As pup parents, we spend a lot of time focusing on training, enrichment, nutrition, and exercise, but one of the most powerful things you can do for your dog’s long-term wellbeing doesn’t require special equipment, a vet visit, or advanced knowledge.
It’s a simple, consistent monthly health check at home.
Dogs are incredibly good at masking discomfort or illness. In the wild, showing weakness could be dangerous, and many dogs still carry that instinct today. Because of this, subtle changes often go unnoticed until a problem becomes more serious. A monthly health check helps you catch small changes early, track patterns over time, and build a deeper understanding of what’s normal for your dog.
Think of it less like a medical exam and more like a routine wellness check-in, a calm, positive moment where you observe, gently handle, and connect with your pup. Over time, this practice can help prevent emergencies, reduce vet costs, and strengthen the bond you share.
Let’s walk through exactly what every dog parent should be monitoring at home each month, why it matters, and what changes should prompt a call to your veterinarian.
Table of Contents:
- Why Monthly Health Checks Matter
- Start With The Big Picture: Behavior and Energy Levels
- Body Condition & Weight
- Skin & Coat
- Eyes
- Ears
- Mouth & Teeth
- Nose
- Paws & Nails
- Joints & Mobility
- Digestion & Bathroom Habits
- Lumps, Bumps, and Body Changes
- Make it Positive, Not Stressful
- When to Contact Your Vet
Why Monthly Health Checks Matter
Most veterinary visits happen after something has already gone wrong. Monthly health checks help shift your mindset from reactive care to preventative care.
When you regularly observe your dog’s body, behavior, and habits, you’re far more likely to notice:
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Gradual weight changes
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Early signs of dental disease
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Skin issues before they become infections
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Subtle pain or mobility changes
- Behavioral shifts linked to discomfort or stress
Because you’re checking monthly, not daily, you’re better able to notice trends rather than normal day-to-day fluctuations. This makes it easier to communicate clearly with your vet and advocate for your dog’s health.
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Start With the Big Picture: Behavior & Energy Levels
Before you even touch your dog, take a step back and look at their overall behavior. How your dog moves through their day, responds to familiar routines, and interacts with you and their environment can reveal far more than a quick physical check alone.
Ask yourself:
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Does my dog seem as enthusiastic about walks, playtime, and meals as usual?
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Are they sleeping significantly more or less than normal?
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Have they become more withdrawn, unusually clingy, or quicker to irritability?
- Are they avoiding activities they once enjoyed, like jumping on the couch, greeting visitors, or playing with other dogs?
Behavioral changes are often one of the earliest and most overlooked signs that something isn’t quite right. A dog who suddenly seems “lazy” or unmotivated may not be stubborn or aging overnight, they may be experiencing joint pain, dental discomfort, digestive upset, or another underlying medical issue.
Similarly, increased irritability, restlessness, or sensitivity to handling can be linked to physical discomfort, hormonal changes, or chronic pain that isn’t immediately obvious.
As a dog trainer, I see this pattern constantly. When a client reaches out about a sudden behavior change, such as a previously potty-trained dog starting to eliminate in the house, new resource guarding toward other pets, increased reactivity on walks, or a noticeable drop in tolerance to touch, I always ask the same question first:
When was the last time your dog saw the vet?
Before we work on training plans, management strategies, or behavior modification, it’s essential to rule out a medical cause. Pain, illness, and discomfort can dramatically alter how a dog behaves, even if everything else in their environment appears unchanged. Addressing behavior without addressing the underlying medical issue is not only ineffective, it can be unfair to the dog.
You don’t need to diagnose the cause yourself. That’s not your job as a pup parent. Your role is simply to notice changes, track patterns, and advocate for your dog when something feels off. Writing down when a behavior started, how often it happens, and what seems to trigger it can provide invaluable information for both your veterinarian and any trainer or behavior professional you work with.
By making behavior and energy level observations part of your monthly health check, you’re helping ensure that training challenges aren’t masking health problems, and that your dog gets the support they truly need.
Body Condition & Weight
Weight changes rarely happen overnight. That’s why a monthly check is ideal.
