A Comprehensive Guide on Checking Your Dog for Neurological Signs at Home

As pet owners, our furry companions' well-being is a top priority. One essential aspect of their health that often goes overlooked is neurological well-being. With this in mind, we've put together a simple guide on how to check your dog for neurological signs at home.

Checking your pet for neurological signs doesn't replace a full veterinary examination, but it serves as a preliminary assessment tool. By doing these tests on a healthy dog, you can familiarize yourself with what the normal responses should look like. This knowledge will then serve as a reference, enabling you to quickly spot any alarming signs that warrant a visit to the vet.

Observation is the first step in this process. Monitoring your dog’s daily activities can reveal early indications of neurological issues. For instance, watch out for signs of hind end weakness or unusual paw dragging. If your dog's nails are wearing down unusually, or there are frequent scratches or blood on their paw, it could imply that they're dragging a foot. This could be a potential sign of a neurological problem.

Additionally, be mindful of changes in your dog's bowel and bladder habits. Any inconsistencies, especially incontinence, should be treated seriously and merit immediate veterinary attention.

To perform a more hands-on assessment, we suggest three simple, non-invasive tests that you can do at home. The first of these is the 'Paw Righting Reflex' test. This involves flipping your dog's paw so that the knuckles are against the ground. If your dog quickly rights their paw (meaning they flip it back to normal), that's a good sign. If they don't, it might be time to visit the vet.

Next up is the 'Pinch Test'. Gently pinch the webbing between your dog's foot pads. A healthy dog will reflexively pull their paw away. If your dog doesn't react to the pinch, this could indicate a loss of sensation, which again, should be discussed with your vet.

Finally, you can perform a 'Patellar Tendon Reflex' test. Just like a doctor taps your knee to check your reflexes, you can do something similar with your dog. You should find the patellar tendon just below the knee, which feels a bit like a pencil. When you tap on it lightly, your dog should kick out their leg quickly. If they don't, it might suggest a potential neurological issue.

Remember, these at-home tests are not meant to replace a thorough neurological examination by a professional. If you notice anything out of the ordinary during these tests, it's essential to get a more detailed examination by your vet.

Your furry friend depends on you for their well-being. By understanding these simple neurological tests, you can play an active role in spotting early signs of potential issues. If identified early, many neurological issues can be managed effectively, ensuring a healthier, happier life for your dog. Take care of your beloved pet and stay vigilant.