How to Health Check Your Own Dog Monthly

Every dog owner knows that an annual check-up with the vet is essential for monitoring and managing their dog’s health and vaccination schedule. However, waiting an entire year between appointments can feel like a long time. Regularly health checking your dog yourself is a compassionate and practical way to spot potential health issues early and ensure your dog stays happy and well in between vet visits.

Incorporate a brief health check into your routine, aiming for once a month. For example, you could check your dog when administering flea treatments. The process is simple and only takes a few minutes, making it a manageable part of your pet care regimen.

Step 1: Start at the Body

Gently run your hands along your dog’s body following the direction of their fur, starting at the head and moving downwards. Pay attention for lumps, bumps, hot spots, rough patches, or sores. Notice any areas that cause your dog discomfort or unusual reactions. Also, monitor your dog’s weight to ensure they are neither overweight nor underweight.

Step 2: Check the Coat and Skin

The coat should look healthy, without bald patches or sparse areas, and feel consistent in texture. Get to know your dog’s typical coat appearance to identify any changes. Part the fur to inspect the skin underneath for dryness, flaking, redness, or hot spots. Your dog’s skin should feel supple, clean, and warm but not hot.

Step 3: Examine the Back End

Inspect your dog’s rear area for cleanliness and any unpleasant odours. The anus should not be swollen, protruding, or inflamed. Watch for signs of worms and ensure the anal glands are functioning well and not causing pain or impact.

Step 4: Inspect Paws and Claws

The paw pads should be soft and free from dryness, cracking, or peeling. Check the claws to make sure they are not excessively long, cracked, or misshapen. Carefully look between the toes for irritations, debris like grass seeds or gravel, and ensure dewclaws do not injure the leg by growing inward or curling excessively.

Step 5: Assess Eyes, Nose, and Ears

Eyes: Should be clear, bright, and free from discharge. The white of the eyes should be white, without redness or cloudiness. Watch for excessive blinking, squinting, or signs of discomfort.
Nose: Generally moist and cool, but a dry nose shortly after waking is normal. It should be free from sores, crusts, or unusual discharge.
Ears: Clean, pale pink inside without redness. Look for discharge, wax build-up, or signs of irritation. Signs such as constant scratching or shaking of the head may indicate infection or ear mites.

Step 6: Check Mouth, Teeth, and Gums

The tongue should be moist and pink. Healthy gums are a medium pink; red or pale gums can indicate inflammation or illness. Teeth should be white to mid-yellow and free from tartar, cavities, or decay. Bad breath is a warning sign of dental issues. Test capillary refill time by pressing a finger against the gum until it blanches and noting the quick return to normal colour, which indicates healthy blood circulation.

Step 7: Observe Vital Signs and Behaviour

While carrying out these checks, note your dog’s breathing and heart rate, which should be steady and normal for their age and size. Observe their behaviour: your dog should be alert, comfortable, and active. Signs of pain or distress, such as reluctance to move, trembling, or excessive licking, require veterinary advice promptly.

When to Contact the Vet

Some signs demand immediate veterinary attention. These include laboured breathing, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, blood in urine or faeces, abnormal gum colour, sudden weight changes, swollen or red ears, discharge from eyes or nose, or any injury causing persistent pain.

Regular at-home health checks empower you as a pet owner to detect early warning signs of illness or injury, improving your dog’s quality of life and potentially reducing veterinary costs by treating conditions early.

Remember, these self-checks complement, but do not replace, professional veterinary care. Annual vet visits and prompt attendance when signs of illness appear remain vital.

For those looking to find puppies or dogs, always seek reputable breeders or consider adopting from local shelters to promote responsible dog ownership.