Health monitoring for dogs: simple daily checks you can do

Want to catch health problems early? A few minutes of daily health monitoring can make a big difference. These are quick, practical checks you can do at home without special skills. Do them while you pet your dog—no stress, just routine.

Daily quick check: what to look for (5 minutes)

Start with a quick visual and hands-on scan. Look at the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Clear eyes and no weird discharge are good signs. Smell for bad breath—strong foul odor can point to dental trouble. Peek in the ears for redness or wax. Watch breathing: should be quiet and even when resting.

Feel the body for lumps, swollen joints or hot spots. Run your hands down the spine and legs. Watch your dog walk: does the gait look even or is there limping? Check the coat and skin for dryness, bald patches, fleas or scabs. Note appetite and water intake—decreased eating or sudden thirst are red flags.

Numbers that matter and how to check them

Temperature: normal is about 100.5–102.5°F (38–39.2°C). Use a digital rectal thermometer made for pets for accuracy. Heart rate: small dogs 100–140 bpm, large dogs 60–100 bpm. To check, place two fingers on the inside of the thigh over the femoral artery and count beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four. Respiration: normal resting rate is about 10–30 breaths per minute. Count chest rises for 30 seconds and double it.

Hydration: pinch the skin at the shoulder until it tents, then release. It should snap back quickly; slow return suggests dehydration. Gum color matters—gums should be pink. Pale, blue, or very red gums need vet attention. Capillary refill time is another quick test: press the gum, release, and count seconds until color returns; under 2 seconds is normal.

Weight and waste: weigh your dog weekly or monthly depending on age and health. Track stool consistency and frequency—diarrhea, blood, or large changes are worth a call to your vet. Urine changes like straining or dark urine also need checking.

Tracking tools and when to call the vet

Keep a simple log: notes, photos, or a phone app. Smart collars and activity trackers can show changes in sleep, activity, and heart rate trends. For older dogs, monthly weight and a short video of them walking can catch slow changes.

Call your vet right away for breathing trouble, collapse, severe bleeding, seizures, bright red or pale gums, or vomiting/diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours. When in doubt, a quick call can save time and stress.

Do a short check every day and a deeper check once a week. Small habits catch small problems before they become big ones—and that helps your dog feel better, longer.