How to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Help Them Live as Long as Possible

As dog owners, we look forward to many happy years with our beloved companions. That's precisely why we want our dogs to remain healthy, active, and age gracefully. At Pup Labs, we combine our love for dogs with answers from rigorous scientific research to assist you in keeping your pup in tip-top condition.

Across all breeds and ages, dog health outcomes depend on the day-to-day choices we make. This guide provides evidence-based recommendations on how to keep your dog healthy as long as possible, avoid common health problems, and support a happy, long, and active life from puppyhood into the golden years.

Why Dog Health Matters: The Fundamentals You Can't Overlook

To raise a healthy dog, you must make conscious choices daily. From a lively puppy to an elderly dog, basic elements of care, such as nutrition, exercise, preventive care, and mental stimulation, can significantly extend their good years.

Understanding Your Dog’s Health Span

Dogs age faster and have shorter lifespans than humans, depending on breed and size. According to Ko & Shin (2025), in the Journal of Veterinary Science, smaller dogs live longer than larger dogs due to a lower metabolic rate and less oxidative stress.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy Body Condition Score (BCS 3/5) can help your pup live a longer, healthier life. According to a study published on Frontiers in Veterinary Science by Montoya et al. (2023), dogs with a healthy BCS had an average lifespan of 13.18 years, while those that were obese had an average lifespan of 11.71 years.

Core Pillars of Dog Health

1. Nutrition: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends balanced food appropriate for your dog’s life stage.
   
2. Exercise: At least 30 minutes of daily physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, cognitive function, and the dog’s joints.
   
3. Preventive care: Annual or semi-annual check-ups, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and parasite control.
   
4. Mental stimulation: Training games, social interaction, and puzzle toys to provide mental stimulation and reduce anxiety.

Nutrition-Rich Diet to Keep Your Dog Healthy

What you feed your dog determines their weight, the efficiency of their immune system, energy levels, and skin and fur condition. Poor nutrition leads to adverse health effects, while a high-quality diet supports resilience throughout your dog’s senior years.

Balanced Diet Basics

Your dog needs proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Give them foods that meet the AAFCO standards based on your dog's life stage, breed, and activity level. Two servings per day are enough, with a gap of about 8-12 hours between servings. When changing their diet, mix new foods with the previous ones for 1-2 weeks to support proper digestion.

AAFCO recommends that 90% of a dog's diet should come from nutritious food. Limit snacks to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Look for lower-calorie yummies such as carrot sticks and blueberries instead of commercial dog treats sold at pet shops. Also, don’t give your dog table food because it's often high in fat and salt, which can lead to pancreatitis and obesity.

Weight Management for a Healthy Life

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to extend your dog’s life. A study by Kealy et al. (2002) in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association established that calorie restriction to maintain lean body mass extended lifespan in Labradors by up to 1.8 years. Obese dogs are more likely to suffer from joint strain, inflammation, heart disease, and diabetes.

Always do a quick body scan monthly. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs with gentle pressure and observe a visible waistline. If your dog has suddenly gained or lost weight, discuss the changes with your veterinarian.

Supplements That Support Nutrition

Probiotic supplements support smooth digestion, boost the immune system, and maintain a healthy gut. For instance, our dog probiotics can improve your pet's digestive process if you’re changing their diet or when they’re experiencing stress or aging.

Joint supplements are also good for aging dogs. They support dog joints, reduce stiffness, and keep your senior dog healthy and mobile. We specifically formulate our joint health supplements to help your pet's joint health by providing the nutrients needed to build and repair joint tissues. They contain natural ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, MSM, and green-lipped mussel, which have been scientifically proven to support joint function.

Additionally, dogs need dental health supplements to help remove plaque and tartar buildup and promote a balanced oral microbiome. Regular use can improve overall health and reduce the risk of dental disease, which significantly contributes to systemic inflammation and reduced lifespan.

Exercise and Mental Enrichment for a Strong Body

Daily exercise improves muscle strength, cardiac health, joint flexibility, cognitive function, and weight management in dogs. Active dogs live longer, have fewer illnesses, and age more gracefully.

How Much Physical Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

The intensity and quantity of exercise depend on your dog’s breed, age, and health. Young dogs require high-intensity exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, or agility training, whereas senior dogs require low-intensity exercise such as short walks or water therapy. Your dog needs at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity daily.

