Something is Off with my Dog – How to Take a Health Inventory

Sheepdog

It isn’t uncommon for owners to get the sense that something’s just not right with their pet, but be unable to characterize the problem so they can tell the veterinarian.

Sometimes, changes in your pet’s health are subtle and occur over weeks or months. It can require all of your attention and perception to identify what has changed. We’ve developed a simple health inventory to help guide you in characterizing your pet’s health. This list can be used for a monthly assessment of your pet’s health or reviewed prior to going to the veterinarian so that you can be sure to tell him or her about all the changes your pets is experiencing. The more information your vet has, the easier he or she can diagnose any underlying conditions.

Paw BulletWhat is your pet’s general demeanor?

Paw BulletHas his level of activity changed? Has his interest in playing changed? Does he tire more easily?

Paw BulletDoes he sleep through the night?

Paw BulletAre his eyes bright or dull? Does he have a discharge from his eyes? What color is the discharge?

Paw BulletDoes he hug the wall or the furniture when he walks?

Paw BulletHas his hearing changed?

Paw BulletDoes he paw at his ears?

Paw BulletDoes he scratch his head, muzzle, or ears on the carpet or furniture?

Paw BulletIs he overweight? Underweight? Has there been an unexplained weight change?

Paw BulletHas his appetite changed?

Paw BulletIs he drinking more or less water than usual?

Paw BulletDoes he have a cough? What does it sound like?

Paw BulletDoes he have vomiting, diarrhea, constipation?

Paw BulletDoes he drag his bottom or scoot his rear across the grass or carpet?

Paw BulletWhat is the condition of his coat? Is it dull? Lifeless? Dry? Shinny? Are there bare or bald spots? Has his coat thinned? If it has thinned, is the thinning all over or just in certain areas?

Paw BulletHas he been scratching? Is he scratching all over or in one particular spot?

Paw BulletWhat is the condition of his nails?

Paw BulletAre there any unusual or unpleasant odors from his mouth, ears, skin?

Paw BulletIs he alert and listening to you?

Paw BulletIs he having more accidents (urine or feces) than usual?

Paw BulletDoes he appear to be in pain? Does he back away when you try to touch him in certain places? Does he growl when you touch him? Is he favoring or guarding a part of his body?

Paw BulletAre there any signs of recent injury?

Paw BulletAre his movements smooth? Does he favor one paw or leg over the others? When he moves, is his reach even on the left and right sides?

Paw BulletDoes he show stiffness in his joints? Does he have difficulty lying down or getting up?

Paw BulletDoes he hold his head erect and straight?

 
 
 

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