5 Key Steps to Keeping a Healthy Dog Throughout Its Life

A dog is our loyal companion, bringing us joy, warmth and countless unforgettable moments. To be healthy and happy from a young age to an older age, they need comprehensive care – from nutrition, exercise and grooming to regular veterinary check-ups.

Preventing disease through proper nutrition and regular checkups

Proper nutrition provides your dog with energy, a strong immune system, and healthy organs. A balanced diet should include quality protein, healthy fats, appropriate carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. (1*)

Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations help in early detection of diseases and prevention of infections. Prevention also includes protection against external and internal parasites and monitoring of body weight. (2*)

Daily physical activity and its impact on your dog's health

Exercise is essential for a dog's physical and mental health. Regular physical activity:

  • strengthens the cardiovascular system,
  • prevents obesity,
  • reduces stress and behavioral problems. (3*)

The amount and intensity of activity should be adjusted to the dog's age, breed, and health. Puppies and older dogs may benefit from shorter, more frequent walks, while active breeds will need more long walks and mental stimulation.

Caring for your dog's skin and coat: The importance of grooming and cleaning

Healthy skin and coat are not only aesthetic, but also a sign of health. Regular brushing removes dead hair, reduces matting and stimulates blood circulation to the skin. (4*)

Proper care includes:

  • Regularly checking the skin for any changes (itching, redness, rashes),
  • bathing with mild, dog-pH-adapted shampoos,
  • cleaning eyes, ears and paws as needed.

Well-nourished skin is also more resistant to infections, parasites and allergies. (4*, 5*)

Conclusion

A dog's health is the result of daily attention and consistent care. Providing a quality diet, regular check-ups, enough exercise, and proper skin and coat care will ensure your pet lives a long, active, and happy life.

Literature: (*)

1. Source: Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, (National Research Council)

2. Source: General Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, (CAPC), https://capcvet.org/guidelines/general-guidelines/

3. Source: The dog as an exercise science animal model: a review of physiological and hematological effects of exercise conditions, (HS Lee, J. H. Kim), https://capcvet.org/guidelines/general-guidelines/

4. Source: Grooming-Related Concerns Among Companion Animals: Preliminary Data on an Overlooked Topic and Considerations for Animals' Access to Health-Related Services, (SE McDonald, J. Sweeney, L. Niestat, C. Doherty), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8907591/

5. Source: Update on the role of cytokines and chemokines in canine atopic dermatitis, (C. Tamamoto-Mochizuki, D. Santoro, MN Saridomikelakis, MNC Eisenschenk, P. Hensel, C. Pucheu-Haston), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37485553/

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