September 19, 2019
Do you often wonder if your puppy is healthy? With your puppy’s lively expressions and happy wagging tail, you may not be able to tell at first. Along with regular vet visits for checkups and vaccinations, there are many signs that let you know whether your puppy is healthy or not.
Knowing these telltale signs helps you keep an eye out for any potential medical problems or illnesses in your puppy. It can also encourage you to adopt healthier habits with your puppy so that they live a long and happy life!
Here are 6 signs that your puppy is healthy.
1. A clean and fresh breath
Yes, even puppies need pearly whites to be healthy. Without sufficient dental care, your furry friend may suffer from many dental diseases that affect humans, like gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay. Any of these diseases can cause direct harm to your pup’s overall health. If your puppy exhibits fresh, odorless breath and lack of plaque or tartar buildup on their teeth, it generally means they’re in good health.
2. Odorless ears
If you snuggle up to your puppy, and no waxy smell comes from their ears, that’s definitely good news! Clean ears that don’t emit any odor is a sign your puppy is in good health. Now, your fur-baby’s ears will get dirty at some point, so it’s important to regularly clean them. If you neglect your puppy’s ears, they may develop an ear infection, which can be quite irritating for them.
3. Lean weight
Like in humans, obesity in dogs can cause several health problems, like diabetes, heart conditions, bone diseases, and even cancer. Weight varies depending on each breed, and keeping your pup at an appropriate weight does wonders for their wellbeing. If you notice that your puppy’s weight is decreasing, take them to the vet as soon as possible as it can be a sign of a health problem. You can ensure that you’re feeding your puppy the right foods and portions by looking at our blog, Choosing the Right Food For Your Puppy.
4. Consistent bowel movements
One good way to tell if your puppy is healthy is to check their poop and urine. A healthy puppy will lack worms, mucus, blood, eggs, pus, or diarrhea in their bowel movements. Their urine will also be a transparent yellow, pale gold, or amber color. A change in either bladder and bowel movements may indicate illness, infection, stress, or other health conditions. For an accurate assessment, take your puppy to the vet so that they can diagnose a cause.
5. Shiny, beautiful coat
A beautiful, radiant coat means your puppy is very healthy. A dog’s coat is usually shiny due to the natural shedding of oils and loose hairs. If you notice your puppy’s coat is glossy, you won’t need to bathe them very often (unless they get dirty or their fur requires consistent grooming). Excessive licking, scratching or biting at the skin may mean that your puppy’s skin is irritated, exposed to allergens, or has fleas. Check with your vet to assess the problem.
6. Alert and engaged
Many puppies are energetic and curious about their families and the world around them. A puppy that’s affectionate with their families and attentive to their surroundings means they’re content and healthy. If you notice your puppy is suddenly lethargic and distant, it can mean that they’re feeling anxious, depressed, or sick. Pay close attention to your puppy’s usual behavior and note any changes before taking them to the vet.
It’s easy to mistake your puppy’s upbeat attitude as a sign of healthiness. Remember that your furry friend is not able to tell you when there’s something wrong with them. As puppy parents, it’s crucial to observe and check our puppies for any injury or illness. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to take a trip to the vet.
Check out our blog, 3 Ways to Greet Your Puppy for some tips on saying “hi!” to your furbaby without stressing them out!
✓ This article has been reviewed by Petland Miami’s expert team to ensure accuracy and reliable pet care guidance.
