Did you know that there are many signs your dog is healthy?
Your dog’s skin should be clear, clean, and free of rashes or sores. The skin should be moist but not too wet. It may even look shiny to the touch! Their eyes will appear bright and clear; the usual eye discharge (if any) will also be clear in color, not yellowish or greenish. Your dog’s ears should also appear clean with no dirt or obvious odor. If they have an odor, it should not smell foul – if it does, contact your veterinarian immediately because this could indicate an infection! A healthy nose is moist with a pink inner lining when your pet breathes normally. The tail can help reveal if your pet is healthy too. The tail should be held high and not drooping low if your dog is standing. The perianal (around the rectum) area should also appear clean, without hair loss or pus-filled bumps.
Good grooming with brushes or wipes can help reveal if your dog is healthy! When you groom your dog, look for any signs of sores, cuts, or injuries on their body; this could indicate something wrong. Your pets’ nails should also be trimmed regularly to prevent long nails. Long nails can make it uncomfortable for them to walk around and may cause injury to their paws. Brushing your dogs’ teeth will show you whether they are healthy by revealing fresh pink gums; if they appear at all pale, this could indicate gum or tooth trouble.
Please remember that your dog should always have a shiny coat with no bald patches. If you notice a loss of hair, it may be a sign of a skin condition, and your veterinarian can help determine the cause so it can be treated appropriately.
Keep in mind that changes in behavior are often signs of ill health too. If your pet appears to have more energy than usual or has lost interest in their daily routine, they might need to see a veterinarian right away! A change in eating habits is another key indicator of potential illness; if your pet isn’t eating as much or is eating more than usual, they might not feel well and need medical attention from your veterinarian.
Remember to take your pet to the veterinarian often for preventative care. If you are not sure when was the last time, ask! It is better to be safe than sorry if you notice any of these symptoms or changes in behavior in your dog.
Therefore, if your dog’s skin is clear and clean with no rashes or sores; eyes bright, clear, and shiny; ears clean with no odor; nose moist with a pink inner lining while breathing normally; tail held high and not drooping low; perianal area clean without hair loss or pus-filled bumps; teeth appearing fresh pink gums without signs of gum or tooth trouble (if brushing their teeth); coat shiny with no bald patches; normal energy levels and normal eating habits, then your dog is healthy!