Grooming

Daily checks:
Eating and drinking Some dogs may go off their food for a day. This will not harm them. However if a previously good eater refuses food for a day or more or there is any change in eating habits, this may mean a problem. A visit to your vet might be needed. Similarly, take note of any different drinking patterns, especially an increase in intake of water, which should be investigated.

Movement Watch the way your BGV moves. Is he limping, lame or does he have leg or joint swelling? Does he show any reluctance to play, walk or run? Is he stiff when he gets up after sleeping? Any discomfort when touched? Arthritis is one of several causes of lameness and discomfort which can be eased with medication.

Toilet habits Be aware of your BGV's toilet habits as these can give valuable information about general health. The number of bowel movements per day varies considerably from dog to dog. They should be regular and of consistent appearance. Remember certain foods may change the colour of the faeces, for example charcoal biscuits may produce black stools. If proprietary products fail to cure diarrhoea or constipation, consider a visit to the vet. Any signs of blood or mucus will also need investigation, as will dark, cloudy, or blood tinged urine. And, if your BGV is urinating excessively or has difficulty in passing water, again consult your vet.

Breathing Coughing, breathlessness or excessive panting may indicate a problem.

General demeanour As with humans, dogs can be energetic one day and lethargic the next. Your BGV should always look alert. Any major changes in normal energy levels lasting more than a couple of days should be investigated.

Weekly checks:
Grooming and general body check All BGVs need a weekly groom. The coat should be free of tangles, not dull but harsh to the touch. A good bristle or slicker brush helps to remove dead hair and to stimulate the skin. This is also a good time for a general check-up. Run your hands over every part of your BGV's body to detect lumps and bumps. Check the skin all over - the ears, back, stomach, armpits and under the tail - for any cuts, scratches, inflammation, hot spots, dandruff, fleas or ticks etc. Examine a dog's testicles and bitch's mammary glands for unusual swellings. Note any signs of discomfort when being handled.

Bathing Even in good weather, your BGV's coat will pick up dry earth. Although not necessary every week, a regular bath cleans the coat and allows you to see the body and feel over it for anything abnormal.

Ears The inside of your BGV's ears should be clean with no odour, as this indicates problems. Wax build-up can be gently removed with cotton wool soaked in a proprietary ear-cleaner. Removing any excess hair from the ear canal will help prevent problems but never poke anything down into the ear. If your BGV's ears are swollen or red, this inflammation will need veterinary attention.

Eyes The eyes should be clear and sparkling, with no cloudiness, excessive discharge, redness, dull spot or bluish tinge, as this could be the sign of infection or a problem. Gently wipe the corners of the eyes to remove any build-up of debris. Check the pupils to ensure that they are the same size. Look at the eyelids and edges of the eyes for any lumps. Check that there are no inward growing lashes. The hair over the eyes should be thinned a little so it does not obscure vision.

Nose The nose should be free of discharge with no excessive sneezing or difficulty breathing. It is usually moist and cool but a warm, dry one is not necessarily indicative of illness. If the nose is very dry then oil or Vaseline will help restore it.

Teeth and gums Gently lift your BGV's lips. The gums should be pink - not red, not bleeding. Check for growths. Teeth should be clean and white with no yellow plaque, tartar build up or trapped food particles. Make sure there are no broken, loose or decaying teeth. Check the mouth and tongue for sores, cuts, growths. Smell the breath. A foul odour could be a sign of bad teeth, gum or digestive problems. There are products on the market for keeping teeth clean.

Feet and Paws Examine the feet carefully. Look and feel between the toes and between the pads for any soreness, grass seeds, cysts, splinters, ticks, or matted hair which should be cut away carefully. Nails should be short so need cutting regularly, including the dew claw. These can be trimmed using specially designed clippers, or they can be filed. Be careful to avoid the quick, as cutting this will cause bleeding and hurt.

Under the tail Lift the tail, look for any signs of discharge or soreness. Anal glands may need emptying - a job for your vet.

Weight Know the ideal weight of your BGV and monitor it regularly. Obesity can cause problems. If you can feel the rib cage without too much flesh over it, then you have probably got it right.