What are the methods for identifying healthy dogs and sick dogs?

A healthy dog responds keenly to changes in its surroundings, is in good spirits, loves activity, has no odd temperament or abnormal behavior, is easy to train, cooperates with people, has a good appetite, and does not drink excessive water.

A healthy physique should appear naturally balanced and symmetrical when standing, with limbs standing upright and no deformities. The front chest is broad, the abdomen is tucked up, and the muscles on the body are full (especially the muscles of the buttocks and back), firm and strong. The tip of the nose is slightly cool, and there is no discharge from the mouth, nose, eyes, anus, opening of the penile sheath, or vulva, and the hair around the perineum is clean. The lips, oral cavity, and tongue mucosa have no ulcers or discharge. The teeth are firm, white, and free of tartar or gum ulcers, and the sclera of the eyes has no yellow discoloration. The joints of the limbs move freely, with no swelling or tenderness. It does not scratch or lick-bite the body, head, neck, or limbs, etc. The skin is tight against the body wall and elastic.

If the following conditions are found, a veterinarian should be consulted promptly: 1. Appetite. If a dog shows no interest in food it usually likes or food with a very good smell, eats less, or completely refuses to eat, this is abnormal. 2. Vomiting. Dogs are carnivorous animals that vomit relatively easily. Slight inappropriate eating may cause vomiting. This is not necessarily a disease. If persistent vomiting occurs, attention should be paid to it. 3. Diarrhea. Diarrhea in dogs is a sign of disease, especially repeated diarrhea, and measures should be taken. In particular, dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. 4. Sneezing or tearing. Sneezing or tearing are the main signs of a cold or influenza. A normal dog's nose tip is black and moist, but if it is excessively wet and there is nasal discharge, it may be a cold; if the nose tip is dry and rough, it is a sign of fever. 5. Difficulty drinking. When a dog sees a water bowl, it often approaches on its own wanting to drink. But if it wants to drink and cannot, or the water that enters the mouth drips out again, then in eight or nine cases out of ten there is a disease of the throat, such as pharyngitis. Dogs suffering from rabies are extremely thirsty, but because of pharyngeal paralysis they cannot drink, and sometimes the sight of water can cause frenzy. 6. Shaking the head and scratching the ears. These are characteristic symptoms of ear disease. If the inside of the ear is dirty and smelly, there may be parasites; if there is dandruff on the ear tip, there may be sarcoptic mange mites. 7. Salivation. There is disease in the oral cavity (such as stomatitis, glossitis, oral mucosal ulcers, and dental diseases, etc.). Salivation is a symptom of rabies, and bad breath can also be smelled at the same time. During the excitatory phase of rabies, saliva flows continuously from the mouth. 8. Frequent urination or defecation. A dog frequently makes the motions of urinating or defecating, but cannot pass urine or feces, or only traces of feces and urine are seen. Frequent urination in a dog may indicate a problem with the bladder or urethra, while frequent defecation may indicate a problem with the intestinal tract. 9. Scratching the skin. If a dog appears restless and frequently scratches its own skin and coat, it indicates that the dog has fleas or lice parasitizing on it, or is infected with sarcoptic mange, fungal skin disease, eczema, or pseudorabies. 10. Discoloration of the gums and tongue. The redder the tongue color, the healthier; white indicates anemia, and may also be intestinal parasites or blood in the stool (parvovirus disease or hookworm disease). 11. Most healthy dogs run, jump, and play together with other dogs. If a dog sleeps alone, it is mostly a sign of poor health.