A picture of health
For all the love and trust our dogs show, the least we can do is ensure they’re loved in return, and fed and well cared for.
This page will give you an insight into your dog's health and recognise any signs of illness. Just hover over parts of the pooch to read about their different needs.
Remember, if you have any doubts about your dog’s health, always consult your Vet.
Ears
Dogs hear at a much greater frequency range to humans (67Hz to 44kHz in comparison to 31Hz to 17.6kHz).
Dogs learn sounds rather than language. Words such as dinner, walk, sit and of course Cesar create excitement because they are linked with a pleasurable experience
Teeth and Gums
Most dogs develop signs of gum disease by age 3. Small breeds are most at risk because they live longer, giving disease more time to take hold. They also have the same number of teeth as larger dogs, in smaller jaws.
Just brushing regularly can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. And, introduced properly at a pace your dog is comfortable with, the experience can even be enjoyable.
Coat
Like skin, you can tell a lot about your dog’s health and diet from their coat. Glossy coats are good news. But a coat in a poor condition could mean several things.
Your dog could have an unbalanced diet, or not getting the right vitamins and minerals. Poor skin and coats are also associated with food allergies and conditions like diabetes.
Signs to look out for: a dry or dull coat, hair loss, excessive dandruff or crusting, reddened or greasy skin, and increased scratching.
Skin
Your dog’s skin does more than you might think.
As well as protecting them from injury, it keeps them nicely hydrated, preventing water loss, and stores up lots of nutrients they need to stay healthy. It even creates vitamin D, vital to healthy organs.
Dogs’ skin also helps regulate body temperature, increases sensory perception, and is a good indicator of overall health.
Urinary Health
Small dogs ‘go to the toilet’ less often than larger ones, and they tend to produce less. However, because they have a high amount of calcium in their urine, they’re more prone to having stones form in their bladder, which can be painful. If in doubt, ask your vet.
Eyesight
Dogs are long sighted and very sensitive to movement and can recognise a moving object nearly 1km away.
Tail & Back
Body sensitivity varies amongst dogs, but most enjoy being stroked around the head, chest and back. The most sensitive nerve endings are along the spine and towards the tails - this hows in their enthusiasm for being patted and for rolling and sliding on their backs.