- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
We all want our dogs to live long, happy lives—and keeping them healthy is key to making that happen. While breed and genetics may influence your dog’s overall health and lifespan, there are plenty of factors you can control that will help your pup live a vibrant life.
So, what can you do to increase your dog’s life? With the help of Dr. Theresa Fossum, board-certified veterinary surgeon and CEO and Founder of Dr. Fossum’s Pet Care, we’ll break down the essentials for your dog’s well-being, from nutrition and exercise to preventive care and socialization.
1) Make Regular Vet Visits
Regular vet visits (at least once or twice per year) are one of the most effective ways to keep your dog healthy. In fact, a 2022 study in the U.K. found that dogs who receive more veterinary care tend to live longer.
By being proactive with regular vet check ups, you’re more likely to catch early warning signs of diseases before they become more serious. Your vet will also make sure your dog stays up-to-date on all of their vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick treatments.
2) Meet Your Dog’s Exercise Needs
Regular exercise is more than just a way to burn off your dog’s zoomies—it’s also a fantastic way to help your dog live a longer, healthier life. “Recent studies have shown that regular exercise and maintaining an ideal body weight can significantly extend a dog’s lifespan,” explains Dr. Fossum.
Dogs with active lifestyles show less aggression, fearfulness, stress, and separation anxiety. Exercise can even support cognitive function as dogs age. For example, a recent study of 48 older Beagles found that the dogs performed better on cognitive tests when they were exercised at least twice weekly.
The amount of exercise a dog will need each day depends on their breed, age, and size. A general rule of thumb is to exercise your adult dog vigorously (walking, tossing a ball, swimming, hiking, etc.) between 30 minutes to 2 hours per day.
3) Feed Your Dog a Well-Balanced Diet
The good news is a well-balanced diet doesn’t have to be as complicated as the fancy dog food trends make it sound. Whether you choose kibble, raw, or fresh food, the key is to ensure it meets the Association of American Feed Control Offices (AAFCO) standards. If the dog food label includes the phrase “Complete and Balanced,” that means the food contains all of the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs.
Portion control is also an important factor in keeping your dog healthy and happy. “A common misconception is that more food equals a healthier dog,” says Dr. Fossum. “Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which increases the risk of numerous health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.”
A recent survey found that 54% of cat and dog owners frequently give their pet food when they beg, and 22% admit to occasionally overfeeding their pet in an effort to make them happy. On the other hand, studies show that dogs on a low-calorie diet can live 1.8 years longer than non-dietary-restricted dogs. So as much as you would love to spoil your dog with yummy goodies, try to keep treats to 10% or less of their daily intake.
4) Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Water helps regulate your dog’s body temperature, aids digestion, keeps their joints cushioned and flexible, and helps flush out toxins. So keeping your dog hydrated is an essential part of helping them stay healthy. To prevent your dog from getting dehydrated, you’ll need to balance their daily water loss with their daily water intake. According to a recent study, a 45-pound house dog needs to drink around 1.4 liters of water per day to stay hydrated, depending on their overall health, age, environment, and diet.
But don’t forget about the water bowl itself! A dirty bowl can harbor bacteria that might make your dog sick, so be sure to wash it regularly. That means soaking bowls in hot water (93.2°F) with dish soap for at least two minutes, scrubbing bowls using a dishwashing brush for at least 2 minutes, or running bowls through a dishwasher.
Portable water bowls are a great way to make sure your dog stays hydrated on the go.
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5) Socialize Your Dog
Socialization is key to keeping your dog mentally healthy. A well-socialized dog tends to have lower stress levels and fewer behavioral issues, which can boost their overall health and longevity.
According to a 2023 study of more than 21,000 dogs, those who lived in households with other pets had higher reported health scores and fewer disease diagnoses than dogs who had fewer household companions, suggesting that dogs who are frequently socialized with other animals and/or people tend to have better health outcomes.
So, whether it’s a puppy play date or a trip to a pet-friendly café, these interactions are essential to your dog’s well-being.
6) Maintain Your Dog’s Coat
Keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy is about more than just making them looking good. It’s also crucial for their overall well-being. Regular brushing and bathing helps distribute natural oils, reduces shedding, and prevents painful mats from forming. Matting, especially in long-haired breeds, can cause medical conditions such as skin irritation and infection, chronic ear and eye infections, parasitic infestations, and even constricted blood flow.
