The ultimate healthy dog checklist

Thriving looks different on every dog. A wriggly puppy with paws too big for their body has a different kind of health glow to a calm, wise senior with a greying muzzle. But whether they’re still learning the ropes or have been your shadow for over a decade, the signs of good health are always there if you know what to look for.

This guide is here to help you spot those signs, celebrate them, and recognise changes early. Because while no dog stays a puppy forever, the right care can help them thrive at every age.

Puppies: building the foundations

The puppy stage is a glorious mix of clumsy chaos and rapid change. One week they’re all paws and teeth, the next they’ve suddenly figured out stairs and developed an opinion about the postman. This is when their bodies and minds are laying the groundwork for the rest of their lives and when you, as their person, can make the biggest impact on their future health.

Here’s what a thriving puppy looks like:

1. Steady growth and healthy weight

Puppies grow like weeds, but that doesn’t mean faster is better. Growth that’s too rapid, especially in large breeds, can put strain on developing joints and increase the risk of problems like hip dysplasia later in life.

A thriving puppy’s weight creeps up steadily in proportion to their size and breed. Ribs should be easy to feel but not see, and there should be a gentle tuck at the waist. An overstuffed sausage shape is adorable in the short term but can cause problems down the track.

Tip: Weigh your puppy weekly and keep a simple chart. Many vets will let you pop in and use their scales for free, and it’s a great way to make visits a positive experience.

2. Bright eyes and a glossy coat

A puppy’s eyes should sparkle with curiosity and be clear, bright and free from discharge or redness. Their coat should feel soft and smooth, whether it’s a short velvety layer or a fluffball of chaos. A dull coat or flaky skin can sometimes point to parasites, allergies or dietary imbalances.

The eyes and coat are great “surface-level” health indicators because they often reflect what’s happening internally,#; good nutrition, proper hydration and the absence of infection.

Tip: Run your hands gently over your puppy every day. It’s part cuddle, part health check, and they’ll learn to enjoy handling that will make grooming and vet visits much easier.

3. Curiosity and playfulness

A thriving puppy treats the world like it’s one big toy box. They sniff everything, chew most of it, and try to play with the rest. This exploration is vital for brain development; it’s how they learn about textures, sounds, smells and social rules.

Shyness in new situations isn’t unusual, but a puppy that consistently avoids interaction or freezes up might need some gentle confidence-building. Think of curiosity as their natural drive to connect with the world; when it’s there, it’s a sign their mental and emotional health is in good shape.

Tip: Give your puppy safe opportunities to explore – new surfaces, new toys, gentle introductions to other animals – and always praise them with positive reinforcement so the world stays an exciting, friendly place.

4. Good coordination for age

Puppies are, by design, a bit of a mess on four legs. Those growth spurts can make them temporarily wobbly but overall their coordination should improve steadily. Watch for symmetrical movement, a normal gait and the ability to sit, stand, and lie down without struggling.

Persistent stumbling, limping, or reluctance to use a leg isn’t “just puppy clumsiness”, it’s a reason to check in with your vet.

Tip: Play short games that encourage balance and agility like gentle tug-of-war or stepping over low objects. It’s a fun way to build both muscle and confidence.

5. Quick recovery from activity

A healthy puppy bounces back quickly after play or walks. They may flop down for a snooze (puppies sleep up to 18 hours a day) but they shouldn’t be panting heavily or looking exhausted for long periods.

Slow recovery, coughing, or excessive panting after moderate activity can be a sign of an underlying issue, from respiratory infections to heart conditions.

Tip: Keep exercise short and sweet, frequent bursts of play are better than marathon walks. Over-exercising a growing pup can damage joints, while under-exercising can leave them under-stimulated.

Adults: maintaining peak health

Once your dog hits adulthood, the wild energy and rapid changes of puppyhood give way to a steadier rhythm. These are their peak years when they’re physically strong, mentally sharp and (mostly) know the rules of the house. The goal here is to maintain that condition for as long as possible, catching any changes before they become bigger issues.

Here’s what thriving looks like in an adult dog:

6. Stable weight and strong muscle tone

A healthy adult dog carries their weight consistently, with visible muscle definition and no excess padding. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard and see a gentle waist tuck from above. Sudden weight gain can creep up unnoticed, especially if you’ve been generous with treats, while unexplained weight loss might signal an underlying health issue.

Muscle tone matters, too. Well-developed muscles help protect joints, support mobility and even improve balance. Dogs that are too sedentary can lose muscle mass surprisingly quickly, leading to a cycle of reduced activity and more muscle loss.

Tip: Use your hands as well as your eyes. A quick “feel check” once a week — running your hands along the ribs, back, and thighs — can reveal changes long before the scale does.

7. Free, comfortable movement

A thriving adult moves with ease. They stretch after a nap, bound up for walks and can jump into the car without hesitation. Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to play can indicate anything from mild strains to early arthritis.

Even high-energy breeds can benefit from a mix of activities not just repetitive fetch sessions. Different movement patterns (walking, trotting, climbing, swimming) keep joints flexible and muscles balanced.

