What does the visual assessment of a dog aim to determine?

The visual assessment of a dog is primarily focused on evaluating how the dog moves and interacts with its environment. This encompasses observing the dog's gait, posture, and overall coordination, which can provide critical insights into its musculoskeletal health and functional ability. Additionally, this form of assessment helps to identify any abnormalities in movement that could indicate pain or injury.

While determining whether a dog is alert, assessing its nutritional needs, or evaluating its emotional state may form part of a broader clinical assessment, they are not the primary focus of a visual assessment. The key aspect here lies in how the dog engages with its surroundings, which can offer crucial information about its physical well-being and capacity to perform everyday activities. This understanding is essential for developing appropriate treatment plans and interventions when necessary.