Animals are masters at masking pain. By the time they limp, it might be too late. Here is how to find the hidden signs.
Squinting in the bright South African sun isn't always normal. Cloudiness or discharge could be a corneal ulcer. Check them daily for clarity.
Gently lift the lips. Healthy gums must be pink. Press until they turn white; the colour should snap back in 2 seconds or they are dehydrated.
KZN's humidity causes ear infections fast. If they smell like bread or look like coffee grounds, mites or bacteria have already moved in.
Ticks hide where you don't look: between toes and deep in armpits. One bite can lead to Biliary (tick fever) in just a few days.
Slide fingers under the jaw and behind the knees. If those pea-sized lymph nodes feel like firm golf balls, it's a major infection warning.
Gently press behind the ribs. It should feel doughy. A tense, hard belly in Boerboels or Shepherds is a red flag for life-threatening bloat.
SA winters are hard on older pets. Flex each joint gently. If they wince or pull away, arthritis is stealing their mobility and comfort.
Place your hand behind the left elbow. Count beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four. Know their 'resting normal' before a crisis hits.
In a heatwave, 'abdominal breathing' is a crisis. If they use their stomach muscles to pull in air, they are struggling to survive the heat.
Don't guess by a dry nose. Use a digital thermometer rectally with lubricant. 38°C to 39.2°C is the gold zone for dogs and cats.
Tactile checking builds trust and saves lives. Ten minutes a week prevents thousands in vet bills and years of avoidable heartache.
Get the full 10-point inspection checklist and see the exact techniques to spot illness early.