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By Denise Fleck, Pet Safety Crusader™| April 26, 2019

To truly be your four-legged clients’ “second best friend” (their moms and dads should of course be their “first” just like you are to your own fur kids), regularly checking dogs and cats from head-to-tail can find a problem early and prevent it from becoming a big deal.  At the time of an injury or illness, an all-over body check is an important component in determining what is not quite right, as well as discovering additional injuries that may need to be dealt with before getting to veterinary care.

Brush up on checking vitals, keeping in mind that ranges considered normal for each species and size vary.  The more familiar you are with an animal’s usual body language, habits and physical characteristics, the more quickly you will recognize something abnormal! 

Before you begin

Project calm.  Through your touch, the dog or cat in your care will absorb your energy, so get in a good state of mind before you begin.  Performing a “Head-to-Tail Check” can be a true bonding experience (as well as a socializing one).  Helping to get your four-legged client comfortable with your touch just might make him a better patient at the veterinarian and the groomer, so giving him the once over is beneficial on many levels.

Start at the head and work your way toward the tail, observing the skin and coat, feeling for lumps, bumps, scrapes and anything that shouldn’t be there:  parasites, burrs or foxtails, for instance. Notice areas that are tender by also watching the pet’s facial expressions, movements and vocalizations. Some animals do remain stoic and tolerate a painful touch, so tune in to clenched jaws and other behaviors.

Ears

Gently clean ears of dirt and waxy debris with appropriate ear wash on a soft cloth. Witch hazel or equal parts apple cider vinegar and water are good choices, as is room temperature green tea (no sweetener of course), which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  If you discover redness, parasites or a foul odor coming from any pet’s ears, don’t touch but encourage a veterinary assessment at once.  Ear infections are painful and can become debilitating if not treated.  Discovery of small dark debris resembling coffee grounds could be flea or mite dirt, so a professional check-up would be in order! 

New products appear on the market regularly, so talk to your veterinarian about which brands work best in your region so you can share this information with clients when asked. Remember…to your clients, you are not just a professional pet sitter—you are an expert on “everything pet!”  Always encourage them, however, to speak with their own vet, but staying in-the-know increases your credibility.  Whatever products you use, follow directions closely— dog products for dogs only, cat products for cats—and stick to the recommended doses according to body weight or other specifications. A small error could prove dangerous to your second best friend. Never consider trying a new product when a pet will be left alone.  Always use when there is ample time to observe the dog or cat’s body’s reaction to the treatment.

Eyes, Nose and Mouth

If eyes tear excessively or you notice a discharge, flush with eye wash.  Saline solution or purified water should be the only ingredients listed on the brand you use.

Compare one eye to the other for differences in appearance, making sure both pupils are the same size. Dogs have round-shaped pupils while cats are vertical.  Both, however, should respond to light by contracting and then dilating (or enlarging) when the light source is removed. Discrepancies should be checked by a veterinarian immediately.

Track eye movement by holding an index finger in front of the pet’s face and slowly moving it from side to side. Do his eyes follow? Any erratic flickers should be assessed by the pet’s veterinarian for potential neurological problems.

Feel the muzzle for bumps and tenderness. Due to bone and cartilage, it may be impossible to feel a tumor, so if the area appears sore or if there is an unusual discharge from the nostrils, encourage a veterinary exam. Soreness of the muzzle, however, could also be coming from the mouth.

Does your doggy or kitty client get regular tooth brushings?  It only takes 48 hours for plaque to turn to tartar leading to gum disease. Carefully look in the mouth. Gums should be a healthy pink (unless the pet has black gums like Chows, black Labs and some felines) with no bad odor. Check for broken teeth and obvious signs of swelling or bleeding. 

Torso and Legs

The rest of the “Head-to-Tail Check” should be a gentle massage along the animal’s sides and back, looking and feeling for ANYTHING that does not belong or seems sore.  At the chest, you should be able to feel, but not see, the ribs while breathing should be steady and unlabored.

Inspect legs and paws making sure claws and pads are not cracked, and that nails are trimmed short to prevent snagging the carpet or breaking on hard surfaces.  Be gentle and go a speed that is comfortable for your second best friend. Many animals get uneasy when touched, but examine a little at a time, and they’ll come to enjoy this experience.

With fingertips, stroke the abdomen feeling for hard spots or sensitive areas. Check nipples (males have these too), genitals and “under the tail” which should all be clean with no colored discharge. If the pet is older or arthritic and can’t keep up with his own daily hygiene, help keep him stay clean by wiping the area with a warm wet cloth.  Should you notice scooting or excessive licking, anal glands may need to be expressed by a professional.  You could first suggest adding pumpkin puree or shredded raw carrot to the pet’s diet if the issue doesn’t seem painful. 

Throughout your assessment, check the skin and coat for flaking or excessive shedding. The right brush can feel like a massage and help stimulate oil glands. Long or nubby, fluffy or hairless, the pet’s tail should also be examined for bumps and sores. Remember that the base of the tail often harbors parasites and that the tail also has nerve endings and a blood supply, so it can sustain injuries.

Finding a problem at the onset may truly be a life-saver, and spending quality time with your second best friend…priceless!