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6 signs that your dog is healthy
A healthy dog is a happy dog that goes to the vet less often and will live longer. As a dog can’t tell you how it is, Petstory is here to tell you about 6 signs that prove your dog is in top shape.
His dental hygiene is good
You’re not expected to floss your dog's teeth, but tartar buildup and bad breath are definitely issues. So, it’s a good idea for you to brush his teeth. You can use chewable treats to prevent tartar and plaque too, as they are very effective. All this will help keep your dog’s gums healthy and pink and protect against periodontitis, the most common dental disease in dogs, one that can lead to eating difficulties or tooth loss.
His ears are clean
Ear infections affect 15 to 20% of dogs, particularly cocker spaniels (because of their dangly ears) and poodles (because even their ears are hairy). As owners, we need to be vigilant. On a healthy dog, the inside of the ear should be pale pink and clean with very little earwax (looks like human earwax, but brown). You’ll need to clean your dog's ears regularly with an appropriate product. If your dog constantly tilts its head to the side or is scratching a lot, it may be time to visit the vet.
His eyes are lively and bright
When you look your dog in the eye, what do you see? Obviously, you see a little (or a big) ball of love, but what else? Your dog's eyes are connected to both its vascular and nervous systems, so they are a good indicator of health. If they are clear and vivid, if there are a few tears present, or just a little mucus in the corner of the eyes, then everything is fine. However, an aging dog can develop cataracts, just like humans. If the white is tinged with yellow or red, you should consult.
Your dog’s weight is ideal for its breed and size
Being overweight is harmful for your dog. Obesity, that is to say being at least 15% overweight, is unfortunately the owner’s fault. Yes, if we always give our table scraps to our dog in addition to his daily food, your furry friend will end up being tubby. To keep your dog at the right weight, be sure to give it only its recommended daily serving.
Be reasonable with treats, even if they are delicious Petstory treats. A little advice: remember to reduce your dog’s daily food quantity according to the number of treats you give it during the day! And don't forget to go for a walk. It’s as good for you as it is for your four-legged buddy.
His coat is shiny
Did you know that in addition to removing dead hair and getting rid of tangles, brushing also stimulates blood circulation. If your dog is healthy, his coat should be silky, dandruff-free, and not too dry. And his coat should be the same all over. As for his skin, there should be no scabs (yuk!) or redness. Petting your dog is a great way to check on the condition of his coat, so go ahead, stroke away!
His behavior is not unusual
You know your dog. If he is usually full of energy and then suddenly starts to sleep a lot, refuses his daily walk, or loses or gains weight, these are signs that something may be wrong. It's just like us: when we don't feel well, we're really not ourselves.
We hope these hints will help you to spot any problems with your pooch. In case of doubt, head off to the vet. Because the old adage that prevention is better than cure applies to dogs just as much as it does to humans!