How To Check If Dog Is Healthy: Complete Guide

Checking your dog’s health at home involves a simple 5-step assessment of their eyes, ears, nose, mouth, coat, weight, and behavior. To check if your dog is healthy, start by observing their energy levels and appetite, then perform a hands on physical inspection from nose to tail. This guide provides the exact checks veterinarians recommend you perform weekly to catch early signs of illness, along with actionable steps to monitor vital signs and subtle changes that can indicate underlying problems.

How Do I Check My Dog’s Eyes and Ears for Health Problems?

Start your health check with your dog’s eyes. Healthy eyes are bright, clear, and free from redness, swelling, or discharge. The third eyelid (nictitating membrane) should not be visible. If you see yellow or green discharge, excessive tearing, or cloudiness, schedule a vet visit within 24-48 hours.

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For ears, lift the flap and look inside. The inner ear should be pale pink with no redness, swelling, or debris. A healthy ear has little to no odor. If you detect a yeasty or foul smell, or see dark brown or yellow discharge, your dog may have an ear infection — this is one of the most common issues vets treat. Dogs with floppy ears, like Basset Hounds or Cocker Spaniels, need checks twice weekly.

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Pro Tip: Check your dog’s ears after every bath or swim. Moisture trapped in the ear canal is the leading cause of infections. Use a vet approved drying solution if your dog loves water.

Gently press the base of your dog’s ear. If they flinch or whimper, that indicates pain. Dogs often hide ear discomfort until it’s severe, so this pressure test is a reliable early indicator. Learn more about supporting your dog’s overall comfort with proper rest.

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What Does a Healthy Dog’s Nose and Mouth Look Like?

Contrary to popular belief, a warm, dry nose does not automatically mean your dog is sick. A healthy dog’s nose can vary from cool and moist to warm and dry depending on the environment and activity level. What matters is consistency — if your dog’s nose suddenly becomes cracked, crusty, or has discharge, that warrants attention. Nasal discharge that is thick, colored, or one sided is a red flag for infection or foreign body.

Checking the Mouth and Gums

Lift your dog’s lips and examine their gums. Healthy gums are bubblegum pink and moist to the touch. Press gently on the gum with your finger — the color should return to pink within 2 seconds (this is called capillary refill time). Pale, blue, or bright red gums indicate an emergency. Black pigmented gums are normal for breeds like Chow Chows and Shar-Peis, so know your dog’s baseline.

Check your dog’s teeth for tartar buildup, broken teeth, or loose teeth. Bad breath (halitosis) is not normal — it signals dental disease, which affects 80% of dogs by age 3 according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Regular brushing 2-3 times per week prevents this. Also check for lumps or bumps under the tongue and along the gum line.

Pro Tip: Use a finger toothbrush and dog safe enzymatic toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste — xylitol is toxic to dogs. Start brushing for just 30 seconds per session to build tolerance. Gradually increase to 2 minutes as your dog becomes comfortable.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Is at a Healthy Weight?

Body condition scoring is the most reliable method to check if your dog is healthy weight-wise. Run your hands along your dog’s ribcage. You should be able to feel each rib with a thin layer of fat over them — like feeling the ridges on the back of your hand. If ribs are visible from a distance, your dog is underweight. If you cannot feel ribs at all, your dog is overweight. The ideal score on a 9-point body condition scale is 4-5.

Look at your dog from above. A healthy dog has a visible waist behind the ribs. From the side, there should be a tuck upward from the chest to the abdomen. Obesity in dogs reduces lifespan by up to 2.5 years, research from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention indicates. Adjust food portions by 10-15% if your dog is carrying extra weight, and increase exercise by 15-20 minutes daily until the waist reappears.

Weigh your dog monthly at home using a bathroom scale. For small dogs, weigh yourself holding the dog, then subtract your weight. Track these numbers — sudden weight loss or gain of more than 5 in one month requires a vet consultation. For large breeds, use a pet scale at your vet’s office or a local pet store.

How Do I Check My Dog’s Vital Signs at Home?

Monitoring vital signs gives you objective data about your dog’s health. A healthy dog’s resting heart rate ranges from 60-140 beats per minute for small breeds and 50-100 bpm for larger breeds. To measure, place your hand on your dog’s left side just behind the elbow, count beats for 15 seconds, and multiply by 4. Puppies and active dogs often have faster rates.

Normal respiratory rate for a resting dog is 10-30 breaths per minute. Watch your dog’s chest rise and fall — one inhale and exhale counts as one breath. If your dog is panting excessively without exercise or heat, or breathing with visible effort, seek veterinary care. Normal temperature for dogs is 101-102.5°F (38.3-39.2°C). Use a digital rectal thermometer lubricated with petroleum jelly for accurate readings.

Pro Tip: Practice taking vital signs when your dog is calm and relaxed, such as after a nap. Record baseline numbers for 1 week. This helps you recognize abnormalities quickly — a 10% change from baseline often signals early illness.

What Does a Healthy Dog’s Coat and Skin Look Like?

A healthy coat is shiny, smooth, and free from dandruff, bald patches, or excessive shedding. Run your hands through your dog’s fur against the grain. You should not find scabs, bumps, flakes, or parasites like fleas (look for “flea dirt” — small black specks that turn red when wet). A dull, brittle coat can indicate nutritional deficiencies, thyroid issues, or allergies.

