How to Prevent Dog Health Problems

To keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe, provide proper food and water, exercise, and trips to the veterinarian. Dogs also benefit from grooming, spaying and neutering, and your careful attention and love to make sure they are doing well. Work on keeping your dog healthy so you can prevent diseases before they begin.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Providing Food and Water

1
Give your dog with fresh drinking water. Hydration is integral to maintaining good health in a dog, especially if your dog is active. How much they drink is going to depend on the breed, the size, and the environment in which they live. Be attentive to how much your dog drinks.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Fill your dog's water bowl with clean, fresh water every day or as needed when your dog's water supply has been fully depleted.
- Use a stainless steel water bowl instead of a bowl made from plastic, as plastic bowls are more likely to breed bacteria or cause your dog to have an allergic reaction.
Ask your veterinarian for suggestions of store-bought food or food that you prepare yourself for your pet. Dogs need protein, carbohydrates, some fat, and vitamins and minerals. Read any store-bought dog food carefully. Try not to buy food filled with preservatives, fillers, or sugars. After dogs are a year old, they only need to eat once a day. Younger dogs eat more often -- ask your vet for a good feeding schedule.^{[2]XResearch source}
Dog treats come in a variety of forms -- be sure to check with your veterinarian about what he or she thinks would be best for your dog. Do not give your dog human food as a treat. Dogs need foods that are suited to their bodies and digestive systems. You can even make homemade pet treats for your dog, so you know exactly what is going into them.^{[3]XResearch source}
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Tending to Your Dog

1
Exercise your dog daily. The length and strenuousness of the workout will depend on the dog. Small dogs might need two short walks daily, while larger dogs might require two outings -- possibly a run and a long walk. Younger dogs are also more likely to want more exercise than older dogs. Energetic dogs also enjoy playing off-lead -- find a dog park in your area. Regular exercise is crucial to your dog's health. It strengthens their immune system and helps to naturally ward off sickness and disease.^{[4]XExpert SourceBeatrice Tavakoli
Professional Dog TrainerExpert Interview. 26 February 2021.}^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
- Ask your vet before running with your dog -- young dogs (under 18 months) still have pliable bones and shouldn’t jog regularly. Other dogs might be at risk for hip problems and other issues running can exacerbate, depending on the breed.
2
Groom your dog regularly. Bathe your dog, brush their hair, and trim their nails regularly.Grooming will help keep your dog's skin, hair, and nails sanitary and clean. Proper care of your dog will prevent skin infections from occurring because of bacteria. Consult with a veterinarian or dog groomer to determine how often you should groom your dog; as the grooming procedure for each dog breed will vary.^{[6]XResearch source}
- If you brush your dog, watch for ticks and fleas as you brush -- this is often how you find parasites.
Your pet needs to be off the floor and be somewhere quiet and warm. A dog crate is ideal, but you can create some other kind of dog bed for your pet. Keep a blanket and pillow (washed often) on the dog’s bed.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
Your dog needs mental stimulation as much as he or she needs exercise. Dogs love to play a variety of games with you, from fetching balls or frisbees to digging and jumping to get toys. Hide and seek can also be a great game for dogs. Dogs also like to play with other dogs. If you live near a dog park, it’s a great opportunity to take your dog to meet others in a dog safe environment.^{[8]XExpert SourceBeatrice Tavakoli
Professional Dog TrainerExpert Interview. 26 February 2021.}^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Keeping your Dog Healthy

