Q&A for How to Check if Your Dog Is Healthy and Happy

If the dog has had a recent change of diet, he may be getting more water from the new food than the old and therefore need to drink less. If the dog is as active as normal, eating well, and has no signs of ill health (malaise, coughing, tummy upset, etc.) then it's unlikely you need to worry.

Licking is often due to skin irritation triggered by parasites or allergies. Some parasites, such as the sarcoptes mite, are too small to see with the eye but make the dog incredibly itchy. Therefore it's important to rule out all parasites, not just fleas. A common cause of itchiness is an allergic reactions to allergens in the environment such as pollens, mold spores, dust mites, or food.

Knowing what is normal behavior for your dog is hugely valuable. Should their behavior change, they may be unhappy about something, or there may be a physical cause, such as ill health.

It's a good sign when you see your dog engaging in activities that motivate them, like chewing on a bone or running in the yard looking for critters. Their body language will likely reflect this as well—you should see tail wags, bright eyes, and alert, attentive ears.

Your dog's nails could be dirty, too long, or damaged. Take a look at them, and see if they need to be cleaned of trimmed. Your dog's nails should be trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks.

You could see a vet about it, as it could be a condition with your dog's skin. Your dog might also be rolling in something that smells very bad after you bathe him. Watch him on the day that you bathe him, and make sure he isn't rolling in something disgusting. Be sure to brush out your dog's fur.

Try preparing your dog's food on the stove or counter. Since this is where your dog sees your preparing your tasty food, he may think that it is special and tasty too, and eat it.

Like a average human, dogs have different personalities despite being the same breed as another dog. Mouthiness is common in dogs, so a little training should do the trick.

Some dogs will chew their paws for many reasons. For example, their paws may be itchy, they have a thorn, their nails are too long or broken, etc. Check their paws and make sure nothing is wrong.

You should buy your dog breath freshening chews.

Since the testes are essentially removed in male dogs, testicular cancer is mostly out of the question, but still assess the area for any abnormalities, such as swelling. If you would like to know more, talk to your veterinarian. He can answer any specific questions you have.

Maybe your dog is doing more exercise and that is a good thing. If you are concerned, take the dog to the vet for an assessment.

Take it to the vet, they maybe able to clear it up, remove it, or prescribe medication. Make sure your dog leaves that area alone for a while.

Maybe your dog was outside going into a lot of dirt which caused the blackness. It could be flaky because of dandruff and itchy because fleas. If it persists you should probably take him to a vet.

Some dogs simply tend to bark less than others, and some breeds are quieter by nature. If you are concerned, see your vet.

Things that can make your dog lethargic and weak can range from infection and disease to pain and medication. Because weakness and lethargy can indicate anything from a chronic condition to a life-threatening illness, you should always talk to your vet when you notice either symptom.

Go to the vet immediately. There is not enough information here to give you any kind of satisfactory answer.

Dog stool often has mucus. It's a slime-like substance made by the intestines to keep the lining of the colon lubricated and moist and is perfectly healthy.

Continue taking your dog to the vet often, as the vet may not be able to catch a problem right away. It could be behavioral problems, in which case you should invest in obedience classes or spend extra time doing training exercises. If there's still a problem, hire a specialist.