For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your pet will give you a better idea of the animal's overall health and prove as good "quality" time for both you and your pet. Also, this may help you catch a problem in the early phases and certainly before it becomes life threatening.
The list of things you can do during this time could be long but below we've taken the time to list a few of the most basic and easy to read signs of being "off color". In addition to the usual, these steps may help you in deciding your pet's actual state of health.
CHECK YOUR PET FOR:
1)Build up in the tooth area. Also bad breath- which may suggest gingivitis or other tooth/gum problems.
2)Clean ears. Is there wax build up, ticks, mites or other parasites inside? Is a bad odor present?
3)Are the eyes discolored or irritated? Is extensive matter present?
4)A 'greasy" coat? Is the skin grey white or red and irritated? Do you find evidence of fleas or other parasites? Is the smell of the animals coat on your hands, after checking it with your fingers, fishy, rank or offensive?
A doggy odor, while common, is still a sign of a low level of health. If your answers to many of the above areas are "YES", then you should plan some type of action to discontinue this cycle of bad health. First and foremost, diet is the best place to start. Consult with your vet and/or check into possible alternative therapies. In the end, your pet's overall health is up to you, so these early warning signs should not be overlooked.
A clean bill of health is the most valuable gift you can present to your pets- next to your love and attention.
Article written and reprinted with permission of: http://www.pedigreedpups.com/
Purebred Dogs, Puppies and Dog Breeders - "Your New Best Friend"
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
