Wellness First
Dog Health
Signs to watch, vet visits, common conditions and how to keep your dog feeling great.
- 01
How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
Dental disease affects most dogs by age three. Learn how to brush your dog's teeth at home, choose the right tools, and spot the signs of dental trouble. Periodontal disease is the most common health problem in adult dogs — most dogs show signs by age three. Plaque hardens into tartar, which inflames the gums and can lead to pain, tooth loss and even infections that reach the heart and kidneys. The good news: dental disease is largely preventable. Daily brushing is the gold standard, and it is never too late to start — older dogs benefit from gentler care and a veterinary check first.
3 min readMar 22, 2026 - 02
Fleas, Ticks and Worms: The Parasite Guide
Fleas, ticks and intestinal worms are more than itchy annoyances — they spread disease and can make your dog seriously ill. Learn how to spot each parasite, understand the risks they carry, choose the right year-round prevention with your vet, and handle an infestation calmly without harmful home remedies. Fleas are tiny, fast and prolific — a single flea can lay dozens of eggs a day, and they thrive in warm homes. The first sign is usually scratching, biting or 'flea dirt' (dark specks that turn reddish in water) in the coat. Flea infestations also spread tapeworms and can cause flea allergy dermatitis, a miserable skin condition. Treating the environment — washing bedding and vacuuming — matters as much as treating the dog.
3 min readJul 15, 2026 - 03
Arthritis in Dogs: Signs and Comfort Care
Arthritis is one of the most common problems in older dogs, but the stiffness is not something they have to 'just live with'. Learn to recognize the early signs — the slower starts, the hesitating on stairs, the licking of joints — and the practical comfort measures that keep an arthritic dog moving happily, always in partnership with your veterinarian. Arthritis is a slow process, so the signs creep in: your dog hesitates before jumping into the car, lags on walks that used to be easy, or licks a specific joint. Many dogs hide pain — animals are skilled at it — so changes in behavior are often the first clue. Watch for stiffness after rest that eases with movement, difficulty on stairs, a changed posture or gait, and a dog that seems grumpy or withdrawn. Any of these in a middle-aged or senior dog is worth a veterinary conversation.
3 min readJun 20, 2026 - 04
Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Common Triggers
If your dog itches, licks its paws or has recurring ear infections, allergies may be the culprit. Understand the three main types of dog allergy — environmental, flea and food — how to spot the signs, and how your veterinarian can identify the trigger and build a management plan that actually helps. Environmental allergies (atopy) react to pollen, dust mites and molds — usually seasonal at first, often year-round as they progress. Flea allergy is an intense reaction to flea saliva: one flea can cause days of misery. Food allergies are less common than owners assume and usually involve a specific protein. The signs overlap heavily — itching, redness, paw licking, ear problems, hair loss — which is why self-diagnosis fails. A veterinary work-up sorts out which type is driving your dog's discomfort.
3 min readMay 26, 2026 - 05
How Often Should Dogs See the Vet?
Preventive veterinary care is the cheapest kind of care — but how often is 'often enough'? Learn the recommended visit schedule for puppies, adult dogs and seniors, what happens at a routine check-up, and the signs that warrant an immediate appointment rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit. Puppies see the vet several times in their first year for vaccination boosters, deworming and growth checks. Most adult dogs thrive with an annual wellness visit — a chance to catch problems early, renew parasite prevention and update vaccines. Senior dogs (roughly 7 years, 5–6 for large and giant breeds) benefit from visits every six months, when blood and urine tests can catch age-related changes while they are still manageable.
3 min readMay 2, 2026