Dog Health: The 7 Basics That Matter Most

What Keeps a Dog Healthy? The Short Answer

Most of your dog's long-term health comes down to a handful of everyday habits: a lean body, a balanced diet, clean teeth, daily exercise, routine vet care, parasite prevention, and noticing changes early. None of these are complicated. The challenge is doing them consistently for 10 to 15 years.

The payoff is real. A 2023 study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science that analyzed millions of dogs found an average life expectancy at birth of about 12.7 years, ranging from about 9.5 years for giant breeds to about 13.5 years for small breeds. Genetics set the range. Daily care helps decide where your dog lands in it.

Here are the seven basics, in the order they tend to matter most.

1. Keep Your Dog Lean

If you only change one thing, make it this.

VCA Animal Hospitals calls obesity the most common preventable disease in dogs in North America, and cites a 2022 survey that found 59% of dogs were overweight. Extra weight raises the risk of arthritis, diabetes, and other problems, and it can shorten a dog's life.

A dog is considered overweight at 10% to 20% above ideal weight, and obese above 20%. At home, look for:

• Ribs you can feel easily without pressing hard
• A visible waist when you look down from above
• A belly that tucks up when seen from the side

Our guide to how much food to feed your dog and our dog calorie calculator make portions easier.

2. Feed a Complete and Balanced Diet

Your dog does not need the most expensive food. They need food that meets their life stage, whether that is growth, adult maintenance, or all life stages, and is fed in the right amount.

• Look for a "complete and balanced" statement on the label
• Choose a formula that fits your dog's size and age
• Keep treats and extras small
• Know the foods to avoid, like grapes, onions, chocolate, and xylitol (see our list of toxic foods for dogs)

Not sure which food is better? Our guide to what dog food is better walks through the options.

3. Take Care of Their Teeth

Dental disease is easy to miss because dogs rarely show pain. VCA reports that over 80% of dogs over the age of three have active dental disease. Left alone, it can cause pain, tooth loss, and infection.

What helps:

1. Brush your dog's teeth several times a week, ideally daily, with dog toothpaste
2. Offer dental chews your vet approves
3. Book professional dental cleanings when your vet recommends them
4. Watch for bad breath, red gums, or chewing on one side

Our guide to how to take care of a dog includes a simple tooth-brushing routine.

4. Move Their Body and Their Brain

Exercise keeps muscles strong, joints mobile, and weight in check. How much your dog needs depends on breed, age, and health. The AKC's exercise guide explains how needs vary between a sporting breed and a small companion dog.

Mental exercise matters too. Sniff walks, food puzzles, and short training sessions help prevent boredom and the chewing and barking that come with it. Try our favorite games for dogs for easy ideas.

5. Stay on Top of Vet Care

Routine checkups catch problems early, when they are easier and cheaper to treat.

• Puppies need a series of vaccines and several visits. The AKC's puppy shots guide explains the typical schedule.
• Adult dogs generally need a wellness exam at least once a year.
• Senior dogs often benefit from checkups every six months.

If vet costs worry you, our guide to pet wellness plans explains how some owners spread routine costs over the year.

6. Prevent Parasites

Fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms are all common and mostly preventable. Ask your vet which year-round preventives make sense where you live. Ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, so check your dog after hikes and walks through tall grass.

7. Know the Warning Signs

You know your dog better than anyone. Small changes are often the first clue something is wrong. Call your vet if you notice:

• Changes in appetite or thirst
• Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than a day
• Unusual tiredness or hiding
• Limping or stiffness
• Coughing, trouble breathing, or a swollen belly
• Sudden weight loss or gain

Some signs need emergency care right away, like collapse, repeated vomiting, or trouble breathing. Our guides on how to tell if your dog is sick and common dog illnesses go into more detail.

What This Means at Different Ages

• Puppies: vaccines, socialization, and growth-appropriate food
• Adults: weight control, dental care, and consistent exercise
• Seniors: more frequent vet visits, joint support, and gentle exercise. Our guide to senior dog food covers nutrition for older dogs.

Practical Takeaways

• Keeping your dog lean is one of the most powerful things you can do
• Feed a complete and balanced food and keep treats small
• Brush teeth regularly, since most adult dogs have some dental disease
• Give daily physical and mental exercise
• See the vet at least yearly, and more often for puppies and seniors
• Use parasite prevention and watch for changes in behavior or appetite