{"id":4982,"date":"2026-02-11T14:20:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T14:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/?p=4982"},"modified":"2026-02-11T14:20:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T14:20:21","slug":"5-checks-you-can-do-at-home-to-help-keep-your-dog-healthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/?p=4982","title":{"rendered":"5 Checks You Can Do At Home To Help Keep Your Dog Healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Your dog relies on you for care, love, and a little extra attention to stay happy and healthy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">While regular vet visits are essential, you can also do simple checks at home to make sure your furry friend is feeling their best.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">These little routines help you spot changes early so your vet can step in if needed. Think of them as a way to stay tuned in to your dog&#8217;s well-being and strengthen the bond you share.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Here are five regular checks you can start doing today.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><i>Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"5 checks you can do at home to help keep your dog healthy, Dog with owner image via Canva\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"720\" height=\"403\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/gwWuEF20vF8Q.SGeBUCgMQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUzNztjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/pet_guide_418\/13db057ffab1a0774a21989081fc8989\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>5 checks you can do at home to help keep your dog healthy, Dog with owner image via Canva<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Dog with owner &#8211; image via Canva<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><b>1. Monitor Their Weight<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Weight is one of the easiest ways to track your dog&#8217;s health. You can use a <u> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/unipaws-Digital-Weighing-Platform-Accuracy\/dp\/B0CQNQ7D4L?content-id=amzn1.sym.35c3a4b6-c692-4e40-a10a-4f3d93be8195:amzn1.sym.35c3a4b6-c692-4e40-a10a-4f3d93be8195&amp;crid=QVK33RKB7DJX&amp;cv_ct_cx=dog%2Bweighing%2Bscale&amp;keywords=dog%2Bweighing%2Bscale&amp;pd_rd_i=B0CQNQ7D4L&amp;pd_rd_r=10171af5-25cc-479a-bb06-578c9687f2b4&amp;pd_rd_w=yJrOj&amp;pd_rd_wg=pe2Eo&amp;pf_rd_p=35c3a4b6-c692-4e40-a10a-4f3d93be8195&amp;pf_rd_r=P570F91HYJEJHMWA5M9W&amp;qid=1770646664&amp;sbo=RZvfv\/\/HxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=dog%2Bweighing%2Bscale,aps,181&amp;sr=1-1-383bc08e-f3b5-4928-b079-a9607486ab19-spons&amp;aref=VEtI60e8ys&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=sl2&amp;tag=yahoo-vscope-track-20&amp;linkId=b19509530de555640bb563fed9dd0353&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" data-i13n=\"elm:affiliate_link;elmt:premonetized\" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:scale;elm:affiliate_link;elmt:premonetized;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">scale<\/a><\/u> or simply feel their body. You should be able to feel their ribs semi-easily, and their waist should be visible when you look from above.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Sudden weight gain or loss can be a sign of health problems, so make sure to note any changes and talk to your vet if you&#8217;re concerned.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\"><a data-ylk=\"ct:story;elm:img;itc:0;\" class=\"stretched-box\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/unipaws-Digital-Weighing-Platform-Accuracy\/dp\/B0CQNQ7D4L?content-id=amzn1.sym.35c3a4b6-c692-4e40-a10a-4f3d93be8195:amzn1.sym.35c3a4b6-c692-4e40-a10a-4f3d93be8195&amp;amp;crid=QVK33RKB7DJX&amp;amp;cv_ct_cx=dog%2Bweighing%2Bscale&amp;amp;keywords=dog%2Bweighing%2Bscale&amp;amp;pd_rd_i=B0CQNQ7D4L&amp;amp;pd_rd_r=10171af5-25cc-479a-bb06-578c9687f2b4&amp;amp;pd_rd_w=yJrOj&amp;amp;pd_rd_wg=pe2Eo&amp;amp;pf_rd_p=35c3a4b6-c692-4e40-a10a-4f3d93be8195&amp;amp;pf_rd_r=P570F91HYJEJHMWA5M9W&amp;amp;qid=1770646664&amp;amp;sbo=RZvfv\/\/HxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&amp;amp;sprefix=dog%2Bweighing%2Bscale,aps,181&amp;amp;sr=1-1-383bc08e-f3b5-4928-b079-a9607486ab19-spons&amp;amp;aref=VEtI60e8ys&amp;amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&amp;amp;th=1&amp;amp;linkCode=sl2&amp;amp;tag=yahoo-vscope-track-20&amp;amp;linkId=b19509530de555640bb563fed9dd0353&amp;amp;language=en_US&amp;amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"5 