Know Your Dog

It seems like a simple enough statement…know your dog.  But I think sometimes it gets overlooked simply because we’re around our canine companions so much, we really don’t give it much thought.  At least not until something goes terribly wrong.  Maybe there were earlier signs, but we didn’t notice, because we weren’t really paying that much attention.  My rule of thumb is, if something seems even a little ‘off’…monitor the abnormality at least 24 hours.  If it doesn’t get better, then check into it further.  Now if it’s something major and very obvious, it most likely will require immediate attention. 

When we have a new dog in our home, whether it be a foster or an adopted dog, it can be more of a challenge.  Who knows what’s ‘normal’ for this recent arrival?  Well, that’s when observation mode begins…when the dog enters your home.  Take note of his/her habits…granted I’ve found with fostering that the ‘real dog’ doesn’t emerge until somewhere around three weeks in my home.  Monitor water intake.  Check the stool, most times just a visual will be enough…this can disclose a lot.  Size, texture, (too dry, too loose, etc.) even color. Do there appear to be any worms? They’re pretty noticeable.  Is there a fowl odor to it, does it really, really stink, like something ‘died’? Does the dog strain to urinate or does it cause any discomfort? Is mucus present in the stool? Blood? These are all signs that something is awry. 

Check your dog’s ears to see if any visible discharge is present.  Take a sniff…if should not have a bad odor at all.  Do his/her eyes appear healthy? There should not be any small ‘clumps’ of mucus draining out of the eye…an off color, like green or yellow could indicate an infection.  Is there redness? If it is possible, check your dog’s teeth and gums.  The gums should be a healthy pinkish/red color.  Your dog should not have a ‘snotty’ nose.  This could indicate allergies or an infection, even a blockage or cancer.  A clear, wet nose is typically not an issue.  There should never be any ‘color’ or ‘cloudiness’ to discharge.

If you don’t trim your dog’s nails, do check their nails in between trims.  Rough or broken nails can get caught on things and do further damage to the nail, or even hurt your dog.  Give your dog a gentle, but firm massage all over his/her body.  This will allow you to check for lumps, bumps or anything that doesn’t seems like it should be there.  Take extra care with smaller and older dogs or dogs with arthritis to not rub too hard.  My dogs love when I massage them! I usually get ‘thank you kisses’.  Also consider purchasing a brush to ‘massage’ your dog’s coat.  Even for short hairs.  I haven’t met a dog yet that didn’t like a good brushing! Carefully ‘work out’ tangles if your dog has long hair.  You want it to be an enjoyable experience for both of you!

Basically, if you can check your dog from snout to tail, it will give you a pretty good indication if something is amiss.  Early detection of a problem can many times keep an issue from becoming out of control.  This also familiarizes you with your dog’s overall condition.  Any concerns you have can be discussed with your veterinarian.  Get to know your dog…it can be a life-saver!