Signs of Good Health
When you visit your veterinarian, be sure to bring up any questions or concerns regarding your puppy's health. To help you determine abnormalities you need to discuss with your veterinarian, please review the following lists.
What's Normal
- Eyes: Should be bright and clear. Report any discharge to your veterinarian.
- Ears: Should be clean and free of discharge, odor and redness. Untreated ear problems are painful and can cause hearing loss.
- Nose: Should be clean, without discharge or sores.
- Mouth: Should smell fresh. Gums should be pink. Teeth should be free of tartar or plaque. Mouth and lips should be free of sores or growths.
- Coat: Should be shiny and clean.
- Weight: Active, playful puppies are rarely overweight. Ask your veterinarian for nutritional advice on maintaining your dog's healthy weight.
- Bladder/Bowel: Report changes in the frequency or consistency of your puppy's urine or stool to your veterinarian immediately.
What's Not Normal
Tasty Tips
- Diarrhea: This common ailment can be caused by many factors including bacteria, viruses, internal parasites, toxic substances, too much food or psychological upsets. Call your veterinarian if stools are bloody, if there is a large volume of watery stools, if your pet is thin or potbellied or if the diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours.
- Constipation: Like diarrhea, constipation can be caused by many factors, including, ingesting substances such as hair, bones or foreign materials, or because of disease or insufficient water intake. Your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, radiographs or perform other tests to find the cause.
- Vomiting: It is not uncommon for a pet to vomit occasionally, but frequent or persistent vomiting is not normal. Call your veterinarian if vomiting occurs more than five times in a few hours, large volumes are vomited, vomit contains blood, or is accompanied by diarrhea or abdominal pain.
- Abnormal Urination: Straining to urinate or bloody urine may indicate a painful infection of the urinary tract. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
Related products
Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Related articles
Hill's Puppy Food: Quality Ingredients for Health & Nutrition
Learn about Hill's puppy food and the nutritional benefit & high quality ingredients that it contains for your pup.
How Fatty Acids Can be Healthy for Your Dog
Understand the role that Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids play in your dog's overall health, and how you can ensure they are getting enough.
What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog
Proper nutrition for your pregnant or nursing dog is vital to her and her puppy's health. Learn what you should do provide her with the proper nutrients.
Special Diet Needs for Large & Giant-Breed Puppies
Large and giant breed puppies have different nutritional needs than other dogs. Learn how to provide the special care they need to grow up big and strong.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.