On sunny days, walk your dog either in the early morning or in the evening to prevent burns from hot surfaces. Staying hydrated is also very important. Always ensure your dog has fresh, clean water. A 10% dehydration level in the body can be life-threatening for your pup. Also, be cautious about unsupervised outdoor exploration, as it can lead to injuries, poisoning, or accidents.

Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation helps to alleviate anxiety, boredom, and destructive behavior. Here's how you can improve your dog's mental health:

• Use puzzle toys and hide treats to encourage problem-solving skills.
  
• Obedience or trick training for cognitive stimulation.
  
• Social play with other dogs.
  
• Rotate toys to ensure novelty in interactions.
  

These efforts can improve your dog’s behavior and quality of life.

Preventive Care, Vet Visits, Parasites, and Vaccines

One of the most effective ways to prevent serious health problems is routine veterinary care. Missing annual check-ups can lead to undiagnosed illnesses that may shorten your dog's lifespan.

Annual Check Ups

Annual visits to the veterinarian for dogs and bi-yearly for senior dogs will enable you to monitor changes for your pet in the following areas:

• Weight and body condition
  
• Heart and lungs
  
• Dental status
  
• Lab results for liver and kidney functions, and much more
  

Early diagnosis helps detect issues early and significantly improves outcomes.

Parasite Prevention

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms can cause serious illness in dogs. Your dog needs to see the vet regularly for preventive care, especially during seasonal changes in your area. The vet can help you determine the best preventive measure based on your dog's size, lifestyle, and geographic location.

Vaccinations and Health Screenings

The main dog vaccines protect against deadly diseases such as rabies and distemper. Additional vaccinations may be required based on an animal’s exposure risk. Standard health screenings for your dog, including blood work and urinalysis, are also necessary to identify potential health problems.

Routine At-Home Checks

Conduct monthly home checks to monitor for symptoms of illness. Watch out for the following:

• Gums should be pink and moist.
  
• Eyes clear and bright.
  
• Skin smooth.
  
• Coat shiny.
  
• There are no signs of pain, swelling, or lethargy.
  

Doing a routine check at home can help you identify potential issues early and improve communication with your veterinarian.

Senior Dog Health and Quality of Life

As dogs age, their metabolism and mobility shift, necessitating a little extra care. With the proper support given, even a senior pup can enjoy a vibrant, satisfying life.

Signs Your Dog Is Getting Older

Watch for the following common cues:

• Slower pace or some occasional limp
  
• More daytime napping
  
• Gains or losses in weight
  
• Cloudiness in vision or a change in hearing
  

Start monitoring more closely at about age seven, or if any of the signs above appear.

Tailored Diet and Supplements

Older dogs do best on calorie-balanced, easy-to-digest meals. Look for formulas that contain high-quality protein, joint-care ingredients, and antioxidants. At Pup Labs, we've formulated senior dog supplements to support digestion, mobility, and comfort in aging pets.

Neutering and spaying also provide protection during these years by reducing risks such as mammary cancer and testicular cancer.

Adjusted Exercise Plans

Encourage gentle movement to maintain muscle mass and reduce stiffness. You can include the following exercises:

• Swimming for non-weight-bearing exercise
  
• Brief, frequent walks
  
• Avoid stairs or jumping when mobility decreases
  

Even in later years, physical activity keeps seniors involved and much more independent.

Environment and Comfort

• Orthopedic beds ease the pressure on joints.
  
• Ramps reduce the risk of falls.
  
• Keep food and water within reach.
  

Regular grooming is still necessary to prevent matting and to detect new lumps or skin issues.

Everyday Habits To Help Your Dog Prevent Health Issues

Consistent daily routines help prevent illness and detect early signs.

Dental Care Daily

Brush your dog’s teeth several times a week and provide dental chews. Poor dental care causes higher mortality rates in dogs due to inflammation and organ damage. Complement daily brushing with our Prodenta supplement to flush out bad doggy breath, remove plaque and tartar, support healthy gums, reduce inflammation, and promote white teeth and fresh breath.

Grooming and Ear Care

Weekly grooming sessions help keep your dog’s coat healthy and identify new lumps, bumps, or parasites early. Clean ears regularly to prevent infection, especially in breeds with floppy ears. Use our K9 EarClear, a safe, vet-approved eardrop to gently remove wax, relieve itching and irritation, manage infections, and protect against ear mites to keep your dog’s ears clean, healthy, and comfortable.

