We all want the best for our furry friends, and that’s why it’s so important to do a regular dog health check to ensure you catch any potential health issues early. In this guide, we’ll give you three easy ways to do a dog health check at home and advise you on what you can tackle in-house and when you should take your dog to the vet.
#1 Check Your Dog’s Weight
Just like with humans, the ideal weight for a dog varies between breed, size, and things such as muscle mass. There is no one set weight that a dog should be; however, each breed has some weight guidelines of what may constitute a healthy weight bracket.
Small Dogs: It should be easy enough for a small dog to weigh them using a normal bathroom scale. Just pop your dog on the scales and keep them as still as possible without adding any of your weight to the pressure. A good way to do this is holding a treat above them, so they stay in place for long enough that you can get an accurate measurement.
Medium To Large Dogs: It can be much more difficult to weigh large dogs at home as most people will need suitable scales. Aside from going to the vet and getting a proper weigh-in, you can monitor your dog’s weight by using a tape measure to check changes to its size.
It is natural for a dog’s weight to fluctuate throughout its life. Your dog may struggle with its weight (both on the high and low ends). There are some key signs to look out for, including:
- Loss of energy
- Struggling to exercise/move freely
- Overeating or undereating
- Rapid changes to its appearance (this could signify a bigger health issue)
The best way to regulate your dog’s weight is to keep it on a regular diet and limit the number of treats you give it. If you’ve noticed a change to your dog’s weight but haven’t changed its eating habits, for example, if it has lost weight quickly despite eating normally, consult a vet ASAP.
#2 Check Your Dog’s Fur
Checking your dog’s skin and fur is very important to do regularly.
Dogs often won’t show signs of being affected by common parasites such as ticks at first, so doing small checks after each walk is a great way to ensure you stay on top of your dog’s skin health. Some key signs that your dog may be experiencing skin issues include:
- Excess scratching
- Excess biting in one area
- Discolouration of fur
- Dragging/rubbing themselves on the floor
- Whining for no apparent reason
- A sudden change in behaviour (e.g. loss of energy)
Some key ways that you can identify if there is an issue with your dog’s skin include:
- Checking if their coat feels smooth and healthy
- Looking for any lumps under their coat
- Checking if your dog flinches when you touch a specific area
- Noting if any area of their coat seems moist/noting a change in texture
- Noting any discolouration
- Brushing the fur to find any insects, twigs or other things which may cause issues
It is perfectly natural for dogs to experience skin issues, and most things can be resolved easily at home, often with store-bought pet creams or shampoos. However, if you notice something that seems to be causing your dog serious distress, don’t wait to take them to the vet – they may need a course of antibiotics.
Good To Know: A white dog’s fur will often turn pink if they’ve been biting at it – this is an easy way to identify the area which is bothering your dog.
#3 Check Your Dog’s Teeth
It’s easy to forget about your dog’s oral health. Surprisingly brushing a dog’s teeth isn’t something many people know they’re meant to do, and for a dog who hasn’t had it done before, it can be quite distressing.
There are a few ways you can check if your dog is experiencing oral issues. Look out for symptoms such as:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Red/inflamed gums
- Bleeding from mouth
- A yellow or brown coating on teeth
- Wobbly or missing teeth
- A reluctance to eat or play
If your dog refuses to let you brush its teeth – that’s quite normal! As dogs are by all means descended from wild animals, there are other ways that their teeth need to be cared for – for example, in the wild, they would gnaw on bones to strengthen their teeth, and in domesticated households, they often don’t get this opportunity. If you can’t physically brush your dog’s teeth, you can try the following:
- Giving them special dental treats, such as dental chew sticks
- Feeding them a raw diet – to encourage the natural strengthening of their teeth as they grow up
- Go to the vet for a dental checkup or cleaning
- Practice stroking their jaw from the outside of their mouth so they get used to the feeling of a toothbrush before you try it
These things can help reduce the risk of oral issues such as gum disease. However, always consult a vet when in doubt or if your pet shows signs of serious distress.
Good To Know: Flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs are more prone to teeth and gum issues due to how they breathe. You should consult a vet for regular cleanings if you own a dog like this.
Should I Take My Dog To A Vet?
A home dog health check can help you to identify any possible issues your dog is experiencing. However, it can only sometimes solve them. If your usual home remedies aren’t working, or your dog seems in serious distress, it’s always a good idea to take it to the vets and ask them for their best advice.
