Animals are masters at masking pain. By the time they limp, it might be too late. Here is how to find the hidden signs.
Press your finger to their gums until they turn white. If the pink doesn't rush back in under 2 seconds, their circulation is struggling.
If their breath smells like ammonia or strangely sweet like maple syrup, it’s not just 'dog breath'—it’s a sign of kidney or sugar issues.
Feel under their jaw where it meets the neck. Healthy lymph nodes feel like small grapes. If they feel like walnuts, call your vet today.
Use light, rhythmic pressure on their belly. It should feel like a soft balloon. If it’s hard as a board, they are in pain.
Canadian sidewalks can be lethal. Check for cracks or chemical burns from de-icing salts. If the pad is red or raw, it hurts.
If you hear 'click-click' on your hardwood, their nails are too long. This shifts their biomechanics and causes painful joint strain.
After a hike, check the armpits and groin. Ticks love these warm spots. In Ontario or the Maritimes, this is a non-negotiable step.
Found a lump? Don't panic. Take a photo with a Loonie next to it for scale. It tells your vet exactly how much it has grown.
Watch their chest while they sleep. A healthy resting dog breathes 15–30 times a minute. Anything higher means their heart is working overtime.
If they're wiggly, use a high-value treat like plain yogurt. If they growl, stop. Pain often disguises itself as aggression.
It's energy architecture for your pet's life. A 10-minute weekly ritual turns you from a reactive owner into a proactive guardian.
Get the full nose-to-tail checklist and the specific red flag list every Canadian pet owner needs for their home log.