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 Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital

It’s natural to assume your pet is doing just fine—especially when they’re eating well, playing, and acting like their usual selves. But some of the most serious health issues we see in pets start with barely noticeable signs. These seemingly minor changes are easy to overlook—until they develop into major (and costly) health concerns.

At Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital, we’ve seen it time and again: pets whose conditions could have been treated early—or even prevented entirely—if only the warning signs had been caught sooner. This article isn’t meant to alarm you. It’s meant to help you stay one step ahead of the health problems that seem fine… until they’re not.

1. “Their Breath Just Smells Like Dog Breath”

Bad breath may seem harmless—but it’s often the first sign of something more serious.

Over 80% of dogs over the age of three have some degree of dental disease. What begins as tartar buildup can escalate into gum infections, painful tooth loss, or even systemic infections that affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Professional dental cleanings are a routine part of pet care and cost far less than the advanced procedures needed when problems are ignored.

• Preventive Cost: $400–$600

• Delayed Cost: $800–$2,000+

• What to Watch For: Persistent bad breath, drooling, bleeding gums, chewing on one side, or pawing at the mouth. Sometimes, there are no visible symptoms at all—another reason routine vet visits are critical.

2. “They’re Drinking More Water, But It’s Been Hot”

A little extra water in warm weather might seem normal—but it could signal something more.

Excessive thirst and urination are early signs of chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing’s disease. These illnesses can progress quietly over time, showing no outward signs until they become critical emergencies.

• Preventive Insight: Routine bloodwork during wellness exams can uncover these conditions before they worsen.

• What to Watch For: Draining water bowls, sudden indoor accidents, unexplained weight loss or gain despite normal eating habits.

3. “They’ve Had That Lump for a While. It Hasn’t Changed.”

Not all lumps are harmless—even if they don’t appear to be growing or causing discomfort.

While many skin growths are benign, some could be early indicators of cancer or other serious conditions. A simple fine-needle aspiration at your pet’s check-up can help determine what you’re dealing with.

• Best Case: The lump is benign and just needs monitoring.

• Worst Case: It’s cancerous, and early action could make all the difference.

• What to Watch For: New lumps, changes in shape or size, sores that won’t heal, or lumps that feel firm or irregular.

4. “They Look Fine. Maybe a Little Chunky.”

Gradual weight gain or loss is easy to miss—until it starts affecting your pet’s health.

Obesity in pets is more than a cosmetic issue; it increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and even certain cancers. Likewise, unexplained weight loss can indicate underlying illness.

• Preventive Measures: Nutritional counseling, parasite screenings, and blood tests for thyroid and organ function can help keep your pet healthy.

• What to Watch For: Hesitation to jump, tiring easily, or noticing your pet’s ribs are suddenly more (or less) prominent.

Wellness Exams Catch Issues Early—Before They Become Emergencies

All of these examples share one thing in common: the sooner they’re caught, the easier they are to manage. That’s the true purpose of wellness exams—not just vaccinations and a quick once-over, but a complete assessment to catch small issues before they become major problems.

At Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital, we understand that life gets busy and pets often seem fine. But we also know how quickly “fine” can turn into something urgent.

We proudly offer:

• Comprehensive wellness check-ups for dogs, cats, and exotic pets

• Diagnostic testing to uncover hidden health issues

• Affordable preventive care plans for long-term peace of mind

Don’t Wait Until Something’s Wrong

Whether your pet’s last exam was six months or two years ago, now’s the time to take action. Let’s catch the small stuff early—before it turns into something more serious.

Call us at (954) 473-8090 or schedule your pet’s wellness visit today.

Because nothing’s more reassuring than knowing your best friend is truly healthy.