How to perform daily health checks on your dog: eyes, ears, skin, stool, weight tracking, and recognizing symptoms that require a vet visit.
要点总结
How to perform daily health checks on your dog: eyes, ears, skin, stool, weight tracking, and recognizing symptoms that require a vet visit.
Dogs cannot tell us when they feel unwell. Daily observation by the owner is key to early detection and treatment. Make health checks a daily habit.
Daily Checkpoints
Eyes
- Check for excessive discharge (small amounts of white discharge are normal)
- Look for redness, excessive tearing, or squinting
- Yellow whites of the eyes may indicate jaundice
Ears
- Check for foul odor, dark earwax, or redness
- Watch for head shaking or scratching at the ears
- Brown buildup inside the ear may indicate otitis externa
Mouth and Teeth
- Check for tartar buildup (hard brown-yellow deposits)
- Monitor for worsening bad breath
- Pale or white gums may indicate anemia
Skin and Coat
- Look for dandruff, redness, or scratching/licking behavior
- Feel for lumps or swelling during daily petting
- Check that the coat has a healthy shine
Eating and Elimination
- Is appetite consistent?
- Has water intake changed? (Excessive drinking may indicate diabetes or kidney disease)
- Is stool consistency, color, and volume normal? (Soft stool or bloody stool requires attention)
- Is urine color, frequency, and volume normal?
Weekly Checks
- Weight: Sudden weight loss or gain may signal illness
- Nail length: Trim before nails curve and touch the floor
- Anal area: Check for soiling or swelling. Scooting may indicate anal gland issues
Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice:
- Severe or persistent vomiting/diarrhea (especially with blood)
- Rapid, labored, or open-mouth breathing
- Lethargy, inability to stand, or reduced responsiveness
- Sudden abdominal swelling (possible gastric torsion)
- Seizures or unconsciousness
- Loss of appetite lasting more than 2 days
- Yellow skin or whites of the eyes
Recommended Checkup Schedule
- Under 7 years: Annual health screening (blood tests, X-rays, etc.)
- 7 years and older: Increase to twice yearly or more. Senior dogs' conditions can progress quickly
Combining daily petting with health checks strengthens your bond and helps you catch problems early.