checks you can do at home to help keep your dog healthy, unipaws Digital Pet Scale image via Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"703\" height=\"643\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/SJ0xTQlddnOUjLbFOopdjw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTg3ODtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/pet_guide_418\/4a00d2e659404020fa37fb095e3ebcaa\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/a><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>5 checks you can do at home to help keep your dog healthy, unipaws Digital Pet Scale image via Amazon<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">unipaws Digital Pet Scale &#8211; image via Amazon<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><b>2. Check Their Coat and Skin<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A healthy coat is usually shiny and smooth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Look for patches of hair loss, redness, bumps, or flaky skin. These can be signs of allergies, parasites, or infections.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><u> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Premium-Slicker-Grooming-Stainless-Comfort\/dp\/B0G6S7D12J?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qzjWEVF4UIyMenclmEykv-YOUiM70V6Kno_nnvjQ4mRFajIbtnXhrZDudqvJWbgiMhYnisiz-SEsoHMC2etgjd9VW9Qe-q57a72Cw0G1ByCwsoV89wEX2e092_PN-CIUUNMoWo7xzQ-wZ3OVOVUx7N3m6qg6HTFMp1IfYkuxkNXhuGyKxQBrfcHpaVTwYzyPjTB3-uOEB_MnQd5hvx7OCdfEwaoxfSZnyx3QIW17egSa_xahAIlJXtfc-cvSf49_zYIxVpqGGaA_Yxsusebx3Isu_Sr_mcOkxL4-L9tONPA.5uczN_ABiN4oOSBtqdmdolH8I_VWM0esZvmimb9q62A&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=dog%2Bbrush&amp;qid=1770646741&amp;sr=8-16&amp;linkCode=sl2&amp;tag=yahoo-vscope-track-20&amp;linkId=a3f423634be5330db6f5869485ea9b1b&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" data-i13n=\"elm:affiliate_link;elmt:premonetized\" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Brushing your dog;elm:affiliate_link;elmt:premonetized;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Brushing your dog<\/a><\/u> regularly helps you spot issues early and keeps their fur looking its best.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><b>3. Monitor Their Blood Pressure<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Some dogs can develop high blood pressure, especially as they age or if they have certain health conditions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><u> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Pepultech-Veterinary-Pressure-Rechargeable-Accurate\/dp\/B0F4QPHNGZ?crid=3AI7X044BKUCJ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.A0EkXYcNNtIXLfcyvBIiQx3lNpmDC7NhfAZU34HCCHTAS0jbaRDVTKSVVj03U3Q6yMkcDcTEJgGT9nDopMgdgofn7wRQmBXXtTkm9uFzSzkiFHOHqY36L1ydHj92IRTu_tDTC3dAmwbCkoZ_qTO-_hK1IY5Le4_EUVLHRYE1vkStLmjNpA0D6x4F0QZZ7AftGf3IvLp01z-Xw9Ib4s6mvrKSvgoFcQJqU2jf9ozvwIyoYzrDnSEulU-KL8lFpq42Y_MCl-QWUsykFC-C1hR33J_k50VccBRQzdRypHfnsJc._nnQWHgraAbb5O3kTts0soE-tCyhrLiO3JD3ti1-W-0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=blood%2Bpressure%2Bmonitor%2Bfor%2Bpets&amp;qid=1770645140&amp;sprefix=blood%2Bpressure%2Bmonitor%2Bfor%2Bpet,aps,198&amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=sl2&amp;tag=yahoo-vscope-track-20&amp;linkId=1cc859792e75a532a694043ad17918c1&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" data-i13n=\"elm:affiliate_link;elmt:premonetized\" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Pet-friendly monitors;elm:affiliate_link;elmt:premonetized;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Pet-friendly monitors<\/a><\/u> make measuring blood pressure at home possible, if you want to keep an eye on things between vet visits.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Keeping track of your dog&#8217;s blood pressure helps prevent heart and kidney problems.