A Healthy Dog is a Happy One
Characteristics of a healthy puppy/dog
- Eyes: Should be bright and clear.
- Ears: Should be clean and free of discharge, odour and redness. Untreated ear problems are painful and can cause hearing loss.
- Nose: Should be clean, without discharge or sores.
- Mouth: Should smell fresh. Gums should be pink. Teeth should be free of tartar or plaque. Mouth and lips should be free of sores or growths.
- Coat: Should be shiny and clean.
- Weight: Active, playful puppies are rarely overweight.
- Appetite and weight: Healthy dogs should always have a good appetite and should maintain a healthy weight for its age and size. It's common for them to put on weight as they get older and become less active, and this should be managed through their diet and increased activity. There can be a temporary loss of appetite, but if this persists for more than a day, it should be reported to a vet.
Any abnormality in the above or prolonged diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting or abnormal urination, discharge, or inflammation, should be reported to a veterinary surgeon.
He will also advise you on your dog´s nutritional needs and maintaining your dog's healthy weight.