Skin Elasticity and Hydration Check

Gently pinch a fold of skin on your dog’s back between your shoulder blades. In a well hydrated dog, the skin snaps back immediately. If it takes 2-3 seconds to return to normal, your dog is mildly dehydrated. Offer fresh water and monitor. If tenting persists for more than 3 seconds, seek veterinary care within 24 hours. Severe dehydration requires immediate IV fluids.

Check between your dog’s paw pads for cracks, redness, or foreign objects. Paw pads should be smooth and slightly rough — not cracked or bleeding. In winter, wipe paws after walks to remove ice melting chemicals. In summer, test pavement with your palm; if it’s too hot for your hand, it burns your dog’s paws. Apply paw balm weekly to prevent cracking in dry climates.

Pro Tip: Use a fine toothed flea comb weekly during warm months. Run it through your dog’s fur from head to tail, focusing on the lower back and tail base. This catches fleas before they become an infestation. Dip the comb in soapy water to drown any fleas you find.

How Do I Assess My Dog’s Energy and Behavior for Health Issues?

Behavior changes are often the first sign that something is wrong. A healthy dog maintains consistent energy levels — they should be alert, responsive, and interested in their environment. Track your dog’s baseline: how much they sleep (typically 12-14 hours for adult dogs), how enthusiastically they greet you, and their interest in walks and play. A sudden decrease in playfulness or increase in sleeping by 2-3 hours daily warrants investigation.

Sudden lethargy, hiding, aggression, or excessive panting without exercise are red flags. Dogs in pain often show subtle signs: decreased appetite, reluctance to climb stairs, stiff movements after lying down, or excessive licking of a specific body part. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends keeping a daily log for 1-2 weeks to establish your dog’s normal patterns. Note any changes in vocalization — whining, whimpering, or growling can indicate discomfort.

Monitor your dog’s digestion as part of this behavioral check. Healthy dogs produce firm, brown, log shaped stools 1-2 times daily. Diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, or straining to defecate requires attention. Healthy dogs urinate 3-5 times per day in clear to pale yellow color. Increased thirst (polydipsia) combined with increased urination can signal kidney disease or diabetes. Track water intake by marking the water bowl level each morning.

What Are the Subtle Signs of Illness I Should Watch For?

Beyond the basic checks, certain subtle signs can indicate developing health issues. Watch for changes in your dog’s gait — limping, favoring a leg, or stiffness after rest can signal arthritis or injury. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons notes that early intervention for joint issues improves outcomes by up to 40%. Also monitor your dog’s posture: a hunched back, tucked tail, or head pressing against walls are emergency signs.

Pay attention to your dog’s appetite patterns. A healthy dog eats consistently at meal times. Picky eating that lasts more than 2 days, sudden ravenous hunger, or eating non food items (pica) all need veterinary evaluation. Changes in drinking behavior — drinking excessively or refusing water — are equally important. Also note your dog’s breath: a sudden sweet or fruity odor can indicate diabetes, while a urine like smell may signal kidney issues.

Pro Tip: Keep a “health journal” on your phone with daily notes on appetite, energy, stool quality, and any unusual behaviors. Over 2-3 weeks, patterns emerge that help you distinguish between one off incidents and developing problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my dog’s health at home?
Perform a full at home health check once per week. Quick daily checks — looking at eyes, ears, and behavior — take 2 minutes. Weekly hands on exams catch problems early before they become serious. Track findings in a simple notebook or app.

What is the most important sign of a healthy dog?
Consistent appetite and normal energy levels are the two most reliable indicators of overall health. A dog that eats well and engages in normal activity is generally healthy, even if other minor signs are present. Sudden changes in either warrant attention.

Can a warm, dry nose mean my dog is sick?
Not necessarily. A dog’s nose temperature varies throughout the day based on environment, activity, and sleep. Focus on discharge, cracking, or sudden changes rather than temperature alone. A dry nose with cracked skin or thick discharge is more concerning.

How do I check my dog’s heartbeat at home?
Place your hand on your dog’s left side just behind the elbow. Count beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. Normal resting heart rate is 60-140 bpm for small dogs and 50-100 bpm for large breeds. Puppies have faster rates. Irregular rhythms or rates outside these ranges need vet evaluation.

What should a healthy dog’s gums look like?
Healthy gums are bubblegum pink, moist, and have a capillary refill time under 2 seconds. Pale, white, blue, or bright red gums are emergencies. Black pigmented gums are normal for some breeds. Sticky or dry gums indicate dehydration.

How do I check if my dog is dehydrated?
Perform the skin tent test: pinch skin between the shoulder blades. If it snaps back immediately, hydration is normal. If it takes 2-3 seconds, offer water. Over 3 seconds means dehydration requiring vet attention. Also check gum moisture and eye sunkenness.

What are signs of pain in dogs?
Subtle signs include decreased appetite, reluctance to move, stiff gait, excessive panting, hiding, aggression when touched, and licking a specific body part. Dogs hide pain instinctively, so watch for small changes. Whining, trembling, or restlessness also indicate discomfort.

When should I take my dog to the vet after a home check?
Seek immediate vet care for: breathing difficulty, collapsed or unable to stand, seizures, bloody vomit or stool, pale gums, or bloated abdomen. Schedule an appointment within 24 hours for: persistent vomiting, diarrhea over 24 hours, limping, eye discharge, or unexplained weight loss of more than 5 in one month.

For more on this topic, see our guide to how to treat dog cold at home.