Beyond the Basics: How Our Team Helps Spot Early Signs of Health Issues in Pets

At Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting, we do much more than walk dogs, scoop litter, and refill food and water bowls. As dedicated pet care professionals, we have the unique opportunity to observe pets regularly and notice subtle health changes that might otherwise go undetected. Our goal is to document and share these observations with pet parents, helping them catch potential health issues before they escalate.

We encourage our team to be as detailed as possible when noting anything unusual. Videos are the best tool, as they allow pet parents and veterinarians to see exactly what we’re seeing. However, photos and detailed written descriptions are also valuable. Our role isn’t to diagnose though. We leave that to the veterinarians but we can help pet parents take action by making them aware of concerning signs early on.

Common Subtle Health Indicators We Encounter

While it’s easy to recognize limping or obvious behavioral changes, some signs of discomfort or illness can be more subtle. Here are a few common health issues we’ve encountered and the early warning signs that might go unnoticed:

Ear Infections

Ear infections can cause significant discomfort, but early signs aren’t always dramatic. Watch for:

• Scratch and Sniff: If a dog repeatedly scratches one ear and then sniffs their paw, it may indicate irritation or infection.

• Frequent Quick Head Shakes: A dog rapidly shaking their head, even without visible ear discharge or redness, could be trying to relieve itchiness or discomfort.

Joint Tweaks and Hip Irritations

Joint issues aren’t always accompanied by limping. One surprisingly common sign of hip discomfort is:

• Snap Backs: If a dog suddenly whips their head around to look at or bite their back end, almost like they were just stung by a bug, it could indicate irritation in their hips or lower back or some neurological issues.

Hot Spots

Hot spots are irritated areas of skin that can worsen quickly. Early signs include:

• Frequent Licking of an Area: If a dog fixates on licking the same spot over and over, it could indicate skin irritation.

• Darkening or Fur Loss in a Unique Spot: This is easier to notice on light-colored dogs. Fun fact: The darkening is caused by porphyrin, a red-brown pigment found naturally in dog saliva!

• Chewing the Same Spot Repeatedly: Dogs will sometimes nibble persistently at an itchy or irritated spot, even before redness or hair loss is visible.

Labored Breathing

Observing a pet's breathing can provide critical insight into their health. If a pet is panting excessively without exertion, breathing heavily with effort, or displaying shallow, rapid breaths, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Possible causes include respiratory infections, heart disease, allergic reactions, pain, heat exhaustion, or even anxiety. If we notice labored breathing, we document it with video if possible and encourage pet parents to consult their veterinarian as soon as possible.

What Happens When We Notice These Signs?

If we observe any of these behaviors, we document them as thoroughly as possible. Whenever feasible, we take videos, as they offer the clearest evidence of an issue. If video isn’t an option, we take detailed photos and write clear descriptions, noting when and how frequently the behavior occurs.

We then pass this information along to pet parents with a recommendation to consult their veterinarian if they’re concerned. Our team understands that small observations can make a big difference in a pet’s well-being, and we are committed to helping pet parents stay ahead of potential health issues.

Final Thoughts

Your pet’s well-being is always our top priority. By keeping an eye out for these subtle health indicators, we aim to provide not just care, but also peace of mind. If you ever have questions about something we’ve noticed during a visit, we encourage open communication. We’re here to help!

If you’ve found our insights helpful, share this blog with fellow pet parents so they, too, can be proactive in keeping their pets happy and healthy.