Examine Your Pet At Home

In the normal course of daily handling of your pet, you can do a fairly thorough preventive exam.  You might find something that needs attention before it becomes a problem. 

Safety for both you and your pet is important, so don't force any part of the exam if your pet becomes nervous or fearful.  Sometimes wrapping a soft blanket around them will make them more comfortable.  Use soothing words and caresses, and go slowly.

First look your friend in the eye, face to face. Are his eyes equal in size?  Is there any redness or discharge?  Is there any excessive blinking? 

Now check the mouth.  Can you safely lift his lip on each side of his mouth?  Look at the teeth.  Is there excessive tartar?  Look all the way to the back, if you can.  You needn’t open the jaws if your pet is resistant; just look at the outer surface of the teeth and gums and the area between the cheek and teeth.  Is there a bad odor?  An unusual lump?  Angry red gums are a clue, too, that a dental check might be in order. 

Next, lift up each ear and look inside as far as you can.  Is there thickening or angry red skin?  A bad odor?  Any debris or discharge inside?  You don’t want to let an ear infection smolder unnoticed.

Next pass your hands gently over your pet’s body, from front to back.  Enlarged lymph nodes can sometimes be felt under the back angle of jaws, in front of the shoulders, in the “armpits” or along the back of the hind legs.  Get to know the topography of your pet, so you’ll know when something is swollen or if there's a new lump or bump. 

As you examine your pet's body, you might feel scabs or bumps or patches of hair loss.   Don’t forget to lift your pet’s tail, if he doesn’t mind this.  Make sure there is no irritation or discoloration of the skin.  Any unusual nodules or swellings might be visible. 

When your pet is lounging upside-down, take the opportunity to look at other sites such as where urine passes and might collect in the hair and cause infection and discomfort.

Any matted hair you find should be removed, as nasty skin lesions can occur and worsen unnoticed beneath the mat.  If a mat is too close to the skin for you to safely remove it, have it removed by your vet or groomer.

Look between the toes and pads of your pet's feet for signs of inflammation, injury or uncomfortable mats.  This will also accustom your pet to having his feet handled so you, or your vet or groomer, can calmly trim nails.

When you examine your pet at home, you'll be practicing preventive medicine and giving your pet quality time.  Make it enjoyable.  A nice massage is always appreciated.