How do I perform a dog health check?

Dog body check

Start with a quick body check. Run your hands all over your dog's body, starting at his head and working your way back and down, along each leg and paw. Look for any unusual lumps and bumps (or changes in those you already know about), any signs of discomfort when you touch particular areas, and whether there are any knots in his coat that need attention. Also note his bodily condition (you should be able to feel his ribs under a thin layer of fat) and rate of breathing. Use your sense of smell as well as touch since unpleasant odours may be related to ear, dental or other health problems.

Closer inspection of your dog

• Examine your pet in a little more detail, again starting with his head. Look inside his ears for any signs of soreness, inflammation, or waxy or unpleasant pus-like discharge.

Out and about

Try to get into the habit of observing your dog properly, with a critical eye rather than just idly watching his antics. Don't just do this when giving him an MOT but at all times: when he's working, playing, relieving himself, eating and drinking, so you know what the norm is for him and are alert to any subtle changes which could signal a problem.

Tidying up your dog

Having checked your dog over from top to toe, give him a really thorough grooming - and possibly a bath too if you feel he needs it. Follow this up with a toothbrushing session, then, when you've finished, clip any over-long nails. Not all dogs enjoy this - if yours finds it a little stressful, remember that there's no rule which states you have to do them all in one go! Just do one or two nails each day until you've done them all.

Year-round maintenance for your dog

Although your car only needs an annual MOT, as any mechanic will tell you, regular servicing and maintenance throughout the year lessens the risk of breakdowns and increases the chance of it passing its next inspection - and the same applies to your dog. Hopefully you won't discover anything untoward while checking him over and smartening him up but rather than having an all-out blitz on him once in a while, try to get into the habit of doing it on a regular basis. Get into a routine, breaking it down into daily, weekly and monthly chunks and you'll find it more readily accepted - even the bits your pet dislikes. The increased familiarity you acquire with your dog's body will alert you early to any problems and there's no reason why you can't make a fuss of him while you're doing it. It's an opportunity to spend quality time together.

Veterinary health care

Make sure you keep annual vaccinations up to date; keep a note of when they're due in case the reminder card from your vet goes astray. When you take your dog into the surgery for his jabs he'll receive a brief, basic veterinary health check but if you have an older dog (or one with known health problems) it may be a good idea to arrange for more frequent routine visits so his health can be monitored; your vet will be able to advise you. As well as vaccinations, your pet will also need regular worming; your vet will be able to suggest a suitable worming programme and prescribe appropriate wormers. As with vaccinations, jot down the dates on which wormers are due so you don't forget to give them.

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