How to give your dog a health check at home

Expert approved

Brian Faulkner

Veterinary Surgeon
RCVS Registered

Along with booking vet visits and your dog’s annual dental checkup, it’s important to regularly check your dog’s eyes, teeth, skin and joint health. Here’s how to do a dog health check at home.

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As a dog owner, it’s important to stay on top of your pet’s health. One way to do this is by performing a regular dog health check at home. Think of it as a ‘dog MOT’ – an opportunity to check your pet from nose to tail and spot any issues early on.

By getting to know what’s normal for your dog, you’ll be better equipped to notice when something’s off, helping you catch potential problems early.

As we explore below, a little time spent checking their eyes, ears, skin, mouth, legs and tail can make all the difference to your dog’s health and wellbeing.

Why perform a dog health check yourself?

Keeping an eye on your dog’s health provides peace of mind that your dog is happy and in good health. Regular dog health checks can often help catch small issues before they become bigger problems, leading to quicker and more effective treatments.

Plus, it’s a great way to build a stronger bond with your dog. When you get to know them better, you’ll be able to spot changes in their behaviour or appearance, which can help you take action early.

How often should dog health checks be carried out?

It’s helpful to make dog health checks at home a regular part of your routine, perhaps once or twice a month. You might want to combine it with grooming sessions, so your dog gets used to being examined, as staying consistent can help you spot changes more easily over time.

What does a dog health check include?

Generally, it’s a good idea to start with your dog’s head and work your way down to their tail and rear end.

As you go, pay attention to any changes in their behaviour or appearance. Foreign objects (such as grass seeds) stuck in their eyes, ears, nose, or paws may cause wincing, while skin irritation can show up as rashes. As you go through the check, it might be helpful to note down any concerns so you can monitor changes over time.

Watch our video for a demonstration on how to give your dog a health check:

Check your dog's eyes

Healthy dog eyes should be clear, moist and bright. Redness, excessive blinking or streaming tears can all be signs of eye problems in your dog. Look out for the pupils of their eyes turning cloudy as they age – this can be a symptom of cataracts.

Inspect your dog's ears

While stroking your dog, gently examine their ears. The inside of their ears should be clean and not too red or inflamed. A little earwax in dogs is not a cause for concern, but excessive waxiness or a black build-up can be a sign of health issues such as an ear infection, ear mites or allergies.

Examine your dog's nose

Check that your dog’s nose is free of nasal discharge or sores. A runny nose or sneezing, often accompanied by coughing, could be a sign of kennel cough.

Check your dog's gums and teeth

Gently lift your dog’s lips to get a better look at their teeth and gums. Watch out for plaque and tartar on the teeth, or for reddened gums, which can be a sign of gum disease. This is a very common problem in older dogs, which you can do your bit to prevent with regular tooth brushing.

Try moving your dog's legs

Gently flex your dog’s legs. A healthy dog should be able to lift their wrist up to their shoulder, and their knee up to their belly, in comfort. Signs of pain or lameness as they age could indicate a joint problem such as arthritis.

Examine your dog's coat and skin

Run your hands through your dog’s coat and over their skin to feel for any lumps, injuries, skin infections or dandruff. In long-haired dogs, you’ll need to part their hair to examine them properly. While you’re doing this, you can assess their body condition and make sure their weight feels healthy. Keep an eye out for signs of fleas and ticks, too.

It’s not glamorous stuff, but if you’re doing a dog health check, it’s important to not forget their rear end. Have a look for any lumps, bumps and sores near your dog’s bottom, as well as signs of worms.

Don't forget your dog's paws

Many dogs find having their paws handled a little ticklish, but it's important to check their feet and nails regularly. Make sure their pads aren’t damaged and their claws aren’t overgrown, paying special attention to their dewclaws (the small claws on the inside of their front legs) to ensure they’re not getting too long.

If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can access our Pet Expert Chat by logging into your My Petplan account. Our team of specialists are on-hand 24/7 to help you discuss any findings from the health check and offer advice tailored to your dog’s needs.

How to keep dogs calm if they don't enjoy being checked

Some dogs may dislike undergoing a health check, so it’s important to keep the process as calm and positive as possible.

Watch for signs that your dog may be feeling stressed or uncomfortable. These include lip-licking and turning away from you. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to take a break and give them some space. You could also try offering treats or giving them extra praise after the check to help them associate it with something positive in the future.

While dog health checks at home are great for getting to know your dog better and spotting issues early on, they shouldn’t replace routine vet visits for vaccinations and checkups. If you suspect something’s wrong, don’t hesitate to speak to your vet for further advice and treatment.

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Dr Brian Faulkner, MRCVS

Petplan Vet Expert

Brian is a long standing vet and President of the UK Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons. He's worked in more than 250 veterinary practices as a clinician, consultant and confidence coach. Brian holds several academic positions, is a keynote speaker and the founder of Colourful CPD, and organisation providing training for veterinary practices.

Brian co-writes our articles on pet health, where we cover everything from common conditions to supporting your pet after an operation.

Find out more about Brian

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