Tip: Include at least one low-impact activity in your dog’s weekly routine, like swimming or walking on grass, to reduce repetitive strain.

8. Bright, engaged behaviour

Healthy adult dogs are tuned in to their world whether that means greeting you at the door, keeping an eye on the neighbour’s cat, or enthusiastically learning a new trick. Engagement is a sign their mind is active and their emotional health is strong.

A sudden withdrawal from play or family activities can signal illness, pain or stress. Just as in humans, mental wellbeing is tightly linked to physical health.

Tip: Keep brains busy with problem-solving games, training refreshers, or scent-based activities. Mental stimulation can tire a dog out just as much as physical exercise.

9. Healthy appetite and digestion

A thriving adult eats eagerly, digests well, and produces consistent, healthy poos. Long-term picky eating or sudden changes in appetite deserve attention, as do repeated episodes of vomiting, bloating or diarrhoea.

Good digestion isn’t just about what goes in, it’s also about how the body absorbs nutrients. Chronic gut problems can affect energy levels, coat condition, and even mood.

Tip: Keep a casual “poo diary”, not necessarily in a dedicated notebook, but at least a mental note of colour, consistency and frequency. You’ll be surprised how quickly you notice patterns.

10. Calm adaptability

Life changes and new jobs, house moves, babies, even visiting relatives can all shake up your dog’s world. A thriving adult might be curious or mildly unsettled at first but they should adjust without prolonged anxiety or behaviour changes.

Dogs that handle change well usually have a solid bond with their owners, trust in their environment and a consistent daily routine. Helping them stay adaptable now will also make senior transitions easier later on.

Tip: Practise “micro-changes”, small shifts in routine that help your dog stay flexible. For example, vary the walking route, feed in a different room or introduce new sounds at low volume.

 

Seniors: thriving in later years

The senior years can be some of the most rewarding, all that puppy chaos is a distant memory, and you’ve got a dog who knows you inside out. They may move a little slower and sleep a little longer but thriving at this stage is about comfort, connection, and keeping that spark in their eyes.

Ageing isn’t a disease. With the right care, senior dogs can enjoy years of happy, healthy life and you can enjoy the quieter, gentler version of your best friend.

11. Alertness and social interest

Even if they spend more time snoozing, a thriving senior will still perk up when something interesting happens whether that’s your voice, the rattle of the lead or the smell of roast chicken.

A loss of social interest can sometimes be mistaken for “slowing down,” but it can also signal pain, hearing loss, vision changes or cognitive decline. The key is knowing what’s normal for your dog and spotting when it shifts.

Tip: Keep social interaction part of every day, even if it’s gentler and shorter. Short training sessions, soft play or just sitting together in the garden all count.

12. Mobility suited to age

Senior dogs may not be leaping onto the sofa anymore but they should still move with relative ease for their age. Watch for reluctance to get up, stiffness after lying down, or hesitation on stairs, these can be signs of arthritis or joint pain.

Gentle daily exercise keeps joints lubricated and muscles strong. Stopping walks altogether often makes mobility issues worse, not better.

Tip: If your senior struggles with slippery floors, consider rugs or non-slip mats. Ramps or steps can make cars, beds or favourite sofas accessible again.

13. Consistent appetite and weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is important at every stage but sudden changes in seniors can be especially telling. Weight loss can signal anything from dental pain to organ issues, while weight gain can stress joints and heart health.

Older dogs often need dietary tweaks – fewer calories, more joint-supporting nutrients or easily digestible proteins – to keep them in top condition.

Tip: Schedule regular weigh-ins, ideally every month. Pair it with a body condition check so you catch subtle shifts early.

14. Good rest and sleep patterns

Senior dogs often sleep more, but quality matters. They should wake easily, settle comfortably, and not show signs of confusion or nighttime restlessness (a potential sign of canine cognitive dysfunction).

Comfortable bedding, a warm draft-free spot, and a predictable bedtime routine can make a huge difference to sleep quality, which in turn affects mood, mobility, and immune health.

Tip: If your senior is restless at night, check for pain, temperature changes, or anxiety before assuming it’s “just age.”

15. Manageable health conditions

Many senior dogs live full, happy lives with chronic health conditions, from arthritis to heart disease, as long as these are well-managed. A thriving senior is one whose conditions are controlled enough to let them enjoy daily life.

Regular vet checks, appropriate medication, and small environmental adjustments (like raised food bowls or more frequent toilet breaks) can keep them comfortable and active.

Tip: Keep a written log of medications, dosages, and any changes in symptoms. It’s surprisingly easy to forget small details between vet visits.

Every dog’s journey is different. Some will charge through life with unstoppable energy; others will be more measured from the start. Thriving isn’t about comparing your dog to anyone else’s, it’s about knowing their normal, celebrating it and noticing when something’s off.

A monthly check-in, even just a few minutes of observing their body, movement, mood, and habits, can be one of the most powerful tools you have. The earlier you spot a change, the earlier you can act and the longer you can keep that tail wagging.

In the end, thriving is a partnership. You provide the care, the love, and the safe environment; they provide the companionship, joy and unconditional love that make it all worthwhile. 

 

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