Spring is the ideal time for a dog health reset. The darker months are behind us, the longer days are here, and we are back outside, which means more exposure, more activity, and more opportunity to notice what might need attention.
Think of this as your annual dog health MOT. Ten things to check, no vet degree required. Most can be done at home in under ten minutes.
1. Teeth and Gums
Dental disease affects around 80% of dogs over three years old and is one of the most overlooked health issues in pets. Check for: yellow or brown tartar build-up (especially along the gumline), red or swollen gums, bad breath that goes beyond normal "dog breath" and loose or missing teeth. If you spot any of these, book a dental check with your vet. Prevention: daily tooth brushing is gold standard. Natural dental chews and water additives help too.
2. Ears
Spring moisture and warmth create ideal conditions for ear infections. Check: are the ears clean and odour-free inside? Any redness, swelling, or dark discharge? Is your dog shaking their head frequently or scratching at their ears? A healthy ear should be pale pink, slightly waxy but not gunky and odourless.
3. Eyes
Look for: clear, bright eyes with no excessive discharge, no cloudiness (which can indicate cataracts, especially in older dogs), no redness or visible third eyelid. A small amount of sleep crust in the morning is normal. Persistent discharge or any cloudiness warrants a vet check.
4. Coat and Skin
Run your hands through your dog's entire coat. You are looking for: bald patches or thinning areas, redness, flaking, or scaling of the skin, lumps or bumps (any new lump should be checked by a vet), and parasites, fleas, ticks (especially important after outdoor spring walks), or flea dirt. Spring is prime tick season. Check after every countryside walk.
5. Weight and Body Condition
You should be able to feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard, but not see them. When viewed from above, there should be a visible waist. When viewed from the side, there should be an abdominal tuck. If ribs are hard to find and there is no visible waist, your dog is likely overweight. If ribs are prominent and the spine is visible, they may be underweight. Both warrant attention, one affects lifespan significantly.
6. Nails
Nails that are too long can affect gait, posture, and joint health. They should not click loudly on hard floors and ideally should not touch the floor when your dog is standing. Regular trimming (or a trip to a groomer) keeps things comfortable. If nails are very long and the quick has grown forward, it takes multiple trims over several weeks to bring it back.
7. Joints and Movement
Watch your dog move after they wake up. Do they take a few stiff steps before loosening up? Reluctance to jump, climb stairs or lie down and stand up? These can be early signs of joint discomfort, particularly in larger breeds. If you are noticing stiffness, joint support supplementation (glucosamine, chondroitin, Omega-3) is worth considering and a vet check for any dog showing consistent mobility changes is wise.
8. Digestion
What goes in must come out, and the output tells you a lot. Healthy dog stools are firm, formed, and easy to pick up. Note any: loose or frequent stools, mucus or blood in stools, straining, or significant changes in the smell or consistency of stools that persist for more than a day or two. Changes in digestion can signal diet issues, gut health problems or occasionally something that needs veterinary attention.
9. Energy and Behaviour
You know your dog best. Has their energy level changed significantly? Are they less enthusiastic about walks, play, or food? Is there a change in personality? Subtle behavioural changes can be early indicators of pain, illness, or cognitive changes (particularly in senior dogs). Trust your instincts, if something feels off, it often is.
10. Vaccination and Prevention Status
Spring is a good time to check: when are vaccinations due, is flea, tick, and worm prevention up to date and when was the last vet check-up? For adult dogs, annual vet checks are recommended as a minimum. For seniors (seven-plus years depending on breed), twice yearly is better.
What to Do If You Find Something
Not everything needs an emergency vet visit. But a calm, proactive approach to anything you notice is always the right call. Better to have a vet say "nothing to worry about" than to leave something to develop. Your dog cannot tell you when something hurts. That is your job.
How did your dog do on the spring MOT? Tell us what you found in the comments and if there is anything you are not sure about, ask. The community is here to help.
