Most dog owners have experienced feeling something a bit off with their pet. Sometimes it’s a subtle change in the way they walk or how they’re licking a spot for too long. Sometimes, it’s a strange smell you’ve never smelled before… sometimes, it’s easy to brush these little things off, but sometimes you start to realize that they’re little red flags of health issues.

Catching a health issue early doesn’t just save money at the vet, it can make the difference between a quick fix and a potentially big issue. It’s important to know what your dog’s regular routine and ways are, such as how they eat, move, rest and play. That way, you can spot right away when something’s out of the ordinary and concerning.

In this Patmypet’s article, we will discuss 6 of the most common health issues that vets see across all ages and breeds. Some are as common as dirt, others creep in slowly over time, and some are inbred – a factor which can be avoided by getting dogs from responsible dog breeders who do DNA testing.

Fortunately, every single one is easier to manage when spotted early. So let’s get into spotting these early signs.

6 Most Common Dog Health Issues

1) Dental Disease

If you think stinky dog breath is normal, think again. While no one really expects minty fresh breath from their dog, if your dog’s mouth smells very strong, or he has loose teeth or red swollen gums, then these are fairly strong signs of dental issues.

When plaque builds up in teeth, they can harden into tar and gradually wear down the gumline. When left unattended, it can lead to pain, loss of teeth, and infections that can spread past the mouth and lead to issues with other parts of the body.

What to watch for:

Avoiding harder food or chewing on one side only
Smelly breath
Excessive drool, especially if of a different consistency than normal
Gums that bleed easily or look red around the edges

What helps:

Brush your dog’s teeth with a dog-safe toothpaste a few times a week. Dental chews and dental toys can help scrape plaque off dog’s teeth as they chew on them. Some dogs are agreeable to letting their owners near their teeth but some will need a bit of a gentle easing into. If you’re not sure how to go about it, book a vet dental check up once a year.

2) Ear Infections

If you notice your dog scratching at his ears more than normal, shaking their head like they’re trying to get a fly off, or giving off a smell that makes you lean back, there’s a fair chance that they have an ear infection. These are one of the more common things vets treat, and they tend to show up fast and loud once they get going.

If you have a dog with floppy ears, hairy ear canals, or that loves water, be especially wary. It’s easy for moisture and dirt to get trapped in their ears and before long, yeast and bacteria will start to grow and cause problems.

What to watch for:

Frequent head shaking or tilting
Persistent scratching or pawing at one or both ears
A foul smell coming from the ear area
Redness, swelling, or visible discharge
Sensitivity when you try to touch their ears

What helps:

Try to keep your dog’s ears dry after showers or whenever they swim. Use a soft towel and a gentle ear-cleaning solution to softly clean the ears each time they get wet. But don’t go digging in with cotton buds too deeply as it can do more harm than good. If you spot an infection, go to your vet as they will probably need drops or medicated wipes.

3) Skin Allergies

Sometimes, an itchy scratchy dog isn’t always just because of fleas. Some dogs have allergic reactions to food, airborne irritants like pollen or dust, or contact with certain cleaning products, grasses, or even fabrics. Others can have flea allergy dermatitis, where one bite is enough to set them off for days.

Skin allergies can show up as rashes, hot spots, or bald patches from constant licking and chewing. And while it’s uncomfortable for dogs, it is frustrating for owners when it’s hard to pinpoint.

What to watch for:

Itchy skin, especially around the paws, belly, ears, or face
Chewing or licking the same spots repeatedly
Hair thinning or bald patches
Redness, inflammation, or scabs

What helps:

Make sure you rule out fleas as just one bite can trigger a reaction in sensitive dogs. After that, look at possible irritants in food and the environment. Consider an elimination diet to see which things are affecting your dog negatively. Don’t forget to wash their bedding with mild, pet-safe detergents and limit contact with known triggers as much as possible.

4) Obesity

Many owners find a little extra weight cute on their pets, but over time, this extra weight puts a strain on their bodies. Joints will start creaking earlier than normal under the added weight and pressure, and the heart works harder than usual. Simple activities such as climbing stairs and jumping into cars can be hard on their bodies.

Obesity is one of the most common and most preventable health issues vets see. It creeps up quietly, over years, and by the time it’s caught, the dog may already be dealing with joint pain, fatigue, or reduced mobility, and can lead to more health issues.

What to watch for:

Trouble feeling your dog’s ribs without pressing hard
A rounder shape through the middle or sagging belly
Reluctance to exercise or play
Heavy panting after mild activity
Difficulty getting up or down from furniture

What helps:

Make sure you portion out meals in recommended doses rather than scooping meals out by feel. Try to avoid too many human snacks and stick to dog-friendly treats. Daily movement is essential to keeping your dog’s weight in check, whether daily strolls, play sessions in the yard, or a tug of war in the living room. Find out what your dog’s ideal weight is and adjust your dog’s diet as needed.

5) Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, Worms)

While small, parasites can cause a ton of problems if they’re left on their own. Fleas can cause itching and allergic reactions. Ticks can pass on serious illnesses. Worms rob your dog of nutrients, energy, and in bad cases, can mess with organs.

Even if your dog lives mostly indoors, fleas and worms can be picked up from other animals it encounters, any shared bedding, or even from a quick stroll in the park.

What to watch for:

Itchy skin, especially near the tail or belly
Visible fleas, flea dirt, or ticks on the body
Scooting, bloated belly, or worm segments in stools
Vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite
Fatigue that doesn’t match your dog’s age or activity

What helps:

Have a parasite control plan. That could mean monthly spot-ons, oral medications, or collars. Get the right one based on your dog’s size, breed, and location. If you have an infestation, clean bedding, clothes, and toys regularly, and make sure all pets get treated regularly.

6) Arthritis & Joint Pain

As dogs get older, it’s not uncommon for their movements to slow. Arthritis will start to creep up and joints will start to wear and tear. And while this is more common in senior dogs, this can creep up earlier in larger dogs or dogs with past injuries.

Arthritis doesn’t show up all at once. It builds over time, and dogs are often good at hiding discomfort until it starts affecting their everyday life. So if you notice your dog hesitating from jumping onto the couch or limping softly, pay close attention and have it checked if it continues more than a day.

What to watch for:

Stiffness, especially after naps or in colder weather
Limping or uneven movement
Slower walks, reluctance to climb stairs or jump
Irritability or sensitivity when touched in certain areas
Licking or chewing at joints

What helps:

Make sure your dog is in a healthy weight range as extra weight can lead to sore joints. Gentle and regular movement such as walking and swimming can help keep them mobile for years to come.

Your vet might suggest supplements like glucosamine or omega-3s, or even prescription pain relief in more advanced cases. Heated beds, non-slip mats, and easy-access ramps can also make daily life a bit easier for dogs that are already suffering.

Letting your dog walk outside in the garden is helpful for some light exercise; however, make sure you have a sheltered space like a garden shed in your outdoor area to help protect them from the elements while keeping them comfortable.

Conclusion

Most health issues don’t show up overnight. They build slowly, and can be noticed by small changes in habits, behavior, or appearance.

Changes in energy levels and coat condition are often overlooked, but they can be big indicators of your dog’s health. If your normally active dog starts sleeping more, or if their coat becomes dull or patchy, those are signs to take seriously. Small things like these are often easier to treat when caught early.

That’s why regular check-ups, staying alert to anything new, and knowing what’s “normal” for your pet can save you a load of hassle and maybe even money. Don’t wait for a limp, a whimper, or a frantic scratch to tell you something’s up.