Skin and Coat Health

• Use our soothing spray for itching and irritated skin.
  
• Wash your dog only when needed, as overwashing can cause dryness.
  
• Monitor your pet for seasonal allergies or exposure to pests.
  

Heat and Weather Safety

On hot days, always walk early or late in the evening to protect paws from hot pavement. Never leave dogs in cars, and ensure they have fresh water at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Diet to Help My Dog Live Longer?

The best approach to a long, healthy life starts with a complete, balanced diet for your dog. Choose quality food that meets AAFCO guidelines and is tailored to your dog’s breed, age, and health conditions. Avoid excess fat and salt, and keep treats to less than 10% of total daily calories. Also, feed your dog twice daily to support digestion and energy regulation. For example, switching to a senior-specific formula when your dog reaches seven years can proactively address aging needs.

How Often Should I Walk My Dog for Good Health?

Regular physical exercise helps maintain your dog’s cardiovascular health, healthy weight, and cognitive function. As a top tip, provide 30-60 minutes of aerobic activity daily. Younger dogs benefit from vigorous activities such as fetch or hiking, while senior pets prefer shorter, low-impact walks, but still need daily movement to prevent stiffness and joint issues.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is at a Healthy Weight?

You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without pressing hard and see a visible waistline from above. Sudden weight gain or loss may indicate a deeper issue, such as a hormonal imbalance or poor diet. Monitoring your dog’s body condition score monthly is a win-win strategy for preventative care. Ask your veterinarian for an in-clinic assessment if you're unsure.

Do Older Dogs Need Special Care?

Yes. As your dog ages, metabolism slows, and mobility often declines. When combined with joint health supplements, a lower-calorie, nutrient-dense food can support comfort and vitality. Provide routine veterinary care, adjust activity levels to their energy levels, and use orthopedic beds to reduce pressure. Ageing dogs require tailored and attentive support in the same way as humans do.

How Often Should My Dog See the Vet?

Annual check-ups are important for adult dogs. Senior dogs should see the vet every six months for screenings, lab work, and monitoring of chronic conditions. Preventive visits are a critical part of early detection and improving outcomes. According to veterinary medicine studies, early detection can significantly extend life expectancy and reduce suffering.

What Vaccines Does My Dog Need and When?

The core vaccines for rabies, distemper, and parvovirus are required in most regions. Your veterinarian can also recommend additional protection based on your dog’s environment and travel habits. For example, dogs that go to parks, boarding facilities, or interact with other animals may need Bordetella or leptospirosis vaccines.

How Can I Keep My Dog Healthy As Long As Possible?

Feed quality food, maintain a healthy weight, schedule regular vet checkups, and keep your dog active and mentally stimulated. Spaying/neutering, avoiding secondhand smoke, and supervised outdoor time also protect your dog from preventable risks. To help your dog thrive, address each stage of life with tailored care, and they'll feel better, and you'll gain more time together.

Should I Socialize My Dog?

Absolutely. Socializing your dog builds confidence and prevents anxiety. Interacting with other animals, people, and new environments reduces behavioral issues and supports emotional health. If you take your dog to the dog park, daycare, or playdates, they’ll likely be happier, calmer, and better behaved.

Conclusion

You need consistent care, proactive choices, and a whole lot of love to raise a healthy dog. That's why you must prioritize balanced nutrition, regular vet visits, appropriate exercise, and supplements tailored to your dog’s needs. These small actions today can improve your dog's health outcomes and help them live a happy life.

Explore our collection of vet-approved dog supplements at Pup Labs to support digestion, joint health, oral hygiene, and more. They're packed with all-natural, scientifically-proven ingredients to help every pup live a longer, happier life.

References

• Kealy, R. D., Lawler, D. F., Ballam, J. M., Lust, G., Smith, H. K., Biery, D. N., & Olsson, S. E. (2002). Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 220(9), 1315-1320. 
  
• Ko, W. H., & Shin, S. (2025). Diverse breeds, diverse lifespans: Understanding longevity in domestic dogs. Journal of Veterinary Science, 26(Suppl 1), S22-S33.
  
• Montoya, M., Morrison, J. A., Arrignon, F., Spofford, N., Charles, H., Hours, M.-A., & Biourge, V. (2023). Life expectancy tables for dogs and cats derived from clinical data. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1082102.