How to Maintain Good Health for Dogs

It is understandable that you want to take care of your dog so that he or she will live by your side for many years. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to take care of your pet. Learn how to maintain a good diet with high-quality food, preventive veterinary care, and work to provide your dog with a healthy, loving atmosphere.

Table of Contents

Maintain a good diet

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/51/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-1-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-1-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/51/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-1-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-1-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Feed your dog a high-quality balanced food. See the first five ingredients listed on the dog food packaging. These are the main ingredients in food. Meat (not animal by-products) and vegetables should be among the first ingredients of dog foods. Next on the list could be animal by-products and grains. ^{[1] X Research Source The Merck Veterinary Manual. CM Kahn and S. Line (eds.) 2010. John Wiley & Sons.}

Avoid foods that use fillers that can be harmful to your dog’s health. Some include: Ethoxyquin, Propylene Glycp, BHT/BHA, Corn and Corn Syrup, as well as animal by-products. ^{[2] X Research Source}
Periodically, some dogs may develop symptoms of food sensitivities or intolerances. Watch for signs of diarrhea, vomiting, or skin problems. Consult with your veterinarian to determine what food ingredients your dog may or may not be able to eat.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/44/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-2-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-2-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/44/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-2-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-2-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Be careful when feeding your dog human food. Be aware that some human foods can harm or kill a dog. This animal’s body can’t always metabolize food like humans, so you need to make sure they don’t eat the following foods: grapes, raisins, chocolate, butter, cakes , nuts, alcohol, onion, garlic, chives and sugar-free gum (main ingredient xylitp ^{[3] X Research Source The Merck Veterinary Manual. CM Kahn and S. Line (eds.) 2010. John Wiley & Sons.}^{[4] X Research Sources The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult LP Tilley and FWK Smith, Jr. (eds) 2000. Blackwell} ). All of the above are toxic to dogs.

While it is possible to make your own dog food, you must talk to an animal nutritionist or veterinarian with knowledge of pet food nutrition. This ensures that the dog’s diet is nutritionally balanced.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b6/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-3-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-3-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b6/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-3-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-3-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Make sure your dog’s weight is in the normal range. Dogs that weigh 10-20% above optimal weight are considered overweight. If the weight exceeds 20%, the dog is obese. Obesity can shorten a dog’s lifespan by 2 years. Dogs that are obese are also at increased risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and bladder stones. ^{[5] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . 5th Edition. RW Nelson and CG Couto. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2014} Talk to your veterinarian about the ideal weight for your dog and feed them based on this criterion.

Most dogs are overweight or obese due to inadequate exercise and overeating. See pet food packaging for specific instructions on feeding based on ideal weight.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0f/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-4-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-4-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0f/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-4-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-4-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Feed your dog healthy snacks. Just like humans, junk food can add a ton of calories to your dog’s daily calorie intake. This can make the dog overweight. You should give your dog homemade snacks, instead of buying ready-to-eat treats. ^{[6] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . 5th Edition. RW Nelson and CG Couto. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2014}

Offer your dog a low-calorie snack like small carrots, canned green beans (low-salt or washed to remove salt), or a few slices of boiled sweet potato.

Hygiene for dogs

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d7/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d7/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Clean your pet every day. Brush your dog’s coat to stay shiny and healthy. This also promotes good circulation. During care, check for lumps, bumps, or cysts on the skin and take your pet to the doctor. You should also take them to the vet if their skin is sore, red, or itchy.

When cleaning you can also check for skin problems like fleas and ticks.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/25/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-7-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-7-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/25/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-7-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-7-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Cut the dog’s nails. Despite the fact that the dog will take time to get used to, they will eventually become normal. Just be careful not to cut into the “flesh cushion” of the nail that contains sensitive blood vessels and nerves.

If you are not good at trimming nails, you should ask your veterinarian to show you how to trim your dog’s nails.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a4/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-8-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-8-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a4/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-8-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-8-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Brush your dog’s teeth daily. ^{[7] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to the source} Brushing helps you remove plaque or bacteria that has built up in your teeth. This is also a good time to check for wounds, damaged teeth, or other problems in the mouth. Use only dog toothpaste. The fluoride in human toothpaste is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems. ^{[8] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . 5th Edition. RW Nelson and CG Couto. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2014}

The dog also periodically needs to visit the veterinary clinic for professional teeth cleaning. For this procedure, the dog will be reassured while the veterinarian examines and cleans it thoroughly.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/68/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-9-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-9-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/68/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-9-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-9-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Check your dog’s ears. Ears should not have strange odors or discharge. The inner ear should be slightly white; but some dark-haired breeds have dark inner ears. Ears for testing. Ears should not be contaminated with dirt, debris, or parasites such as ticks. Sometimes a piece of stem can get into a pet’s ear and needs to be carefully removed. ^{[9] X Research Source The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult. LP Tilley and FWK Smith, Jr. (eds) 2000. Blackwell}

If your dog has drooping ears, you should have it checked every day, otherwise just periodically.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0b/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-10-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-10-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0b/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-10-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-10-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Clean your dog’s ears. Use a special product to clean your dog’s ears or mix a solution of half white vinegar and half medical alcohol. Dip a cotton ball in the solution and gently wipe the dog’s outer ear. If blood appears on the cotton pad, stop cleaning and contact your veterinarian. ^{[10] X Research Source The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult. LP Tilley and FWK Smith, Jr. (eds) 2000. Blackwell}

It is not normal to shake your head continuously, scratch or scratch your ears, bad odors, or discharge (wax, liquid, or brown). If you suspect your dog has an ear infection or other ear problem, you should take him to the vet.

