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15 Things Your Vet Wants You to Know to Be a Better Dog Owner

Written by: Kathryn Copeland

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Dogster Team

vet checking up dog in vet clinic

15 Things Your Vet Wants You to Know to Be a Better Dog Owner

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REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Amanda Charles

BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or are brand new to dog ownership, you know that you must do several tasks to keep your dog healthy and happy. But what if you’re missing something? You should first make an appointment to have a conversation with your vet, and then in the meantime, you can read this article!

We provide 15 different pieces of advice that your vet wants you to know, all of which will help keep your dog in good health and make you a better owner overall.

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The 15 Things Your Vet Wants You to Know

1. Understand That Annual Vet Visits Are Essential

You should bring your dog to the veterinarian annually, even when they are in the best of health. These visits help your vet keep track of your dog’s general health so they’ll notice if something changes. This is also when your dog will receive their annual vaccines and preventative treatments for fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease.

However, if your dog has a chronic health condition or is a senior, you’ll likely need to see your vet at least every 6 months.

Labrador puppy at the vet
Image Credit: In Green, Shutterstock

2. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Regularly

It helps to give your dog kibble and dental chews to maintain healthy teeth. You should also brush your dog’s teeth a few times a week at an absolute minimum, though daily is best. This will allow you to stay on top of your dog’s oral health, and you’ll also notice if anything changes.

You need to try and prevent periodontal disease, known as gum disease, which will affect the gums and bones that surround and support your dog’s teeth, and can lead to other serious health conditions.


3. Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight

We love making our dogs happy, and giving them tasty treats is definitely one way to do this, but it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. If your dog is overweight and edging toward obesity, know that it can lead to an increased risk of other serious health conditions (arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.). Obesity can shorten your dog’s lifespan and give them an overall decrease in their quality of life.

Speak to your vet about your dog’s diet and the ways that you can prevent obesity or help them get back to a healthier weight.

beagle dog having treats
Image Credit: Artsiom P, Shutterstock

4. Be Aware That Natural Remedies Don’t Always Work

Several natural remedies out there can help minor issues, but not everything is a viable treatment. Certain natural remedies might also be unsafe for your dog, so speak to your vet about the options.

Your vet will be able to guide you on the best options for your dog, whether that be natural or herbal remedies or traditional medicine.


5. Prepare for Unexpected Costs

Owning a dog is an expensive affair, and unexpected emergencies and health conditions can occur at any time. Pet insurance can certainly help with this, some pet owners also like to save money in a separate bank account dedicated to veterinary costs.

post surgery of a golden retriever in hospital
Image Credit: Blanscape, Shutterstock

6. Know That Dogs Eat Almost Anything

We’re not just talking about food here! Some dogs are inclined to eat just about anything: toys, socks, underwear, even golf balls! Puppies are particularly prone to eating things they shouldn’t as they explore their new world with their mouths. Less commonly this tendency can also be a health condition called pica if your dog constantly eats inedible objects. You’ll need to canine-proof your home and ensure that anything that’s the right size to be eaten is out of your dog’s reach, especially if it’s something that they seem to favor.

Dogs eating poop is sometimes normal, despite how gross it is, but speak to your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s eating habits.


7. Be Aware That Early Socialization Is Critical

Dogs should always be socialized even if they’re older, which is sometimes necessary to do with rescue dogs. But ideally, dogs should be socialized as much as possible from an early age. Socialization involves introducing your puppy to new places, sights, sounds, people and animals in a positive way. This helps them understand what to expect and know how to react to a variety of situations later on in life.

If you live in a busy city for example, it’s even more crucial to ensure that your puppy becomes used to the sounds, smells, and movements of traffic and people. The more situations your puppy has positive experiences with, the more comfortable and well-adjusted they will be as they mature.

group of dogs playing in the park
Image Crredit: Joy Brown, Shutterstock

8. Understand Your Breed

As adorable as flat-faced breeds are (Pugs and French Bulldogs, for example), they can have breathing problems and other health conditions. This is why it’s vital to research the breed of dog that you’re most interested in before investing in them.

