Top 6 Proven Vet Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy Year-Round

A healthy dog is a happy dog, and as pet parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure their well-being. Vet visits and grooming contribute to your dog’s health. A nutritious diet and regular exercise are also important. Every little detail can make a big difference in your dog’s overall health. Proper care can help your dog live longer. It can also enhance their quality of life. Additionally, it strengthens the bond between you.

We spoke with Allyson Jacobi, DVM. She shared her top veterinarian-recommended tips. These will help you keep your dog healthy throughout the year.

1. Stay Up-To-Date on Vet Visits

Regular vet check-ups are essential for maintaining your dog’s health. “Just like humans need annual physicals, dogs require routine vet visits to prevent or catch health issues early,” says Dr. Jacobi. Missing vaccines or check-ups can leave your dog vulnerable to preventable diseases.

In addition to yearly exams, Jacobi advises routine blood work depending on your dog’s age and health status. “Some health issues can be detected early through blood tests before symptoms appear, allowing for better outcomes,” she explains. Blood work also provides baseline data for comparison if your dog experiences health issues in the future.

Common signs of illness in dogs include:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Appetite changes
• Weight loss or gain
• Bad breath
• Wounds or sores
• Excessive drooling

If your dog shows any unusual symptoms for more than 24 hours, seek veterinary care immediately.

2. Use Monthly Heartworm, Flea, and Tick Preventatives

Many pet owners think their dogs don’t need flea, tick, or heartworm preventatives during the cooler months. This is a common misconception. However, Dr. Jacobi warns that ticks and mosquitoes can still pose a risk depending on your local climate.

“Heartworm prevention helps protect dogs from intestinal parasites and heartworm disease spread by mosquitoes,” she says. A monthly flea and tick treatment is essential year-round to keep your dog parasite-free and healthy.

3. Prevent Common Health Issues in Dogs

While not all health problems can be prevented, some can be minimized with the right care. Dr. Jacobi highlights the top five common health issues in dogs and how to prevent them:

1. Obesity: Prevent obesity with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Avoid overfeeding or free-feeding.
2. Dental Disease: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly, offer chew toys, and feed dry food to reduce tartar. Consider professional cleanings.
3. Ear Infections: Clean your dog’s ears with a vet-recommended product, especially if they’re prone to infections.
4. Loose Stools: Avoid high-fat human foods that can cause digestive issues. Stick to heartworm and flea/tick preventatives to avoid gastrointestinal parasites.
5. Seasonal Allergies: While allergies aren’t preventable, treatments like immunotherapy can help manage symptoms.

4. Feed High-Quality Dog Food

Choosing the right dog food is key to ensuring your dog receives the nutrients they need. “Every dog’s nutritional needs vary based on their health, life stage, and activity level,” Jacobi says. She recommends selecting food that meets the standards set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and consulting your vet for personalized diet recommendations.

Avoid giving your dog excessive people food, even those deemed safe for dogs, to prevent weight gain and other health risks.

5. Ensure Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent behavioral issues. Dr. Jacobi emphasizes the importance of finding activities that your dog enjoys.

Exercise and stimulation tips:

• Low-energy dogs: Short walks and hide-and-seek with toys.
• Medium-energy dogs: Daily walks and games of fetch.
• High-energy dogs: Long walks, runs, and puzzle toys for mental enrichment.

Physical and mental exercise keeps your dog fit, prevents obesity, and helps prevent boredom-related behavioral problems like destructive chewing.

6. Practice Proper Hygiene

Proper hygiene, from grooming to dental care, plays a significant role in keeping your dog healthy. Regular brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning help prevent infections and discomfort. “Good hygiene also includes cleaning their teeth to prevent systemic issues like infections or weight loss,” Jacobi notes.

Bathing your dog as needed, depending on their coat and skin type, helps keep their skin clean and reduces allergens.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your dog’s health year-round involves a combination of regular vet visits, a balanced diet, proper hygiene, and exercise. By staying proactive and following these tips, you can ensure your canine companion stays healthy and happy for years to come.

Related: 12 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds: Fewer Medical Concerns, More Time for Fun