Thousands of Dogs Taken to the Vet for Preventable Gut-Health Issues, New Data Shows

Here at Waggel, we're passionate about your pet's health. So much so that we've been working with gut health experts to assess a year’s worth of claims, highlighting the preventable gut illnesses that have dog owners taking their pets to the vets unnecessarily. 

Claims data for over 200,000 pets with Waggel has been assessed by a vet and a microbiologist. Over 4,500 claims related to common gut health symptoms have been highlighted as either ‘entirely preventable’ or ‘manageable’ with the right diet and lifestyle choices. Conditions include gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, skin allergies, anal gland infections, and constipation. 

The total cost of the claims amounted to over £2.2 million in vet fees, with a further £738,000 in conditions that could be managed at home - and whilst new caps on how much can be charged are due to take effect, no pet owner wants to go through the stress of taking their pet for unnecessary procedures, whatever the price.

Waggel vet Aimee Warner said: “If any owner is concerned, they should, of course, take their pet to the vet; however, many of the conditions we commonly see can be prevented with the right knowledge and early intervention. We’re hoping to raise awareness of these conditions and how to prevent them so that dogs can live happier, healthier lives with fewer unwanted trips to the surgery!”

A recurring theme in the data is conditions in which diet, microbiome support, and general management could reduce or eliminate the need for a trip to the vet. This accounted for 4,886 potentially preventable claims, with an additional 938 claims being classified by the microbiologist as manageable with the right diet.

The three most common and preventable conditions linked to gut health are skin allergies, gastroenteritis, and diarrhoea. The treatment for these ailments includes a high-quality diet, regular exercise and tailored support supplements.

Dr Bushra Schuitemaker, Head Microbiologist at Pooch & Mutt, said: “Gut health is highly individual and shaped early in life, as well as by diet, medication and lifestyle. We now see clear links between the gut microbiome and common issues driving vet visits - from messy poos, vomiting and foul flatulence to behavioural changes, weight struggles, bad breath, skin and joint problems. By understanding their dog’s gut health and taking a proactive approach through nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle changes, owners can help reduce the risk of more serious problems and potentially avoid unnecessary trips to the vet.”

An additional 938 veterinary claims were identified by the microbiologist as conditions that could be better managed with appropriate gut and skin support - helping to improve resilience, reduce severity, and potentially avoid unnecessary trips to the vet, rather than directly preventing disease.

Dr Bushra Schuitemaker continues: “The challenge is that these issues often build gradually and aren’t recognised as gut-related, but the encouraging part is that many are preventable. By understanding their dog’s gut health and taking a proactive approach through nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle changes, owners can help reduce the risk of more serious problems and potentially avoid unnecessary trips to the vet.”

While no owner should ever hesitate to seek veterinary advice if they're concerned about their dog's health, this data highlights an important opportunity for prevention.

From digestive upset to skin conditions, thousands of veterinary visits each year are linked to issues that could potentially be reduced through proactive gut health support, a balanced diet and simple lifestyle changes. By understanding the role the gut microbiome plays in a dog's overall well-being, owners can make informed decisions that support long-term health and potentially avoid unnecessary stress for both themselves and their pets.

Ultimately, it's about giving dogs the best foundation for healthier lives.

Pooch & Mutt is a UK pet wellness brand specialising in functional dog food, supplements and science-backed health products designed to support dogs at every life stage. Working with veterinary professionals and animal nutrition experts, the company focuses on preventative health through targeted nutrition.

Their at-home Gut Health Test analyses a dog's stool sample to provide personalised insights into their microbiome, alongside tailored recommendations around diet, supplements and lifestyle to help support digestive health and overall wellbeing.