Responsible owners want to keep their dogs as healthy as possible. Here are 10 Tips on how to do it 

Tip 1 Feeding and Water . Feed a COMPLETE dog food formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of your dog through all it's lifestages eg for Puppy Growth, Active adulthood, Old age, Lactation. Do not let your dog eat materials which could harm it - eg sharp bones , such as you might find in chicken pieces, or chew objects (including toys) which could break into potentially harmful bits.

A supply of fresh, clean water should be available at all times.

Tip 2 Avoid Obesity. Avoid giving too many snacks, treats or other calories which might lead to obesity. Obesity shortens a dogs life expectancy and can predispose a dog to develop various diseases eg Diabetes, as well as making life difficult later - for example obesity makes coping with arthritis or heart disease much more difficult.

Tip 3 Exercise Regular exercise is important to maintain a fit and healthy dog, as well as helping to "fight the flab" in avoiding obesity 

Tip 4 Worming Throughout their lives dogs are exposed to the risk of worms, so regular worming (usually every 3-6 months) is recommended to minimise and eliminate any worm burden that they may be carrying

Tip 5 Vaccination During the normal course of meeting other dogs, and passing through their environment dogs are exposed to a wide range of infectious diseases. Vaccines are available to help prevent many of the most serious diseases (eg Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis). The frequency at which they have to be given varies depending upon the disease and the type of vaccine - but your veterinarian will advise you.

Tip 6 Training Many dogs stray onto roads and are hit by cars every year and, also, euthanasia is often requested because of antisocial behaviour such as aggression. So, make sure your dog is well trained from an early age so that it will not put itself at risk.

Tip 7 Dental hygiene Just like us, dogs get a build up of material on their teeth, and many develop gum disease. Once gum infection is present this can spread to other organs such as the heart or kidneys causing disease in those sites as well,  so regular brushing is a good idea. There are even special dog toothpastes and toothbrushes available. 

Tip 8 Shelter Dogs often have thick haircoats but they still need to be kept out of severe weather - such as rain, frost and wind. Dogs kept out of doors must be provided with adequate shelter, and in severe weather artificial heating may be needed. 

Tip 9 Cars Every year irresponsible owners leave dogs in cars during hot spells of weather. Dogs in cars get very hot, have to pant vigorously to lose body heat, get very distressed, lose fluids, become dehydrated, are unable to control their body temperature - and DIE. Never leave dogs unattended in cars or other confined spaces with poor ventilation during hot weather.

Tip 10 Regular Health Screening As dogs get older they are increasingly likely to develop age-related disorders. The earlier problems are detected the better, so regular health checks are a good idea so that early intervention can be implemented.

Further Information

If you would like advice on these or any other dog health matters use the Information Search button on Provet's main home page , or in the Dog's Home page . www.provet.co.uk. 

Updated October 2013