How Do You Know Your Dog Is Healthy?

Our dogs can't communicate with us in words, but they can give us signs to indicate whether they're healthy or unhealthy. How do you know your dog is healthy? Look for these common signs of a healthy dog, as well as potential signs of sickness in a dog.

Signs of a healthy dog

Here are some general signs of a healthy dog:

Home starts with you

When we work together to bring our best friends home, we help loving pets find the families they’ve been dreaming of, and we get the country closer to ending the killing of pets in shelters. Let’s bring our best friends home.
  • Skin is smooth, supple, and free of scabs, growths, and rashes.
  • Coat is glossy, without dandruff or any areas of baldness, and with no signs of parasites.
  • Eyes are bright, not watering, and free of discharge.
  • Insides of the ears are light pink (though dark-skinned dogs can have black pigment), clean or with just a trace of wax, not swollen, and free of discharge.
  • Nose is moist — not necessarily wet, but not dry or cracked.
  • Temperature is between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (101.5 is the average).
  • Gums are pink, though they can have black or gray pigment.
  • Stools are firm and free of parasites.

Signs of an unhealthy dog

If you think your dog might be sick, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible. You know your dog best, and not all dogs show illness in the same way. Here are some general signs of an unhealthy dog:

  • A significant change in behavior (such as increased irritability)
  • Perceived pain or lethargy
  • Visible pain (such as limping or chewing on a particular body part like a joint)
  • Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and/or coughing
  • Lack of appetite
  • Excessive drinking and/or urination

If any of these symptoms last more than 24 hours, you should bring your dog to your veterinarian. Also, don't forget about routine vet checkups and dental care to help prevent problems and keep your dog healthy and happy.

Tags:
Dogs
Logo Icon

Be our Best Friend

Best Friends Animal Society is working with you to save the lives of cats and dogs all across the country, giving pets second chances and happy homes.

Just a few short years ago, cats and dogs were killed in staggering numbers in this country simply because shelters didn't have the community support or the resources to save their lives. That number is now less that half a million per year, but there's still work to do to ensure a bright future for every dog and cat in America.

Best Friends operates the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals and is committed to saving the lives of homeless pets by working with shelters and passionate people like you. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill in 2025. Together, we will Save Them All.