How to conduct a tip-to-tail pet health check

Doing a regular pet health check at home is one of the best ways to catch early signs of illness or discomfort in your dog or cat.

When there’s something seriously wrong with our pets, its usually easy to tell – they’re lethargic, go off their food, don’t want to go for a walk. You don’t want it to get to that point, where things may be more serious than you’d like.

So, how do you stay abreast of their bodies and notice any changes or abnormalities before they turn into something serious? 

While it’s no substitute for a professional vet exam, checking over your pet from tip to tail can help you stay on top of their wellbeing, and spot anything unusual before it becomes a bigger issue.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to carrying out a tip-to-tail pet health check.

A top tip before you start your tip-to-tail health check

Because pets may not love the idea of you poking and prodding them, so before you begin your pet health check, keep a reward or two nearby. Whether it’s tasty treats, their favourite toy, or gentle praise and cuddles, a positive distraction can help your pet feel more at ease (and make things more pleasant for both you and your furry friend).

Step 1: Check their head

Start your pet health check with their head and face, looking closely at the nose, eyes, and mouth.

Nose:

Look for any discharge or differences between the nostrils. A healthy nose is usually moist and free of crustiness. Dryness, discharge, or swelling could point to infection or irritation.

Eyes:

Check for any redness, discharge, cloudiness, or discolouration in either eye. The whites of their eyes should look clean and bright, and pupils should be equal in size.

Mouth, Teeth & Gums:

Lift the lips to check for tartar build-up and inspect the colour of the gums. Healthy gums are typically pink or black, depending on the breed. Red or inflamed gums can suggest gingivitis or infection, while pale gums may indicate anaemia or other underlying conditions.

And yes – it’s worth giving your pet’s breath a quick sniff. If it’s particularly bad (not just normal ‘bad dog breath’!) it can be an indicator of digestive problems or other conditions. 

To help, take a look at these common FAQs about your pet’s teeth and gums. 

Step two: Check over their body

Now it’s time to check the rest of your pet’s body, including their weight, skin, coat, and limbs.

Body Condition Score (BCS):

The first thing to do here is check their body condition score (BCS). Use your hands to feel along your pet’s sides. You should be able to feel (but not clearly see) their ribs. There should be a noticeable dip at the waist between the ribs and hips, and their belly shouldn’t sag. Sudden changes in weight – gain or loss – can signal an underlying issue, so it’s important to monitor regularly.

Run your hands along the body:

This is where you check for any lumps, bumps, or changes under the skin. Move section by section from the neck to the hind legs. Many dogs (and some cats!) will enjoy this part if you keep your touch light and reassuring. Be sure to move up and down the body in sections to make sure you do a thorough check. 

Look for fleas and ticks:

Pay extra attention to the rump, under the collar, behind the ears, between toes, and around the tail. While you’re unlikely to actually see a flea because they’re fast-moving, but you may spot black specks (flea droppings) near the skin. Ticks tend to lodge in warm, protected areas, and may look like small bumps on the skin.

Check this article to see what flea eggs look like, and get the full guide to checking for checking for fleas and ticks & how to manage parasites.

Check the skin and coat:

Analysing your pet’s skin & coat is also important. Your pet’s coat should be shiny and smooth, and the skin underneath should be free from redness, flakiness, or bald patches. Dry or irritated skin can indicate allergies, parasites, or even stress.

Paws and nails:

Gently press each paw and examine the nails and pads. Pads should be smooth and free from cracks or wounds. Nails should not be split or overly long. If you can hear a “click-clack” sound on hard floors, it’s time for a trim! Some dogs will allow you to do this yourself at home and others may need a quick trip to the vet or your local Dog Groomer. 

Step 3: Check their behind

The final part of your pet health check focuses on the spine, tail, and rear end.

Spine:

Starting at the neck, gently press along your pet’s spine toward the tail. Watch their reaction for any signs of pain or stiffness. This can help flag back pain, arthritis, or injuries.

Tail and rear end:

Check for consistent hair growth along the tail and under the base. Long-haired pets may have debris (like dirt or grass) stuck near their bottom, which can lead to irritation or infection if not cleaned. Look for any swelling, sores, or redness around the anus.

Regular grooming and gentle washing can help prevent problems in this area…and make your health checks much easier!

What to do if you spot something

If you notice any unusual lumps, weight changes, pain reactions, or changes in behaviour during your pet health check, don’t ignore it. Trust your instincts and book a visit to the vet for professional advice. Catching a condition early often means faster, more effective treatment.

Make your pet health check a regular part of your routine

By making a pet health check part of your monthly routine, you’ll feel more confident about your pet’s wellbeing. And, the more you do this, the more comfortable they’ll be with being handled and examined. It’s a small act of care that can make a big difference in their overall health.

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