Anal glands
Scooting along the carpet and a fishy smell usually point to full or blocked anal glands. It is uncomfortable rather than dangerous at first, but a blocked gland can become infected if left.
Read the guideDog Ailment Encyclopedia
20 common dog health problems explained: the signs, the causes, everyday care at home and when to see your vet.
When your dog isn't right, you want a straight answer in plain words. I've spent more than forty years working with dogs and their owners, and the same worries come up again and again: the scratching that won't stop, the upset tummy, the stiff back legs on a cold morning.
This encyclopedia covers 20 of the problems UK dog owners ask about most. Each guide explains what the problem is, the signs to look for, the usual causes, the everyday care I suggest at home, and when your dog needs a vet.
A note before you start. These guides are general information, not a diagnosis, and they are not a replacement for veterinary care. Always speak to your vet if symptoms are severe, getting worse or not clearing up. Guides marked Urgent signs include problems where waiting could be dangerous.
Anxiety
Anxious dogs may pace, pant, bark, hide or chew things when left alone, during fireworks or after a change at home. Understanding the trigger is the first step to helping them feel safe.
Read the guideArthritis and stiff joints
Arthritis is wear in the joints that makes movement stiff and sore, most often in older dogs. Slowing down on walks, struggling with stairs and stiffness after rest are the classic signs.
Read the guideBad breath and dental disease
Dental disease is the most common health problem vets record in UK dogs. Bad breath is often the first thing owners notice, followed by brown tartar, red gums or a dog going off hard food.
Read the guideCoughing and kennel cough
Urgent signsKennel cough is a harsh, honking cough that spreads easily wherever dogs mix. Most cases are mild, but a cough with laboured breathing is an emergency.
Read the guideDiarrhoea
Urgent signsLoose or watery poo is very common and often passes within a day or two. Puppies, older dogs, and any dog with blood in the stool or other signs of illness should see a vet sooner.
Read the guideEar infections
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs see a vet in the UK. Head shaking, scratching, a bad smell or discharge are the signs, and they are painful enough to need a vet's attention.
Read the guideEye problems
Urgent signsRed, weepy or sore eyes can come from simple irritation, conjunctivitis or an injury. Eyes can get worse quickly, so a dog that is squinting or holding an eye shut needs to be seen the same day.
Read the guideFleas
Fleas are tiny jumping insects that live in your dog's coat and, for most of their life cycle, in your home. Scratching and black specks in the fur are the usual first clues.
Read the guideHeavy panting and heatstroke
Urgent signsPanting is how dogs cool down, so some is normal. Heavy panting at rest can signal heat, pain or stress, and heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency.
Read the guideHot spots
Hot spots are red, moist, sore patches that can appear within hours, often where a dog has been licking or scratching. They are painful and spread quickly, so they are worth catching early.
Read the guideItchy skin
An itchy dog scratches, licks or chews far more than usual, and it can wear down dog and owner alike. Parasites, allergies, dry skin and infections are all common culprits, so finding the cause comes first.
Read the guideLimping
Urgent signsA limp can be anything from a thorn in a pad to a sprain or a joint problem. A dog that won't put any weight on a leg, or is in obvious pain, needs a vet promptly.
Read the guideSkin allergies
Some dogs react to everyday things such as pollen, dust mites, flea bites or certain foods. It usually shows as itchy skin, red patches, paw licking or ear trouble that keeps coming back.
Read the guideTicks
Urgent signsTicks are small spider-like parasites that latch on in long grass, woodland and moorland. Some carry infections such as Lyme disease, so knowing how to check your dog and remove a tick safely matters.
Read the guideUpset stomach and eating grass
"Why does my dog eat grass?" is the most-asked dog health question in the UK. It is usually normal behaviour, but alongside a gurgling tummy or a dog off their food it can tell you something.
Read the guideUrinary problems
Urgent signsWeeing more often, straining, accidents indoors or blood in the wee all point to a urinary problem. A dog that strains and passes nothing needs a vet straight away.
Read the guideVomiting
Urgent signsA dog being sick once is often nothing to worry about. Repeated vomiting, blood, or retching with a swollen tummy and nothing coming up is an emergency.
Read the guideWeight problems
Being overweight is one of the three most common health problems vets record in UK dogs. Extra weight loads the joints, heart and breathing, and it creeps on so slowly that it is easy to miss.
Read the guideWorms
Urgent signsRoundworm, tapeworm and lungworm are the main worms affecting UK dogs. Signs include scooting, a pot belly or weight loss, though many dogs show nothing at all, and lungworm can be serious.
Read the guideCommon questions
Do these guides replace a visit to the vet?
No. They are general information to help you understand what might be going on. Your vet is the right person to examine and diagnose your dog, and you should always contact them if symptoms are severe, worsening or not clearing up.
Who writes the guides?
Every guide is written by Elaine, founder of The Dog Herbalist. She is an accredited herbalist and has worked with dogs for more than forty years.
Why don't the guides recommend products?
They are here to inform, so we keep them separate from our shop. That way the information stands on its own.
