Veterinary Student Outreach Program
By learning what is normal and healthy for your pet, you will recognize problems earlier, before things get really bad, and you can help your vet keep your animal healthy and happy.
The best way for you to catch illnesses early is to know what is normal for your animal; you can learn this by performing a monthly physical exam, just like your vet does. Then when you find something that seems really different from the last time, you'll know that it's time to see your veterinarian.
Performing a physical exam on a pet requires your eyes, ears, nose and hands.
- Look at your pet's skin, fur (or scales or feathers), eyes, nose, ears, paws and legs.
- Watch for bald spots, sores, blood, goop, snot, or anything icky looking.
- Does your pet seem sore or stiff when it moves around?
- Notice your pet's behavior. Is your pet acting more tired or sad or angry than normal?
- Listen to your pet breathing or panting.
- Smell your pet’s ears and skin for musty or foul odors
- Feel for lumps and bumps, rough spots, or tender places on your pet's body.