Like many first-time parents, new dog owners may over think every little quirk their dog displays. The good news is , there are signs that tell you when your dog is thriving. In addition to regular checkups with the family veterinarian, including routine wellness procedures such as an annual blood pane, fecal testing and urine analysis, these indicators should be noticeable to pet owners. Here are some signs that your dog is healthy.
1. Shiny, Clean Coat
Healthy pets will typically have a shiny, clean coat due to natural oils and shedding. A healthy pet doesn’t need to be bathed routinely unless your pet got dirty. Routine bathing for pets with fur (versus specific breeds with hair which require grooming) isn’t necessary and can lead to skin irritation.
If your dog is often licking, chewing or scratching, it could be a sign of skin irritation, skin allergies, a bug bite or presence of fleas. It’s also a sign your dog is uncomfortable; schedule a veterinary checkup to address the problem.
2. Fresh Breath
A healthy mouth is the gateway to a healthy pet. Relatively clean smelling breath and clean teeth absent of tartar buildup are signs of good health.
If your dog has gingivitis ( gum disease) it can ultimately affect vital organs and lead to serious health issues. Periodontitis is a disease of the supporting structures of the teeth and is the primary cause of tooth loss in pets. It’s caused by the buildup of food, plaque, and tartar in the spaces between the gum and the lower part of the tooth.
Routine dental care can result in improved overall health and longevity of a pet by spotting issues early on.
3. Regular Bladder and Bowel Movements
How do you know if your dog has a tummy ache? Check out his poop. Healthy bowel movements will be absent of blood, mucus, worms, eggs, a chalky white discoloration, a black tarry appearance, a greasy coating or diarrhea. If you notice a change ti could be due to a change in diet, stress, allergies, parasites, bacterial infection, viral infection, ingestion of a toxic substance, pancreatitis, cancer inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, or an obstruction.
The color of your dog’s urine is important: If your pet’s pee is the color of transparent yellow it’s a sign of good health. Dark or bright yellow could be a sign of dehydration. Orange is typically associated with aundice or icterus, gallbladder problems, pancreatic problems, severe dehydration, lover disease or damaged blood cells.
If your dog’s urine is red, pink or cloudy it may be a sign of urinary tract infection, cystitis, clotting diseases, trauma or cancer. If your dog is peeing inside the house of off a piddle pad, it could be a sign i distress due to a health issue. If these changes occur, a checkup is highly recommended for further testing.
4. Alert and Engaged Interest
A healthy dog is eager to spend time with family, greeting you at the door, coming to you for playtime, watching and observing with interest.
If your dog suddenly starts spending time alone, is disengaged or sleeping more, it could be a sign of a health issue. Changes in behavior are one of the number one reasons pet owners discover something is off with their companions. Pay attention to any change and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
5. Clean and Odor Free Ears
Another sign of good health in dogs are clean ears. No waxy buildup, no discharge and ni pungent or musky smell.
It’s normal for dogs’ ears to get dirty, so routine cleaning is recommended. Ignoring dirty ears can lead to pet ear infections – the second most common reason dogs visited the vets in 2015, and a major source of irritation for our pets.
Clean ears also help maintain normal body temperature by radiating heat out.
One tell tale sign your dog has an ear infection : smelly ears, sometimes like the smell of yeast. Schedule a checkup with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is suffering from an ear infection. Common symptoms besides the smell and waxy buildup are side to side shaking of the head and pawing at the ear.
When In Doubt, Get Checked Out
If you have questions about your dog’s health or are concerned that an issue may be present, contact your veterinarian immediately. Remember: Your dog can’t always tell you when something is wrong. If you see a sign that has you questioning your pet’s health, don’t hesitate to schedule a checkup.