Instinct tells them to hide pain. By the time they limp or cry, it might be an emergency. You need to look closer.
You can't spot 'weird' if you don't know 'normal.' A weekly check helps you learn the exact feel of their skin, ribs, and breath before things go wrong.
Lift the lips. Gums should be bubblegum pink. Press them; the colour must return in 2 seconds. Pale or deep red gums in Indian heat often signal heatstroke.
Normal breath isn't roses, but it shouldn't be putrid. A sickly sweet or 'rotten' smell often points to dental decay or internal metabolic issues.
Check the lymph nodes where the jaw meets the neck. They should feel like tiny peas. If they feel like large marbles, an infection or illness is brewing.
Gently pinch the skin on the neck. It should snap back instantly. If it stays 'tented,' your pet is dehydrated—a common danger in North Indian heatwaves.
Run hands along the ribs. You should feel them easily but not see them. Whether it's a pampered pup or an Indie rescue, weight shifts happen fast.
Gently press the abdomen. It should be soft. If it’s hard as a drum or they groan in pain, it’s a red flag for bloat or gastrointestinal distress.
Indian favorites like Labradors and GSDs are prone to arthritis. Feel for heat or swelling in elbows and knees. Early detection keeps them mobile.
City roads get scorching. Check paw pads for cracks or burns. If their nails click loudly on your tiles, it's time for a trim to protect their gait.
Part the fur. Humidity leads to fungal 'hot spots' and hidden ticks. Check for anything the size of a 5-rupee coin that wasn't there last week.
Daily visual checks aren't enough. A tactile 10-minute exam once a week is the only way to beat the 'silent' illnesses that pets instinctively hide.
Get the full step-by-step exam checklist and the list of red-flag symptoms you can't afford to ignore.