How to give your puppy a health check

Expert approved

Brian Faulkner

Veterinary Surgeon
RCVS Registered

As well as the annual dental check up and booster vaccinations required by your puppy insurance, it’s a good idea to have your dog looked at by the vet at least once a year. You can also play your part by regularly checking your dog’s eyes, teeth, skin and joint health, as vet Brian Faulkner explains. These checks will help ensure that problems are detected and treated as early as possible.

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It’s important to give your puppy regular health checks so they are used to being examined in case they do need veterinary attention. Becoming familiar with your puppy’s body will also help you to know what is normal for them and may provide an early warning if anything is wrong.

It takes just five minutes to give your puppy a health check. Your puppy’s regular checkup should include the following:

Ears

Your puppy’s outer ear should be clean, with a pale pink lining and some wax. Signs of infection include an off-white discharge, a bad smell or irritation and inflamed skin around the ears. If there’s a black or waxy discharge, and your dog is scratching their ears, it could be mites.

Weight/body condition

Becoming overweight puts your puppy at risk from a range of health problems including arthritis, diabetes and breathing problems. If you do need to reduce their food, do it gradually. You can ask your vet for advice.

Teeth

As your puppy is young, they are likely to have healthy teeth. Although it is still good to check them regularly in case anything is amiss. As your dog ages, it is important to check for hardened plaque or tartar, or reddening of the gum where it meets the top of the tooth. This can cause bad breath and bacteria, which can infiltrate into the bloodstream.

Coat and skin

A glossy coat is a sign of good health. Excessive scratching or dandruff can be signs of fleas or other parasites. These can be remedied and prevented with the right veterinary-recommended treatment.

Joints and legs

Limping or lameness could be caused by a growth problem such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia or an athletic injury. If your puppy limps or winces in pain when you flex and extend their legs, you should see your vet.

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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