Be familiar with your vet – for more than just shots.
As a puppy, proper and timely immunizations are crucial to prevent deadly diseases, so you’re a pretty regular customer at the vet’s office. But as your dog gets older, you may tend not to visit the vet as often because immunizations are needed less frequently. Regular checkups and physicals are vital to your dog’s health: they’ll help you recognize recurring problems that may not be readily visible, and increase the chances that any sort of serious disease will be found in its early stages. Plus, the more your vet sees your dog, the more he or she will know the animal – and the more likely he or she will be to recognize something out of the ordinary.
Do your own checks.
Between “professional” physicals, examine your own dog once a month or so, feeling for unusual lumps or anything else that’s not quite right. Your dog is more comfortable with you than with anyone else, and more likely to let you check for these things without raising a fuss. If your dog will allow it, you can also look inside his ears for redness or buildup, since ear infections can be common – especially in larger breeds.
Exercise regularly.
Just as we humans get sluggish and fat without proper exercise, so will our dogs. Obesity isn’t good for us, and it isn’t good for them either. Daily fifteen to twenty-minute walks can go a long way in maintaining your dog’s overall health; walking briskly will maintain good muscle tone and cardiovascular wellbeing, promote proper digestion, and enhance circulation (and it’s good for you as well!). In addition to walks, it’s important to include lots of play in your dog’s daily routine. Even older dogs will enjoy chasing a ball or Frisbee, or playing tug-of-war with a rope or old towel.
Keep your dog comfy.
If your dog sleeps outside, ensure that she has adequate shelter and a comfortable place to sleep. Sleeping on cold concrete, for example, can lead to joint stiffness. And if your dog sleeps inside, a nice dog bed or pillow, although not necessary, is always much appreciated.