How to check if a dog is ok?
Kieran Nikolaus
2025-08-13 15:34:50
Count answers
: 17
You can use the pointers below to regularly check on your pet’s quality of life. Are they in pain? Do they shake, tremble or pant even when they’re resting? Do they hide away and not want to be touched or stroked? Does it seem to you that their pain medication has stopped working? Are they struggling to get around? Do they struggle to get up without your help? Are they unable to exercise, even just gently? Are they eating and drinking normally? Have they lost interest in food, even turning down their favourite treats? Are they going to the toilet normally? Has your cat stopped using the litter tray? Is your dog struggling to let you know when they need to go outside? Can they keep themselves clean? Do they smell of wee or can’t keep their bum clean? Has the way they behave changed? Have they stopped greeting you when you come home? Are they hiding or sleeping in strange places? How are you coping with looking after them? Do you feel overwhelmed by caring for them? Are they coping overall? Are they having more bad days than good days? Put yourself in your pet’s position – how do you think they would rate their quality of life? If the answers to many of these questions is yes, it’s a sign your pet is struggling. You can use these questions as a guide to see if their quality of life is changing. It’s always best to visit the vet if you notice a change in your pet, even if they already have a diagnosis of a serious illness. Your vet can help you measure your pet’s quality of life. Now is the time to speak to your vet. Talk to them about your pet’s quality of life and the things you’re concerned about. They’ll be able to guide you and help you make the right decisions for your pet.
Myrna Rogahn
2025-07-30 14:35:02
Count answers
: 12
Watch your dog for any signs of flinching, and listen for any vocalising, when you examine them. This could be a sign that they are uncomfortable or in pain. Watch your dog moving around. They should be able to: move easily without any tension in their muscles, spread their weight evenly on all four paws, walk along using all their legs equally, step over things without dragging their paws. Gently feel your dog’s body. Their body should feel the same on both sides. For example, each shoulder should feel the same size and shape, and they should be the same temperature. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs beneath their coat, but not see these visibly through their fur.
Watch your dog’s chest rise and fall. Their breathing should be regular and rhythmic. Your dog should breathe comfortably and without difficulty, rasping or wheeziness. Look for any broken skin such as cuts or grazes, as these will need to be kept clean and might need medical attention. Check for any parasites such as ticks, lice and fleas, or flea-dirt which might appear as reddish-brown flecks within the fur. Check for lumps and spots, as well as any patches of hair loss, itchiness, reddening or thickening of the skin beneath the fur.
Check each side of your dog’s face, it should look the same, without any drooping. Their eyes, including the pupils, should be the same size and shape. The white bits of the eyes should be white, not yellow, red, or speckly, without any yellow or green discharge. Gently run your hands down each of your dog’s legs in turn, check for any areas that feel hotter to the touch or swollen, any matted fur or anything stuck between or into the pads, like grass seeds or splinters, any grazing or cuts. Check your dog’s nails for any signs of damage or overgrowth.
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