The thought of our beloved pets suffering in silence is a terrifying one, as they can’t communicate their ailments to us.
However, a Spanish vet – known as “María VetiCan” on social media – has shared some simple steps for conducting a basic health check on your pet at home.
In the UK, vet consultations typically cost between £40 and £60, so these regular checks could help you determine when a professional visit is necessary.
María demonstrated the process on her nine year old border collie, Murphy, in a TikTok video that has garnered nearly two million views.
She advised starting “from the front to the back to avoid forgetting things.” The nose should ideally be cold and wet most of the time, she said, adding that a dry, hot nose could indicate a fever.
Moving onto the mouth, María instructed her 565,000 followers to check if the teeth needed cleaning and to ensure the gums were pink, not red, yellow, white or purple.
María went on to advise pet owners to check the eyes for any discharge that could indicate conjunctivitis.
She also recommended examining the mucous membranes, just as you would with the mouth. The ears should be checked for redness, excess wax or bad smell, and if they are very hot, it could indicate a fever.
María also suggested checking for lumps in the submandibular area, as inflamed lymph nodes may be present. “It’s very important to check if the dog is well hydrated,” she said.
“Twist the skin of the neck. Upon release, it should immediately return to its place. If we twist it, and it slowly goes back to its place, the animal is dehydrated.”
She also advised pet owners to take the opportunity to “pamper your dog” while carefully examining their body for lumps, injuries, and signs of pain by palpating the spine and joints.
Checking the nails to ensure they aren’t too long or ingrown, and inspecting between the claws and pads is also important.
Finally, María shared: “Massage the abdomen area with some pressure. If your dog gets tense, it could mean pain. Check for lumps in the groin and intimate parts.”
If you’re feeling brave enough, you can take your pet’s rectal temperature. The expert noted that a normal range would be between 37.5 and 39.2 degrees Celsius.
To ensure accuracy, she advised applying a bit of Vaseline and gently inserting the thermometer to the side. “Get your pet used to this exploration from time to time and reward them so it becomes something positive,” María advised.
If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a vet or a health professional. When it comes to our furry friends, erring on the side of caution is always best.
