Health and Nutrition
In order to spot problems early, give your dog a health check
as part of his daily routine.


The Ears
These should be clean, pale pink inside and your dog should be alert to sounds. If the ears look
clean there is no need to do anything.

Inflamed or red areas, smelly discharge, persistant head tilting/scratching and loss of hearing are
all indicators of potential health problems.  If any wax has built up, a few drops of proprietary wax
softener can be used and swab the ear out with a piece of cotton wool - however never use cotton
buds or probe deeply into the ear.



The Eyes
Your dogs eyes should be clear and bright, with both eyelids fully open and both pupils of equal
size.  If the eyes look in good health there is no need to do anything.



Cloudiness, watering or discharge, dilated pupils in bright light, if the whites of eyes are
bloodshot and pawing or rubbing at the eyes are all indicators of poor eye health.  Using a
damp piece of cotton wool, remove any dry crusty deposits of sleep and trim or tie back any
hair which hangs into the eyes and could irritate them.

The Nose
Your dogs nose should be moist and free from discharge.



The Legs
Each leg can be checked by running a hand down the length of it from top to bottom, feeling
for any lumps and bumps, swelling or tender areas.  Also look for any cuts or sores.

The Joints
Very gently and slowly, flex the joints of your dog without forcing the motion or holding the
legs too tightly.  The joints should feel warm - not swollen or hot - and you should be able to
move them without causing your dog any pain or discomfort.



The Feet
To check your dogs feet, carefully part each toe and look for any cuts, blisters, lumps or
abrasions in the webs, along with any signs or irritation or inflamation.  Remove any grass
seeds caught between the dog’s toes with tweezers, if you can’t reach it consult your vet.  

The paws should feel warm - not cold, clammy or hot.  Washing your dogs feet with warm
water will remove any clumps of mud. Trimming excess hair will make cleaning easier and
prevent the paws staying damp, leading to infections.



Your dogs nails will need regular clipping unless he/she does a lot of work on hard surfaces. 
The nail should be cut just in front of the blood supply inside the nail - otherwise known as
the quick. It is easily visible on light coloured nails however on black nails it is not easy to
see. 

Carefully trim off slivers until a pale area can be seen on the top edge of the cut part of nail
- if unsure contact your dog groomer or vet. Always use specialist dog nail trimmers.

Dewclaws are on the inside of your dog’s front legs - some breeds have them on the back
legs too.  As they make no contact with the ground they will definitely need trimming
regularly.