Simple Ways to Monitor Your Dog's Health at Home

Only you know what is normal for your own dog.  But would you recognize an important change if you didn't know the baseline for your own individual canine? It is far better to know what is actually normal for your own companion, before you feel something is abnormal! Be informed, and seek your veterinarian's expertise to round out what is needed to protect your dog.

Weight: If you feel that your dog is either gaining or losing weight, get on a scale and keep track of what you feel is your dog's usual healthy weight. Weighing your dog is fairly easy. If the dog is small, weigh yourself first, and then pick up the dog. If your dog is large, stand it on your scale, offering a treat to keep him in place. If you are having trouble weighing your dog at home, do it when you are next at your vet, or just stop by and use their scale. 

Temperature: Use a regular glass thermometer or better yet, a digital thermometer. Lubricate it and gently insert it, about once inch, into the rectum. If you are using a traditional thermometer leave it in for 2 minutes, if you are using a digital, wait until it beeps. Normal temperature for a dog is between 100 and 102. Anything below or above would indicate a potential situation and require an immediate call to your vet.

Respiration: Normal respiration is dictated by the size of the animal. Get a watch with a second hand, or use a stop watch. Place your hand over the left side, behind the front leg. Common practice is to count the heartbeats for 15 seconds and then multiply by 4 to calculate beats per minute. Normal ranges from 60-100 in big dogs, and about 100-140 in smaller dogs. All tests should be performed when the dog is resting, and not recovering from excessive activity.

Activity: One of the easiest ways to monitor wellbeing is by walking. If your dog is eager to accompany you on walks, or play ball in the yard, and moves with eagerness and energy, this is generally a sign that things are good. If the usually eager dog is unwilling to accompany you, or moves with reluctance, this is an indication that something is bothering your pet, and it is time for a wellness check with your vet.

You are your dog's best monitor! If you detect an abnormality, do not second guess yourself.  Drive directly to your veterinarian and seek medical advice.