08/01/2022
Tip of the nose to Tip of the tail Check
When your dog comes to the grooming salon, we get up close and personal. If we notice concerning something we will bring it to your attention. You know your dog better than anyone, so it is recommended you perform a Tip of the Nose to Tip of the Tail Check roughly once a week to once a month while you’re at home. Doing this Tip to Tip Check will help you stay on top of your pets health by catching things early (that helps your pocketbook too!).
So what does a Tip to Tip Check include and what are you looking for to be sure your dog is in tip-top shape?
Nose: Is your dog’s nose running? dry or cracking? crusty? are there sores present? Is the color normal? Has your dog been sneezing? If you answer yes to any of these questions, there may be something going on. Its worth a chat with your vet.
Eyes: Have you noticed any changes in your dogs vision recently?
The whites of the eyes should be white. The pupils (the black dot in the center)should both be the same size. The eyes should be moist, but no crazy eye boogers. Your dog should blink easily and not be squinting. There should be no swelling around the eye. The lids (where a human would wear eye liner) should be straight, not curling in or out. If you note any abnormalities, chat with your vet.
Ears: Note if your dog has been hearing you well or not and any recent changes.
Look at the flaps. Are there any scratched or sores? Are they dirty? Look in the ear ca**l (you wont be able to see very far). Do you see any redness or debris (more than normal)? Do your dogs ears have an odd odor? Are they scratching or shaking their head a lot? If you can answer yes to any of these, you may want to chat with your vet.
Mouth: The lips and gums should be pink and free of bumps, ulcers, cuts, or cracks.
The teeth should be white. Excess tartar will make teeth look yellow or brown. Note any loose or broken teeth. Make sure there is nothing sticking in your dogs mouth where it shouldn’t be. Pay attention to the smell, a bad small may be indicative of dental disease or a multitude of other issues. Feel under your dog’s jaw for lumps and bumps, which could indicate enlarged lymph nodes or salivary glands.
Skin: Run your hands over the head, down neck to the chest, over his back, under his belly , and over the legs and tail feeling for lumps, bumps, or crusty lesions. Look for fleas and ticks while you are at it. Massage each leg from top to bottom with the same thorough approach. Feel under your dog’s jaw for lumps and bumps, which could indicate enlarged lymph nodes or salivary glands. Feel under the front legs, the groin area, and behind the knees for smooth swellings that could be enlarged lymph nodes. Roll your dog over and examine their abdomen for skin lesions. Check the mammary glands of both female and male dogs for lumps or bumps. Check the p***s and sheath of male dogs for redness or discharge. Look under the tail at the female’s v***a and note any redness or discharge. If you note any abnormalities, chat with your vet.
Paws: Carefully examine the paws in a position that works best for you and your dog. Are the pads cracked or torn? Are the nails too long? Is there swelling or redness between the toes? Is there a musty odor? If you can answer yes to any of these, chat with your vet.
Joints: Does he walk without limping, taking long strides? Can he lie down and rise up again with ease? Yes to these questions is great!
Or is he droopy and slow to respond? Does he walk with short steps? Does he lie down gingerly and struggle to get up? Yes to these questions warrants a chat with your vet.
Input: Has your dog been hungrier or thirstier than normal? Have they been eating or drinking less? Have you noticed any drastic weight loss or gain? If you answer yes to these questions, chat with your vet.
Output: Has your dog been straining to urinate or defecate? How does the urine look and smell? What is the consistency and color of the stool? Has there been any vomiting? If you note abnormalities or changes, chat with your vet.
Behavior: Have you noticed any extra grumpiness or tiredness recently? Any major behavior changes would warrant a chat with your vet.
Make this a fun experience for your dog by incorporating lots of loving and treats in to your Tip to Tip Check. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or anything that concerns you, do not hesitate to contact your vet.