What are the methods for distinguishing a healthy dog from a sick dog?

To keep a dog healthy, owners need basic dog-care knowledge and must understand what a healthy dog is like. A healthy dog reacts keenly to changes in its surroundings, is in good spirits, loves activity, has no strange temperament or abnormal behavior, is easy to tame, cooperates with people, has a good appetite, and does not drink excessive water. A healthy physique should show a natural, balanced curve when standing, with upright limbs and no deformities. The front chest is broad, the abdomen is tucked in, and the body is full of muscle (especially the muscles of the hindquarters and back), firm and strong.

The tip of the nose is slightly cool, and there are no secretions from the mouth, nose, eyes, anus, the opening of the penile sheath or the vulva, and the hair around the perineum is clean. The lips, oral cavity and tongue mucosa have no ulcers or secretions. The teeth are firm, white, and free of tartar or gum ulcers, and the sclera of the eyes shows no yellow discoloration. The limb joints move freely, with no swelling or tenderness. The animal does not scratch or lick or bite its body, head, neck or limbs. The skin is close to the body wall and elastic. At the same time, pay more attention to observing the dog's daily life, and if abnormalities are found, promptly ask a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The following points must be watched regularly:

1. Appetite: if a dog shows no interest in food it usually likes or in food with a good smell, and its food intake decreases or it refuses to eat entirely, this is abnormal.

2. Vomiting: like cats, dogs are carnivorous animals that vomit relatively easily. Slightly unsuitable food may cause vomiting. This is not necessarily a disease. If persistent vomiting occurs, it should be taken seriously.

3. Diarrhea: diarrhea in a dog is a sign of illness, 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 for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

4. Sneezing or tearing: sneezing or tearing is the main sign of a cold or influenza, and if treated promptly, the results are generally good.

5. Dryness and moisture of the nose tip: a normal dog's nose tip is black and moist. Excessive wetness with a runny nose may be a cold; if the nose tip is dry and rough, it is a sign of fever.

6. Difficulty drinking water: when a dog sees a water bowl, it often walks over on its own wanting to drink. But if it wants to drink and cannot, or the water that enters the mouth drips out again, in nine cases out of ten there is a disease of the throat, such as pharyngitis. A dog suffering from rabies is extremely thirsty, but because of pharyngeal paralysis it cannot drink, and sometimes the sight of water can trigger frenzy.

7. 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 tips, there may be mange mites.

8. Drooling: when there is disease in the oral cavity (such as stomatitis, glossitis, oral mucosal ulcers and dental disease, etc.), drooling is a characteristic symptom, and bad breath can also be smelled. During the excitative stage of rabies, the mouth drools profusely.

9. Frequent urination or defecation: the dog frequently makes the motions of relieving itself but cannot pass urine or stool, or only traces of urine or feces are seen. Frequent urination in a dog may mean a problem with the bladder or urethra, while frequent defecation may mean a problem with the intestines, and the dog should be taken to a veterinary hospital promptly.

10. Scratching the skin: if a dog appears restless and frequently scratches its own skin and coat, it means the dog has fleas or lice parasitizing it, or is infected with mange, fungal skin disease, eczema or pseudorabies. At this time, the dog's coat is thin, and there may also be bald patches.

11. Color of the gums and tongue: the redder the color, the healthier; white indicates anemia, and may also indicate intestinal parasites or blood in the stool (parvovirus disease or hookworm disease).

12. Most healthy dogs run and jump about and play with other dogs. If a dog sleeps alone, it is mostly a sign of poor health. In short, when a dog shows any of the above signs or other abnormal conditions and does not improve after a fairly long time, it should be taken to a veterinary hospital promptly for diagnosis and treatment, and one must never hesitate or delay.