Health Care and First Aid.

In order to recognize when a dog is ill, you must know the signs of health. A healthy dog is alert and lively, and takes a great interest in its environment, although young puppies will be, quite normally, rushing about one minute and sound asleep the next. There should be no discharges from the eyes or nose. The nose is usually moist and shiny, but this will depend on what the dog has been doing – people are often concerned that their dog’s nose is dry, when all that has happened is that he has been digging for his favorite bone! The ears should be clean and free of visible wax. The coat should be free of dandruff and, depending on the coat type, more or less shiny. The skin should be free from sores or spots. The dog should move soundly, that is to say without favoring one leg over another, and should move freely. A healthy dog should have a appetite. He should be ready for his food, and eat it with relish.