Dogs can't tell us when something feels wrong, which is why regular health checks at home are such an important part of responsible pet ownership. By getting to know what's normal for your dog, you're much more likely to notice small changes before they become serious problems.

These checks only take a few minutes and can easily be incorporated into your daily or weekly routine. While they don't replace regular veterinary examinations, they can help you identify potential issues early and ensure your dog receives prompt care if needed.

Contents

• Why Regular Health Checks Matter

• Check Their Eyes

• Examine Their Ears

• Look at Their Teeth and Gums

• Feel Their Body Condition

• Inspect Their Skin and Coat

• Check Their Paws and Nails

• Monitor Their Weight

• Observe Their Movement

• Watch Their Toileting Habits

• Monitor Their Behaviour

• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Regular Health Checks Matter

Many illnesses develop gradually, and the earliest signs can be subtle. Catching problems early often means treatment can begin sooner, potentially improving outcomes and reducing the risk of complications.

Routine home checks also help your dog become comfortable with being handled, making grooming and veterinary visits less stressful.

Aim to perform a quick check every week, with a more thorough examination once a month.

1. Check Their Eyes

Healthy eyes should be:

• Bright

• Clear

• Free from excessive discharge

• Fully open

• Similar in appearance

Watch out for:

• Redness

• Cloudiness

• Swelling

• Squinting

• Excessive tearing

• Thick yellow or green discharge

• Pawing at the eyes

Eye problems can worsen quickly, so seek veterinary advice if you notice persistent changes.

2. Examine Their Ears

Look inside each ear regularly.

Healthy ears should be:

• Pale pink

• Clean

• Free from a strong odour

Be aware of:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Dark debris

• Excessive wax

• Bad smells

• Frequent scratching

• Head shaking

These signs may indicate an ear infection, parasites or allergies.

Avoid inserting cotton buds into your dog's ears, as this can push debris further inside and potentially cause injury.

3. Look at Their Teeth and Gums

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs, yet it often goes unnoticed until it becomes painful.

Healthy gums should be:

• Pink (unless naturally pigmented)

• Moist

• Free from bleeding

Healthy teeth should have minimal tartar build-up.

Watch for:

• Bad breath

• Bleeding gums

• Loose teeth

• Excessive tartar

• Difficulty eating

• Dropping food

• Pawing at the mouth

Brushing your dog's teeth regularly is one of the best ways to maintain good oral health.

4. Feel Their Body Condition

Running your hands over your dog's body can help you identify changes that aren't always visible beneath the coat.

You should be able to:

• Feel the ribs without pressing hard

• See or feel a defined waist

• Feel the muscles over the shoulders and hips

While checking, look for:

• Lumps

• Swellings

• Painful areas

• Heat

• Weight loss

• Weight gain

If you find a new lump or notice one changing in size, shape or texture, arrange a veterinary examination.

5. Inspect Their Skin and Coat

A healthy coat is usually clean, shiny and free from excessive dandruff or bald patches.

Check for:

• Hair loss

• Redness

• Flaking

• Scabs

• Hot spots

• Fleas or flea dirt

• Ticks

• Dry skin

• Excessive scratching

Some skin changes may indicate allergies, parasites, infections or underlying health conditions.

6. Check Their Paws and Nails

Your dog's paws experience a lot of wear and tear.

Inspect:

• Paw pads

• Between the toes

• Nails

• Dew claws (if present)

Look for:

• Cuts

• Cracks

• Swelling

• Grass seeds

• Foreign objects

• Broken nails

• Overgrown nails

Keeping nails at an appropriate length helps maintain comfortable movement and reduces the risk of injury.

7. Monitor Their Weight

Weight changes can happen gradually, making them easy to miss.

Weigh your dog regularly if possible, or monitor their body condition by feeling their ribs and waistline.

Unexpected weight loss or gain may indicate:

• Dietary issues

• Hormonal disorders

• Dental problems

• Digestive disease

• Other underlying illnesses

If your dog's weight changes without an obvious reason, seek veterinary advice.

8. Observe Their Movement

Watch your dog walking, running and standing.

Healthy movement should appear smooth and comfortable.

Look out for:

• Limping

• Stiffness

• Reluctance to jump

• Difficulty standing

• Uneven gait

• Hesitation on stairs

Joint problems are often easier to manage when detected early.

9. Watch Their Toileting Habits

Changes in urination or bowel movements are often one of the first signs that something may be wrong.

Pay attention to:

• Frequency

• Colour

• Consistency

• Straining

• Blood

• Accidents indoors

Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, blood in the urine or faeces, or difficulty passing urine should always be assessed by a veterinarian.

10. Monitor Their Behaviour

You know your dog better than anyone else, which means you're often the first to notice subtle behavioural changes.

Watch for:

• Sleeping more than usual

• Reduced appetite

• Drinking significantly more or less

• Hiding

• Increased aggression

• Anxiety

• Loss of interest in play

• Excessive panting

• Restlessness

Behavioural changes can sometimes be the earliest sign of pain or illness.

Creating a Simple Health Check Routine

You don't need to spend hours examining your dog. A few minutes each week can make a big difference.

A simple routine might include:

Daily:

• Check appetite and water intake.

• Observe energy levels.

• Watch for changes in toileting.

Weekly:

• Inspect eyes, ears and paws.

• Feel over the body for lumps or tenderness.

• Check the coat and skin.

Monthly:

• Weigh your dog.

• Assess body condition.

• Review nail length.

• Check dental health.

Keeping a record of any changes can help you spot patterns and provide useful information to your vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my dog's health?

A quick visual check every day and a more thorough examination once a week is a good routine for most dogs. Monthly weight and body condition checks are also helpful.

How do I know if my dog's weight is healthy?

You should be able to feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If you're unsure, your veterinary practice can assess your dog's body condition score.

What should I do if I find a lump?

Not all lumps are serious, but any new lump—or one that changes in size, shape or texture—should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Is bad breath normal in dogs?

Occasional mild odour may occur after eating, but persistent bad breath can be a sign of dental disease or other health problems and should be investigated.

Can I treat an ear infection at home?

If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, it's best to seek veterinary advice. Ear problems can have different causes, and using the wrong treatment may make the issue worse.

Final Thoughts

Regular home health checks are one of the easiest ways to support your dog's long-term wellbeing. By becoming familiar with what's normal for your dog, you'll be better equipped to recognise subtle changes that could indicate illness or discomfort.

These checks don't take long, but they can make a significant difference when it comes to early detection and timely veterinary care. Combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, enrichment and routine veterinary visits, they're an important part of responsible dog ownership.

At Bellamy Pet Wellness, we believe prevention is just as important as treatment. Small, consistent habits today can help your dog enjoy a healthier and happier life for years to come.

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