Checking your dog’s health

Dogs can be similar to cats in that they too are very good at hiding signs of illness or disease.  Prevention is always better than cure so here is a health check list you can use to assess your dog’s overall physical condition:

Overall body condition
Your dog should have a noticeable waistline: there should be a gap or waist between your dog’s chest and hips and no belly sag.  Ideally, you should be able to feel the ribs and no more.  Look out for any signs of unusual weight loss or gain.

Eyes
The eyes should be clear and bright with no signs of redness, soreness or runniness.  Your dog should not shy away from bright light as if it hurts the eyes.  Eye problems can sometimes be accompanied by flu-like symptoms. 

Ears
These should be clear of any thick green or brown wax, with no odour.  If you have a long-haired breed of dog then he/she may benefit from regular ear cleaning with special ear cleaners.  If you do so then be careful of what cleaning implement you use as a dog’s ears are very sensitive and any vigorous or deep cleaning could perforate the eardrum. 

Nose
There should be no bleeding, discharges or crusting on the surface.  Noses can change in colour from black to pink, and back again, and this can vary throughout the year.  A cold nose is a sign of good health but it does not have to be excessively cold or wet. 

Breath
Many dogs have bad breath which can be a sign of dental or digestive disorder.  The teeth should be white, with no excess tartar (this would look thick and brown).  The gums should be black or pink, not red or swollen.     

Skin and Coat
Your dog’s skin can be black or pink depending on the pigments peculiar to that breed.  The coat should have an overall thick (depending on breed) and glossy appearance, with no broken hairs.  It should also be free from sores or dandruff.  Dogs do tend to moult, often all the year round, but are normally worse in the summer and autumn.  Some breeds like poodles do not moult but they do require clipping on a regular basis. 

Nails
These should be smooth and white, or black.  If your dog’s nails appear roughened or break easily then they may need further attention.  When you check the nails, don’t forget to check the ‘dewclaws’ which are found on the inside of the leg, just below the wrist.  Some types of dogs have these on the front legs only; others on both the front and back legs, whilst others do not have any at all.

Digestion and Thirst
It is important to keep an eye on your dog’s appetite.  Look for any noticeable changes though this may be difficult if you have just bought your dog or he/she is a fussy eater.  Changes can include sickness or choking when eating and over or under eating.  In regard to elimination, your dog’s stools should be a normal colour, with no evidence of constipation, mucus or diarrhoea. 

With thirst, if your dog suddenly starts drinking more water than usual or has increased thirst then contact your vet.
 
In general, if your dog walks around with his/her head and tail down then this can indicate that he/she is feeling under the weather.  Some sick dogs may hide in corners or dig holes in the garden to lie in.  A dog that is feeling off colour can become bad tempered or snappy and may bite when approached.  If you notice any of behaviours and are concerned, ask your vet’s advice.

The Older Dog

An older dog needs to be treated in much the same way as an older human, with care and consideration.  He/she is starting to age and slow down and certain functions of the body may start to malfunction.  As with a human, specific lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise can determine the quality of life as well as the quantity.

Generally, small breeds of dog live longer than larger breeds, especially when there are significant differences between the breeds.  It is usually the case that pedigrees do not live as long as ‘mongrels’ which is mainly due to inherited genetic problems as a result of inbreeding.

Signs of ageing can include tooth and gum problems, stiffening of the joints and arthritis, decreased energy levels, hearing and sight problems and a tendency to sleep more in the day but less at night.  Weight gain is another problem due to decreasing energy levels combined with a slowing metabolism.  This means that your dog requires fewer calories than before.      

You will start to notice these changes in your dog when he/she reaches the age of 7 or thereabouts.  In addition, regular checks up are an essential along with the option of a special ‘geriatric screening’ for your dog.  It is worth discussing this with your vet as well as obtaining any general advice on caring for older dogs. 

As your dog ages, the emphasis will be on quality of life so ensuring that he/she has a rich and contented old age.