Perform regular health checks while your rottweiler is healthy so that you can identify any abnormalities quickly. A routine health check will help you monitor your dog's overall condition and determine whether a trip to the veterinarian is due. While most veterinarians perform health checks with annual vaccinations, once a year may not be enough to catch sudden conditions.

Part of ensuring good health in your rottweiler pup is to make sure she gets enough exercise and rest!

Perform a health check on your rottie at least once a week. A good time to do this is while you're grooming him. If you find something that feels strange, try feeling for it on the opposite side. Normal features are usually symmetrical. If you are unsure of what is normal, ask your veterinarian. She can show you what looks and feels correct.

Checking the Head

The eyes should be clear and bright with no signs of redness. There should be no excessive discharge. There should be no yellow or pus-like discharge. Dogs do not cry, so any tears may suggest foreign bodies or irritation.

The nose should be cool and wet to the touch. There should be no discharge. A dry and hot nose may indicate fever. Also, your rottweiler should not be sneezing constantly.

The gums should be pink and clean, not red and swollen, and the teeth should be white. Look for broken teeth and teeth that have not come in properly. If your rottweiler is over six months old, he should not have any puppy teeth. The tongue should be pink, and your rottweiler's breath should not smell bad. If it does, it may signal an underlying health problem such as gum disease.

Checking the Body

Feel down each leg. You should feel no unusual lumps or bumps. If you find a lump, check the other leg to see if the feature is symmetrical. Elbows, pads, and dewclaws can be accidentally mistaken for tumors or bumps, so if in doubt look at the lump. Move the leg slowly in its full range of motion. The movement should be fluid. If your rottweiler shows distress, or if there are any clicks, grinding, or catches, these may signal arthritis or joint problems.

Inspect the feet, both top and bottom. The skin around the toe-nail should be healthy, not red. The toenails should not be broken or too long. There should be no redness to the fur around the toes. If there is, your rottweiler might be licking his toes due to allergies or foreign bodies. Check the pads and in between the toes for cracks, splits, and foreign objects.

Feel along the back and ribs. You should be able to feel the spine and ribs easily. If you are unable to, your rottweiler may be overweight. He should show no sensitivity to touch along the back and the area where the kidneys are. Feel for lumps along the side. If your rottweiler hunches his back or shows sensitivity, it may indicate a more serious problem. His belly should be clean and free from dirt. Look for flea droppings and other parasites.