8 DIY Pet Health Checks to Do Every Month

You see your pet every day, which means you’re in the best position to notice when something starts to change. The problem? Seeing them every day can also make gradual changes surprisingly easy to miss. In this episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, Amy walks through eight simple at-home pet health checks you can do about once a month to get more familiar with what’s normal for your pet and spot changes that may be worth mentioning to your veterinarian. This isn’t about diagnosing your pet at home or replacing regular veterinary care. Think of it as a 10-to-15-minute monthly check-in where you slow down, actually look at your pet, put your hands on them where it’s safe to do so, and pay attention. You’ll learn to check: Body condition, weight, and muscle changes Lumps, bumps, swelling, and sensitive areas Skin, fur, hair, or feathers Eyes, ears, teeth, gums, and mouth Feet, nails, claws, and paw pads Movement, stiffness, and mobility Eating and drinking habits Bathroom habits, energy, and behavior Amy also shares how accidentally discovering a badly broken tooth in one of her own dogs made her realize just how much pet parents can miss when we’re not deliberately looking. The goal isn’t to catch everything. It’s to know your pet well enough that when something changes, you’re more likely to recognize that it’s new and give your veterinarian useful information about when it started. In This Episode Why everyday petting isn’t the same as deliberately checking your pet How gradual weight and muscle changes can sneak up on you A simple way to keep track of your pet’s lumps and bumps Why teeth and gums deserve a closer look Small mobility changes that may be easy to dismiss as “just getting older” Eating, drinking, and bathroom changes worth paying attention to How to turn a monthly pet check into an easy habit What to ask your veterinarian so you can personalize the routine for your pet Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Practical pet advice for busy pet parents. Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it. Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals. No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets. Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out. Contact: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro