Sometimes I feel that we ignore the fact that our pets may be ill long before we see visible signs. I always encourage puppy people to check their pets to condition this behavior. But, this needs to be done with all pets, not just pups. Here are some of the things that I do with my dogs:

1. I feel their coat. Is it greasy? Dry? Do you see dandrufflike scales of dead skin? Is the skin normal in color? The coat and skin can be signs of illness.

2. Check for fleas and ticks. Run your fingers through your dog every day. You can also feel for new lumps and bumps. I'm not one that runs to the vet for every little thing, but it's good to know and watch for changes, just like you would yourself.

3. Your pet should not smell. A rancid or fishy odor may mean that your pet is in poor health. Now, if you haven't given him a bath in months, try that first, but typically a bath will not mask a rancid odor.

4. Check eyes, ears and teeth. Nothing should have an odor, be red, black or seem to be irritated and sore.

5. The gums of the dog should be pink. When you press on the gums, you should see white and then immediately it turns back to pink. Again, teeth care is important.

6. I'm pretty anal about keeping my pets thin. How I know: Gently rub your fingers back and forth along the rib cage of your dog. Do not press in. If you feel ribs, the pet is probably in good health. If you can see ribs or feel the ribs sticking out, the pet is probably too thin. If you cannot feel ribs, your pet is too fat. Pets should have a waist where there is a visible indentation. If you can place a dish on the top of your dog's back and it stays there, he is exceptionally overweight. Overweight dogs do not live as long as fit and trim dogs.