How To Do Just About Everything
By eHow Pets Editor
Give Your Dog Daily Checkups
Rate: (5 Ratings)
Give your dog a checkup every day when you first get her, then examine her at least once a week to increase your awareness of her normal condition.
Check the ear canals for redness, swelling or discharge. Look for swelling and scabs along the earflap.
Check your dog's eyes for discharge or excessive tearing. Look for inflammation and swelling and notice any differences between eyes.
Observe the gums for redness, irritation and growths. Check teeth for abnormal discoloration (plaque). Notice any foul odor.
Look for hair loss, matted hair, redness and flaky skin. Run hands through fur to feel for ticks and to inspect for fleas.
Check between your dog's toes for foxtails and other foreign objects. Look for swelling, redness and tenderness around the toes, and check paw pads for cuts.
eHow Pets Editor
How to Take Your Pet's Temperature
By:
eHow Pets Editor
How to Prevent Bad Breath in Pets
By:
eHow Pets Editor
How to Give Pets Oral Medication
By:
eHow Pets Editor
How to Pack a First Aid Kit for Pets
By:
eHow Travel Editor
How to Calm a Pet's Fear of Visiting the Veterinarian
By:
eHow Pets Editor
Comments
Anonymous said
on 7/11/2006 When checking your dog, don't forget to run your hands under the throat. I discovered a strange swelling on my dog's throat. The vet thought it was a bite or trauma, and suggested to come back if not gone in a week. It was thyroid cancer and had progressed too far. We lost a great family member and are devastated that it might have been caught earlier.
Anonymous said
on 4/2/2006 If you have a dog that hates going to the vet or just plain hates the vet, then make a routine out of handling your dog daily or at least 4 times a week. If you dog feels your hands in all places of his/her body then when the vet goes there he/her is less likely to be so scared. Physical contact between you and your dog is vital whether or not he is afraid of the vet.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 It's wise practice to run your hands all over you pet's body to get him acquainted to being handled. Hold his paws gently (but firmly), run your fingers along his gumline, play with his ears and run your hands against the fur to check for flea dirt or ticks daily. This way, not only can you detect possible problems early on, but you'll make it much easier on your pet and the vet when taking him to get checked up. Remember to praise your pet with affection and/or a low-fat treat after looking him over.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If your dog is acting strangely around the areas that you can check up on, I suggest that you do that checkup every month or, if it's been less than a month, you should check right away if he's acting weird.