How to perform a health check on your dog

Here’s a checklist of things to look for when examining your dog. If you have any concerns, always contact your veterinary clinic.  

Watch your dog for any signs of flinching, and listen for any vocalising, when you examine them. This could be a sign that they are uncomfortable or in pain. 

What to check and what to look out for

General body condition and movement

Watch your dog moving around. They should be able to: 

• move easily without any tension in their muscles 
• spread their weight evenly on all four paws 
• walk along using all their legs equally 
• step over things without dragging their paws.  

Gently feel your dog’s body. Their body should feel the same on both sides. For example, each shoulder should feel the same size and shape, and they should be the same temperature. 

If you look at your dog from above, you should be able to see their ‘waist’ and their back should be straight.

You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs beneath their coat, but not see these visibly through their fur. Note: this might vary between breeds and types. 

Breathing

Watch your dog’s chest rise and fall. Their breathing should be regular and rhythmic. Your dog should breathe comfortably and without difficulty, rasping or wheeziness. 

Coat/skin

Look for any broken skin such as cuts or grazes, as these will need to be kept clean and might need medical attention.  

Check for any parasites such as ticks, lice and fleas, or flea-dirt which might appear as reddish-brown flecks within the fur.  

Check for lumps and spots, as well as any patches of hair loss, itchiness, reddening or thickening of the skin beneath the fur.

Has your dog been repeatedly scratching or nibbling at themselves? Matted fur clumps could be a sign that your dog is chewing themselves in that area, perhaps to relieve pain. Or they might be unable to reach and groom that area.  

Face

Each side of your dog’s face should look the same, without any drooping. They should hold their head straight, without any permanent tilt to either side.  

Their eyes, including the pupils, should be the same size and shape. The white bits of the eyes should be white, not yellow, red, or speckly, without any yellow or green discharge.  

Your dog should be able to hold their ears in a natural position. Their ears should feel the same temperature as the rest of their body.

They shouldn’t have any swelling or lumps. Some wax is natural, but the inside of your dog’s ear should be free from discharge and not red, crusty, or foul-smelling.  

Dogs’ noses can vary in colour, but they should have equal-sized nostrils which flare open and closed naturally when sniffing. 

Jaw, teeth and gums

Your dog’s jaw should open and close without difficulty. They should be able to eat without difficulty. They shouldn’t drool constantly or repeatedly scrabble at their mouth with their paws.  

Their tongue and gums should appear lubricated and shiny. Gums should not be bright red or pale, grey, or white. 

Your dog’s teeth should not be broken or wobbly. Plaque can build up on the teeth so follow your vet’s advice regarding teeth care. 

Legs and paws

Gently run your hands down each of your dog’s legs in turn. Running your hands down your dog’s legs first helps them to expect that you are going to move onto their paws.

Take care to lift each leg with its natural movement so you’re not holding your dog’s leg awkwardly to get a look at their paws.  

Check for: 

• any areas that feel hotter to the touch or swollen 
• any matted fur or anything stuck between or into the pads, like grass seeds or splinters 
• any grazing or cuts.  

Check your dog’s nails for any signs of damage or overgrowth, including the dew claw if your dog has these. Find out more about your dog’s nails and how to clip them.

Genitals and anus

These should appear clean and not swollen or reddened (unless a female is in season, at which time you are likely to see the vulva swollen and some bloody discharge).

Check for any signs of irritation and itchiness, as well as lumps or hardened areas. 

Contact your vet for advice if your dog is chewing at their bottom repeatedly.  

Both males and females have nipples – usually 10, in two rows across their whole chest area. These should not have any lumps, redness or swelling.

If there are any changes, take a photo if easy to do for reference and monitoring and contact your vet for advice.

Tail

Your dog’s tail should be held naturally and move easily. Check for any areas of damage, swelling, greasiness, hair loss or chewing.