Dog care

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/66/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/66/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Prepare a shelter for the dog. Most dog owners keep them indoors with their families. If you have an outdoor dog, you should build an insulated dog house, prepare a warm mattress in the winter, provide shade in the summer, and provide food and water (not frozen or stagnant). Never put a dog on a leash, as this can damage their legs or neck.

Do not allow pets outside if they cannot withstand extreme weather. Leaving a dog out in the open without shelter is considered careless. If it is not possible to prepare a shelter for the dog, you should leave them in the house or do not keep the dog in the first place.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/12/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-12-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-12-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/12/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-12-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-12-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Give your dog plenty of exercise. Depending on the breed, physical activity can be a 10-15 minute walk a day or an hour in the park. The frisbee is also an intense physical activity for active breeds. Playing or going for a walk is a good opportunity for you to bond with your pet.

Exercise and playing games can reduce unwanted behavior, such as biting and chewing on things, as well as aggressive behavior. This also helps the dog lose weight and maintain good health.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/af/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-13-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-13-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/af/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-13-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-13-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Adaptation for dogs. After your dog has received the necessary vaccinations, you should acclimatize them. This means being careful about exposing your dog to people, animals and other dogs, as well as other places outside of your home. Getting used to car rides, neighborhood walks, and dog parks are all effective ways for your dog to socialize with people and other dogs.

If the dog is not afraid or wary of the new environment, they will get used to it. Pets should approach a variety of social situations from an early age.

Routine health care

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5c/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-14-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5c/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-14-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Take the pet to the vet. Have an annual health check-up so your dog can be checked and vaccinated. The veterinarian will also know a lot about the dog and immediately detect what is wrong with their health. Regular check-ups can also prevent many treatable diseases. ^{[11] X Research Source The Merck Veterinary Manual. CM Kahn and S. Line (eds.) 2010. John Wiley & Sons.}

If you have puppies, you should take them to the doctor when they are 6 weeks old. Puppies will be examined for hernia, heart, lungs, eyes, and ears. In addition, puppies are also scheduled for deworming and necessary vaccinations.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/ad/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-15-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-15-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/ad/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-15-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-15-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Vaccinations for dogs. Rabies vaccination should be given at 12 weeks of age and is mandatory in many places. You can be severely fined if you don’t vaccinate your dog and let them bite people or other pets. You should consider vaccinating your dog against tick-borne infections. This disease can cause joint pain, swelling, high fever, and possibly even dangerous kidney disease. ^{[12] X Research Source The Merck Veterinary Manual. CM Kahn and S. Line (eds.) 2010. John Wiley & Sons.}

Dogs that are often outside, live on a farm, or hunt are all at high risk of contracting tick-borne illnesses.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c1/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-16-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-16-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c1/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-16-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-16-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Consider neutering your dog. Spaying a pet can minimize some behavioral problems and reduce the likelihood of tumors and infections. If you neuter your dog, you don’t have to worry about taking care of or taking the puppy to someone else. ^{[13] X Research Source The Merck Veterinary Manual. CM Kahn and S. Line (eds.) 2010. John Wiley & Sons.}

Microchip implantation is also recommended in case the dog gets lost.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/fe/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-17-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-17-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fe/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-17-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-17-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Protect your pet from fleas. Watch out for some signs of fleas in dogs such as: dark patches of fur, a lot of licking and scratching, or scabies on the skin. ^{[14] X Source of Research} If you find fleas in your dog, there are several steps you can take, such as taking your pet to the vet for a prescription for oral medication, bathing your dog with a flea shampoo, and wearing a collar. Anti-flea collar for dogs.

Flea collars and monthly skin treatments are the primary means of preventing fleas. Consult your veterinarian about a regular flea prevention plan. ^{[15] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/cd/Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-18-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-18-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/cd/Keep-a- Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-18-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Keep-a-Dog-in-Good-Health-Step-18-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Get your dog tested for heartworms. An annual blood test is required to detect this common disease. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites, so prevention is difficult. Instead, to eradicate parasites in the circulatory system requires a monthly pill or an injection that works for 6 months. ^{[16] X Research Source The Merck Veterinary Manual. CM Kahn and S. Line (eds.) 2010. John Wiley & Sons.}

If dogs have heartworm disease, they can be cured, but treatment will be difficult, expensive, and lasting for many months.

Advice

For some dogs, being overweight is due to health problems. Obesity can be a sign of disease, mainly hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or obesity (overactive adrenal glands). Dogs that are overweight due to these diseases should be monitored and given a diet to maintain optimal weight.
If you notice your dog behaving strangely (lethargy, refusing to eat, fidgeting, in pain), you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Store all important pet information: name, age, breed, description, license, microchip and vaccination codes, as well as their photo.
NEVER hit, kick, or throw objects at a dog. They will only associate you with punishment and become disobedient or afraid of you.
As your pet gets older, you should take them to the vet at least twice a year. Older dogs often suffer from joint and heart disease just as old people do. There are many safe and effective treatments available to help older dogs experience pain and lead a comfortable life.
Feed your dog healthy foods, keep them active, and take them in for regular check-ups or whenever you want. Join the fun with your pet with a frisbee or run behind them. Feed your dog the right food and take him to the vet regularly.

Warning

Do not allow dogs to play small balls. Balloons can enter the trachea and cause suffocation.
Do not allow your pet to chew on bones, rocks and hard sticks that can cause cracks or damage to teeth.
Do not let your dog chew on cooked bones or fatty foods. Bones can get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract and the dog needs expensive surgical treatment. Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis in dogs and require expensive veterinary intervention.

Steps