Common Pet Health Problems in South East London

Quick Answer: Common pet health problems in South East London include itching and skin irritation, dental disease, ear problems, digestive upset, obesity, arthritis, parasite-related issues, and stress-related conditions. Many of these can be reduced with regular check-ups, parasite prevention, dental care, weight management, and early veterinary advice when symptoms first appear.

Introduction

Pet owners in Eltham, Mottingham, Lee, Kidbrooke, Blackheath, Greenwich, Charlton, New Eltham, Chislehurst and Sidcup often ask what health problems we see most often in day-to-day practice. At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, we regularly help dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets with a wide range of common but important health issues.

Some problems are seasonal, some are linked to age or breed, and others build up gradually over time. The good news is that many of the conditions we commonly see can be spotted early and managed well with sensible preventative care. As an RCVS Accredited Practice, we are committed to practical, high-quality care for local pet owners across Eltham and South East London.

Below, we explain the health concerns we most often discuss with owners, what signs to look out for, and when it is sensible to book an appointment with our local veterinary team on Westhorne Avenue.

Main Content

1. Skin problems and itching

Itchy skin is one of the most common reasons pets are brought to see us. Dogs in particular may scratch, lick their paws, rub their face, or develop sore patches. Cats may overgroom, leading to thinning fur or bald areas.

Common causes include:

• Fleas or flea allergy
• Environmental allergies
• Food sensitivities
• Skin infections
• Mites or other parasites

Our veterinary team often advises owners not to assume itching is “just a seasonal problem”. Persistent scratching can damage the skin and make pets very uncomfortable. Good parasite control and routine preventative healthcare can make a real difference.

2. Dental disease

Dental disease is extremely common in both dogs and cats, especially as they get older. Bad breath is often the first sign owners notice, but it can also cause red gums, pain when eating, dropping food, or a build-up of tartar.

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery we regularly help pets with dental discomfort that owners had not realised was affecting them. A common misunderstanding is that bad breath is normal in pets. It is usually a sign that the mouth needs attention.

Routine checks and early treatment matter. If you are concerned about your pet’s mouth, our dental treatment services can help assess the problem and advise on the next steps. If your pet has not had a recent check-up, you can also arrange one through our health checks and clinics.

3. Weight gain and obesity

Weight gain is one of the most overlooked pet health issues. It often happens gradually, so owners who see their pet every day may not notice the change straight away. Extra weight can increase the risk of joint strain, heart stress, reduced mobility, and difficulty managing other conditions.

We commonly see pets who are otherwise bright and happy but would benefit from weight management. In our experience supporting pets across Eltham and South East London, even modest weight loss can improve comfort and quality of life.

Simple steps include:

• Measuring food accurately
• Avoiding too many treats
• Using appropriate life-stage diets
• Encouraging safe daily activity
• Booking regular weight checks

Many owners find structured prevention helpful, including our VIP Health Plan options for ongoing care.

4. Ear problems

Ear infections and ear inflammation are another common issue, particularly in dogs with floppy ears, pets that swim regularly, or those with skin allergies. Signs may include head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness, smell, or discharge.

Ear problems can become painful if left untreated, and repeated flare-ups sometimes point to an underlying allergy or skin condition. Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps identify whether this is a one-off problem or part of a bigger pattern.

5. Digestive upset

Vomiting and diarrhoea are common reasons for veterinary visits in South East London pets. Sometimes the cause is minor, such as a sudden diet change or scavenging on a walk. In other cases, digestive problems can be linked to infection, parasites, food intolerance, or an illness that needs prompt attention.

If symptoms are mild and your pet remains bright, owners may simply need advice and monitoring. However, repeated vomiting, ongoing diarrhoea, blood, lethargy, or refusal to eat should always be assessed by a vet. If you are worried, you can register your pet with Westhorne Veterinary Surgery or contact us for guidance.

6. Parasites: fleas, ticks and worms

Parasites are a year-round issue, not just a summer one. Fleas can cause intense itching and skin reactions, while worms may affect general health. Rabbits and small pets can also be affected by parasites and skin conditions, so prevention is important for more than just cats and dogs.

Many local pet owners ask us whether indoor pets still need parasite protection. In many cases, the answer is yes, because fleas and some other parasites can still find their way into the home. Our local veterinary team can advise on suitable prevention as part of your pet’s routine care, including through our VIP plans.

7. Arthritis and mobility problems

Older pets commonly develop stiffness, slower movement, reluctance to jump, or difficulty with stairs. These signs are often put down to “just old age”, but arthritis is a painful joint condition that can often be managed more effectively when recognised early.

