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How to check if the puppy is healthy?
Joyce McLaughlin
2025-09-08 17:46:04
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: 14
Generally, I try to look at: eyes (not weepy, red, inflamed, overly teary), ears (clean, no mites), teeth (clean, even, no gum swelling, scissor bite), limbs all move fully, paws with no injuries, no signs of diarrhoea, can feel but not see ribs, coat is clean.
I'm just kinda, running my hands over the dog, without really knowing exactly what I'm doing.
Jaycee Hansen
2025-08-30 13:14:40
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: 19
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. 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.
Check 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, the white bits of the eyes should be white, not yellow, red, or speckly, without any yellow or green discharge. Your dog’s jaw should open and close without difficulty, they should be able to eat without difficulty, they shouldn’t drool constantly or repeatedly scrabble at their mouth with their paws.
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, including the dew claw if your dog has these.
Read also
Guido Bosco
2025-08-25 00:11:09
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: 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.
Frederick Brakus
2025-08-19 16:56:27
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: 22
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.
Harley Kuhlman
2025-08-05 12:51:43
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: 25
Making a daily habit of checking out your puppy’s physical and mental wellness can often make the difference between life and death. When a puppy seems off their game, it helps to recognize the typical signs of good canine health. A Healthy Puppy’s Body All dogs in a litter should have a similar body condition: not too plump or too bony. Puppy’s coats should be shiny and clean, without any irritate, red, or bare spots. Puppy’s ears should be clean and free of order, discharge, and redness, and eyes should be bright and clear, also free of discharge. Look for firm, regular stools and clear urine. Bloody urine may indicate a urinary tract infection. One loose or runny stool may not indicate a problem, but repeated bloody or watery stools lasting more than 24 hours could mean a problem.
When assessing a puppy’s activity level, remember to keep in mind their age, breed, personality, and Taking a nap is OK—even a few throughout the day is acceptable, but a puppy shouldn’t be lethargic once they’re awake. Once your puppy settles in, they should act curious to explore their surroundings and play with people or other dogs in the household. Skipping one or two meals is acceptable, but missing more than that or eating only a few bites warrants a call to the veterinarian. This includes changes in your pup’s appetite, repeated vomiting, or diarrhea in the same day or across several days. Repeated episodes after or during a meal signal a veterinary visit.