot issues early. Watch for Changes in Drinking and Urination: If your dog is suddenly drinking more water than usual or asking to go out to pee more frequently, this could be a sign of underlying health issues like diabetes, kidney disease, or a urinary tract infection. On the flip side, straining to urinate or accidents in the house that are abnormal, can also indicate problems. Don't Ignore Bad Breath or Drooling: While doggy breath isn't always pleasant, a sudden increase in bad breath, drooling, or difficulty chewing can indicate dental disease, which if left untreated can affect the heart and kidneys. Regular dental checks and brushing can help keep your dog's mouth healthy. Carolyn Menteith, Behaviourist at said: 'Your dog's behaviour can tell you if they're feeling a bit under the weather or are even in pain or discomfort. Trust your instincts and for any unexpected changes, however subtle, it's time to go and talk to the vet.'
Scottish Sun
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Daily Mail
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While the Cavapoo, Maltese and Miniature Poodle topped the list for the highest risk of diarrhoea, the Chihuahua and Patterdale Terrier were the least likely breed to suffer from the condition He said: 'We do find certain breeds and their crosses, such as Cockapoos and Cavapoos, are prone to particular behavioural traits, clinginess and anxiety among them. There is growing evidence that some of these may have a genetic basis. 'These dogs surged in popularity during the lockdown, when reduced opportunities for training and socialisation meant many became accustomed to constant human company, making separation anxiety increasingly common.' Cavapoos are also susceptible to health conditions such as patellar luxation – when the kneecap slips and causes discomfort – and dental issues like bad breath, tooth decay and cavities. Results of the new study also showed that dogs aged three and under, as well as dogs aged nine and older, were more likely to suffer from diarrhoea than dogs aged four to five. Young dogs were more likely to eat things they shouldn't, giving them digestive issues, while older dogs may experience the issue from the complications of ageing, the researchers said. Thankfully, most dogs appeared to recover quicker from the condition – with more than 80 per cent needing just one visit to the vets. Dr. Dan O'Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and co-author of the paper, said: 'Experiencing the dreaded 'poonami' with your dog is one of those events any dog owner fears. 'This new study shows that diarrhoea events are very common in dogs but that owners should not panic – no matter how bad the deluge, most dogs will recover in a few days after veterinary treatment.' The researchers said it's possible that different breeds have higher and lower dispositions to diarrhoea. It could also be that the findings are down to different diets and exercise habits – or even differences in the likelihood of dog owners taking their pet to the vet in the first place. Diarrhoea in dogs can be dangerous due to the risk of dehydration, especially in puppies, older dogs and those with underlying health conditions. If the issue is severe or prolonged it can lead to a loss of electrolytes and other important nutrients, potentially causing organ damage or even death. The findings of the new study were published in the journal Plos One. IS DOG INTELLIGENCE AKIN TO HUMAN INTELLIGENCE? Dogs' abilities to learn are varied, much like humans' abilities, according to WebMD. Dogs that were bred in order to hunt, retrieve or herd are faster learners because they are inherently quicker on their feet. Similarly, dogs bred to guard livestock or track scents are usually slower. 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