Vets will tell you: a lot of the problems they see every day could have been caught weeks earlier at home. You don’t need medical training — you just need ten quiet minutes and a dog who’s happy to be handled. Here’s a simple weekly routine.
The Coat and Skin Check
Start with a brushing session, which doubles as a hands-on inspection. Run your hands against the grain of the fur and look at the skin underneath: red patches, flaky spots, hot spots, or bald areas are all worth noting. A good deshedding session — the kind the FURminator deShedding Tool is famous for — pulls out the loose undercoat that hides skin problems, so you can actually see what’s going on.
The Rib and Waist Test
Weight creeps up silently, especially in fall when walks get shorter. Put your hands on your dog’s ribs: you should feel them easily under a thin layer of fat, like the back of your hand. Look from above for a visible waist behind the ribs. If the ribs have disappeared under padding, it’s time to talk portions with your vet — not a crash diet, just a plan.
Eyes, Ears, and Teeth
Check ears for odor or dark gunk, both signs of infection. Eyes should be clear and bright, not cloudy or gunky. Then lift the lip: gums should be pink, not pale or brick red, and teeth shouldn’t be coated in thick brown tartar. Bad breath that doesn’t quit often means dental disease, which is one of the most common — and most ignored — dog health issues.
Paws and Nails
Flip the paws over and check between the toes for redness, swelling, or stuck debris. Nails should not touch the ground when your dog stands; long nails change how they walk and can cause joint strain over time.
One Easy Daily Habit
The weekly check catches problems early, but daily habits prevent them. That’s why so many owners use a research-backed daily supplement: Zesty Paws 11-in-1 Multifunctional Bites are one of the top-rated daily chews on Amazon, covering hips, joints, skin, gut, and immune health in a single treat-sized bite dogs actually want to eat.
Catch it early, and most of this is cheap to fix. Catch it late, and it’s a vet bill. Ten minutes a week is a trade worth making.
Shop our picks: the FURminator deShedding Tool for an easier coat check, and Zesty Paws 11-in-1 Bites for everyday health support — both top-rated favorites pet owners love.
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