How to check your dog's health at home
You don’t need a veterinary degree to carry out a general head to tail dog health check. You can do it yourself in the comfort of your own home. Handy, especially considering regularly checking your dog’s health can help you catch potential issues early and keep you on top of your best bud’s health and happiness. Below, Rory the Vet shows us how to health check a dog in a few simple steps.
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.
Follow him on Instagram
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet..
Follow him on Instagram
Know What's Normal
Pet parents must first understand what is considered normal for their dog so that they can immediately spot abnormal changes and flag with their vet. This includes their usual behaviour, energy levels and physical appearance, some of which may be unique to the breed of their dog.
If you have any concerns about your dog or if you notice them acting unusual, you must in all instances book in a visit with your vet as soon as possible.
Eyes and Ears
Check your dog’s eyes for any redness, cloudiness or discharge. The white parts of their eyes should be white, and their eyes, including the pupils, should be the same shape and size.
To evaluate their ears, gently run your fingers around them to check for any lumps, swelling or signs of an infection. Their ears should be clean, free of odour and the same temperature as the rest of their body. Your dog should be able to hold them in a natural position. Please note that some wax is natural.
Coat and Skin
A healthy coat should be shiny and smooth, not brittle or coarse. Run your hand over your dog’s body to feel for any lumps and bumps. Look through their fur for patches of hair loss, irritation, redness, grazes, cuts or thickening of the skin beneath the fur. Make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of parasites like fleas, lice and ticks, including flea-dirt, which will appear as black flecks.
Teeth and Gums
Your dog’s dental health is just as important. Healthy gums are pink, not pale, white, grey or red. Their teeth shouldn’t be wobbly or broken. They should be clean without excessive tartar buildup, thanks to daily teeth cleaning. It’s essential for dog parents to keep on top of this. You can also use dental chews made for dogs to help.
Body Condition
Regularly check over your dog’s body condition and movement. To assess if your dog is at a healthy weight, gently feel their body. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing too hard, but you should not be able to see their ribs through their fur (this is not the case for all breeds – ask your vet for clarification on your dog’s particular breed). If you look at your dog from above, you should be able to see their waist.
Next, watch how they move, looking out for limping or signs of discomfort, such as dragging their paws or walking without using their legs evenly.
General Health and Behaviour
Pay close attention to your dog’s behaviour. Are they acting normally around people and other dogs? Changes in behaviour or signs of stress or fear (such as excessive panting, licking lips, hiding, cowering, aggression, or grumpiness), can sometimes indicate pain or discomfort.
Playing dog-friendly games with your little friend is a great way to help support your dog’s general health and happiness while also providing mental stimulation.
Regular Health Checks and Vet Visits
While home checks are helpful and important, they cannot replace regular health checks with a vet. It is crucial for your dog’s health to keep them up to date with annual vaccinations and general appointments. And as always, if you notice any of the above, discuss with your vet about the next steps.
Tips for Handling Your Dog
Regularly checking over your dog will help your pet get used to being examined, which can really be helpful in periods when they are dealing with a health problem.
If your dog isn’t used to being handled, take it slowly in the beginning, starting with the parts of their body they are used to being touched, before moving gradually to more sensitive areas.
Tasty treats can also make the whole process easier by giving your dog a positive association.
Conclusion
That concludes my essential guide on how to perform an at home health check on your furry friend. Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about your dog’s health, it’s always best to make a visit with your vet.
The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.
Published on 28/04/2025