How often you brush and bathe your dog will depend on their breed, coat type, and age, but it’s an important routine that will keep them healthy.
7) Protect Your Dog’s Joints
Making sure your dog’s joints are in good shape helps minimize the risk of conditions like arthritis as they age. A great way to protect your pup’s joints is to make sure you use the right harness—one that distributes pressure evenly across your dog’s body. This is especially important for larger breeds, as research shows that an ill-fitting harness can cause strain on a dog’s neck and back and contribute to joint issues over time.
For breeds that are prone to joint problems, such as long-bodied dogs (Dachshunds and Corgis) and giant breeds (Great Danes and Mastiffs), it’s also important to limit jumping on and off furniture, even from a young age. Ramps make it easy for dogs of all sizes to access their favorite napping spots without the stress on their joints.
8) Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy
“Another misconception is that dogs don’t need dental care,” says Dr. Fossum. “Dental disease is common in dogs and can lead to more serious health problems if untreated.” In fact, roughly 80% of all dogs over the age of three have some degree of dental disease according to the American Veterinary Dental College.
Studies show that a dog’s lifespan can actually increase with regular dental care. So what can you do to help keep your dog’s teeth healthy? While dental chews might seem like a quick fix, they shouldn’t be your only line of defense against plaque and tartar buildup. Instead, you should regularly brush your dog’s teeth with a dog toothbrush to prevent dental issues down the line, and take them to your vet for regular dental cleanings. Dog water additives and mouthwashes can also help freshen breath and reduce bacteria.
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9) Trim Your Dog’s Nails
Your dog’s nails help them maintain traction and balance, and they protect your dog’s sensitive paw pads, so it’s important to keep them trimmed. If left unchecked, long nails can lead to painful issues like infections, joint and back problems, and difficulty walking. If you plan to hit the trails with your dog, nail trimming is even more crucial. Studies show that athletic dogs with short trimmed nails are significantly less likely to experience foot injuries.
All dogs are unique, so how often you trim their nails will depend on their age and activity level, but a good rule of thumb is to trim your dog’s nails once a month. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, don’t worry! Professional groomers and veterinarians are more than happy to help keep your dog’s nails in check.
10) Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Keeping your dog’s ears clean is essential for preventing ear infections, which are common in dogs, especially breeds with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds. In fact, a recent study shows that one in every 14 dogs in the U.K. suffers from ear infections every year.
Regular cleaning can reduce the risk of these painful infections, which are often caused by bacteria or yeast thriving in the warm, moist environment of the ear canal. It’s generally recommended to clean your dog’s ears every two weeks, depending on their ear type and activity level. For example, if your dog loves going for swims, they may need more frequent ear cleaning to prevent moisture buildup.
11) Keep an Eye on Your Dog’s Poop
Observing your dog’s poop might not sound glamorous, but it can give you early clues about anything from worms and parasites to underlying issues like inflammatory bowel disease. A healthy poop should be firm and well-formed. Changes in color, consistency, or frequency could be early signs of trouble.
On top of that, parasites like worms often show up in stool before any other symptoms, so regular checks can help you spot them early. In fact, a 2020 study found intestinal parasites in 85% of off-leash dog parks across the United States, so they are more common than you might think!
12) Prioritize a Strong “Leave It”
Dogs eating things off the floor might seem harmless, but it’s actually one of the biggest reasons for emergency vet visits. From swallowing toxic foods like chocolate and grapes to ingesting items like socks, sticks, or small toys, your dog swallowing something dangerous isn’t worth the risk. Holiday foods pose an even greater risk—statistics by The Kennel Club show that dogs are 53% more likely to be treated for eating human food that is poisonous to them, or ingesting “foreign bodies,” in December compared to any other month of the year.
Plus, items on the ground can harbor bacteria or chemicals that could harm their digestive system. In fact, the National Sanitation Foundation recently found salmonella and E. coli on more than 75% of household items like sponges/rags.
Teaching your dog the “leave it” cue could be a lifesaver—literally. It could prevent an emergency vet visit and ensure your pup is safe from hazardous things lurking on the floor.