October 14, 2018
As a dog owner, there may be several reasons that you need to visit a vet over the course of your pet’s life.
We hope that most of these will be standard check-ups for routine matters such as annual vaccination boosters, or perhaps advice about weight or teeth-cleaning.
But we also see more serious conditions cropping up frequently at appointments each month, so we’d like to share this knowledge, as it may help you to keep an eye on your dog for symptoms.
You can then book an appointment with us if you have any concerns. In almost all cases, early diagnosis and treatment tends to mean a better chance of a good recovery.
Three reasons we often see dogs at Bayswater Vets
- Skin problems – Whether due to allergies, parasites or infections, lots of dogs come to us with issues affecting their skin or coat – such as dryness, dandruff or scabs. Occasionally this can be the sign of something more serious, so you should always get it checked out as soon as possible. But even in minor cases, your dog may be in discomfort. We can examine your dog and recommend potential treatments.
- Diabetes – Just like humans, the risk of diabetes in dogs increases with age. It’s most often seen in pets around 7 to 9 years old, with females more likely to develop it than males. The most affected breeds include collies, Cairn terriers, retrievers and poodles; and the symptoms include increased tiredness, urination and thirst. We can offer advice about diet and also take action where needed.
- Arthritis – The most common form of arthritis in dogs tends to be osteoarthritis, which tends to occur in older animals and causes pain, stiffness and discomfort through inflammation of the joints. But it’s treatable, so please don’t assume it’s simply old age if your dog appears to be struggling. We may be able to help make your dog’s later years much more comfortable.
Other common problems include seizures (or epilepsy), vomiting and diarrhoea (upset stomach) and thyroid conditions.
If your dog’s behaviour is ever unusual – especially if they go off their food, or seem in discomfort when moving around – it’s important to consult a vet as soon as you can. Our friendly vet team in Bayswater is always happy to hear from you, so give us a call on 020 7229 2040.
