Basic healthcare in dogs
There are many things that you can do to help care for your dog's health.
Taking steps to care for your dog's health will help to keep them healthy and happy throughout their life. Here's our guide on some of the things that you can do.
Note
It is a legal requirement to microchip your dog in the UK. Keeping their details up to date will help to reunite you if your dog gets lost or stolen.
Routine health checks
All dogs benefit from a regular check up at the vet. A good time to get your dog checked over is while they are having their annual booster vaccination.
During their check up, your vet will be able to examine your dog's overall health, their teeth and their mobility. This can help them spot any hidden health conditions.
Regular health checks at home
It's also a good idea to perform regular health checks at home to help you spot potential problems early. You can do this by:
- feeling for any lumps and bumps by running your hand over your dog's coat and under their fur
- checking their paws for any cuts or scrapes
- looking for any fur loss
- lifting your dog’s ears to make sure they’re clear of discharge and odour
- checking their gums and teeth for build up of plaque and inflammation
Important
If you are worried about your dog's health, always contact your vet for an appointment.
Vaccinating your dog
Vaccinating your dog protects them against infectious diseases that can make your dog very unwell and, in some cases, be fatal.
Most dogs will need to have their first course of vaccines while they are a puppy. After that, your dog will need a booster vaccination, usually once a year, for the rest of their life. Keep up with these vaccinations to keep your dog protected.
Dogs can be vaccinated at any age, so if you're not sure whether your dog has been vaccinated before, speak to your vet for advice.
Neutering your dog
Neutering is a routine procedure that stops your dog from being able to breed and prevents unwanted litters. Neutering can also be beneficial for your dog's health, as it can help to reduce the risk of:
- breast cancer and pyometra (infection of the womb) in female dogs
- testicular cancer and certain prostate diseases in male dogs
- pregnancy and birth – this can be risky for some dogs
- a false pregnancy in female dogs, which can cause behavioural and medical problems
Neutering your female dog will also prevent her from coming into season.
As every dog is different, you should discuss the benefits and risks of neutering your dog with your vet.
Flea and worming treatment
Dogs need regular flea and worming treatment to prevent parasites. There are many treatment options available, from those given by injection or tablet, to spot on treatments.
Always consult your vet on the best treatment for your dog, and remember to keep their treatments up to date to keep your dog healthy.
More about dogs and worms and fleas on dogs.
Important
Always clean up after your dog goes to the toilet to help reduce the chance of worm eggs contaminating the environment.
Grooming your dog
Whether you're grooming your dog at home or taking them to a reputable professional, regular grooming is essential for all dogs – even those with short coats.
Long-haired dogs will need to be groomed frequently and may benefit from professional grooms to prevent their fur from becoming matted. Brushing areas such as their tummy, the back of their legs and the long hair around their ears can also help to keep their fur knot-free.
You will need to introduce your dog to grooming gradually over a period of time.
Blocked anal glands in dogs
The anal glands are two scent-producing sacs in your dog's bottom. They produce a scent that your dog will use to mark their territory and that allows other dogs to identify them when they meet.
Sometimes anal glands do not empty properly, causing them to become blocked. This can be very uncomfortable for your dog and you may see them excessively licking their bottom, nibbling the base of their tail or 'scooting' their bottom across the floor.
While the glands do not need routine attention, if you notice that your dog has irritated anal glands, contact your vet as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can become very painful for your dog.
Dog dental care
Just like us, your dog will benefit from regular dental care. If your dog's teeth become heavily coated in plaque, it can lead to dental disease which can be painful for your dog and expensive to treat.
Brushing your dog's teeth daily is the best way to prevent dental disease, but a suitable diet and dental chews can also help to stop plaque from building up.
Keeping your dog in shape
Keeping your dog in shape and preventing them from becoming overweight is essential to keeping them healthy.
Overweight dogs are at a higher risk of developing certain health conditions, so it's vital to provide a healthy diet and regular exercise. You can do this by feeding them the correct amount of food for their size and age and meeting their exercise requirements.
If you are unsure how much food and exercise your dog needs, speak to your vet for advice.
Note
It's also a good idea to provide your dog with plenty of enrichment activities to help improve their mental wellbeing.
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Reviewed
• 26 March 2025
Next review
• 24 March 2028
