When your pet hurts, you feel it in your chest. You watch every limp, cough, or skipped meal and wonder if you missed a warning sign. That fear is common. You are not alone. Cloverdale animal hospital sees the same patterns every day. Most visits come down to a few common problems that hide in plain sight. You can spot them early if you know what to look for. This blog walks through four common conditions that send pets to the hospital. You will see what they look like, why they matter, and when to act without delay. Clear signs help you move past guilt and second-guessing. They guide you toward fast care and a calmer mind. Your pet depends on you. You deserve straight answers.
1. Skin problems and ear infections
Skin and ear problems cause constant discomfort. Many pets live with this pain for a long time before anyone notices. You may see only small changes at first. Your pet feels much more.
Common signs include:
- Scratching, licking, or chewing one spot
- Red or crusty skin
- Hair loss in patches
- Strong odor from skin or ears
- Head shaking or holding the head to one side
These problems often come from allergies, parasites, or yeast and bacteria. You cannot fix these with home cleaning alone. You may wash away surface dirt, but the cause stays. Then the pain grows.
Timely treatment can:
- Stop the itch and pain
- Protect the ears from lasting damage
- Lower the risk of open sores and infection spread
You can read about skin and ear health for pets from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary. This source explains how medicines work and why you need guidance.
2. Stomach trouble and vomiting
Stomach problems are a frequent reason for urgent visits. You may notice a small change in appetite one day. Then you see vomiting or loose stool the next day. You might hope it passes. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it does not.
Warning signs include:
- Repeated vomiting or dry heaving
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Straining with no result
- Swollen belly
- Lack of energy or refusal to eat
These signs can come from simple causes like a diet change. They can also point to blockages, toxins, or organ failure. You cannot see the difference from the outside. That uncertainty causes fear. Quick care removes the guesswork.
You should seek help at once if:
- Your pet vomits more than two or three times in a day
- You see blood or dark tar-like stool
- Your pet seems weak, confused, or collapses
Fast exams, blood work, and imaging can find the cause. Early treatment can prevent shock, dehydration, and lasting organ damage.
3. Dental disease and mouth pain
Mouth pain is silent. Pets rarely stop eating until the pain is severe. Many learn to chew on one side or eat more slowly. You might see only bad breath. Under the gums, disease grows.
Common signs include:
- Bad breath that does not fade after cleaning
- Brown or yellow buildup on teeth
- Red or bleeding gums
- Dropping food or chewing in an odd way
- Rubbing the face or pawing at the mouth
Untreated dental disease can lead to:
- Loose or broken teeth
- Infections that spread to the jaw or nose
- Strain on the heart, liver, and kidneys
You can review pet dental care tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association at https://www.avma.org/. This resource shows why home brushing and regular cleanings work best together.
4. Joint pain and arthritis
Joint pain creeps in with age. Many people think stiffness is part of normal aging. It is common. It is not simple. Arthritis wears down the joints. Every step can hurt.
Watch for:
- Slow rising after sleep
- Hesitation on stairs or into the car
- Less interest in walks or play
- Limping that comes and goes
- Growling or snapping when touched near the hips or back
Early treatment can:
- Reduce pain
- Protect the joints from faster damage
- Keep your pet moving and engaged
Care plans can include weight control, joint support, and pain control. Simple changes at home can help. You might raise food bowls. You might use non-slip rugs. You might provide soft bedding. Each small change supports comfort.
Quick comparison of common conditions
| Condition | Key signs you see | Risk if you wait | Typical first steps at the hospital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin and ear problems | Scratching, odor, red skin, head shaking | Open sores, hearing loss, spread of infection | Exam of skin and ears, swabs, allergy review |
| Stomach trouble | Vomiting, loose stool, swollen belly | Dehydration, organ strain, surgery for blockages | Exam, blood tests, imaging, fluids |
| Dental disease | Bad breath, tartar, bleeding gums | Tooth loss, deep infection, strain on organs | Mouth exam, dental X-rays, cleaning plan |
| Joint pain and arthritis | Stiffness, limping, less play | Muscle loss, higher fall risk, severe pain | Joint exam, X-rays, pain, and weight plan |
When to call an animal hospital
You know your pet. If something feels off, respect that feeling. You should contact an animal hospital when:
- Pain, vomiting, or breathing trouble appears suddenly
- A mild problem worsens over a day or two
- Your pet stops eating or drinking
- You see blood, collapse, or seizures
Persistent small changes also matter. A slow limp, a new smell, or a shift in mood can point to the conditions in this post. Early calls prevent late-night emergencies. They also protect your bond with your pet. You act. Your pet feels relief. You both rest.