In addition to taking your dog to the see the veterinarian on a regular basis, there are a few small things you can be on the lookout for at home that can send up a red flag if you know what you’re looking for. After all, a year is a long time between veterinarian visits and if you’re not paying attention, your dear dog could be suffering without your even knowing it. If you’re already in the habit of grooming your dog occasionally, adding these few dog check ups during your grooming session will take no time at all and you’ll have a better idea of your dog’s overall health.
The first place to check is the teeth. If there is buildup around the teeth or a bad odor, this could be a sign of gingivitis or problems with the gums or teeth. Next, check the ears for wax buildup, a bad smell, or any signs of ticks, mites or other parasites burrowed into the ear. If your dog has pendulant ears with a lot of hair, take the time to check them thoroughly to be sure there aren’t any tiny parasites hiding under the hair. Check your dog’s eyes to see if they are clear. There could be a problem if they are discolored, irritated and red, or if they have a lot of discharge.
Finally, take special attention with the coat. Does it feel greasy to the touch? Is the skin under the coat white, grey or seem to be irritated? Check for any evidence of fleas, ticks or other parasites, especially if your dog has a longer coat. You can do this buy brushing the coat through and lightly brushing in the opposite direction in small areas to check the skin. When you touch the coat, do your hands smell fishy or offensive in any way? While a strong “doggy odor” is common, it can be a sign that something is wrong.
If any of these negative signs are appearing when you do your check up, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. In many cases, correcting the problem can be as simple as changing your dog’s diet, but always err on the side of caution and your dog will stay healthy for many years to come.