Instead of relying only on the scale, assess your dog’s body condition:
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You should be able to feel (but not see) their ribs with light pressure.
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From above, your dog should have a visible waist.
- From the side, their belly should tuck up slightly behind the ribcage.
Unexpected weight gain can increase strain on joints, worsen arthritis, and raise the risk of chronic disease. Weight loss, especially if unintentional, can signal issues like dental pain, digestive problems, or underlying illness.
Tracking your dog’s weight and body condition monthly helps you adjust food portions, treats, and activity before weight changes become a problem.
💖Learn more about obesity in dogs!
Skin & Coat
Your dog’s skin and coat can tell you a lot about what’s happening internally.
During your monthly check, run your hands slowly over your dog’s body and look for:
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Excessive shedding beyond normal seasonal changes
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Dandruff or flaky skin
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Redness, bumps, or scabs
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Bald patches or thinning fur
- Greasy, dry, or unusually dull coat texture
Healthy skin should be relatively smooth and free from strong odors. The coat should feel soft and look shiny, not brittle or patchy.
Skin issues can be linked to allergies, parasites, hormonal imbalances, stress, or nutritional deficiencies. Catching changes early can prevent chronic itching, hot spots, and infections.
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Eyes
Your dog’s eyes should be clear, bright, and free from excessive discharge.
Each month, check for:
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Redness or swelling around the eyes
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Cloudiness or color changes in the eye itself
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Thick, yellow, or green discharge
- Excessive tearing or squinting
A small amount of clear discharge, especially after sleep, can be normal. But consistent changes, discomfort, or vision issues should never be ignored.
Eye issues can progress quickly, so even subtle changes are worth noting.
🦴Learn how to keep your pups eyes clean and booger free!
Ears
Ear problems are common in dogs, especially those with floppy ears or allergies.
During your check:
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Gently lift the ear flap and look inside.
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The ear should be pale pink, not red or inflamed.
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There should be little to no odor.
- Discharge should be minimal and light in color.
Signs of concern include head shaking, scratching, redness, swelling, strong odors, or dark discharge. Chronic ear infections are uncomfortable and often linked to underlying issues like allergies.
Regular observation helps you distinguish between normal ear wax and early signs of infection.
💖Dog Ear Care: Ear Types, Infections, and Dog Ear Cleaning at Home | Pu – Pupford
Mouth & Teeth
Dental health is one of the most important, and most commonly overlooked, areas of canine wellness. In fact, studies consistently show that by the age of three, the majority of dogs already have some degree of dental disease, even if they’re still eating normally and acting “fine.” Because dental problems often develop slowly and quietly, they’re easy to miss until they become painful or severe.
Plaque and tartar buildup don’t just affect your dog’s breath or smile. Over time, bacteria in the mouth can lead to inflamed gums, tooth decay, and infection. In more advanced cases, that bacteria can enter the bloodstream and impact vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. This is why dental health isn’t just about the mouth, it’s a full-body health issue.
Once a month, take a moment to gently check your dog’s mouth while they’re calm and relaxed:
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Gum color: Healthy gums should be pink and moist, not bright red, pale, or bleeding. Red or swollen gums can be an early sign of gingivitis.
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Tartar buildup: Look for yellow or brown buildup along the gumline, especially on the back molars where plaque accumulates fastest.
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Breath: While “dog breath” is normal, a strong, foul, or rotten odor is often a sign of dental disease or infection.
- Teeth condition: Check for broken, loose, cracked, or excessively worn teeth, which can be painful and easily overlooked.
You don’t need to pry your dog’s mouth open or perform a full dental exam. Even lifting the lip for a quick look can reveal important changes over time. What matters most is consistency, seeing what’s normal for your dog and noticing when something changes.
Dental pain often goes unnoticed because dogs are incredibly good at adapting. Many will continue eating despite significant discomfort, while showing subtle signs like chewing on one side of the mouth, dropping food, eating more slowly, pawing at the face, or becoming irritable during handling or training. Behavioral changes such as reduced play, decreased motivation, or increased reactivity can sometimes be traced back to chronic oral pain.
