Anatomy

The anatomy of the dog describes the structure of its body, bones, muscles, organs, and their functions. This knowledge is practical: injuries can be detected earlier, symptoms of illness better understood, and health checks carried out more targetedly.

A dog has about 319 bones (humans only 206) and over 700 muscles. These figures show that dogs are highly complex animals of movement and at the same time susceptible to specific problems.

Recognising problems in the locomotor system

The skeletal system consists of bones, joints, and cartilage. Problems usually show themselves through altered movement.

The spine has 50-52 vertebrae and is a weak point in many breeds. Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and other long-bodied breeds frequently develop intervertebral disc herniations. Signs: stiff gait, unwillingness to jump, or a curved back when standing.

The hip joints of large breeds (German Shepherd, Labrador) are prone to dysplasia. Early signs: the dog no longer stands evenly on both hind legs when eating or shows a ‘bunny hop’ gait.

The front legs carry 60% of the body weight. Lameness is often more clearly visible here than in the hind legs.

Cardiovascular system and health indicators

The dog’s heart beats 70-120 times per minute (smaller breeds faster). The pulse can be felt on the inside of the thighs, where the artery runs.

Signs of heart problems: bluish tongue or gums, heavy breathing after slight exertion, night-time coughing without a cold. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boxers, and Dobermans have heart problems more frequently due to hereditary factors.

Blood vessels transport oxygen and nutrients. Pale mucous membranes indicate circulation problems or anaemia.

Identifying breathing problems

Normal breathing at rest: 10-30 breaths per minute. To count, observe the movements of the ribcage.

The nose is more than a sense organ; it indicates the state of health. A persistently dry, cracked nose can indicate fever. One-sided nasal discharge often points to foreign bodies or tumours.

Brachycephalic breeds (Pug, French Bulldog) have shortened airways. Signs of breathlessness: bluish tongue, increased panting without exertion, or gasping.

In cases of breathlessness, the dog opens its mouth wider than during normal panting and often stretches its neck forward.

Digestion: function and common disorders

Dogs have 42 teeth, and their approximate age can be read from their wear. Strong bad breath indicates dental problems or organ diseases.

The dog’s stomach is stretchable and can absorb large amounts of food. This makes it susceptible to gastric torsion (bloat), especially in large, deep-chested breeds after rapid food intake.

The intestine is shorter than in humans (carnivore anatomy). Diarrhoea appears within 6-8 hours after the trigger. Blood in the faeces, black faeces, or vomiting over several days are emergencies.

Normal: A dog defaecates 1-3 times a day. The consistency should be mouldable but not hard.

Urinary tract: function and warning signals

The kidneys filter the entire blood volume about 25 times daily. Problems show themselves in altered drinking behaviour or urine output.

Normal urine is pale yellow and does not smell pungent. Dark, bloody urine or frequent passing of small amounts indicates cystitis, more common in bitches than in dogs.

Kidney disease often shows itself only late: increased drinking, bad breath smelling of ammonia, vomiting without an apparent cause.

Checking reproductive organs

In bitches, regularly palpate the udder; lumps can indicate tumours, especially in unspayed bitches over 6 years old.

Oestrus occurs every 6-8 months. Absence or very irregular cycles can indicate hormonal disorders.

In dogs, check the testicles for size differences or hardening. A non-descended testicle (cryptorchidism) develops tumours more frequently.

Recognising neurological problems

The nervous system controls movement, sensation, and organ functions. Problems often show themselves first in altered behaviour.

Coordination disorders, trembling without coldness, seizures or sudden changes in temperament indicate neurological diseases. In older dogs, cognitive decline can occur, similar to dementia.

The pupillary reflex is a simple test: if you shine a light briefly into the eyes, both pupils should constrict evenly.

Skin and coat as health indicators

The skin is the largest organ and quickly indicates internal problems. Healthy skin is elastic; if you lift it, it falls back immediately. If it stays in place, this indicates dehydration.

The coat changes completely twice a year. Excessive hair loss, bald patches or altered shine can indicate hormonal disorders, parasites or malnutrition.

Itching without visible parasites is often allergy-related, particularly common in Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians and West Highland White Terriers.