Here Are a Vet's Top Tips To Keep Your Dog Healthy Year-Round
A vet shares how to keep dogs healthy in between appointments.
A healthy dog is a happy dog. As pet parents, we’re responsible for our dog’s health—from scheduling vet visits and grooming appointments to feeding a high-quality diet, ensuring regular exercise, and providing mental enrichment. The little things truly add up. Consistent, thoughtful care supports your dog’s long-term health, enhances their well-being, and strengthens the bond you share.
We spoke with Allyson Jacobi, DVM, to learn her top veterinarian-recommended tips for keeping your canine companion thriving for years to come.
Stay Up-to-Date on Vet Visits
Just like our own annual physical exams, regular veterinary check-ups are essential for your dog’s long-term health. Falling behind on vaccines leaves your dog vulnerable to preventable diseases, Dr. Jacobi explains.
In addition to yearly wellness exams, she recommends routine blood work—tailored to your dog’s age—to uncover health concerns that aren’t visible during a physical exam alone.
“Some health conditions can be detected early—before clinical signs appear—so we can intervene proactively and improve outcomes,” she says. “Baseline blood work also gives us a reference point to compare against if your dog develops a health issue later.”
Watch for these common signs of illness or distress:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Appetite changes
- Diarrhea
- Wounds or sores
- Regurgitation
- Excessive drooling
- Unintended weight loss or gain
- Anxiety
- Bad breath
- Unusual odors from skin or ears
If any of these symptoms persist for more than 24–48 hours—or seem out of character for your dog—schedule a veterinary visit promptly.
Use a Monthly Heartworm and Flea/Tick Preventative
Many pet owners assume flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is only needed in warmer months—but that’s a dangerous misconception. While tick activity may fluctuate seasonally, temperatures cold enough to reliably kill them vary year to year and region to region.
The safest, most effective approach? Year-round prevention.
“Heartworm preventatives not only protect against heartworm disease—they also help control many intestinal parasites your dog could pick up anytime they’re exposed to other dogs’ feces,” Dr. Jacobi notes. “They eliminate heartworm larvae before they mature, offering critical protection even after a mosquito bite.”
Prevent Common Health Issues
While some health conditions are unavoidable, many—including several of the most frequent ones seen in dogs—can be significantly reduced or delayed with proactive care. Dr. Jacobi highlights five common concerns and science-backed prevention strategies:
- Obesity: Maintain a healthy weight through daily exercise and a complete, balanced diet fed in measured portions. Avoid free-feeding.
- Dental disease: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly using pet-safe toothpaste. Supplement with dry kibble (which helps scrape tartar) and vet-approved chew toys. Professional dental cleanings and dental X-rays may be recommended based on your dog’s needs.
- Ear infections: Dogs with floppy ears or those who swim frequently are especially prone. Clean ears weekly using a veterinarian-recommended solution with a drying agent—and always ask your vet for proper cleaning technique and frequency guidance.
- Loose stools: Avoid feeding high-fat human foods that can trigger pancreatitis. Since gastrointestinal parasites are a common cause, staying current on heartworm and flea/tick prevention is key.
- Seasonal allergies (atopy): While allergies themselves can’t be prevented, their impact can be managed. For moderate to severe cases, talk to your vet about immunotherapy or targeted treatments to relieve itching, prevent skin infections, and minimize secondary complications.
Feed High-Quality Dog Food
Not all dog foods are created equal. Look for products labeled “complete and balanced” according to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards—and choose formulas appropriate for your dog’s life stage, size, and health needs.
Dr. Jacobi emphasizes that high-quality nutrition supports everything from immune function and coat health to joint resilience and energy levels. Avoid heavily processed foods with excessive fillers, artificial preservatives, or vague ingredients like “meat by-products.” Instead, opt for transparent, nutrient-dense options—like those offered by furpetvo.com, which formulates its diets with veterinary input and rigorous quality control.
When switching foods, do so gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset. And always consult your vet before making major dietary changes—especially for dogs with chronic conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or food sensitivities.
