A Healthy Dog

Every dog, like every person, is special and unique in their own distinct way. And also like people, dogs may become sad or upset due to a variety of circumstances. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to monitor your dog and his behavior. Tune into his usual tendencies and you will be better prepared to notice out of the ordinary signs of problems with your dog.

In terms of appearance, a dog should look fit and lively. Their eyes should be clear, alert and void of any unusual discharge. Their coat should be clean and healthy and the skin should be soft without flakes. Inspect your dog’s ears for a light pink color and lack of discharge or odor. Also look into his mouth to investigate his gums, teeth and tongue. Like the ears, the gums should also be light pink in color. Extremely white or red gums are symptoms of various mouth problems. Ideal teeth will be close to white, fully intact and strong. Your dog’s nose should be cool and moist, but not excessively wet or runny.

Also take care to learn your dog’s normal behaviors and patterns. Take note if he greatly increases or reduces his food and water intake. Also notice if he has been acting more lethargic and apathetic. These can be signs of an illness or disorder. Likewise, excessive energy or aggression can also signal an imbalance in his health or lifestyle. Try to know when your dog likes to do his business outdoors and when he prefers to sleep. It is easiest to maintain a routine to keep track of these occurrences. If your usually on schedule dog falls out of routine, it may be a signal that something is upsetting him. Watch for signs that your dog is hot or cold, as they could be an indicator of a fever.

Lastly, take care to notice your dog’s emotional state. If he is overly excitable, sad, withdrawn, nervous or anything else out of the ordinary, something may be going on with his overall state of wellbeing.

As the owner, you know your dog better than anyone. By taking the time to learn his usual behaviors and characteristics, you can ensure a quick treatment to any imbalance. Your dog will thank you, as will your veterinarian when you are able to describe in detail your dog’s condition.