Regular health checks are essential for keeping your dog healthy and catching potential issues early. While annual veterinary visits are important, there are many health checks you can perform at home between vet appointments.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential health checks every dog owner should know, how to perform them correctly, and when to seek professional veterinary care.
Table of Contents
Weekly Health Check Routine
Establishing a weekly health check routine helps you become familiar with what's normal for your dog, making it easier to spot changes or abnormalities.
Eyes, Ears, and Nose
- Eyes: Should be clear, bright, and free of discharge. Check for redness, cloudiness, or squinting.
- Ears: Should be clean and odor-free. Look for redness, swelling, or excessive wax buildup.
- Nose: Should be moist but not runny. Occasional clear discharge is normal, but colored discharge isn't.
Pro Tip
Perform health checks when your dog is relaxed, like after a walk or during cuddle time. Use treats to make it a positive experience.
Mouth and Teeth
Dental health is crucial for overall wellness. Check your dog's:
- Gums: Should be pink (or pigmented according to breed), not red, swollen, or bleeding.
- Teeth: Should be clean with minimal tartar buildup.
- Breath: Shouldn't have a strong, foul odor.
Skin and Coat
A healthy coat is a good indicator of overall health. During your check:
- Look for lumps, bumps, or skin irritations
- Check for fleas, ticks, or other parasites
- Note any excessive shedding, bald patches, or dandruff
- Feel for any sensitive areas when petting
Monthly Health Assessments
In addition to weekly checks, perform these more detailed assessments monthly:
Weight and Body Condition
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your dog's joint health and overall wellbeing. Use this simple body condition scoring system:
| Score | Description | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| 3/5 (Ideal) | Ribs easily felt with light pressure | Visible waist when viewed from above, tucked abdomen when viewed from side |
| 2/5 (Underweight) | Ribs, spine, and hip bones prominent | Loss of muscle mass, minimal fat covering |
| 4-5/5 (Overweight) | Ribs difficult to feel under fat | No visible waist, abdominal sagging, fat deposits on back and base of tail |
Nail and Paw Care
Check your dog's paws and nails monthly:
- Nails: Should not touch the ground when standing. Trim if you hear clicking on hard floors.
- Paw pads: Should be smooth and free of cracks, cuts, or foreign objects.
- Hair between pads: Trim if excessively long to prevent matting and debris accumulation.
Important
If you're unsure about nail trimming, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer to show you the proper technique to avoid cutting the quick (the sensitive blood vessel inside the nail).
Health Checklist for Dog Owners
Use this interactive checklist to track your dog's health monitoring:
Weekly Health Checks
Monthly Health Checks
When to Visit the Veterinarian
While home health checks are valuable, they don't replace professional veterinary care. Contact your vet if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Sudden changes in appetite or water consumption
- Lethargy or decreased activity level
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Limping or difficulty moving
- Changes in behavior or temperament
- Signs of pain (whining, trembling, reluctance to move)
Final Thought
Regular health checks help you become more attuned to your dog's normal state, making it easier to detect subtle changes that might indicate health issues. By combining at-home monitoring with regular veterinary care, you're giving your dog the best chance at a long, healthy life.
