Common Pet Health Problems in South West London
Summary: Common pet health problems in South West London include itchy skin, ear infections, weight gain, dental disease, stomach upsets, parasites and seasonal flare-ups such as grass seed injuries or heat-related illness. Early veterinary advice, routine preventive care and regular health checks can help pets across Mitcham, Morden and South London stay well.
Introduction
Many local pet owners ask us which health problems we see most often in dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets across Mitcham, Morden and South London. While every pet is different, there are some issues that come up again and again in general practice.
At Mitcham Vets we regularly help with everyday concerns such as itchy skin, sore ears, vomiting, limping, dental problems and weight management, as well as more complex conditions that need ongoing support. As an RCVS Accredited Practice, we focus on practical, evidence-based care and helping owners spot problems early wherever possible.
This guide explains the common pet health problems we see in our local veterinary team’s day-to-day work, how to reduce the risk, and when it is sensible to arrange a check-up. If you are concerned about your pet, you can book an appointment online or register your pet with Mitcham Vets.
Main Content
1. Skin problems and itching
Skin disease is one of the most common reasons pets are brought to see us. Dogs in particular can develop itchy skin, red paws, recurrent licking, hair loss or sore ears. Cats may overgroom, scratch or develop scabs. Rabbits and small pets can also suffer with mites, fur loss or irritated skin.
In our experience supporting pets across Mitcham and South London, common causes include:
- Fleas or other parasites
- Environmental allergies
- Food sensitivities
- Ear disease linked to underlying skin irritation
- Skin infections that develop after scratching
Good parasite control and regular check-ups are important. Our veterinary team often advises owners not to assume every itchy pet simply has “a bit of dry skin”. Persistent itching usually deserves a proper examination. You can explore our preventative healthcare options if you would like help keeping routine care on track.
2. Ear infections
Ear problems are especially common in dogs, although cats can be affected too. Signs may include head shaking, scratching at the ears, an unpleasant smell, redness or discharge.
We commonly see pets in South London with ear issues linked to allergies, wax build-up, ear mites or infection. A common mistake is cleaning sore ears repeatedly at home without knowing what is causing the problem. Some ear conditions need targeted treatment and can become uncomfortable if left too long.
If your pet keeps getting ear problems, it is worth arranging a veterinary assessment rather than waiting for it to settle by itself.
3. Dental disease and bad breath
Dental disease is extremely common in adult pets and is often missed in the early stages. Bad breath, tartar, red gums, difficulty chewing, dropping food or becoming reluctant to eat hard food can all be signs.
At Mitcham Vets we regularly help owners who are surprised to learn that poor dental health can affect comfort, appetite and general wellbeing. Rabbits also commonly suffer with dental issues, although their signs may be more subtle, such as reduced appetite, weight loss or dribbling.
Regular checks are useful because pets often carry on eating even when their mouths are sore. Our health checks and clinics can help identify concerns early, before they become more advanced.
4. Weight gain and obesity
Weight gain is one of the most important but preventable health problems we see. It can increase the risk of joint strain, breathing issues, diabetes in some pets, grooming difficulties and reduced quality of life.
Many local pet owners are not alone in finding it hard to judge ideal body condition, especially if weight has crept up gradually. Treats, oversized portions, low activity and indoor lifestyles can all play a part.
Practical prevention includes:
- Weighing pets regularly
- Using measured meals rather than guessing
- Adjusting food to lifestyle and age
- Limiting extras and table scraps
- Asking for body condition checks during routine visits
Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps owners build manageable weight-control plans. For ongoing routine support, some owners find our VIP Health Plan, Dog VIP Plan, Cat VIP Plan or Bunny VIP Plan helpful.
5. Stomach upsets
Vomiting and diarrhoea are common reasons for appointments, especially in dogs. Causes can range from mild dietary upset to infections, parasites, scavenging, stress or underlying illness.
We commonly see dogs in Mitcham and Morden who have eaten something they should not have while out on walks, and cats who go off food because of digestive upset, stress or pain. Rabbits and small pets with reduced appetite or smaller droppings should also be checked promptly, as gut slowdown can become serious.
Not every upset stomach is an emergency, but repeated vomiting, blood, lethargy, dehydration, pain or refusal to eat should always be taken seriously. 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. Our emergency vetcare service is available if urgent help is needed.
6. Parasites: fleas, worms and mites
Parasites remain a regular issue for pets across South London, even in clean homes. Fleas can cause intense itching and make allergy-related skin disease worse. Worming needs vary depending on species, age, scavenging habits and lifestyle. Rabbits and small pets can also develop mites and other external parasites.
Our veterinary team often advises owners that prevention is usually simpler than dealing with a full infestation. Routine parasite control should be tailored to the individual pet rather than copied from a friend’s routine. Our preventative healthcare service can help you choose the right approach.
