Dog Health & Symptoms: A UK Owner's Guide
A plain-English guide to spotting common dog health problems early, what you can do at home, and the red-flag signs that mean it's time to call your vet.
54 guides in this topic
Hi, I'm Matt, founder of Giddy Pets. Few things are more worrying than noticing your dog isn't quite themselves — a bit of scooting, a dodgy ear, a tummy upset, or a new lump you didn't feel last week. The good news is that most everyday dog health worries are common, well understood, and very treatable when caught early. This hub is here to help you recognise what's going on, do the sensible things at home, and know the moment when a vet visit really matters.
This is general guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice — if you're worried about your dog, contact your vet.
What this hub covers
We've grouped the most common questions UK dog owners search for into clear, jargon-free guides. Each one explains what the problem is, the usual causes, the signs to look for, what you can safely do at home, and a dedicated "When to see a vet" section so you're never left guessing.
For coughs and breathing, start with kennel cough. For tummy troubles, see dog diarrhoea and why is my dog being sick. Skin and coat worries are covered in dog itchy skin, dog allergies and lumps on dogs.
For the bits that make dogs miserable, we've got dog ear infection, dog anal glands, why is my dog scooting, dog eye discharge and dog bad breath. And for the creepy-crawlies and prevention, see how to get rid of fleas on dogs, how to remove a tick from a dog and how often to worm a dog. If your dog is favouring a leg, head to why is my dog limping.
How to use this hub
None of these guides replace a proper veterinary opinion — they're here so you understand what's happening, can make calm decisions, and walk into your vet's appointment with the right information. A useful habit is to note when a symptom started, how often it happens, and anything that makes it better or worse. A short phone video of a cough, a limp or odd behaviour can be worth a thousand words at the appointment.
A few habits that prevent a lot of problems
Most of the trouble we see is easier to head off than to fix. Keep parasite prevention up to date — our parasite risk assessment helps you work out what your dog actually needs based on where you live and how you live. Stay on top of treatments with the pet medicine calendar and keep vaccinations current with the vaccine reminder. Good dental care, a sensible diet, a healthy weight, and regular hands-on checks (running your hands over your dog weekly) catch an enormous amount early.
When to see a vet — the universal red flags
Whatever the symptom, treat these as reasons to contact a vet promptly, and to seek emergency care if they're severe:
- Difficulty breathing, collapse, or pale or blue gums
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, blood in either, or a bloated, hard tummy
- Not eating or drinking for more than a day, or obvious lethargy
- Severe or worsening pain, an inability to stand or walk, or a non-weight-bearing leg
- A puppy, very old, or already-poorly dog showing any of the above
If you're not registered with a practice or need an emergency vet, our vets directory can help you find one near you. Worried about cost? The pet emergency cost calculator and our pet insurance guide help you plan ahead so money never delays care. For everyday products that support good health, from dental chews to ear cleaner, browse our shop.
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Guides & answers
Read, understand, decide.
What to Do If Your Pet Has Been Poisoned: UK Emergency Guide
Fever in Dogs: Signs and When to Worry
Dog DNA Testing UK: Is It Worth It?
Signs Your Dog Is in Pain (and What to Do)
Diabetes in Dogs: Signs, Diagnosis & Day-to-Day Management
Kidney Disease in Dogs: Signs, Diet and Management
Dehydration in Dogs: Signs, Causes and What to Do
Parasite Prevention for Dogs & Cats in the UK: Fleas, Ticks, Worms & Lungworm
Lyme Disease in Dogs: A UK Owner's Guide
Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs: Signs, Treatment and Recovery
Pet-Safe Cleaning Products: What's Toxic and What's Safe
Caring for a Pet in a Cone (Elizabethan Collar): A Practical Guide
Seizures in Dogs: Causes and What to Do
Dog First Aid Basics: What to Do in an Emergency
How Often Do Dogs Need to Pee?
Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs: Signs, Causes and Treatment
Acupuncture for dogs: does it work?
What canine acupuncture involves, the conditions vets use it for, and what the research evidence actually shows
Dog obesity: how to tell if your dog is overweight and what to do
How to check your dog's body condition score, why extra weight is riskier than it looks, and how to build a safe, vet-backed weight-loss plan
Dog wheelchairs: when they help and how to choose one
A practical guide to which conditions dog wheelchairs help with, the different types available, and how to choose, fit and introduce one safely
Why do cats live longer than dogs?
The real UK lifespan data, the brain-size and immune-system science, and why breeding and neutering matter more than species alone
Ten steps to a healthier dog
A practical, vet-sourced checklist covering diet, weight, exercise, vaccines, parasites, teeth, grooming, neutering and check-ups.
Rock salt poisoning in pets: signs, risks and treatment
How winter rock salt and road grit can poison dogs and cats, the symptoms to watch for, and the simple after-walk routine that prevents it
Is yoghurt good for dogs? Which kinds to avoid
Plain yoghurt can make a healthy treat for most dogs, but sweetened, flavoured and xylitol-containing tubs can be dangerous
Dog body language: how to spot alertness and arousal
How to read the ear, tail and posture signals that show a dog is alert or aroused, and how to step in before it escalates
Encephalitis in dogs: symptoms, causes and treatment
What encephalitis in dogs actually is, the infectious and immune-mediated causes, warning signs, and how vets diagnose and treat it
CBD oil for dogs: does it work and is it safe?
