Common Dog Health Problems & Natural Remedies

Posted By Ayda Hornak on June 2025

From itchy skin to upset tummies and stiff joints, here’s what every dog parent should know to better support their pup, naturally and gently.

What Are the Most Common Health Issues in Dogs?

The most common dog health issues include skin problems, gut upset, joint pain, and anxiety. Many of these issues are connected, and often preventable with the right care, environment, and support.

At PetWell, we know first-hand how overwhelming it can feel when something’s not quite right with your dog. That’s why we’re sharing not just symptoms, but the causes, gentle solutions, and supportive care options that put your dog’s long-term wellbeing first.

Being aware of common dog health issues is one very important way to look out for them

Why Does My Dog Have Itchy Skin and How Can I Help?

Dogs often experience itchy skin due to allergies, food sensitivities, parasites, or environmental irritants. Addressing diet, grooming, and immune support naturally can reduce symptoms.

Scratching, licking, flaking, skin issues are one of the most common reasons dogs end up at the vet. And often, the real cause is deeper than the skin.

Underlying causes might include:

Imbalances in the gut microbiome (a major root cause of many allergies)
Food intolerances or low-quality diets
Environmental allergens like pollen or dust mites
Contact with harsh cleaning products or synthetic materials

Gentle support strategies:

Swap out fragranced shampoos and cleaners for natural alternatives
Feed a fresh, balanced diet rich in omega-3s and antioxidants
Support immune balance and inflammation with skin-loving ingredients, and don’t forget the gut. Since 70% of the immune system lives there, a happy gut often means healthier skin. Adding a good probiotic and gut supplement will help.

PetWell’s RELIEF supplement and RELIEF + VENISON treats contain ingredients like nettle, burdock, turmeric, NZ green-lipped mussel, oyster extract and more, carefully chosen to nourish skin, calm itches, and help reduce flare-ups naturally. A natural dog allergy remedy that supports coat health from the inside out. For optimum benefits, you can combine RELIEF with DIGEST to support the gut.

What Causes Digestive Issues in Dogs and What Helps?

Digestive issues in dogs may be caused by diet changes, stress, or microbiome imbalances. Feeding a consistent diet and supporting gut flora with probiotics and prebiotics can help.

Your dog’s gut plays a massive role in their health, from nutrient absorption to mood regulation and immunity. When something's off, you’ll likely see it in their poo or appetite first.

Common triggers include:

Sudden diet changes or poor-quality food
Anxiety or stress
Low gut diversity or microbiome imbalance

What helps:

A consistent, high-quality, whole-food diet
Daily enrichment and calm routines
Naturally occurring probiotics, digestive enzymes, and prebiotic fibres

Our DIGEST supplement is crafted with probiotics, marshmallow root, spirulina, turmeric, ginger and more to gently support digestion, nutrient uptake, and gut balance. For treat time, DIGEST + KANGAROO offers a novel, tummy-friendly protein with the same gut-soothing benefits. It’s ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs, frequent diarrhoea, or mystery gas.

If your dog suffers with stress and anxiety, you can pair DIGEST with our CALM supplement.

Pet Supplements for dogs and Cats by PetWell

How Can I Support My Dog’s Joints Naturally?

Dogs with joint stiffness or arthritis benefit from weight control, low-impact movement, and anti-inflammatory nutrients like turmeric and green-lipped mussel.

Aging, injury, breed predisposition, or excess weight can all lead to joint stress and inflammation. But catching it early means you can help keep your dog active and comfortable longer.

Signs to watch for:

Hesitation on stairs or into the car
Reduced play or slower movement
Stiffness after naps or walks

Natural support options:

Keep your dog lean with a nourishing diet
Use non-slip rugs or ramps around the home
Encourage low-impact movement like swimming
Add natural anti-inflammatory nutrients daily
Support them with all-natural supplements like PetWell MOBILITY

Read more on the Signs of Joint Issues and Pain in Dogs

PetWell’s MOBILITY supplement (or MOBILITY + BEEF treats) includes turmeric, MSM, glucosamine, NZ green-lipped mussel and more, it’s a synergistic blend to support joints, reduce stiffness, and improve mobility. Perfect for senior dogs or active and large breeds needing joint support.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Anxiety and What Can I Do?

Signs of anxiety in dogs include pacing, barking, destructive behaviour, and clinginess. Support them through routine, enrichment, and natural calming ingredients.

Anxiety doesn’t always look like hiding or trembling, sometimes it’s barking, chewing, pacing, or even toileting accidents. And chronic stress can lead to digestive issues, immune dysfunction, and sleep disruption.

What might cause it:

Changes in routine or environment
Lack of enrichment or exercise
Underlying health issues
Separation for you

Ways to support anxious dogs:

Daily mental stimulation (lick mats, sniff walks, puzzle games)
Consistent routines and safe spaces
Gentle music therapy
Training and desensitisation
High quality calming supplements like PetWell CALM

PetWell CALM supplement and CALM + LAMB treats include naturally calming ingredients like chamomile and goats milk for l-tryptophan, green tea for l-theanine, lemon balm for relaxing properties and so much more. All designed to soothe their nervous system without drowsiness. Gentle enough for daily use.

Our PetWell Promise: Prevention Over Patching

We don’t believe in quick fixes. We believe in daily choices that add up to long-term wellness. The PetWell way is about:

Holistic, preventative support
Human-grade, natural ingredients
Honest education for every dog parent

Whether you’re supporting an itchy pup, a nervous senior, or a dog with a sensitive gut, we’re here with gentle, functional options that make real change.

Every PetWell formula is backed by an animal naturopath and approved by a vet. They’re easy to use, naturally effective, and crafted with love right here in Australia.

Final Woof

Caring for your dog’s health doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It starts with knowing what to look for, choosing natural support early, and being proactive, not reactive.

You bring the love. We’ll bring the wellness. Let’s help you keep your PetWell!

Explore the full PetWell range at petwell.com.au.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.

Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care

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