2 weeks ago
Five-Minute Monthly Checks Help Pet Parents Spot Health Problems
Pet owners can help their animals by checking them carefully for about five minutes each month.
Look at the pet’s nose, eyes, mouth and ears for anything unusual.
Gently feel the body for lumps, swelling or sore areas.
Check the paws and watch the pet walk.
Notice whether the pet is gaining or losing weight or muscle.
Watch how the pet breathes while resting.
Coughing, noisy breathing or breathing with effort should be discussed with a veterinarian.
A lump may be harmless, but only a veterinarian can determine what it is.
These checks help owners notice changes before a pet becomes obviously sick.
Pet parents can perform a simple five-minute nose-to-tail health check once a month.
Owners should examine the face, eyes, mouth, ears, body, paws and movement for changes.
New lumps should be checked by a veterinarian because their cause cannot be identified by touch alone.
Changes in body condition, muscle, walking, breathing or behavior may signal a health issue.
The check is intended to notice changes early, not to diagnose disease at home.
- Who
- Pet parents and their dogs or cats.
- What
- A monthly five-minute home health check from nose to tail.
- Where
- At home, including while the pet walks across a room.
- When
- Once a month, with breathing observed while the pet is resting.
- Why
- To notice new or subtle changes early and seek veterinary attention when needed.
Key facts
- Recommended frequency
- Once a month
- Suggested duration
- About five minutes
- Areas to check
- Face, mouth, ears, body, paws, movement and breathing
- Body changes to monitor
- Lumps, swelling, pain, weight loss, muscle loss and a rounded abdomen
- Breathing concerns
- Persistent coughing, noisy breathing, exaggerated chest movements or panting while resting
- Important limitation
- The check helps identify changes but does not diagnose disease
- Veterinary evaluation
- New lumps should be examined because they may be harmless or may require treatment
