🐶 Keeping your dog healthy involves more than just regular veterinary visits. From proper nutrition and preventative care to recognizing early signs of illness, understanding dog health and wellness is one of the most important responsibilities of dog ownership.
Dogs can experience a wide range of health concerns throughout their lives, including allergies, skin conditions, digestive issues, joint problems, and age-related changes. Knowing what to watch for — and how to support your dog’s health naturally and responsibly — can make a significant difference in both quality of life and longevity.
This complete guide to dog health and wellness is designed to help dog owners make informed decisions at every stage of life. Below, you’ll find in-depth resources covering common health concerns, prevention strategies, nutrition, and wellness topics, with links to detailed articles that explore each subject more fully.
Whether you’re caring for a growing puppy, an active adult dog, or a senior companion, this guide will help you better understand your dog’s health needs and when professional veterinary care may be required.
🦴 Common Dog Health Conditions
Dogs may experience a variety of health conditions during their lifetime, ranging from minor issues to chronic or inherited diseases. Early awareness and proactive care can help reduce discomfort and improve outcomes. Below are some of the most common health topics dog owners encounter, with links to more detailed resources.
Explore inherited and congenital diseases that can affect dogs on our Common Dog Health Condition and Diseases page.
🐕 Joint and Mobility Problems
Mobility issues can affect dogs of all ages but are especially common in senior dogs and certain breeds. Conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and joint degeneration can impact comfort, movement, and quality of life. Early recognition and supportive care can help many dogs remain active longer.
Learn more about joint and mobility issues in dogs, including common causes, symptoms, and supportive care options.
🐾 Dog Allergies
Allergies are a frequent health concern in dogs and may be triggered by food ingredients, environmental factors, or flea bites. Symptoms often include itching, skin irritation, ear infections, and digestive upset. Understanding the source of allergies is an important step toward effective management.
Read our in-depth guide to dog allergies and treatment options, including natural and veterinary-supported approaches.
🍖 Nutrition & Diet
Nutrition plays a major role in a dog’s overall health, immune system, and energy levels. Feeding an appropriate diet based on age, size, and activity level can help prevent many common health problems.
Discover how proper dog nutrition and diet support long-term health and wellness.
👀 Dog Parasites (Internal and External)
Parasites are organisms that can live on or inside a dog and survive by feeding off their host. While the word “parasite” can sound worrying, it’s important to know that most parasite conditions in dogs are common, treatable, and preventable. Our dog parasites guide can help you become an informed dog owner.
🛡️ Preventative Care & Wellness
Preventative care helps keep dogs healthy and catch potential issues early. Routine wellness practices support long-term health and reduce the risk of serious illness.
To learn how to prevent health problems and maintain dog preventative care such as routine screenings and vaccination education, visit our Complete Dog Care page.
For information about keeping your dog’s coat, ears, teeth and nails healthy, visit our dog grooming page.
🐕 Puppy Care
Health needs change as dogs age. Puppies require careful monitoring during growth, while senior dogs benefit from adjustments in diet, exercise, and medical care.
Our new puppy care and how to choose a healthy puppy pages can help you avoid common new puppy mistakes.
Research current suggested vaccination schedules for puppies and dogs.
🐕🦺 Senior Dog Care
Explore our guide to senior dog health and wellness, with information on aging-related changes, comfort, and supportive care for older dogs.
The American Veterinary Association is the collective voice of US veterinarians.