Quick Tip: Spot Problems Early for a Healthy Dog!

I find such joy sitting on the back patio with my pups on cool summer mornings. It’s peaceful, before the neighborhood comes alive with lawn care workers, delivery drivers, and the hub-bub of children out of school for summer.

With a mug of coffee in one hand, and my Restore+ Double Dog Bed in the other, I plop down in the grass with the dogs. This routine really only happens on the weekends and I use it as an opportunity to connect with my dogs and perform a weekly assessment of their overall health. I have a little checklist that I remember with the pneumonic device “S.C.E.N.T.”  I check their Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth.

If you’re new to pet ownership, you may question what you’re looking for in each of those areas.

The answer: CHANGES!

If you’re checking these areas regularly on your pet, you’ll be able to notice subtle changes. And when issues are caught early on, resolving the problem tends to be much easier.

We've shared a few ideas of what else to look for below. We invite you to carve out some time for your pups this weekend. 

Skin: Check for abrasions, signs of fleas, and dry skin.

Coat: Check for tangles, balding and dry or brittle coat.

Ears: Look for debris, wax and hair build up, signs of infection or mites.

Nails: Look for damaged nails and paw pads.

Teeth: Check for broken teeth, irritated gums, and tartar buildup.