Routine Body / Health Checks

It is a good idea to examine your dog daily and an ideal time would be after grooming and remember if found early most things can be remedied more quickly. If your dog seems out of sorts or just doesn’t seem to be himself then please seek veterinary advice.

BODY

Starting at your dog’s head, run your hands down his body towards his rear then his legs and paws and lastly tummy (I examined my dog’s tummy last as he could have a little tummy tickle at the end for being a good boy). There shouldn’t be any lumps or bumps. If your dog resists or reacts to your touch this may be an indication of pain. If you feel any stickiness there may be an infection or penetrating injury. If in doubt seek veterinary advice. Running your hands down his body is an ideal way to feel for cysts, lumps and ticks. Part your dog’s coat at various points and look for signs of allergies, eczema and fleas etc. There shouldn’t be any excess flaking or redness and the coat should look, feel and smell clean.

EYES

Some long hair breeds develop sleep in the corner of their eyes over night, this is actually dried tears that has dried in your dog’s fur and can sometimes be picked off with your finger nail but if it has stuck firmly then soaking a cotton wall ball in tepid water and gently wiping the area will remove it. If your dog’s eyes or surrounding skin doesn’t look normal or looks inflamed seek your vet’s advice.

EARS

If your dog has long fur on his ears or hair growing down his ear canals then he may be prone to wax accumulation, this can lead to inflammation or infection. You should lift each earflap and check for wax, inflammation, odour or infection. Your vet will be able to teach you how to remove stray hairs from your dog’s ears. If your dog suddenly starts to shake his head or lean his head to one side it may be a sign of a foreign object in his ear, a common one is a grass seed after going on a walk, seek veterinary attention if this is the case.

TEETH AND GUMS

Lift your dog’s upper lips and check for any unpleasant smell, chipped teeth and that the gums are pink. You should clean your dog’s teeth regularly (see how to clean your dog’s teeth tips) to reduce the build up of plaque.

NAILS

Medium and large size breeds should routinely wear down their nails by walking on pavements but some small dogs will need their nails clipping. After bathing (see bathing tips) his nails should be soft enough to clip. Cutting white nails is an easy task, clip the nails just before the quick (the pink part of the nail) Unfortunately you cannot see the quick on black nails so it is best that you take your dog to either your vet or grooming parlour and have them clipped professionally. Please do not cut the quick as is this very painful and bloody for your dog.

ANAL SACS (Scent emitting glands)

Your dog won’t appreciate you checking his bum (I know mine didn’t at first but he soon became accustomed to it). Check that it is clean and odourless, there shouldn’t be any signs of swelling, inflammation or infection. If your dog is licking his bottom or dragging his bum along the carpet his anal sacs may be full. They should drain naturally but occasionally may need your help. Full sacs will feel like hard grapes. You should seek the advice of your vet on how to drain them properly.