The healthier your dog is, the happier he'll be. Fortunately, by investing a little time and attention each day, you can help him maintain his health and ensure his happiness. Sadly, millions of owners neglect providing the care their pooches desperately need. Some owners are even unaware of these needs.

Below, we'll provide a brief checklist of the things you should do to make sure your dog stays as healthy as possible. You'll discover the importance of routine veterinary care, exercise, a proper diet, and dental care. Not only can you reduce the likelihood of his experiencing health problems down the road, but you'll also strengthen the friendship you share together.

Regular Veterinary Checkups And Examinations

This is arguably the most important step you can take toward maintaining your pooch's health. His veterinarian is the only person who is trained to provide checkups and routine examinations with an eye for potential problems. If your dog already suffers from a health problem, the vet can suggest the best course of action to resolve the condition and minimize his discomfort. Even if your canine seems perfectly healthy, routine visits to the veterinarian can reveal hidden issues before they become serious.

Daily Exercise

Just like people, canines need exercise to remain healthy. Every breed (and indeed, every pooch) is different. Some will crave more exercise than others. Unfortunately, a lot of owners are either unaware their dogs need daily exercise or knowingly ignore it due to the inconvenience of accommodating them.

Plan to take your pooch for a walk at least once a day. If possible, take him on two or three walks. If you're unsure how much exercise is "too much," let him decide. When given the chance, most dogs will exercise as much as you let them.

High-Quality Commercial Food

Diet and nutrition are critical ingredients to keeping your canine healthy. You'll see the effects in the luster of his coat. His weight will stay within a small range. The amount of energy he has will be consistent for his breed (poor nutrition leads to lethargy). His overall temperament will be positive. All of these characteristics are natural for healthy dogs.

Invest in high-quality commercial dog food that contains the vitamins and nutrients he needs at his age. Also, consider asking the veterinarian to suggest appropriate meal sizes, given your pooch's normal energy level. Aside from the occasional treat, avoid the temptation to feed your canine table scraps. They are a common catalyst for obesity.

Routine Care For His Teeth And Gums

Particles of food can become lodged between your dog's teeth and gums. If these particles are not removed, they will eventually set the stage for plaque. When plaque forms on your pooch's teeth, his saliva will gradually turn it into tartar. This causes gingivitis. If it is not resolved, it evolves into periodontal disease. In severe cases, the bacteria that gathers at the site can gain entry into your canine's bloodstream and spread throughout his body, causing other problems.

All of the above can be prevented by providing routine dental care. Brush your pooch's teeth each day to help remove food particles from his teeth and gums. Also, give him hard dog treats that will help dislodge particles and debris. Lastly, make regular dental appointments with the veterinarian for a thorough cleaning.

Recognizing Problems Before They Worsen

When a person feels ill, they can communicate with words. Because your canine lacks that ability, it is important to learn how to recognize signs that hint there may be a problem. That might include difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, weakness, or a dozen other traits. Medical issues can worsen quickly in canines, which means you need to recognize the clues as soon as possible.

Your dog's long-term well-being is largely up to you. Use the list above to provide the care he needs to stay healthy and happy.