When buying a dog, it is recommended to choose one that is over 2 months old. Confirm with the seller that the dog has received 2 or more vaccinations and ask for the vaccination certificate. Such dogs generally have better physical fitness and stronger resistance, making them less likely to get sick and easier to raise.
If you’ve decided to bring a dog home, knowing how to choose a healthy one is crucial. We breaks down the differences between healthy dogs and sick ones from the following ten aspects, providing a useful reference for all new pet parents.
1. Mental State
Healthy Dog: Active, energetic, responsive, fond of approaching and playing with humans, and highly alert.
Sick Dog: Lethargic, standing motionless or lying down, and unwilling to move; unresponsive or agitated, prone to attacking humans, barking constantly, or moving aimlessly and running wildly.
2. Coat
Healthy Dog: Soft, shiny, clean, neat, well-groomed, free of tangles and excessive shedding, and no lice, fleas, or parasites.
Sick Dog: The opposite of the above conditions.
3. Skin
Healthy Dog: Soft and elastic, with normal body temperature when touched.
Sick Dog: Poor elasticity or dryness, or feels warm to the touch; may have alopecia areata, ulcers, or scabs on the skin.
4. Nose
Healthy Dog: Cool nose pad, no purulent nasal discharge, and does not sneeze.
Sick Dog: Dry, cracked, or warm nose pad; nasal discharge present.
5. Eyes
Healthy Dog: Bright and lively, clean, no discharge, pink conjunctiva, and both eyes are symmetrical in size.
Sick Dog: Eye discharge (crusts), tearing, red or pale conjunctiva, and dull eyes.
6. Ears
Healthy Dog: Both ears are flexible, ear canals are clean, and no odor.
Sick Dog: Discharge and abnormal odor in the ears, or frequently tilts head and shakes ears.
7. Mouth
Healthy Dog: Mouth closes completely, clean and moist; gums and lips are pink, no salivation, and breath is odorless.
Sick Dog: Abnormal color of gums and lips, foul-smelling breath, coughing, or vomiting.
8. Anus and Feces
Healthy Dog: Tight anus, clean surrounding area, and well-formed feces (moderate hardness).
Sick Dog: Loose anus, soiled with dirt, or presence of ulcers; abnormal feces.
9. Appetite
Healthy Dog: Good appetite and normal eating habits.
Sick Dog: Loss of appetite, or only drinking water and refusing to eat.
10. Limbs
Healthy Dog: Normal gait when walking, running, and moving around.
Sick Dog: Lameness, or front limbs turning inward (knuckling) or outward (splaying).