Dog Owner's Manual › Chapter 8: Dog Health Care › Dog Checkups at Home ›

List: Dog Checkups at Home

Mouth: Teeth should be white and gums should be pink (unless they are naturally pigmented black). There should be no lumps or bumps in the mouth. The model should not emit "doggy breath". (see Doggie Breath.)

Eyes: A healthy dog should have clear eyes with no discharge, squinting, irritation, or cloudiness.

Ears: The interior of the ears should be pink, odorless, and free of dark-colored discharge. There should be no signs of tenderness, pain, or itching.

Weight: If you cannot feel the dog’s ribs, the unit may be overweight. If the ribs are very pronounced, however, the canine could be underweight.

Paws: Check the feet for damage to the pads. Make sure the nails and dewclaws (if present) are trimmed and in good condition.

Waste Port: Make sure the anal area is clean, dry, and free of bumps and welts.

Skin: Use a comb to examine the skin. Look for "flea dirt" (excrement from fleas that resembles grains of pepper). Skin should be free of odor, grease, scabs, flakes, and other irritations.

Coat: Check the coat for bald spots, dullness, and/or excessive, unwarranted shedding.

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Chapter 8: Dog Health Care

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Quirk BooksThe Dog Owner's Manual is a basic guide to dog care.
The book was written by a celebrated veterinarian and an acclaimed author. It provides dog owners with well-researched and helpful information presented in a lighthearted manner. The creators chose to write the book in a style similar to what you'd find in "operating instructions" for a car or computer. Of course they--and we--respect the fact that our beloved pets are not products or machines!