pupp&dog HEALTH

Your veterinarian knows what to look for when she's examining your puppy. But you're with your puppy all the time in between regular check-ups, so you are more likely to notice any changes in your dog's health first.

Use common sense judgment to tell if your puppy is unhealthy or is showing abnormal behaviour. Let the veterinarian know if you think there's a problem.

What to look for and monitor:

gait
posture
no pain or stiffness when getting up or down
healthy coat - not too dry; no hair loss
little or no itchiness
normal weight
changes in appetite
eyes: no discharge or hair loss around eyes
ears: no discharge
bleeding gums
runny nose
noisy breathing or cough
swollen glands
abdomen: lumps or bumps
stools too loose or too hard