It doesn't hurt to give your dog a once-over every week just to check that he's AOK. In doing so you'll get used to what's “normal” so when something does go wrong, you'll know straight away.
What to look for:
- Watch your dog walking. Does he move freely?
- Is he alert to what's going on?
- Is there any discharge coming from his eyes, ears or nose?
- Any puffiness around the eyes?
- Any unpleasant smell coming from the ears?
- Are they clean and white?
- Brown tartar build up indicates that teeth need cleaning.
- Dry food is less inclined to cause tartar than meat or other moist foods such as dog roll.
- Run your hands over his body to feel for unusual bumps or lumps.
- Can you feel the last three ribs? If not, he may be overweight.
- Feel the bones and joints in each limb. Does he react in pain?
- Check the coat for bald spots, parasites, sores or abrasions.
- Look between each toe for redness or swelling. If he's been licking here more than usual it could be an infection.
- Does his skin fall back quickly when you pull it up? If it doesn't, he may be dehydrated.
- Look under his tail for signs of diarrhoea or tapeworm segments.
If you find anything you don't like the look of, take him to the vet for clarification. It may be nothing but it's better to be safe than sorry.