A balanced, UK-focused look at whether CBD oil helps dogs, what the research actually shows, and the legal rules owners need to know
Electric dog fences: pros and cons
A balanced, welfare-first look at electric containment fences for dogs, how they compare to physical fencing, and what UK law says
Pancreatitis in dogs: signs, causes and treatment
A clear, vet-informed guide to spotting pancreatitis in dogs early, understanding what causes it, and helping your dog recover well
Zinc deficiency in dogs: signs and causes
What causes zinc deficiency in dogs, which breeds are most at risk, and how vets diagnose and treat it
Dog health: common conditions and warning signs every owner should know
A vet-sourced guide to the most common dog health conditions, everyday symptoms, and the emergencies that need same-day care
Are electric fences safe for dogs?
How invisible and electric containment fences work, what vets and welfare charities say, and where they're restricted across the UK
Dog parks: how to use them safely
How to tell if your dog is ready for a dog park, what to check first, and how to read the room once you're there
Plants and foods that are poisonous to dogs
A sourced, room-by-room guide to the foods, garden plants and houseplants that are dangerous for dogs, with symptoms and what to do
Heartworm in dogs: symptoms, prevention and treatment
What heartworm is, why it matters for UK dogs that travel or are imported, and how to spot, prevent and treat it
Dog diarrhoea: causes and treatment
Why dogs get diarrhoea, how to nurse mild cases at home with a bland diet, and the red-flag symptoms that mean a vet visit is needed
How to keep your dog safe in summer
Practical, vet-backed guidance on heatstroke prevention, hot pavements, car safety and hydration for keeping dogs safe in warm weather
Atopic dermatitis in dogs: symptoms and treatment
What canine atopic dermatitis is, why it causes constant itching, and the diagnosis and treatment options your vet may recommend
Dog allergies: symptoms and how to help
How to spot flea, food and environmental allergies in dogs, and the vet-backed treatments that actually bring relief
Protecting your dog from heatstroke in summer
How to recognise, prevent and respond to heatstroke in dogs, with vet-backed cooling first aid and summer safety tips
Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment and Recovery
Kennel cough sounds alarming but is usually mild. Here's how to recognise that distinctive honking cough, care for your dog at home, and know when a vet visit is needed.
Why Is My Dog Limping? Common Causes and What to Do
A limp can be anything from a thorn in the paw to a serious injury. Here's how to check your dog safely, what to do at home, and when limping needs a vet.
Dog Ear Infections: Causes, Signs and Treatment
Head-shaking, scratching and a smelly ear usually mean an ear infection. Learn the causes, what helps at home, and why these almost always need a vet.
Dog Bad Breath: What It Means and How to Fix It
Bad breath isn't just unpleasant — it's often a sign of dental disease. Learn the common causes, how to improve your dog's oral health, and when to see a vet.
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs (and Keep Them Away)
Fleas don't just live on your dog — they're in your home too. Here's how to treat your dog, tackle the environment, and stop fleas coming back.
Dog Anal Glands: Signs of Trouble and What to Do
Anal gland problems are common and uncomfortable. Learn the signs (scooting, licking, a fishy smell), why they happen, and when your dog needs a vet.
Dog Allergies: Signs, Triggers and How to Help
Itchy skin, ear infections and tummy upsets can all be signs of allergies. Learn the common triggers, what helps at home, and when your dog needs veterinary care.
Dog Diarrhoea: Causes, Home Care and When to Worry
Most cases of dog diarrhoea are mild and pass in a day or two. Here's how to care for your dog at home and the red flags that mean it's time to call the vet.
Dog Eye Discharge: What's Normal and What's Not
A little eye gunk is normal, but some discharge signals a problem. Learn what different types mean, how to clean eyes safely, and when eyes are an emergency.
How to Remove a Tick from a Dog (Safely, Step by Step)
Found a tick on your dog? Here's how to remove it safely with a tick tool, what not to do, and the signs of tick-borne illness to watch for afterwards.
Why Is My Dog Being Sick? Causes and When to Worry
An occasional bout of sickness is common in dogs, but some vomiting needs urgent care. Here's how to tell the difference and care for your dog at home.
Dog Itchy Skin: Why It Happens and How to Soothe It
Constant scratching is miserable for your dog and you. Learn the common causes of itchy skin, what helps at home, and when scratching means a trip to the vet.
Lumps on Dogs: When to Worry and When to Watch
Finding a lump on your dog is frightening, but many are harmless. Here's how to check a lump, what to note for your vet, and why every new lump should be examined.
Why Is My Dog Scooting? Causes and What to Do
Dragging the bottom along the floor is funny to watch but a sign of irritation. Learn why dogs scoot — from anal glands to worms — and when to see a vet.
How Often to Worm a Dog: A Simple UK Guide
Worming keeps your dog (and family) healthy, but how often is right? Here's a clear guide to worming routines for puppies and adults, and what your vet recommends.
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