A simple weekly health check — covering weight, coat, eyes, ears, teeth, and energy level — takes about two minutes and catches most problems while they're still cheap and easy to treat.
A simple weekly health check — covering weight, coat, eyes, ears, teeth, and energy level — takes about two minutes and catches most problems while they’re still cheap and easy to treat.
The Two-Minute Weekly Check
- Run your hands over the body. Feel for new lumps, sore spots, or flinching.
- Check the eyes. Should be clear and bright, without excessive discharge or redness.
- Check the ears. Should smell neutral. A yeasty or foul smell can indicate an infection.
- Check the teeth and gums. Gums should be pink; teeth shouldn’t have heavy tartar buildup.
- Feel body condition. Ribs should be easy to feel without pressing hard, with a visible waist from above.
- Note energy and appetite. Any noticeable, unexplained change is worth tracking.
First-Year Vet Schedule for a New Dog
Puppies typically need a vaccine series every 3-4 weeks starting around 6-8 weeks old, spay/neuter discussion around 5-6 months (timing varies by breed size), and a full wellness exam within the first week home regardless of age.
Building the Habit
Do the weekly check on the same day each week — right after a regular brushing session works well, since you’re already handling your dog. The goal isn’t diagnosis; it’s noticing when something’s different from last week.
FAQ
Nothing special — your hands, good lighting, and a few minutes. A basic first-aid kit and a digital thermometer are useful to have on hand but aren't required for the weekly check itself.
The first few checks establish your baseline. After that, you're watching for changes from your own dog's normal, not a generic standard.
Yes, and it's especially useful during the puppy stage to get your dog comfortable being handled all over, which makes future vet visits and grooming much easier.
