Your puppy won’t tell you when it is sick. Usually, by the time they stop eating or start whining, the problem has already been there for days.
I will show you how to check the dog from head to tail. You need to know what a healthy mouth, eyes, and skin look like so you can catch a problem before it gets serious for the puppy.
Vets are there for a reason, but these steps help you see if the dog is actually in trouble or if you are just overreacting.
What a Healthy Puppy Nose Should Look Like?
A healthy nose is usually wet, but the most important thing to check is the discharge. Clear fluid is often normal, but yellow or green mucus is not.
Look at the puppy and check for any crusty skin or constant sneezing. If the nose is leaking thick fluid, it’s not good.
Do not ignore changes in how a puppy breathes. If you see colored discharge or cracked skin on the nose, take the dog to a vet.
Puppy Eyes – What to Look For?
Healthy eyes are clear and the whites are not red.
Check the puppy for “eye boogers” (crust) in the corners. A small amount of clear or reddish-brown crust after sleep is normal.
You must look for the color of any discharge. While watery eyes can be just allergies, thick white-gray mucus or yellow and green discharge means the puppy has an infection or a serious condition like “dry eye.”
Follow the signals the dog is sending you. If you see squinting, constant blinking, or if your puppy is rubbing its face against the carpet, something is wrong.
Ears – Warning Signs!
The skin inside the puppy ear canal should be pale pink, clean, and odorless. There should be no visible discharge or swelling inside the ear.
Identify warning signs early. Dark, crumbly wax resembling ground coffee means the puppy has ear mites. A hot ear or a yeasty smell indicates a serious infection.
Constant head shaking or scratching shows your puppy is in pain. A weekly check for wax, redness, or pus prevents chronic ear infections.
A Closer Look: Skin and Coat
A healthy coat should be soft and clean, without tangles or mats. The dog must have skin that is free from redness, rashes, or scabs beneath the fur.
Identify warning signs during grooming. Areas of hair loss or greasy, brittle fur mean the puppy has a health problem.
Tiny black specks, known as flea dirt, or ticks indicate a parasite infestation that requires immediate treatment.
Watch for behavioral changes. Constant scratching, licking, or biting of the skin shows your puppy has “hot spots.”
Weekly checks help you catch skin problems before they worsen.
Conclusion
Regular home checks help you spot small issues before they become serious. Even with these tips, the dog still needs scheduled vet visits to stay on track.
Use this guide as a starting point, but remember it does not replace a vet’s opinion.
Stick to a simple weekly routine.
I wish you many happy years and beautiful moments with your best friend.
Source:
- Provera zdravlja Vašeg šteneta (more information).
