How do I know whether Fido is healthy?

A healthy dog is bright, dandy and alert. It would be interested in whatever is going on around it, and is very responsive. The coat should be glossy and feel good to the touch. The dog should move easily, vibrantly and look contented.

On the other hand a sick dog would have all the opposites of the above. That is look dull, depressed, and has a drab dry coat. It will probably move slowly, with body hunch and tail down.
Loss of appetite drinking very little or too much are signs of ill health. Dogs normally defecate two or three times a day. The feces should be firm, with no blood or mucus present. Be watchfulin frequency and consistency. This also applies to urination. Male dogs usually lift their legs to urinate, so squatting may indicate arthritis.

Most dogs have cool, wet noses indicating that they are healthy When the moisture on the nose dries and evaporates, it lifts heat from the dog skin When the dog is overheated or unwell, having a high temperature, the nose become warm and dry.

Dogs ears should not smell, and not contain a lot of wax.A dog with a ear problem will hold the affected ear down, shake its head, and scratches at the ear.Dogs can be infected with ear mites, infections, or grass seeds, and all these needs veterinary care

Eyes should be clear and bright, with no cloudiness, redness, and discharge. Excessive blinking, persistent rubbing of the eye, or any discharge form should be taken to a veterinarian for further inspection.