Teeth

Your puppy has temporary teeth until about seven months of age, so don’t be alarmed if you see teeth falling out before then. However, dogs can get tartar and tooth decay just like humans. Plaque build-up can lead to swollen gums (known as gingivitis) and if not treated this can lead to permanent damage such as loose or rotten teeth.

Teeth cleaning toys, foods, chews and even doggy toothbrushes are available at most veterinary clinics and help prevent plaque build-up and dental diseases. Check your puppy’s mouth regularly and if you notice any of the following, take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental check up:

• Yellow/brown staining on the teeth
• Receding or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose or broken teeth
• Swelling of gums
• Swelling or discharge under the eye (your dog could have a tooth abscess)
• Difficulty eating and chewing
• Retained puppy teeth

Ears

Check your puppy’s ears regularly. Signs of ear disease may include:

• Scratching or rubbing one or both ears excessively
• Head shaking or head tilted to one side
• An unpleasant odour
• A discharge from the ear – usually yellow, brown or black
• Painful ears or head when touched
• Redness, inflammation and swelling of ear flap and ear canal
• Stumbling or circling to one side
• Lethargy and depression

To determine how to best clean your puppy’s ears, or if you suspect an ear problem - see your veterinarian.

Eyes

If you suspect an eye problem take your dog immediately to the veterinarian as any delay may result in permanent eye damage.
Take your dog to a veterinarian immediately if you see any of the following:

• Red, inflamed eyes
• Watery eyes
• Eye discharge – yellow, greenish or bloodstained (a small amount of eye mucus or ‘sleep’ at the corner of the eye is usually normal)
• Eyes are partly closed or only one eye is open/closed at a time
• Eyes are rubbed on the ground or pawed by the dog
• Changes in the size or colour of the eye
• Obvious blood vessels in the white of the eye
• Swollen eyelids
• Hair loss around eyes
• Crying, biting or flinching when the head is touched

Tip: A common misconception is that it is normal for old dogs to go blind. This is not true - a blind dog has eye disease.

'A dog may look at you with its eyes but it sees you with its heart' (Anon)