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery we regularly help older pets who seem less active, less playful, or slower to rise after rest. These changes can be subtle. A health check can help us assess whether pain, joint disease, weight, or another issue may be contributing.

For pets needing more complex investigation or treatment planning, we also provide advanced surgery and medicine services where appropriate.

8. Stress-related behaviour and changes in routine

Not all health concerns are purely physical. Cats may stop using the litter tray, overgroom, hide more, or become tense when routines change. Rabbits and small pets can also become stressed by changes in companionship, environment, noise, or handling.

We commonly see health and behaviour concerns overlap. For example, a cat toileting outside the tray may be stressed, but it could also have pain or a urinary problem. This is why a veterinary assessment is important before assuming a behaviour issue is “just bad habits”.

What We Commonly See at Westhorne Veterinary Surgery

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, one of the most common concerns we hear from owners is that they were not sure whether a problem was serious enough to get checked. In many cases, pets show quite subtle signs at first.

We regularly help owners who have noticed:

• Their dog licking paws more than usual
• Their cat eating less or dropping food
• Their older pet slowing down on walks
• Their rabbit becoming quieter or less interested in food
• Repeated ear scratching or head shaking
• Gradual weight gain that crept up over months

A common misunderstanding is that if a pet is still eating, wagging their tail, or behaving normally at times, they cannot be unwell. In reality, many pets cope very well with discomfort and show only small changes early on.

Many local pet owners ask us whether waiting a few days is reasonable. Sometimes it is, but ongoing itching, dental changes, repeated digestive upset, weight loss, mobility changes, or behaviour shifts are worth discussing sooner rather than later. Our veterinary team often advises that early checks are usually simpler, more comfortable, and more manageable than leaving problems to progress.

Practical Advice

There is no single way to prevent every illness, but there are sensible steps that reduce the risk of common problems:

• Keep up with routine check-ups and age-appropriate care
• Use regular flea, tick and worm prevention where advised
• Check your pet’s ears, skin, teeth and weight at home
• Feed a balanced diet and measure meals properly
• Introduce food changes gradually
• Encourage appropriate exercise and mental stimulation
• Bring rabbits and small pets in promptly if they seem quieter or eat less

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps pet owners put together practical prevention plans that fit everyday life. If you would like ongoing support, you can explore our preventative healthcare options or ask about our dog, cat and rabbit plans, including the Dog VIP Plan, Cat VIP Plan and Bunny VIP Plan.

If your pet needs closer monitoring during illness or recovery, Westhorne Veterinary Surgery also provides hospitalisation facilities for pets requiring ongoing care and observation.

When To Contact A Vet

You should contact a vet if your pet has:

• Persistent itching, licking, or hair loss
• Bad breath, swollen gums, or trouble eating
• Vomiting or diarrhoea that continues or keeps returning
• Sudden weight loss or noticeable weight gain
• Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move
• Ear discharge, smell, pain, or repeated head shaking
• Changes in appetite, thirst, toileting, or behaviour

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately. Westhorne Veterinary Surgery supports pet owners in Eltham and South East London with 24-hour emergency veterinary care.

If you are unsure whether your pet needs to be seen, it is always reasonable to speak to our team or find us on Westhorne Avenue and arrange advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common health problem in pets?

There is no single answer for every species, but skin disease, dental disease, digestive upset, obesity, and arthritis are among the most common issues we see in general practice.

Do indoor cats still need preventative healthcare?

Yes. Indoor cats can still develop dental disease, weight problems, stress-related conditions, and parasite issues. Routine check-ups remain important.

Are rabbits good at hiding illness?

Yes. Rabbits often show subtle signs at first, such as eating less, sitting quietly, or producing fewer droppings. These changes should be taken seriously and checked promptly.

How often should my pet have a health check?

This depends on age, species and medical history, but regular check-ups are important throughout life. Younger, healthy pets may need routine preventative visits, while older pets often benefit from more frequent monitoring. You can see our veterinary services or meet our team if you would like to know how we support pets at different life stages.

Can a small change really matter?

Yes. Small changes in appetite, activity, behaviour, breathing, drinking, or toileting can be the earliest sign that something is wrong. It is always worth asking if you are unsure.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Book a Check-Up With Our Veterinary Team

If you have concerns about your dog, cat, rabbit or small pet, we are here to help. Westhorne Veterinary Surgery supports local pet owners across Eltham, Lee, Mottingham and South East London with friendly, practical care.

You can book an appointment online, register your pet with us, or contact our team in Eltham to arrange a health check. If you would like support with routine protection and ongoing care, ask us about our VIP health plans.