Just like many new parents, first-time pet owners might worry about every small behavior their dog shows. The reassuring news is that there are indicators to help you know when your dog is doing well.
Along with regular visits to a family veterinarian and routine wellness procedures like annual blood tests, fecal exams, and urine analysis, there are certain signs that should be apparent to pet owners. Here are six indicators that your dog is in good health.
Fresh Breath
A healthy mouth is crucial for a healthy pet. Fresh-smelling breath and teeth that are free of tartar buildup indicate good health.
Gingivitis, or gum disease, can have serious repercussions for your dog’s overall health by impacting vital organs. Periodontitis, a condition affecting the supporting structures of the teeth (such as bone and ligaments), is the leading cause of tooth loss in pets. This disease results from the accumulation of food, plaque, and tartar between the gums and the base of the tooth.
A foul odor from your dog’s mouth might indicate tooth decay or, more alarmingly, oral melanoma, a severe and aggressive form of cancer.
Regular dental care can enhance a pet’s overall health and lifespan by detecting problems early on.
Shiny, Clean Coat
Healthy pets usually have a glossy, clean coat thanks to their natural oils and regular shedding. Frequent baths aren’t necessary for most pets with fur—only if they get dirty—because excessive bathing can cause skin irritation.
If your dog frequently licks, chews, or scratches, it may indicate skin irritation, allergies, a bug bite, or fleas. These behaviors also suggest your dog might be uncomfortable, so it’s a good idea to schedule a veterinary checkup to resolve the issue.
Consistent Lean Weight:
Pet obesity is a major health concern for veterinarians, as excessive weight can lead to issues similar to those in humans, including diabetes, heart and lung diseases, bone and joint problems, skin conditions, and various cancers.
If you observe that your dog has lost a significant amount of weight, it’s advisable to schedule a checkup, as this could indicate underlying health problems.
Your dog should maintain a stable, lean weight with minimal fluctuations. You should be able to see a slight taper from the waist to the hips, without the ribs being visible (though this can vary by breed). Portion control for meals and treats is important. Consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal meal plan for your dog to ensure they stay healthy.
Regular Bladder and Bowel Movements:
To determine if your dog has a stomach ache, examine their stool. Healthy bowel movements should be free of blood, mucus, worms, eggs, chalky white discoloration, black or tarry appearance, greasy coating, or diarrhea. Changes in stool could indicate issues such as dietary changes, stress, allergies, parasites, bacterial or viral infections, ingestion of toxins, pancreatitis, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, or an obstruction.
Urine color is also a key health indicator: if your dog’s pee is a transparent yellow (such as straw yellow, pale gold, amber, or clear yellow), it suggests good health.
Dark or bright yellow urine could indicate dehydration. Orange urine often points to jaundice, gallbladder issues, pancreatic problems, severe dehydration, liver disease, or damaged blood cells.
If your dog’s urine is red, pink, or cloudy, it might signal a urinary tract infection, cystitis, clotting disorders, trauma, or cancer. Additionally, if your dog is urinating inside the house or outside of a piddle pad, it may be a sign of distress due to a health problem. In such cases, a veterinary checkup is strongly recommended for further evaluation.
Alert, Engaged Interest:
A healthy dog is enthusiastic about spending time with family, greeting you at the door, seeking out playtime, and showing interest in their surroundings.
If your dog suddenly begins to isolate themselves, seems disengaged, or sleeps more than usual, it could indicate a health problem. Behavioral changes are often one of the first signs that something may be wrong with your pet. Be observant of any shifts in behavior and schedule a vet appointment if you notice anything unusual.
Clean, Odor-Free Ears:
Another indicator of good health in dogs is clean ears, which should be free from wax buildup, discharge, and unpleasant odors.
While it’s normal for dogs’ ears to get dirty, regular cleaning is advised. Neglecting ear hygiene can result in infections, which were the second most common reason for vet visits in 2015 and a significant cause of discomfort for pets.
Clean ears also help regulate your dog’s body temperature by dissipating heat.
A key sign of an ear infection in dogs is a strong, sometimes yeast-like odor. If you suspect an ear infection, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Besides the smell and wax buildup, other common symptoms include head shaking from side to side and pawing at the ear.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s health or suspect a problem, contact your veterinarian right away. Remember, your dog may not always be able to communicate when something is wrong. If you notice any signs that make you worried about your pet’s health, don’t hesitate to schedule a checkup.
No comment