Tips on How to Check Your Dogs Health

If you have a dog these are some tips that will save you money from having to visit your vet.

The Eyes

The surface of the eye (cornea) should be clear. The middle of the eye (pupil) should respond to light. You can shine a light into your pets’ eyes and see the pupil constrict. The right and left pupils should be equal size.

The pink tissue around the eye is called the conjunctiva. It is normally a light pink colour. In infections it becomes a darker pink and the eyes will produce a white or greenish discharge. There are a number of home remedies to treat conjunctivitis.

The Ears

Your pet should not be shaking their head; if they do there may be an ear infection.

The outside of the ear (pinna) should be a light pink and palpate as being flat. Any thickening could indicate an ear infection, allergy or a blood blister in the ear (aural hematoma).

The inside of the ear (ear canal) should be easy to see and free of discharge. A small amount of light yellow discharge is probably normal wax. Any foul smelling odour indicates an infection. A yellowy discharge often indicates a yeast infection. Hard black debris in your cats’ ears likely indicates ear mites. If debris and odour are present, then clean your pets’ ears.

Nose

Check for any signs of discharge from the right or left nostril. The occasional clear discharge is normal for some pets, but ongoing discharge indicates a problem, such as an allergy.

Your pet may benefit from a hypoallergenic diet, which can be bought commercially. Alternatively, you can use an at-home diet you make yourself. Whatever food you choose, it must be fed for 12 weeks.

If after 12 weeks your pet it still scratching, then she probably doesn’t have a food allergy.

The Mouth

Examine the outside of your pets’ mouth first. The base of the chin can become infected in cats with a condition called feline acne. The lips should appear smooth and have no signs of inflammation.

Pay close attention to lip folds in the large breed dogs with lots of extra skin. If saliva accumulates, then wipe the area with a medicated antiseptic such as Hibitane.

Lift up your pets lips and examine their teeth. The gums should appear a healthy light pink colour (except in breeds such as Chows with dark pigment). Pay close attention to the area where the teeth begin.

Inflamed gums appear a darker red and may even bleed if you touch them. This is a sign of gingivitis and may mean your pet needs a dental cleaning.

The Neck

Palpate the base of the jaw and the beginning of the neck. In this area you can feel the corner of the bottom jaw (mandible). Here you should be able to feel the submandibular lymph nodes and parotid salivary gland. In a healthy pet, most of the time you won’t feel anything in this area.

Any lymph node swelling is serious, so have your veterinarian look for the causes of the swelling. It is very important to catch the signs early. Your pet may benefit from some immune stimulation.

Terry Metcalfe writing on behalf of London Vets – Streathamhill Veterinary Surgery.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/tips-on-how-to-check-your-dogs-health-1294691.html

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