What should be evaluated on the tongue during a physical examination?

Evaluating the color and surface of the tongue during a physical examination is essential because these characteristics can provide valuable insights into a dog's overall health and possible underlying medical conditions. The color of the tongue can indicate issues such as anemia, dehydration, or certain diseases, while the surface of the tongue can reveal signs of oral health problems, including lesions, abrasions, or infections.

Assessing the tongue's color may also help identify systemic issues; for example, a bluish hue could suggest cyanosis, while a pale tongue may indicate poor circulation or anemia. Additionally, the surface examination can help detect abnormalities like build-up of plaque, which could affect the dog's oral and gastrointestinal health.

While the length and thickness, texture and taste sensitivity, and chewing ability can be relevant in certain contexts, they do not provide the immediate and significant health clues that color and surface characteristics do during a routine physical examination. Thus, focusing on color and surface attributes is the most critical aspect when assessing the tongue.