Aussie pets are experts at masking pain. By the time you notice a limp, the issue is already advanced. Here is how to spot it early.
Between the Bunnings run and the BBQ, spend 10 minutes on a nose-to-tail check. It is the only way to know what is 'normal' for your pet.
Healthy ears are clean. If they smell yeasty—like a jar of Vegemite—or look red, an infection is brewing. Swipe to see the mouth →
Press their gums. They should snap back from white to pink in 2 seconds. In our summer heat, 'tacky' or dry gums mean dehydration.
Check under the jaw and behind the knees. Healthy lymph nodes feel like peas. If they feel like hard marbles, it is a major red flag.
Can you feel the ribs easily? If you are digging through 'extra treats' padding, your mate is carrying too many kilos for their joints.
Gently press the abdomen. It should be soft and relaxed. A hard, tense tummy or groaning is a clear sign of internal pain.
At rest, aim for 15-30 breaths per minute. Laboured breathing or a post-walk cough could indicate heart or lung trouble.
Crawl your fingers against the grain. On the East Coast, a tiny crater or a hard bump could be a deadly paralysis tick.
Check pads for burns or seeds. If their nails click on the floorboards, they are too long and will cause serious joint pain.
Watch them walk. Short steps or a head bob often start months before a visible limp. Catching arthritis early saves years of pain.
A 10-minute check-up isn't just about finding lumps; it's about knowing your mate so well that trouble has nowhere to hide. Consistency beats intensity.
Get the full DIY exam checklist and learn how to spot Australian pests before they strike. Your mate will thank you.