Bringing a dog into your life is like adding a new family member. You want the best for them, from their diet to their exercise routine, keeping them happy and healthy. But with so much advice out there, what do you really need to focus on?

Let’s break down the essentials, straight from the experts, to help ensure your furry friend stays in tip-top shape.

1. Regular Vet Visits

Think of vet check-ups like your own doctor’s appointments—important for catching issues early and maintaining long-term health. Your vet will check things like teeth, weight, and overall wellness. They’ll also make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and preventatives.

As dogs age, these visits become even more crucial. It’s not always easy to tell how old your dog is in “human years,” so a quick visit to a dog age calculator can help give you perspective and guide conversations with your vet about your dog’s care needs.

2. Feed Them Right

We’ve all been guilty of sneaking our dogs some table scraps. But the truth is, a balanced diet is essential for their health. Look for high-quality food that provides the right mix of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. And don’t forget hydration! Water is just as important, especially after exercise or on hot days. You can track how much water your dog needs daily using this handy dog water intake calculator.

3. Weight Management

Obesity in dogs is a growing issue, and it can lead to serious health problems like arthritis, diabetes, and even heart disease. It’s easy to overfeed them or skip a walk, but maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their longevity. If you’re unsure where your dog stands on the weight spectrum, check out this dog BMI calculator to get an idea of what’s healthy for their size and breed.

4. Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Every dog needs regular physical activity, but their minds need stimulation too! Walks are great, but try mixing things up with playtime, interactive toys, or teaching them new tricks. Keeping their brain engaged helps prevent boredom and behavioural issues like chewing or excessive barking. Plus, who doesn’t love a tired, happy pup?

5. Don’t Forget Dental Care

It’s easy to overlook dental hygiene, but bad teeth can lead to serious health issues, including heart, kidney, and liver problems. Regular brushing and dental chews can help, but if your dog is showing signs of bad breath, bleeding gums, or difficulty eating, a trip to the vet for a dental check might be in order.

6. Parasite Control

Nobody likes dealing with fleas or ticks, and your dog certainly doesn’t enjoy it either. Regular parasite preventatives—whether in the form of collars, topical treatments, or pills—can save your dog a lot of discomfort and prevent more serious issues like Lyme disease or heartworm. Discuss options with your vet and keep up with monthly treatments.

7. Dangerous Foods

We love to share food with our pets, but not all human food is safe for dogs. Some common foods that can seriously harm your dog include:

• Chocolate: Dogs can’t metabolize theobromine, which can be toxic.
• Grapes and Raisins: These can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts.
• Onions and Garlic: Both can damage your dog’s red blood cells.
• Avocados: Contains persin, which is toxic to dogs.
• Xylitol: Found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters, it can cause liver failure.

Accidents happen, so if your dog ever eats something they shouldn’t, like a grape or raisin, use this dog raisin/grape toxicity calculator to assess the risk based on their size and the amount consumed. And don’t hesitate to call your vet immediately.

8. Caring for Senior Dogs

As your dog ages, their needs change. They may slow down, develop joint problems, or need different foods to keep up with their changing metabolism. Senior dogs benefit from regular vet visits, joint supplements, and diets designed for ageing dogs. Keeping them comfortable and healthy can make their golden years as joyful as their younger days.

Wrapping Up

At the end of the day, keeping your dog healthy comes down to love, attention, and regular care. From feeding them the right food and keeping them hydrated to getting enough exercise and staying on top of vet visits, these are the things that make all the difference.

Your dog is counting on you for a long, happy life. With the right care and attention, that’s exactly what they’ll have!

(Images from Deposit Photos)