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\"><a data-ylk=\"ct:story;elm:img;itc:0;\" class=\"stretched-box\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Pepultech-Veterinary-Pressure-Rechargeable-Accurate\/dp\/B0F4QPHNGZ?crid=3AI7X044BKUCJ&amp;amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.A0EkXYcNNtIXLfcyvBIiQx3lNpmDC7NhfAZU34HCCHTAS0jbaRDVTKSVVj03U3Q6yMkcDcTEJgGT9nDopMgdgofn7wRQmBXXtTkm9uFzSzkiFHOHqY36L1ydHj92IRTu_tDTC3dAmwbCkoZ_qTO-_hK1IY5Le4_EUVLHRYE1vkStLmjNpA0D6x4F0QZZ7AftGf3IvLp01z-Xw9Ib4s6mvrKSvgoFcQJqU2jf9ozvwIyoYzrDnSEulU-KL8lFpq42Y_MCl-QWUsykFC-C1hR33J_k50VccBRQzdRypHfnsJc._nnQWHgraAbb5O3kTts0soE-tCyhrLiO3JD3ti1-W-0&amp;amp;dib_tag=se&amp;amp;keywords=blood%2Bpressure%2Bmonitor%2Bfor%2Bpets&amp;amp;qid=1770645140&amp;amp;sprefix=blood%2Bpressure%2Bmonitor%2Bfor%2Bpet,aps,198&amp;amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&amp;amp;th=1&amp;amp;linkCode=sl2&amp;amp;tag=yahoo-vscope-track-20&amp;amp;linkId=1cc859792e75a532a694043ad17918c1&amp;amp;language=en_US&amp;amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"5 checks you can do at home to help keep your dog healthy, Veterinary Blood Pressure Monitor for Dogs image via Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"720\" height=\"535\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/UNe87cKpZ5veIBYpLTn9VQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTcxMztjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/pet_guide_418\/07ea9dd2d55a7730f74183bda378baa4\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/a><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>5 checks you can do at home to help keep your dog healthy, Veterinary Blood Pressure Monitor for Dogs image via Amazon<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Veterinary Blood Pressure Monitor for Dogs &#8211; image via Amazon<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><b>4. Look at Their Eyes, Ears, and Mouth<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Clear eyes without discharge, clean ears without strong odors, and pink gums are all signs of good health. Bad breath, yellowing of the eyes, or excessive ear scratching can signal an underlying problem.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Take a moment each week to give these areas a gentle check.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"5 checks you can do at home to help keep your dog healthy, Dog high five image via Canva\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"720\" height=\"402\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/lb557STewG7Bhhk5.MckvQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUzNjtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/pet_guide_418\/366e5c1326bcef969ea716083580227b\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>5 checks you can do at home to help keep your dog healthy, Dog high five image via Canva<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Dog high-five &#8211; image via Canva<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><b>5. Watch Their Energy and Behavior<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Changes in energy, appetite, or behavior are often the first signs something is off. If your dog seems unusually tired, restless, or irritable, take note.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Sometimes subtle changes are easy to miss but can indicate health issues that need vet attention.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Taking a little time each week to check on your dog&#8217;s health can make a big difference.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">These simple steps not only help you spot problems early but also give you peace of mind and strengthen the bond you share with your furry companion.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><i>Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter <u> <a href=\"https:\/\/email.petguide.com\/newsletter-signup\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">here<\/a><\/u>.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your dog relies on you for care, love, and a little extra attention to stay happy and healthy. While regular vet visits are essential, you can also do simple checks at home to make sure your furry friend is feeling their best. These little routines help you spot changes early so your vet can step [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4982","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pets-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4982","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4982"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4982\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4983"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4982"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4982"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4982"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}