Signs of a Healthy Dog: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

As a pet owner, one of your most important jobs is to keep an eye on your dog’s health. By watching for key health signs, you can catch any potential problems early and help your dog live a long, happy life. This blog will give you an overview of what to look for when checking your dog’s health.

Physical Appearance

Coat and Skin

1. Shiny, Smooth Coat
   • A healthy dog has a shiny, smooth coat. If your dog’s fur is dull or brittle, it might be a sign of poor health or diet.
2. No Bald Patches or Excessive Shedding
   • Some shedding is normal, but too much shedding or bald spots can mean skin problems or other health issues. Regular grooming helps monitor your dog’s coat.
3. Skin Free from Rashes, Lumps, or Parasites
   • Check your dog’s skin for rashes, lumps, or parasites. Healthy skin should be clear and free from redness or irritation.

Eyes

1. Bright and Alert
   • Your dog’s eyes should be clear and bright. Cloudy eyes or changes in color can be a sign of health problems.
2. No Discharge or Redness
   • Healthy eyes don’t have discharge or redness. Persistent tearing or discharge can indicate an infection.

Ears

1. Clean and Odor-Free
   • Check your dog’s ears regularly to make sure they are clean and don’t smell bad. Dirty ears can lead to infections.
2. No Excessive Scratching or Head Shaking
   • If your dog scratches their ears a lot or shakes their head, it could be a sign of ear mites or an infection.

Nose

1. Typically Moist (but not always)
   • A healthy dog’s nose is usually moist, but a dry nose isn’t always a problem unless there are other symptoms.
2. No Discharge or Crusting
   • Make sure your dog’s nose is free from discharge or crusting, which can indicate respiratory issues.

Behavioural Signs

Energy Levels

1. Enthusiasm for Regular Activities
   • A healthy dog is enthusiastic about activities like walks, playtime, and interacting with family.
2. Consistent Exercise Tolerance
   • Watch your dog’s ability to tolerate exercise. Consistent energy levels are a good sign of health.

Appetite

1. Regular Eating Habits
   • Healthy dogs eat regularly. A sudden loss of appetite can be a sign of illness.
2. Interest in Food and Treats
   • Your dog should show interest in their food and treats. A lack of interest can indicate health problems.

Bodily Functions

Digestion

1. Normal Appetite
   • A healthy appetite is important. Sudden changes can be a red flag.
2. Regular Bowel Movements
   • Your dog should have regular bowel movements. Monitor the frequency and consistency.
3. Firm Stools
   • Firm stools indicate good digestive health. Diarrhoea or constipation can be a sign of health issues.

Hydration

1. Regular Water Intake
   • Make sure your dog drinks water regularly. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems.
2. Moist Gums
   • Your dog’s gums should be moist, not dry or sticky.

Urination

1. Normal Frequency
   • Monitor your dog’s urination frequency. Too much or too little can indicate health problems.
2. No Straining or Discomfort
   • Your dog should not strain or show discomfort while urinating.

Oral Health

Breath

1. Relatively Odourless
   • While dog breath isn’t always pleasant, it shouldn’t be extremely foul. Bad breath can be a sign of dental or digestive issues.
2. No Extremely Foul Smell
   • Extremely bad breath can indicate periodontal disease or other health problems.

Gums and Teeth

1. Pink Gums (for Most Breeds)
   • Healthy gums are usually pink. Pale or inflamed gums can indicate health issues.
2. Clean Teeth without Excessive Tartar
   • Regularly check your dog’s teeth to ensure they are clean and free from excessive tartar.

Movement and Posture

Gait

1. Smooth Movement
   • Your dog should move smoothly without limping or difficulty.
2. No Limping or Favouring Certain Limbs
   • Limping or favouring limbs can indicate injury or joint problems.

Comfort

1. No Signs of Pain When Moving or Being Touched
   • Your dog should not show signs of pain when moving or being touched.
2. Ability to Rest Comfortably
   • Your dog should be able to rest comfortably without signs of discomfort.