The Most Common Reasons Dogs Visit the Vet in Eltham

Quick Answer: The most common reasons dogs visit the vet in Eltham include itching and skin problems, ear infections, stomach upsets, limping, dental disease, lumps, vaccinations, and routine health checks. At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, we also regularly help with ongoing conditions, parasite prevention and urgent concerns that need prompt veterinary attention.

Introduction

Dogs visit the vet for many different reasons, and not all of them are emergencies. Some appointments are routine, such as vaccinations or wellness checks, while others involve changes owners have noticed at home, like scratching, a poor appetite, bad breath, vomiting or limping.

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, we regularly help dog owners from Eltham, Mottingham, Lee, Kidbrooke, Blackheath, Greenwich, Charlton, New Eltham, Chislehurst, Sidcup and across South East London with both everyday concerns and more complex medical needs. Many problems are easier to manage when they are checked early, which is why regular preventative healthcare and timely veterinary advice matter so much.

If you are concerned about your dog’s health, you can book an appointment online or speak to our local veterinary team for advice.

Main Content

1. Itching, skin problems and paw licking

Skin complaints are one of the most common reasons dogs are brought to see us in Eltham. Owners often notice scratching, licking paws, rubbing the face, hair loss, red skin or recurring sore patches.

These signs can have several causes, including allergies, fleas, mites, infections or contact irritation. Some dogs also develop skin flare-ups at certain times of year, especially during warmer months when pollen, grass seeds and parasites are more common across South East London.

Our veterinary team often advises owners not to wait too long if itching is ongoing, as repeated scratching and licking can make the skin more inflamed and uncomfortable. Regular parasite control as part of our Dog VIP Plan can help reduce some common preventable issues.

2. Ear problems

Ear infections and ear irritation are another frequent reason dogs visit Westhorne Veterinary Surgery on Westhorne Avenue. Common signs include head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness, an unpleasant smell, or sensitivity when the ears are touched.

Ear problems may be linked to allergies, wax build-up, infection or the shape of the ear canal. Dogs that swim regularly or have hairy or floppy ears can be more prone to trouble. Prompt treatment matters because ear conditions can become painful and, in some cases, recurrent.

3. Stomach upsets

Vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite and eating something unsuitable are all common reasons dogs are brought in for assessment. Many local pet owners ask us whether a mild upset can settle at home or whether a vet visit is needed.

Some stomach upsets are short-lived, but others need veterinary attention, particularly in puppies, older dogs or dogs with repeated vomiting, blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort or worsening lethargy. In our experience supporting pets across Eltham and South East London, dietary indiscretion is common, but so are more persistent digestive problems that benefit from a proper examination.

If your dog is unwell and needs monitoring or supportive treatment, we also provide hospitalisation facilities where appropriate.

4. Limping, stiffness and mobility concerns

Limping is a very common reason for a veterinary appointment, especially in active dogs. Sometimes the cause is minor, such as a strained muscle or a small paw injury, but limping can also be linked to joint pain, damaged nails, foreign material in the paw, ligament injury or arthritis.

We commonly see dogs whose owners noticed they were slower on walks, reluctant to jump, stiff after rest or lame after exercise. These changes are worth checking, particularly if they continue beyond a day or two or seem painful.

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, we provide comprehensive medical care and can arrange further investigation where needed through our advanced surgery and medicine services.

5. Dental disease and bad breath

Many owners are surprised by how common dental disease is in dogs. Bad breath, tartar build-up, red gums, dropping food, chewing on one side or sensitivity around the mouth can all suggest a dental problem.

A common misunderstanding is that bad breath in dogs is normal. In reality, it is often a sign that the teeth and gums need attention. Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps owners spot dental issues early before they become more uncomfortable for the dog.

We offer dental treatment services and can advise on home care, checks and when a dental assessment would be helpful.

6. Lumps, bumps and skin growths

Finding a lump can be worrying, but not every lump is serious. Dogs commonly develop fatty lumps, skin tags, cysts and other growths as they age. Even so, any new lump, a lump that is changing in size, or one that seems sore should be checked by a vet.

Our veterinary team often advises owners to monitor and record changes rather than guessing what a lump might be. Early examination gives us the best chance to decide whether monitoring, testing or treatment is the right next step.