Also, there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed. If you hope to get a dog but have allergies, you should know that while some breeds shed less than others, meaning fewer allergens floating around the house, all dogs produce allergens.

You must also consider the dog’s needs and whether they fit into your lifestyle. For example, if you’re relatively sedentary, you should look at Basset Hounds or Maltese dogs rather than working breeds like Huskies or Border Collies.


9. Be Careful With Scented Products

Many scented products, particularly cleaning sprays, can negatively affect your dog. They can contribute to conditions like asthma, conjunctivitis, and contact skin allergies. Perfumes, room deodorizers, and some essential oils can all contain toxic ingredients. They can be inhaled or the particles can settle on the floor and other surfaces where your dog may come into contact with them.

Check the labels; many products will state if they are safe for use around animals. Still, you should avoid using them where your dog sleeps and spends most of their time.

young couple at the pet store
Image Credit: BearFotos, Shutterstock

10. Look Out for Common Poisons

Certain common cleaning products are dangerous for dogs. Take stock of all the items in your home that could be dangerous if your dog ingests them. These can include common plants and hazardous chemicals, but also human foods and ingredients like grapes, raisins, xylitol and chocolate.


11. Find Ways to Manage Your Dog’s Stress

Dogs can get just as stressed out as we do, so we must find ways to manage it. Anxious dogs will likely have behavioral problems, so you’ll need to figure out how to treat this type of stress. A common issue is separation anxiety, so speak with your vet about it. You can also try synthetic calming pheromones.

dog looking at the window
Image Credit: Rachel Moenning, Unsplash

12. Clean Your Dog’s Food and Water Bowls Daily

Keeping your dog’s belongings clean is essential, particularly their food and water bowls. These should be cleaned daily with hot and soapy water to prevent bacteria buildups, and you should also wash their toys and bedding at least once a month. This helps reduce odor and removes any potential parasites like flea eggs and larvae that tend to end up in dog bedding.


13. Understand That Dogs Need Mental Exercise

As dog owners, we know how essential physical exercise is for our pets, but mental exercise is also vital! You should invest in specific kinds of games and toys that will encourage your dog to think and figure things out. Playing with them can also help with mental exercise.

Mental stimulation exercises are ideal for keeping your dog entertained and mentally sharp and will give you quality time with your best friend.

Close up portrait of dog playing fetch with colorful toy rope
Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock

14. Have a Routine

Just like children, dogs benefit from a routine. When the day unfolds randomly, it can make dogs feel nervous and uncertain. Having a schedule will make them feel secure. Figure out a regular schedule that works for you and your dog, and they will gradually become well-adjusted.


15. Teach Your Dog Not to Fear Your Vet

This is a tricky one and easiest to do with a puppy. But part of socializing your dog, regardless of age, includes visiting the veterinarian. One of the best things that you can do to help facilitate this is to handle your puppy or dog often. Touch and gently squeeze their paws, and look inside their ears—try handling your dog in a few of the ways that a vet might. When your dog allows you to pick up their paw, give them a treat. If you get your dog comfortable with being handled, the vet visits won’t be as stressful.

Using positive reinforcement can go a long way toward making the vet clinic a less scary place.

dog owner talking to vet
Image Credit: SeventyFour, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

Start with the basic care that you know that every dog needs: exercise, diet, grooming, love, and training. Then, expand from there.

Being a good dog owner means caring for more than just the basics. Understanding your pet means taking care of their immediate needs and anticipating any factors that might become problematic.

Forming a good relationship with your veterinarian is essential. You should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing your concerns because both you and your vet’s main concern should be your dog’s health and wellbeing.


Featured Image Credit: SUKJAI PHOTO, Shutterstock

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