Why you need to create these easy health habits for your dog
Bringing a dog into the family is a big commitment, so you should do your research before taking on the many responsibilities that come with owning a pet. You must understand the basics of dog care to care for your dog properly.
Consider using a dog care guide to ensure you provide your dog with the physical and emotional care they require.
Although caring for a dog properly is a big responsibility, it can also be rewarding, as you can build a bond of trust and love with your canine companion.
To provide your dog with the best life possible, make sure you understand these dog health essentials.
Buy high-quality food
It is vital to buy high-quality dog food; cheap options can be low-quality and harmful to your dog’s digestive system and overall health.
If you are unsure whether the food you are buying is high quality, read the label and ensure that meat products are listed among the first few ingredients.
This means that the food is high in protein and good for your dog’s health.
Choose foods that are approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and look for respected brands that are frequently recommended by veterinarians, such as Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan.
These brands have strong quality control and extensive research behind their formulas. You can also buy hypoallergenic dog food if you think your dog is allergic to common ingredients such as wheat and soy.
If you are not sure which food is best for your dog’s specific needs, consult your veterinarian for recommendations tailored to your pet.
A newer concern: Microplastics in dog food
Food quality isn’t just about protein sources and fillers anymore.
A 2026 study by the University of Sussex and the University of Exeter tested dog, cat, and hedgehog foods sold in the UK and found microplastics in the vast majority of products, with dry food showing higher concentrations than wet food overall.
Because wet food is fed in larger volumes to meet calorie needs, the researchers estimated that a large dog could still ingest well over 100 microplastic particles a day, and in some cases, into the thousands, depending on the food and brand.
The health effects of this level of exposure in dogs haven’t been established yet, since the study focused on measuring contamination and not health outcomes, but it’s a young and fast-moving area of research.
In the meantime, there’s no need for alarm, but it’s a reasonable factor to weigh alongside ingredient quality. You can take a few simple, practical steps to reduce microplastic exposure at home: switch to stainless steel or glass scoops instead of plastic ones, store your dog’s food in glass or metal containers rather than in the original plastic bag, and try to avoid feeding from plastic bowls.
Additionally, choosing brands that are transparent about sourcing and packaging, minimizing ultra-processed components in your dog’s diet, and avoiding unnecessary plastic contact with food are all low-cost precautions while the science develops.
Keep your dog hydrated
Just like humans, dogs must stay hydrated, as water is essential to their survival. Most dogs need about one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day, though needs can increase with activity, warm weather, or certain diets.
Make sure your dog has easy access to water at all times so they can stay hydrated even when you are not around to provide fresh water.
Look out for signs of dehydration, such as dry gums, lethargy, or reduced skin elasticity, and encourage your dog to drink regularly.
Always carry water and a bowl with you when going out for the day, as your dog is likely to be thirsty.
Maintain a healthy weight
It can be easy to spoil your pet and go overboard, giving too many treats.
Avoid overfeeding your dog because even a few extra pounds can cause health problems. The basics of portion control are simple: start by checking the feeding guidelines printed on your dog food packaging, which typically list recommended amounts based on your dog’s weight.
Adjust these portions depending on your dog’s age, activity level, and body condition, and remember to factor in treats throughout the day.
When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for advice tailored to your individual dog. It’s also critical for you to prevent your dog from eating toxic human foods such as chocolate, grapes, and onions.
Since portion control is one of the biggest levers you have over your dog’s long-term health, our guide to calculating your dog’s daily caloric needs walks through how to right-size meals by age, breed, and activity level.
Schedule age-appropriate vet visits
The old rule of thumb — “twice a year, no matter what” — has given way to guidance from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) that scales visit frequency to your dog’s life stage:
- Puppies need several visits between roughly 8 and 16 weeks of age for vaccines and early wellness checks, followed by a checkup around the one-year mark.
- Young and mature adult dogs (roughly 1–7 years old, depending on breed and size) generally do well with one full wellness exam per year, covering vaccines, parasite screening, dental assessment, and bloodwork, as recommended by your vet.
- Senior dogs — typically age 7 and up, though large and giant breeds are considered senior earlier — benefit from checkups every six months. AAHA’s senior care guidelines note that “old age is not a disease.” Still, more frequent visits can catch age-related issues such as arthritis, kidney disease, and cognitive changes before they progress.
Why your dog needs vet checks
Even if your dog appears to be healthy, regular vet visits help you catch problems, often before your dog shows any symptoms, and give you a chance to ask questions and adjust care as your dog ages.
There are also simple at-home health checks you can use to monitor your dog between appointments.
For example, regularly check your dog’s weight and body condition to ensure they are not gaining or losing too much weight. Keep an eye on their appetite and water intake, as significant changes can indicate health issues.
Monitor their energy level and willingness to play and exercise, and watch for unusual behaviors such as excessive scratching, coughing, or limping.
Gently inspect their ears, skin, teeth, and gums for redness, swelling, odor, or other changes. Tracking these details can help you spot changes early and share specific information with your veterinarian if something seems off.
If you want to track how your dog’s health is trending over time between checkups, our guides on reading your dog’s blood work and calculating your dog’s age in human years are good starting points for understanding what aging well looks like for your particular dog.
A note on CBD
CBD remains a popular supplement question at vet visits, but the regulatory and research picture has shifted.
As of mid-2026, the FDA still has not approved any CBD-based product for use in animals, and it doesn’t consider CBD a legal food or supplement ingredient for pets.
The agency opened a formal request for information on cannabis-derived veterinary products in January 2025 to help close data gaps, and a broader CBD compliance and enforcement policy was submitted for federal review in early 2026 — so expect more, not less, scrutiny of this category going forward.
Separately, a federal hemp-law change taking effect in November 2026 tightens allowable THC levels in hemp-derived products, which is likely to force reformulation of some full-spectrum pet CBD products.
On the research side, a small but growing number of controlled studies published in 2024 and 2025, including trials in dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery and in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis, have found modest benefits in pain and mobility from CBD, with generally good short-term tolerability.
However, sample sizes remain small, and long-term safety data remain limited. If you’re considering CBD for your dog, talk with your vet first: dosing isn’t standardized across products and quality control varies widely between brands.
Your vet can also help you weigh CBD against other joint-support and pain-management options, such as glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil), physical therapy, prescription anti-inflammatory medications, and specialized diets.
Discussing these alternatives with your veterinarian can help you find the safest and most effective plan for your pet’s needs.
Keep your dog healthy and happy
From nutritious food to shelter and clean water, you must provide the fundamental essentials for your dog’s health.
Be sure to arm yourself with the knowledge and resources you need to care for your dog properly and provide them with a happy, healthy lifestyle.
Sara B. Hansen has spent 20-plus years as a professional editor and writer. She’s also the author of The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels. She created her dream job by launching DogsBestLife.com in 2011. Sara grew up with family dogs, and since she bought her first house, she’s had a furry companion or two to help make it a home. She shares her heart and home with Nutmeg, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Her previous dogs: Sydney (September 2008-April 2020), Finley (November 1993-January 2008), and Browning (May 1993-November 2007). You can reach Sara @ editor@dogsbestlife.com.