7. Vaccinations, parasite prevention and routine check-ups

Not all vet visits happen because a dog is ill. Routine appointments remain one of the best ways to protect long-term health. Vaccinations, flea and worm prevention, weight checks and annual examinations help us identify problems early and support dogs through every life stage.

As an RCVS Accredited Practice, we are committed to high standards of care and practical, preventative advice for local pet owners. Our health checks and clinics can be especially helpful for puppies, senior dogs and pets with ongoing health needs.

8. Ongoing conditions in older dogs

Older dogs often visit us more frequently for changes linked to ageing. These may include stiffness, increased thirst, toilet habit changes, weight loss, confusion, cloudier eyes or reduced hearing. Some of these changes are part of getting older, but others can point to health conditions that deserve investigation.

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, we regularly help owners understand what is expected with age and what should be checked. Early support can make a real difference to comfort and quality of life.

What We Commonly See at Westhorne Veterinary Surgery

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, we commonly see dogs brought in for signs that seem small at first but have been bothering them for a while. One of the most common concerns we hear is, “I wasn’t sure if this was worth getting checked.” In many cases, it is.

Many local pet owners ask us about recurrent itching, mild but repeated stomach upsets, ongoing bad breath, and subtle mobility changes in older dogs. We also regularly help owners who have found a lump during grooming or who have noticed their dog is just “not quite themselves”.

A common misunderstanding is that if a dog is still eating, wagging and going for walks, a health problem cannot be significant. Dogs are often very good at carrying on despite discomfort, so small changes in behaviour can still be worth assessing.

Our experienced veterinary team supports dogs across Eltham and South East London every day, and one practical pattern we often see is that earlier appointments usually mean simpler, more comfortable treatment plans for pets and clearer answers for owners.

Practical Advice

If you want to reduce avoidable vet visits while still protecting your dog’s health, the following steps can help:

• Check your dog’s ears, coat, paws and teeth regularly at home.
• Keep up with vaccinations and parasite prevention.
• Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can worsen joint and mobility problems.
• Avoid sudden diet changes and take care on walks where dogs may pick up discarded food.
• Book a check if you notice a new lump, repeated scratching, ongoing bad breath or changes in movement.
• Ask us about VIP health plans if you would like help budgeting for preventative care.

If you have recently moved to Eltham, Mottingham or elsewhere in South East London, you can also register your dog with Westhorne Veterinary Surgery so support is in place when you need it.

When To Contact A Vet

You should contact a vet if your dog has:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea that is severe, repeated or not settling
• Limping that persists, worsens or appears painful
• Ongoing itching, sore skin or ear irritation
• Bad breath with red gums, difficulty eating or signs of mouth pain
• A new lump or a lump that is growing or changing
• Low energy, appetite changes, weight loss or unusual 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 provides 24-hour emergency veterinary care for urgent situations.

If you are unsure whether your dog needs to be seen, our local veterinary team can help guide you. You can also find Westhorne Veterinary Surgery on Westhorne Avenue if you are visiting us from Eltham or surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common reason dogs go to the vet?

Common reasons include skin problems, ear issues, stomach upsets, limping, dental disease, vaccinations and routine health checks. The exact reason varies with age, breed, lifestyle and season.

Should I take my dog to the vet for itching?

If the itching is persistent, affecting sleep, causing redness, hair loss, paw licking or sore skin, it is sensible to arrange a veterinary check.

Is bad breath in dogs normal?

No. Mild odour can happen, but persistent bad breath often suggests dental disease or gum inflammation and is worth getting checked.

When should I worry about my dog limping?

If limping is sudden, severe, painful, linked to swelling, or not improving quickly with rest, contact your vet.

Do older dogs need more regular check-ups?

Yes. Older dogs often benefit from more regular monitoring because changes can develop gradually. Our team can advise on suitable health checks based on your dog’s age and needs.

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.

Need Advice About Your Dog’s Health?

If your dog is due a check-up, has developed symptoms you are concerned about, or you would like preventative support, we are here to help. You can book an appointment, register your pet, or get to know our veterinary team at Westhorne Veterinary Surgery.

We are proud to support local pet owners in Eltham, Lee, Mottingham and across South East London with practical, personal veterinary care. For more information about our practice and services, visit our services page or find out more about Westhorne Veterinary Surgery.