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Your dog has a number of telltale signs to let you know they're in good health.Your dog has a number of telltale signs to let you know they're in good health.
Your dog has a number of telltale signs to let you know they're in good health.

Dog Health: These are the 10 telltale signs your adorable dog is feeling happy, healthy and well 🐶

With demand for pups continuing to rocket post-pandemic, there are many new owners that may not be aware of all the complexities of canine behaviour.
By David Hepburn
Published 28th Sep 2022, 12:39 BST
Updated 6th Jun 2023, 10:05 BST

If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies surged by around eight per cent since the start of the global pandemic.

There are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.

No matter what type of dog you choose to welcome into your home though, you'll be hoping to have a happy, contented and healthy pet.

And, while pooches can’t say ‘I feel great’ out loud, they have numerous types of behaviour to let you know.

Here are 10 things your dog does that means they are fit and healthy.

For all the latest dog news, pictures, advice and information, join our ScotsdogFacebook group here

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While your dog's breath is unlikely to be minty-fresh, it should still be relatively clean-smelling. Consistantly bad breath could indicate gum disease which can ultimately affect vital organs and lead to serious health problems, along with tooth loss. Stinky breath can also be a sign of some mouth cancers.

1. Fresh breath

While your dog's breath is unlikely to be minty-fresh, it should still be relatively clean-smelling. Consistantly bad breath could indicate gum disease which can ultimately affect vital organs and lead to serious health problems, along with tooth loss. Stinky breath can also be a sign of some mouth cancers. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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If your pup has a shiny and clean coat it's a great indication that they are in good health - it means that they are shedding well and are producing the requisite natural oils they need, with no need for extra bathing or grooming. If a dog is constantly scratching and licking their coat it can be a sign of everything from fleas to a skin allergy.

2. Shiny Coat

If your pup has a shiny and clean coat it's a great indication that they are in good health - it means that they are shedding well and are producing the requisite natural oils they need, with no need for extra bathing or grooming. If a dog is constantly scratching and licking their coat it can be a sign of everything from fleas to a skin allergy. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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It may have never occurred to you to look inside your dog's ears but it's a key measure of health. You are wanting to see clean ears with a thin and shiny layer of wax. Excess wax, a nasty smell or a constant discharge is a sign of a problem.

3. Clean ears

It may have never occurred to you to look inside your dog's ears but it's a key measure of health. You are wanting to see clean ears with a thin and shiny layer of wax. Excess wax, a nasty smell or a constant discharge is a sign of a problem. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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It tends to be the case that a hungry dog is a healthy dog and one of the first signs of many health issues is a lack of appetite - unless your pooch is a naturally fussy eater. The exceptions are diabetes and disorders of the thyroid and adrenal glands that can cause dramatically increased hunger and thirst.

4. A good appetite

It tends to be the case that a hungry dog is a healthy dog and one of the first signs of many health issues is a lack of appetite - unless your pooch is a naturally fussy eater. The exceptions are diabetes and disorders of the thyroid and adrenal glands that can cause dramatically increased hunger and thirst. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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