Purple and Paws Pet parents know the importance of taking their dog to see the vet every year (and sometimes more as your dog grows older). But it’s also important to do a weekly health check so you can catch any early warning signs of trouble before they become major health concerns.
Once a week take the time to devote five to 10 minutes when your dog is calm to inspect him or her from head to tail. Note and understand what is normal and healthy for your dog, and pay attention to any changes to their routine (is she suddenly drinking more water? Is his energy low? Has she lost interest in her food?). Here are some of the areas of your dog to check.
Eyes
Make sure your dog’s eyes are bright with no signs of red or yellow around the white or lining of the eye, and that there’s no discharge oozing from the tear ducts.
Ears
Examine the outer and inner ear for signs of redness, scrapes, excessive ear wax, smells, or any other unusual things (for example, dogs with ear mites will have what looks like coffee grounds inside the ear).
Nose
A popular dog myth is that a healthy dog nose should be wet at all times, but this is simply not true. Check that any nasal discharge is clear and not excessive. Also make sure your dog’s nose isn’t so dry it becomes cracked or that it’s too moist with thick mucus.
Gum and Teeth
Pink gums are a sign of health, so gently open your dog’s mouth to make sure her gums are the correct color. You can also try the capillary refill test (CRT). This is when you take your finger and gently press and release against the gum above one of her large canine teeth. If circulation is healthy, the color should return to pink within two seconds. You should also inspect your dog’s 42 teeth for any signs of missing or cracked teeth. Also check your dog’s breath, as nasty-smelling breath can indicate periodontal disease or an ailing organ.
Respiratory Rate
Make sure your dog is calm and at rest and check the number of breaths he takes per minute. Each respiration equals one inhalation and one exhalation (watch for the chest to rise and fall). When a dog is at rest, his breathing should be even and regular and the breaths per minute should be between 10 and 35.
Heart Rate
Have your dog stand then press your open palm against the rib cage over the heart to count how many heartbeats you feel per minute. Count the beats for one minute. The beats-per-minute range in large dogs is 60 to 100 and in small breeds, the range is 100 to 140.
Hydration
Gently lift some of your dog’s skin from the back of her neck and release, noting if the skin springs back immediately. If it does, this means your dog’s skin has good elasticity and is a sign that she’s well hydrated. Another sign of dehydration is sticky gums.
Coat and Belly
Move your open palm down your dog’s body from the base of the tail to the head and then in the other direction to lift the coat hair to check for fleas and ticks. Also check for any bumps or lumps around the spine and abdomen.
Tail
Canine tails contain many small bones. Move your hand on your dog’s tail to check for cuts, bumps, or bald spots. Also inspect his anal area for an swelling, redness, or oozing.
Paws
Make sure your dog is sitting or lying down when you inspect her paws. Examine the paw pads for cuts, cracks, or signs of redness. Also check that the nails aren’t too long or curving and if they are, it’s time for a nail-trim.
Adding this weekly health check to your dog’s routine can be life-saving, and help them live a longer, healthier, happier life.
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