10 Fantastic Signs You Are Raising a Healthy Dog

All dog owners want to know that their four-legged friend is happy and healthy. Because they can’t tell us what is wrong themselves (if only!), it’s useful to have a checklist of the major signs your pooch is in good shape.

So what are the best indicators that you’re caring for a healthy dog?

Read on to learn the signs to look out for to track your dog’s physical condition.

1. Shiny Coat

You can tell a lot about the health of your dog from whether or not they have a clean, shiny coat. If your dog’s coat is looking a little lackluster, take a look at their diet.

Remember that dogs do not need to be bathed regularly unless they have got dirty on a walk. You can also pay attention to if your dog is scratching or licking a specific area repeatedly. This might be a sign of fleas or a skin allergy.

2. Lots of Energy

A dog with high energy is a great sign that they’re in good shape with no serious medical conditions. Of course, some dogs are more energetic than others, so you should be paying attention to a drop-off from what is their norm.

If your dog stops showing an interest in its favorite activities or has slowed down dramatically while going out for walks, this is a cause for concern. Take your pooch to the vet if they show signs of low energy for more than three days in a row.

3. Fresh Breath

While you shouldn’t expect a minty fresh smell to come from your doggy’s mouth, it shouldn’t smell bad. If your dog has a clean-smelling breath, bright pink gums, and clean teeth, this is a great sign.

Bad-smelling breath can be an indicator of gum disease or tooth decay. Poor dental care can have serious knock-on effects on your dog’s overall health, so watch out for a build-up of tartar on their teeth.

4. Clean Ears

Clean and scent-free ears are a great sign of a healthy dog. Unlike their coats, dogs’ ears do need to be cleaned regularly. Dirty ears can lead to ear infections, which is one of the most common reasons for visits to the vets.

Smelly ears are one of the biggest indicators of an ear infection. So if your dog has clean ears with no wax build-up or scent, this is a fantastic sign.

5. Interest and Engagement

If your dog wants to spend time with you, is keen to play, and meets you when you come home, these are all good signs of a healthy dog. All pups have different personalities, so you should be looking for a change to what is normal for them.

Remember that our totally natural CBD-infused calming dog treats are a great option if your dog is naturally anxious or stressed. They’re useful to have on hand in case of fireworks, separation, or changes in routine.

6. Healthy Appetite

Tracking your dog’s appetite can be tricky but it’s an important sign that they’re in great condition. If your dog is uninterested in food or has to be constantly encouraged to eat this might be an indicator of poor health.

This is especially true if your dog is normally motivated by food and suddenly loses its appetite.

On the other hand, an insatiable appetite is something to be wary of too. This can indicate diabetes, tumors, and other issues.

7. Consistent Weight

If your dog is a constant, lean weight this is a wonderful sign that you’re doing a great job caring for them. Different breeds of dogs carry weight differently, and it’s normal for some to be leaner than others.

What you need to look out for is a sudden increase or decrease in their weight. Weighing your dog regularly is an easy way to keep track, as when we see our pooches every day it can be hard to notice ongoing trends.

8. Clear Eyes

Turn around, bright eyes! Bright, moist, and clear eyes are all signs that your pup is healthy. If you notice some residue under their eye, gently wipe this away to avoid an eye infection.

If your dog is pawing at their eyes, this is a clear signal that something is wrong, and they should be taken to the vets. Remember that eyes are very sensitive areas, so using a clean damp towel is the best choice.

9. Regular Bladder and Bowel Movements

Dogs can experience passing tummy issues, just like humans. But if you notice diarrhea or vomiting for more than one day, it’s time to see the family veterinarian.

It’s healthy for your dog’s urine to be a transparent yellow, rather than bright or dark. The absence of worms, mucus, blood, and eggs in the bowel movement are all good signs.

If your dog changes their habits, such as urinating inside, this might be their way of telling you something is wrong.

10. Cool and Moist Nose

A final way of assessing your pooch’s general health is by checking out their nose. Noses should be cool and moist: if they aren’t, this could be a sign of a fever.

Any discharge should be clear, and if there is an unusual amount, this could be a sign that your dog has allergies.

Are You Worried About Missing One of These Healthy Dog Signs?

If at any stage you are concerned about the health of your dog, make an appointment with your veterinarian. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s comfort and wellbeing.

Don’t forget about our natural treats and chews that help you care for a calm, agile, and healthy dog! Check out our range of products to learn more.