Dog Health Check Guide: Addressing Common Questions for Optimal Canine Care

Part of being a responsible dog owner is scheduling routine health checks for these furry friends. As a veterinarian, you know that clients should bring in their dogs at least once a year to ensure early detection of health issues — and maintain their overall well-being.

Explaining the importance of dog health checks and addressing parent questions can help you ensure the most comprehensive care for your patients. Below, find a guide for dog health checks that you can incorporate into your patient education.

Understanding Dog Health Checks

Regular health checks are an important component of comprehensive care for canines.

Definition and Purpose

Dog health checks aim to assess a dog’s health and well-being. A veterinarian evaluates a dog from head to toe for signs of disease, poor nutrition, poor grooming, or other health problems. Regular health checks allow vets to catch problems early before they worsen.

Frequency of Examinations

Most dogs only require an annual health check. However, more frequent examinations may be necessary for dogs experiencing progressive illnesses or reaching old age.

Components of a Comprehensive Dog Health Check

Veterinarians perform several steps as part of a canine health check.

Physical Examination

The first step in a dog health check is the physical examination. Vets closely assess a dog’s body to look for abnormalities that may indicate a problem. They evaluate all of the following:

• The dog’s teeth, looking for signs of dental disease, periodontal disease, and broken teeth
• The dog’s nose
• The dog’s jaw
• The dog’s face, including their ability to hold their head in a natural position
• The dog’s chest
• The dog’s ribs
• The dog’s legs
• The dog’s tail

Calmly examining these areas is an effective way to introduce health checks gradually without stressing out the pup.

Veterinarians specifically look for:

• Broken skin
• Hair loss
• Matted fur
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Foul-smelling or bloody discharge
• Foreign objects in the eyes, ears, or mouth
• Fleas or flea dirt
• Hardened areas of the skin or fur
• Grass seeds in the fur or paws

Vital Signs Monitoring

The veterinarian will take the dog’s body weight and monitor their vital signs. They will:

• Measure the dog’s temperature — the ears should be the same temperature as the rest of the body
• Assess the dog’s ability to breathe comfortably
• Take the dog’s heart rate and respiratory rate
• Check the dog’s mucous membranes (which should be pink, not bright red or gray)
• Evaluate the dog’s hydration status by checking the skin, gums, and tongue

Laboratory Tests

Analyzing stool samples is a common component of a dog health check. Vets check for intestinal parasites at annual appointments, as many do not cause symptoms but can still be harmful if left untreated.

Vets typically only order other laboratory tests if they suspect a problem or if a dog displays symptoms of illness. They may perform a complete blood count (CBC) to narrow down broad symptoms and determine a diagnosis.

Aside from blood tests, other laboratory tests that may be necessary include:

• Urinalysis
• Radiography
• Ultrasonography

Vaccination Updates

If the pup is due for vaccinations, a vet will typically administer them at the appointment. Regular vaccines are important for preventing diseases; missing a required dose could make a dog susceptible to illness.

Common Dog Health Questions Addressed During Checkups

A dog health check offers an excellent opportunity for pet parents to ask questions about their dog’s health. A client may ask for the vet’s advice about the following:

Dietary Concerns

With so many dog foods available on the market, pet parents often wonder which food is best for their companion. They may also be unsure how much food to give their dog or how often to feed them.

Vets can address questions about nutrition, weight management, and dietary supplements at the check-up.

Behavioral Issues

A dog displaying behavioral problems, such as chewing on furniture or urinating indoors, could be a sign of a health issue. At the very least, a vet can provide guidance on how to address them.

Preventive Care

Dog parents can ask about preventive measures, such as dental care, flea and tick prevention, and spaying and neutering, that can help maximize a dog’s life.

Preparing for a Dog Health Check

Dog parents can prepare for general health checks with these tips.

Gathering Medical History

Parents should fill out pet medical history forms in advance to save time at the appointment. They should also gather past medical paperwork from previous vets to bring to the appointment.

Observing Behavioral and Physical Changes

Dog parents should keep an eye out for any issues they want to bring up at the appointment. Any changes in behavior or appearance that are not normal for the pup should be addressed.

Transporting Your Dog

For dogs who feel stressed in the car, parents can begin by taking fun car rides with the pup in the weeks leading up to the appointment. They can also try laying yoga mats or towels on the seat for a more comfortable ride.

The Role of At-Home Health Checks

Between annual vet appointments, dog parents should complete these at-home health checks:

Regular Monitoring

Parents should examine their dogs regularly for any indications of disease or injury. Inspecting the dog’s skin, paws, coat, eyes, and ears is a quick and easy way to catch problems early.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Dog parents should also recognize symptoms that may indicate a dog’s need for medical attention, such as:

• Signs of pain when walking, running, or playing
• Hair loss, showing patches of skin beneath the fur
• Yellow or green discharge near the eyes or nose

A veterinary check-up is always a good idea if a pup starts acting or looking any differently than normal.

Enhancing Veterinary Practice Management With Weave’s Solutions

Are you looking to improve the patient experience at your veterinarian clinic? Weave’s vet practice management solutions can help.

Streamlined Appointment Scheduling

Weave’s online scheduling allows dog parents to easily book their annual health evaluations and receive reminders to schedule appointments each year.

Effective Client Communication

With Weave’s communication tools, you can seamlessly answer questions and address client concerns through text, email, or phone calls.

Digital Documentation

Clients can fill out Weave’s digital forms before their visits. These forms help your practice maintain accurate, accessible health records for the dogs who visit your clinic.

Try Weave for Vets Today

Regular dog health checks help ensure a pup’s long-term well-being. Your practice can enhance your delivery of these appointments — and others — with the help of Weave’s curated solutions. Explore Weave’s vet tools today to learn how they can boost client satisfaction in your vet clinic.