4 Things That Seem Fine With Your Pet… Until They’re Not
Why Your Pet Might Need a Check-Up Sooner Than You Think
Brought to you by Welleby Veterinary Hospital
It’s easy to assume your pet is fine – especially when they’re eating, playing, and acting normal- but, some of the most common veterinary emergencies don’t start with dramatic symptoms. Sometimes, they begin as small, easy-to-ignore changes. And when left unchecked, those changes can turn into major (and expensive) problems.
At Welleby Veterinary Hospital, we’ve seen it firsthand: pets whose lives could have been saved—or costly treatments avoided—if only the signs were caught sooner. This blog isn’t here to scare you. It’s here to help you get ahead of the things that seem fine… until they’re not.
1. “Their Breath Just Smells Like Dog Breath”
Bad breath isn’t just gross—it’s a red flag.
More than 80% of dogs over age three have active dental disease. What starts as minor tartar buildup can lead to gum infections, tooth loss, and even bacteria entering the bloodstream—damaging the heart, kidneys, and liver. A routine dental cleaning, similar to our own dental check-ups and cleanings, cost a fraction of what surgery or extractions will run you if dental disease is left untreated.
Preventive Cost:$400-$600
Delayed Cost: $800–$2,000+
What to Watch For: Bad breath, pawing at the mouth, chewing on one side, drooling, or bleeding gums. Sometimes, there are no obvious signs! This is why routine physical examinations with your veterinarian are so important
2. “They’re Drinking More Water, But It’s Been Hot”
An increase in thirst can be easy to brush off—especially during summer. But excessive drinking (and more frequent urination) could be early signs of kidney disease, diabetes or Cushing’s disease. These conditions can progress silently for months without obvious symptoms, until they suddenly become emergencies.
Preventive Insight: Bloodwork during annual exams can help detect these conditions early.
What to Watch For: Empty water bowls, indoor accidents, weight loss or weight gain despite normal eating
3. “They’ve Had That Lump for a While. It Hasn’t Changed.”
We get it—you notice a lump, feel it a few times, and it seems harmless. But not all lumps are created equal. Some growths like lipomas and cysts are often benign, but other masses can be aggressive cancers. The only way to know for sure? A quick fine-needle aspirate at a routine check-up.
Best Case: It looks benign and we monitor it.
Worst Case: It looks malignant and we act quickly.
What to Watch For: New lumps, changes in size or texture, sores that don’t heal
4. “They Look Fine. Maybe a Little Chunky.”
Weight gain (or loss) happens gradually – you might not even notice until someone else points it out – but, obesity is a gateway to metabolic conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease, joint disease, heart problems, and even a shorter lifespan.
Preventive Wins: Nutrition guidance, parasite screening, organ function and thyroid testing
What to Watch For: Difficulty jumping, less interest in exercise, ribs suddenly too easy (or hard) to feel
Wellness Visits Catch These Early—Before They Become Emergencies
These four examples all have one thing in common: they’re manageable when caught early. That’s what wellness visits are for—not just vaccines and a quick check, but full evaluations that protect your pet’s future.
We know life gets busy. We know your pet might seem fine. But we also know how quickly “fine” can turn into “emergency.”
At Welleby Veterinary Hospital, we offer:
- Thorough wellness exams for dogs, cats and exotic animals of all ages
- Testing to catch hidden issues early
- Affordable preventive care plans that make wellness visits stress-free and budget-friendly
Don’t Wait for “Not Fine”
Whether it’s been 6 months or 2 years, we’re here to help you get your pet back on track—before small problems become big ones.
Call us at (954) 748-2002 or book your pet’s wellness visit today.
Because peace of mind—and a healthy pet—is worth more than waiting until something’s wrong.