Monthly dental checks help you catch problems early, before they turn into infections, tooth extractions, or costly procedures. They also reinforce the importance of ongoing dental care, whether that includes brushing, dental chews, appropriate toys, or professional cleanings recommended by your veterinarian.
🐶Learn about the costs of professional dental care and how to keep your dog’s mouth healthy at home!
Nose
A healthy dog nose can be wet or dry, both are normal. What matters is consistency and sudden changes.
Check for:
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Crusting or cracking that wasn’t there before
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Thick discharge
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Bleeding or sores
- Color changes in the skin around the nose
Occasional clear discharge can be normal, especially with excitement or mild allergies. Thick, colored discharge or sores may signal infection or irritation and should be monitored closely.
🐕10 Dog Nose Facts + How to Care for & Clean a Dog's Nose | Pupford
Paws & Nails
Your dog’s paws take a lot of wear and tear, yet they’re easy to overlook.
Each month:
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Check paw pads for cracks, cuts, or redness (our Butter Up Balm is a lifesaver for dry paws)
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Look between toes for swelling or discharge
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Monitor nail length, long nails can affect posture and joint health
- Notice excessive licking or chewing of paws
Changes in paw behavior often indicate pain, allergies, or injury. Keeping nails at an appropriate length helps prevent long-term joint and mobility issues.
🐶How to Trim Dog Nails at Home, Including Black Dog Nails | Pupford
Joints & Mobility
Mobility changes are often gradual, especially in adult and senior dogs.
During your check, observe:
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How easily your dog stands up and lies down
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Willingness to jump, climb stairs, or play
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Stiffness after rest
- Changes in gait or posture
Gently move your dog’s limbs through a comfortable range of motion, only if they’re relaxed and willing. Resistance or tension can indicate discomfort.
Early detection of joint issues allows for lifestyle changes, enrichment adjustments, and vet guidance that can dramatically improve quality of life.
💖5 Signs Your Dog Needs Joint Supplements | Pupford
Digestion & Bathroom Habits
You don’t need to inspect every stool forever, but having a general monthly overview matter.
Ask yourself:
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Have bowel movements been consistent in size and firmness?
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Any increase in diarrhea, constipation, or gas?
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Changes in urination frequency or accidents?
- Straining, discomfort, or blood noticed?
Digestive changes can be linked to stress, diet changes, parasites, or illness. Keeping mental notes (or a simple log) helps identify patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Not sure what your dog’s poop means? Don’t worry, we have got you covered - 7 Dog Poop Meanings + Types of Dog Poop Guide | Pupford
Lumps, Bumps, and Body Changes
One of the most important parts of a monthly health check is gently feeling your dog’s entire body.
As you run your hands over them, watch for:
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New lumps or bumps
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Changes in size, shape, or firmness of existing lumps
- Areas of sensitivity or flinching
Not all lumps are dangerous, but new or changing lumps always deserve attention. Monthly checks make it easier to spot changes early rather than wondering how long something has been there.
Make It Positive, Not Stressful
A monthly health check should never feel like a restraint or struggle. Keep it calm, slow, and rewarding.
Tips for success:
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Pair checks with treats, praise, or a favorite activity
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Break it into short sessions if needed
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Let your dog opt out and return later
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Use a soft voice and relaxed body language
This is also an opportunity to reinforce handling skills that make vet visits easier and less stressful. This is called cooperative care, learn more here!
When to Contact Your Vet
A monthly health check doesn’t replace veterinary care, but it makes it more effective.
Contact your vet if you notice:
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Sudden or worsening changes
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Persistent symptoms lasting more than a few days
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Pain, lethargy, or appetite loss
- Anything that feels “off” compared to your dog’s normal baseline
You know your dog best. Trusting your observations is a powerful part of being a proactive pup parent.
Recap: The Monthly Health Check
Your dog relies on you to notice the things they can’t communicate clearly. A monthly health check is one of the simplest, most impactful habits you can build into your routine, and it doesn’t require perfection or expertise.
By slowing down, observing with intention, and checking in consistently, you’re supporting your dog’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, and long-term quality of life.
And perhaps most importantly, you’re strengthening the bond that makes life with dogs so meaningful in the first place.
