A puppy won’t tell you when he is sick, and when he stops eating or starts whining, the problem has usually 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 in trouble or if you’re just overreacting.
What a Healthy Puppy Nose Should Look Like
A healthy nose is usually wet, but the main thing to watch for is discharge. Clear fluid is often normal, but yellow or green mucus is not.
Check for crusty skin or constant sneezing. If the nose is leaking thick fluid, it’s not good.
Don’t ignore changes in how the puppy breathes. If you see colored discharge or cracked skin on the nose, take the dog to the 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.
Pay attention to 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 issue like “dry eye.”
Follow the signals the dog is sending you. If you see squinting, constant blinking, or if your puppy is rubbing his 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.
Dark, crumbly wax that looks like ground coffee means the puppy has ear mites, while a hot ear or a yeasty smell means there is a serious infection.
Constant head shaking or scratching shows he is in pain. A weekly check for wax, redness, or pus keeps the dog safe from chronic ear infections.
A Closer Look: Skin and Coat
A healthy coat should be soft and clean, without tangles or mats. The puppy must have skin that is free from redness, rashes, or scabs beneath the fur.
Keep an eye out during grooming, since areas of hair loss or greasy, brittle fur mean the puppy has a health problem.
Tiny black specks, known as flea dirt, or ticks mean the puppy has pests that you need to treat right away.
Constant scratching, licking, or biting of the skin shows he has “hot spots.”
Weekly checks help you catch skin problems before they get worse for the dog.
Conclusion
Regular home checks help you spot small problems before they become serious. Even with these tips, you still need to take him to the vet for regular visits.
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 dog.
Source:
- Provera zdravlja Vašeg šteneta (more information).
