26/01/2025
The new year is a great reminder to make sure everything is up-to-date with your pet, including their health. It's a good idea to give your pet a regular 'MOT' which you can do at home ✅
Not all pets will be used to you checking them over, or touching them in certain areas. Always make sure your pet is relaxed and comfortable with you giving them a health check. Make the health check a positive experience, using treats and praise during, and afterwards.
These checkpoints apply to both cats and dogs 🐱🐶
[Visual description: Infographic reads: how to give your pet a new year 'MOT'. Ears - Ears should be free from build-up of wax or excessive hair and nasty smells. Ear flaps shouldn’t have any swelling. Eyes - Should look bright, clear and open as normal. Be free from tears or discharge, no tear staining. The fleshy area around the eyeball should be salmon pink. Nose - Your pet’s nose should be moist and soft and clear of any snot or discharge. Your pet should be able to breathe freely. Teeth - Teeth should be clean and white, free of cracks or breaks and free of staining. Also check for any missing teeth. Gums - Gums should be a fleshy salmon colour, moist and free of lumps and bumps. Some pets have pigment in their mouths so gums will look darker. Skin - Free of any rashes, lumps and bumps. No bald patches or fur missing. No bad smells, wounds, discharge or infections. Coat - Coat should be free of knots and matts. Free of ticks, fleas, flea dirt, or other parasites. Free of dandruff. Legs - Free from wounds, lumps and bumps. Able to comfortably get up and down. Nails should be strong, not too long, and no risk of growing into paw pads. Tail - Tail should be in a normal position for your pet, able to move freely, be clean and free of poo underneath and have no sores on or around it.]
