Head region

Now focus in on the head region. Using your eyes and your nose, check the ears for discharges or strong odors (usually a sign of infection). Both eyes should be free of matter, with no cloudiness or redness. Compare both eyes, making sure that they are of the same size, and that the pupils are of the same diameter. Glance at the nose, noting any discharges or crusts. Finally, look into the mouth. The gums should be pink. If they are white, the dog or cat could be anemic. Look for any severe underbites or overbites, or any missing teeth. Also glance at the roof of the mouth. Cleft palate is a serious birth defect, and unless it is surgically corrected, it will lead to secondary aspiration pneumonia and ultimately death.