He or she will help decide on the best foods and exercise regimen for the dog in addition to checking for health issues. The vet can also advise you on common health issues for your breed of dog, and how to watch for or prevent those problems.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
Your veterinarian will help you decide on the best course of vaccinations for your pet. Through vaccination, you can protect your dog against many deadly diseases, including distemper, parvo, and rabies.^{[11]XResearch source}
Many dogs experience problems with fleas, ticks, heartworm, and other parasites. Check with your vet for the remedies or medicines he or she recommends. Keeping your pet free of parasites is essential to maintaining your dog’s good health. Have your veterinarian check at the dog’s annual checkup, but also be aware yourself. If your dog begins acting differently and consuming food and water differently, check with your vet to see if parasites might be the cause.^{[12]XResearch source}
4
Check your dog for potential health problems regularly. If your dog is starting to display early signs of sickness, you can prevent their symptoms from getting worse by having their illness treated immediately.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Feel your dog's body to determine if lumps exist below their skin, as bumps or lumps can indicate health problems.
- Examine your dog's orifices to determine if discharge, blood, or any other abnormal matter is exiting their body, as this is often a sign of disease or sickness.
- Examine the inside of your dog's mouth to verify that their gums are pink and that their breath does not smell unpleasant, as these signs usually indicate poor health.
Your dog can become ill if they are consistently exposed to a large amount of feces, as fecal matter breeds bacterial growth.Remove your dog's feces from your yard daily to keep your dog's environment clean and safe for their health.
These procedures have health benefits in addition to preventing reproduction -- spaying and neutering can prevent some cancers in dogs. For male dogs, it often makes them less prone to roam, thus lessening their possibility for coming in contact with infectious diseases. It is also an important step to help combat the animal overpopulation problem.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
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Question
How do I better manage my dog's calories?
Beatrice Tavakoli
Professional Dog Trainer
Beatrice Tavakoli is a Professional Dog Trainer and the Founder/Owner of TAKA Dog Walk in New Jersey. A lifetime dog lover and enthusiast, Beatrice is committed to providing animals with hands-on service dedicated to daily love, adventure, and socialization. As insured and bonded dog walkers, Beatrice, and her staff provide a multitude of services including doggie social hour, day hikes, training, puppy care, canine special events, in-home pet care, boarding, cat care, and customized dog walks.
Beatrice Tavakoli
Professional Dog Trainer
Expert Answer
If you buy commercial treats, try breaking them into smaller pieces—your dog won't know the difference, and you'll be able to control their calories better.
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How do I keep my dog active?
Beatrice Tavakoli
Professional Dog Trainer
Beatrice Tavakoli is a Professional Dog Trainer and the Founder/Owner of TAKA Dog Walk in New Jersey. A lifetime dog lover and enthusiast, Beatrice is committed to providing animals with hands-on service dedicated to daily love, adventure, and socialization. As insured and bonded dog walkers, Beatrice, and her staff provide a multitude of services including doggie social hour, day hikes, training, puppy care, canine special events, in-home pet care, boarding, cat care, and customized dog walks.
Beatrice Tavakoli
Professional Dog Trainer
Expert Answer
Exercise is essential to keeping your dog healthy. Take your dog on walks every day—that's your main connection to them. You can even do training on your walk to keep their brain going. Dog parks are great, too. You can also play games with your dog at home, like hiding treats behind your back and having them pick the hand, throwing the ball, and teaching them tricks.
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Do dogs need praise?
Beatrice Tavakoli
Professional Dog Trainer
Beatrice Tavakoli is a Professional Dog Trainer and the Founder/Owner of TAKA Dog Walk in New Jersey. A lifetime dog lover and enthusiast, Beatrice is committed to providing animals with hands-on service dedicated to daily love, adventure, and socialization. As insured and bonded dog walkers, Beatrice, and her staff provide a multitude of services including doggie social hour, day hikes, training, puppy care, canine special events, in-home pet care, boarding, cat care, and customized dog walks.
Beatrice Tavakoli
Professional Dog Trainer
Expert Answer
Yes, dogs need love and praise. The more praise they get, the happier and more well-adjusted they are.
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Warnings

Store toxic household chemicals, pesticides, and other dangerous products away from where your dog can access them, and eliminate poisonous plants from your yard. These materials can be harmful to your dog's health if ingested.
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