Healthy puppies are active, alert, and full of energy. But beyond their cute, playful nature, there are specific indicators that can give you peace of mind about your puppy’s health. Here’s what to look for:

1. Bright, Clear Eyes

A puppy’s eyes are a window into their overall health. Bright, clear eyes without discharge or cloudiness are one of the most important healthy puppy signs. A healthy puppy should have eyes that are free of redness, irritation, or excessive tearing.

What to Watch For:

• No discharge: While some tear staining is normal for certain breeds, excessive discharge or mucus around the eyes can indicate an infection or allergy.
• No cloudiness: Cloudy or dull-looking eyes could be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as cataracts or infection.

2. Clean Ears with No Odor

Healthy puppies should have clean, odor-free ears. Puppies are prone to ear infections, especially those with floppy ears, so it’s important to check their ears regularly.

What to Watch For:

• No bad odor: A foul smell coming from your puppy’s ears may indicate an infection.
• No redness or inflammation: Redness, swelling, or your puppy excessively scratching their ears could be signs of an ear infection or mites.
• Minimal wax: A small amount of wax is normal, but a large buildup or black, crumbly discharge could point to ear mites or infection.

3. Shiny, Soft Coat

A healthy puppy’s coat should be shiny, soft, and free of bald patches. Their skin should be clean and free of bumps, rashes, or scabs. If your puppy’s coat is dull or flaky, it could be a sign of malnutrition or skin issues.

What to Watch For:

• No excessive shedding: While some shedding is normal, especially during seasonal changes, excessive shedding could be a sign of stress, poor diet, or underlying health issues.
• No itching or dandruff: Itchy skin or dandruff might indicate allergies, skin infections, or parasites like fleas.

4. Steady, Healthy Appetite

A healthy puppy will have a consistent appetite. Puppies are naturally energetic and need a lot of nutrition to support their rapid growth, so regular eating is key. If your puppy is eating well, it’s usually a good sign that they’re healthy.

What to Watch For:

• No vomiting or diarrhea: Occasional stomach upset can happen, but frequent vomiting or diarrhea may be a sign of digestive issues, infections, or food intolerance.
• Normal eating habits: If your puppy suddenly refuses to eat or seems lethargic during mealtimes, it could indicate a problem that needs attention from a vet.

5. Energetic and Playful Behavior

Healthy puppies are typically active, playful, and curious. They love to explore, play with toys, and engage with their humans. While all puppies need sleep (and lots of it), they should be lively during their waking hours.

What to Watch For:

• Normal energy levels: Lethargy or disinterest in play, especially if combined with other symptoms like vomiting or lack of appetite, could be a sign of illness.
• Normal coordination: Puppies are naturally clumsy, but if your puppy seems excessively wobbly or has trouble walking, it could be a sign of a health issue.

6. Healthy Gums and Teeth

Puppies, like adult dogs, should have pink gums and clean teeth. Their breath shouldn’t have a strong, unpleasant odor, and their gums should not be red or swollen.

What to Watch For:

• Pink gums: Pale or white gums can indicate anemia or dehydration, while red or inflamed gums might suggest infection or dental issues.
• No bad breath: Bad breath in puppies is not normal and could be a sign of dental disease, poor diet, or gastrointestinal issues.

7. Normal Weight and Growth

A healthy puppy will have a steady growth rate and maintain a normal weight for their breed and age. Puppies should feel neither too thin nor too heavy when you gently run your hands along their ribs.

What to Watch For:

• Steady weight gain: Rapid weight loss or excessive weight gain should be addressed by a vet. A healthy puppy should be gaining weight at a consistent pace, especially during their early months of life.
• No visible ribs or hip bones: You should be able to feel your puppy’s ribs without pressing hard, but they shouldn’t be visible or protruding.

8. Good Digestion and Regular Bowel Movements

One of the simplest indicators of a healthy puppy is normal digestion and regular bowel movements. Puppies should have stools that are firm, well-formed, and regular in frequency. Loose stools or diarrhea are red flags that something could be wrong.

What to Watch For:

• No constipation or diarrhea: Sudden changes in bowel movements, like constipation or diarrhea, could indicate dietary issues, parasites, or gastrointestinal problems.
• No visible worms: If you see worms in your puppy’s stool, a vet visit is necessary for deworming treatments.

9. Breathing Normally

Healthy puppies will have steady, normal breathing both when they’re active and at rest. Breathing should be quiet and smooth, without any wheezing or coughing.

What to Watch For:

• No labored breathing: If your puppy is having difficulty breathing, wheezing, or breathing faster than usual without any obvious cause (like excitement or play), it may indicate respiratory issues or even an infection.
• No coughing or sneezing: While occasional sneezing is normal, frequent sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge could be signs of respiratory problems.

10. Proper Hydration

A healthy puppy should be well-hydrated. One way to check this is by gently lifting the skin between their shoulder blades—if it snaps back into place quickly, your puppy is properly hydrated.

What to Watch For:

• Dry gums or nose: Dry gums or a dry nose may indicate dehydration, especially if accompanied by lethargy or lack of appetite.

Excessive drinking or lack of thirst: Either extreme—drinking too much or too little—could indicate underlying health problems, such as diabetes or kidney issues.