How to check the health of a puppy?

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. If you look at your dog from above, you should be able to see their ‘waist’ and their back should be straight. 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. Has your dog been repeatedly scratching or nibbling at themselves, matted fur clumps could be a sign that your dog is chewing themselves in that area, perhaps to relieve pain. Each side of your dog’s face should look the same, without any drooping, they should hold their head straight, without any permanent tilt to either side. Their eyes, including the pupils, should be the same size and shape. Gently run your hands down each of your dog’s legs in turn, running your hands down your dog’s legs first helps them to expect that you are going to move onto their paws. 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, including the dew claw if your dog has these. Their genitals and anus should appear clean and not swollen or reddened, unless a female is in season, at which time you are likely to see the vulva swollen and some bloody discharge. Check for any signs of irritation and itchiness, as well as lumps or hardened areas. Your dog’s tail should be held naturally and move easily, check for any areas of damage, swelling, greasiness, hair loss or chewing.

Eyes should be clear and bright, with no sign of dirt or redness. Ears should be clean with no smell or signs of wax inside that could mean ear mites. Nose should be cold and slightly wet, with wide open nostrils. Breathing should be quiet and effortless with no snoring, coughing, grunting or wheezing. Skin should be clean, dry, with no signs of soreness or folds that can become infected. Mouth should be clean, with white teeth and pink healthy gums. Fur should be shiny and soft with no sign of fleas. Legs should be strong and sturdy, with no limping or difficulty walking. Bottom clean and dry under the tail. Ribs not visible. Your chosen puppy should also be bright, active and friendly.

Eyes should be bright and clear. Report any discharge to your veterinarian. Ears should be clean and free of discharge, odour and redness. Nose should be clean, without discharge or sores. Mouth should smell fresh. Gums should be pink. Teeth should be free of tartar or plaque. Coat should be shiny and clean. Ask your veterinarian for nutritional advice on maintaining your dog's healthy weight. Report changes in the frequency or consistency of your puppy's urine or stool to your veterinarian immediately.

Finding a vet - use our link to find your local vet. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your puppy and ask them about neutering if you haven't already. Your puppy isn't fully vaccinated yet, but it's important to continue socialisation by giving your puppy positive experiences. Gradually introduce them to other experiences, such as the car, grooming, being handled and having their ears, eyes and other body parts checked. While you're at the vet, ask them about worming, flea treatment and neutering. Let them rest regularly - growing and learning is tiring, so let them rest regularly and keep training sessions short and fun.