If you have the pleasure of owning a dog, you want to keep them as healthy as possible. That’s why it’s important to discuss their well-being with your veterinarian. At Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital, in Columbia, MO, they’re happy to provide tips for boosting your dog’s health. Specifically, they recommend keeping the following points in mind.

Veterinarian Explains 3 Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy for Life

1. Frequent Baths

Although your dog might not be a fan of baths, they’re crucial to their overall health. Bacteria can accumulate in a dog’s fur over time, especially if they spend time outside. If you don’t bathe them regularly, bacteria can cause illnesses or infections to develop. Bathing your dog removes them before they can do considerable damage.

2. Plenty of Exercise

Dogs need exercise, just like humans. Burning off calories improves their cardiovascular health, and strengthening their muscles and bones allows them to stay active well into their later years. Take your dog out for runs, bring them to the park, and let them burn off some energy in the backyard more often.

3. Visits to a Vet Clinic

Most importantly, make regular trips to see your local veterinarian. They’ll make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations, and they’ll identify health issues that are easy to miss in their early stages. Heartworm, for example, doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until weeks after infection. Your vet will identify these problems before your dog gets any sicker.

When you see your dog’s veterinarian, come prepared with questions so you can make your visit as informative as possible. At Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital—with two locations in Columbia, MO—they encourage dog owners to take an active role in the well-being of their pets. With their help, you can rest assured you’re doing everything to keep your dog happy and healthy. Contact them online to learn more about making an appointment, or call (573) 449-3791.