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.