How can I tell if my dog is in good health?
Francisca Durgan
2025-08-02 05:17:22
Count answers
: 16
A dog’s coat should be thick, shiny, and soft. A coat that’s dull, rough, dry, or has bald patches could indicate that something isn’t right. Lethargy is a sign that something may be troubling your dog. A lethargic dog may be uninterested in playing, going for a walk, or participating in activities they usually enjoy. It’s not out of the ordinary for your dog to skip a meal or two, especially if it’s hot outside — but any more than this should be a red flag that something’s off. A dog’s stool is a good indicator of their overall health. A healthy dog will have small, firm, moist stools. Even in an overweight dog, sudden weight loss should prompt you to take them to the vet. Cloudy or red eyes, squinting, or excessive discharge from your dog’s eyes could indicate an infection or injury. You know your dog better than anyone, so if something seems wrong, take them to the veterinarian for a checkup.
Ebba Harris
2025-08-02 02:53:08
Count answers
: 12
It can be easy to tell if your pet has a really good quality of life – they’re still playful, active, comfortable and enjoying their food normally. 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? Are they struggling to get around? Do they struggle to get up without your help? 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 pet 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. Your vet can help you measure your pet’s quality of life. But your vet only sees your pet during an appointment, and they know you are best-placed to understand how they are getting on day to day. If you notice a change in your pet, even if they already have a diagnosis of a serious illness, it’s always best to visit the vet.
Beatrice Hauck
2025-08-02 02:36:57
Count answers
: 21
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. 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.
Macey Hagenes
2025-08-02 01:39:11
Count answers
: 17
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.
Mouth and lips should be free of sores or growths.
Coat:Should be shiny and clean.
Weight: Active, playful puppies are rarely overweight.
Ask your veterinarian for nutritional advice on maintaining your dog's healthy weight.
Bladder/Bowel: Report changes in the frequency or consistency of your puppy's urine or stool to your veterinarian immediately.
Juanita Gleason
2025-08-02 01:15:36
Count answers
: 14
Any unexplained changes in your pet’s normal activity level, temperament, or mobility warrant a call to your veterinarian. Here are 10 common signs that your cat or dog is sick: Decrease in appetite accompanied by weight loss, Bad breath or foul odor coming from the ears or skin, Excessive thirst or urination, Unexplained aggression or other behavioral changes, Trouble walking or climbing stairs, Inability to urinate or have bowel movements, Respiratory problems: sneezing, coughing, excessive panting, trouble breathing, Lethargy, hiding, Frequent vomiting or diarrhea, Abnormal whining, crying, or other vocalizations. The best way to know for certain if your cat or dog is experiencing a pet emergency is to contact your pet’s doctor. However, some symptoms are clear signs that you should seek immediate treatment, including the following: Hard, distended abdomen, Inability to urinate, Excessive diarrhea and/or vomiting, Seizures, Trouble breathing, Lack of coordination/inability to stand. Maintaining annual wellness visits coupled with age-appropriate diagnostic bloodwork is the best line of defense against disease processes.
Read also
- What are the 5 signs of good health pedigree?
- Should a puppy be health checked?
- How often should my puppy have a check-up?
- How to know if a puppy is unwell?
- How to tell if a puppy is going to be good?
- What are the 10 signs of good health?
- How much does it cost for a puppy health check?
- How can you tell if a puppy is going to be a good dog?