7. Seasonal problems in South West London
Some health issues are more common at certain times of year. In spring and summer, we often see:
- Grass seed injuries in dogs
- Seasonal itching and allergy flare-ups
- Heat-related illness
- Bee or wasp stings
- More active flea populations
In autumn and winter, we may see muddier paws, skin flare-ups, joint stiffness, weight changes and less exercise. Fireworks season can also lead to anxiety-related symptoms in some pets.
At Mitcham Vets we regularly help owners plan ahead for seasonal risks, especially during warmer weather and holiday periods. Checking paws after walks, keeping up with flea prevention and avoiding exercise in the hottest part of the day can make a real difference.
8. Lumps, limping and age-related changes
Older pets commonly develop lumps, stiffness, slower movement or changes in appetite and behaviour. Not every lump is serious, but every new lump should be checked. Limping, reluctance to jump, struggling on stairs or changes in playfulness can all point to discomfort.
Many local pet owners ask us whether these changes are “just old age”. Sometimes ageing plays a role, but pets should not simply be expected to put up with pain or progressive discomfort. We support pets through every stage of life, from first vaccinations to senior care, and early assessment can help us decide what support is needed.
If further investigation or treatment is required, we also offer advanced surgery and medicine and hospitalisation when pets need closer monitoring and ongoing patient care.
What We Commonly See at Mitcham Vets
At Mitcham Vets we regularly help with concerns that understandably worry owners but are very common in general practice. These include dogs licking their paws for weeks before anyone realises allergies may be involved, cats hiding dental pain, rabbits eating less because of dental or digestive problems, and pets gradually gaining weight without it being obvious at home.
We also commonly see misconceptions such as:
- “Bad breath is normal in pets”
- “If my pet is still eating, the problem cannot be painful”
- “Indoor cats do not need preventative care”
- “Itching will settle if I just change shampoo”
- “A small lump can wait indefinitely”
Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps local pet owners work out which problems can be monitored briefly at home and which need a timely appointment. Often, early advice means simpler treatment and less discomfort for the pet.
Practical Advice
There are several simple ways to lower the risk of common health problems:
- Keep routine care up to date. Vaccinations, parasite prevention and regular health checks matter. If your pet’s vaccines have lapsed, our vaccine amnesty support may help you restart their cover.
- Watch for subtle changes. Eating more slowly, scratching more often, hiding, sleeping more or becoming less active can all be early clues.
- Check your pet regularly at home. Look at ears, teeth, coat, paws and body condition.
- Use preventive plans if helpful. Ongoing routine support can be easier to manage with one of our preventive options.
- Seek advice sooner rather than later. Many issues are easier to treat when caught early.
If you have a new puppy or kitten, starting well makes a big difference. You can arrange free puppy and kitten health checks and ask us about our Little VIP options for younger pets.
When To Contact A Vet
Please contact a vet if your pet has:
- Ongoing itching, sore skin or repeated ear problems
- Bad breath, bleeding gums or trouble eating
- Vomiting or diarrhoea that is severe, repeated or accompanied by lethargy
- Weight loss or weight gain that concerns you
- A new lump, persistent limp or change in movement
- Reduced appetite, especially in rabbits and small pets
- Any marked change in behaviour, breathing or comfort
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. Our emergency vetcare team can advise if urgent care is needed.
If the problem is not urgent but you would like reassurance, you can book an appointment and speak to our local veterinary team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common health issue you see in pets?
Skin problems, ear infections, dental disease, stomach upsets and weight gain are among the most common issues we see in pets across Mitcham and South London.
Should indoor pets still have regular health checks?
Yes. Indoor pets can still develop dental disease, obesity, skin problems, parasites and age-related illness. Routine checks help pick up subtle changes early.
When should I worry about my pet itching?
If itching is persistent, affecting sleep, causing hair loss, sore skin or ear problems, it is worth having your pet examined.
Is bad breath in pets normal?
No. Mild food odour is one thing, but persistent bad breath often points to dental disease or another problem that should be checked.
Do rabbits hide illness?
Yes, rabbits often show quite subtle signs at first. Eating less, sitting quietly, producing fewer droppings or changes in behaviour should be taken seriously.
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 an Appointment With Mitcham Vets
If you have concerns about your dog, cat, rabbit or small pet, our experienced veterinary team is here to help. Mitcham Vets supports local pet owners across Mitcham, Morden, Colliers Wood, Tooting and South London with preventive care, medical treatment and ongoing support.
You can book an appointment online, register your pet, or find Mitcham Vets and contact our team to arrange a health check. If you would like help spreading the cost of routine care, you can also explore our VIP health plans.
