One of the best things you can do for your dog or cat doesn't require special equipment, medical training, or even leaving your house.

It just requires slowing down and setting aside 5-10 minutes once a month to look, feel, and observe your pet while they're relaxed and comfortable.

The goal is to become so familiar with what’s “normal” for your dog or cat, that you'll recognize when something changes. Because often, the most important clue isn't what you find today. It's noticing that something is different than it was last month.

Make It Part of Your Routine

One of the easiest ways to make monthly health checks successful is to do them when your pet is already relaxed.

Maybe it's after an evening walk when your dog is ready to stretch out on the couch. Perhaps it's after brushing, during a quiet cuddle session, or while your cat is purring beside you after dinner. The goal is to build a few minutes of observation into moments that already feel calm and familiar.

When pets are relaxed, they're more likely to accept gentle handling. Instead of rushing through a quick inspection or only touching sensitive areas when something seems wrong, take your time. Run your hands over their body, lift an ear, look between their toes, check under the collar, or gently feel along their legs and belly. Offer praise, a favorite treat, or a little extra affection along the way.

Over time, these moments become something your pet expects rather than something they resist. What starts as a simple monthly health check can also help build comfort with being handled, making future grooming sessions and even veterinary visits less stressful.

Think of it as building trust while building awareness.

You're not only looking for lumps, bumps, or changes. You're also learning what "normal" feels like for your pet, while teaching them that gentle hands, close observation, and being examined don't have to be scary.

The best health checks rarely feel like health checks at all. They simply become another way to spend quality time together.

Become Familiar With What's Normal

Every pet has:

• little bumps

• freckles

• skin tags

• calluses

• scars

• funny-looking toes

• patches of different fur

The goal is to know your dog or cat. Because when you're familiar with what's always been there, it's much easier to notice something that's new.

What to Look for During a Monthly Pet Health Check (Look, Feel, Notice)

Try not to feel like you have an agenda or a checklist, just move your hands over your pet from nose to tail.

Notice:

• New lumps or bumps

• Areas of tenderness

• Changes in skin color

• Hair thinning

• Scabs

• Scratches

• Changes around the ears, eyes, mouth, or paws

• Nails that are becoming overgrown

• Anything that seems different than last month

Don't forget the places we don't usually see. Lift the tail. Look between the toes. Check under the collar or harness. Peek inside the ears. Gently feel under the jaw.

Check out our Ultimate Guide to a Head-to-Toe Health Check for Your Pet.

Your Phone Is One of the Best Health Tools You Own

If you notice:

• a lump

• a scrape

• redness

• swelling

• a limp

• an unusual gait

• something that seems "off"

Now is the time to document it. Photos make it much easier to tell whether something is changing over time. They're also incredibly helpful when talking with your veterinarian.

Instead of trying to remember, "I think it got bigger..." you'll have something to compare.

You can even create an album on your phone called: Pet Health Check where every month, snap a few photos from the same angles. It only takes a moment, but it creates a timeline you'll be glad to have if questions ever come up.

You can even set a monthly reminder for the Pet Health Check too!

Don't Wait Until the Appointment

If you notice something new, don't panic. But don't ignore it, either.

Call your vet. Send the photo if they request one, and remember to bring it to any appointment.

Ask whether they recommend monitoring it, scheduling an appointment, or coming in sooner.

Your veterinarian is your partner, and sharing clear observations helps them make the best recommendations for your pet.

For the Little Things...

Not every scrape needs an emergency visit. Dogs and cats collect the occasional nick, scratch, or minor abrasion from living life.

Keeping a simple pet first-aid kit at home can help you care for those everyday bumps and scrapes while continuing to monitor healing.

Our Boo Boo Balm is one item we like to keep on hand for minor skin irritations and everyday mishaps, because sometimes little things happen during big adventures.

Small Habits Add Up

Most health changes don't happen overnight. They happen gradually.

The sooner you notice those changes, the sooner you can have a conversation with your veterinarian.

A monthly health check helps you become an expert on your pet. No one spends more time with them than you do. And sometimes, that familiarity is one of the greatest gifts you can give.