6 Best Tips to Make Your Dog Happy and Healthy

Every dog deserves a life full of tail wags, playtime, and comfort. The good news is, keeping your dog happy doesn’t have to be super complicated. By focusing on their basic needs and adding a little extra care, you can make sure your pup feels their best.

1. Feed Nutritious Food

Nothing is more important than health, for us and for our dogs. A balanced, high-quality diet supports your dog’s energy levels, coat health, digestion, and overall well-being.

When choosing food, don’t be swayed by flashy packaging or marketing claims. Instead, flip the bag or can over and check the ingredients list. Look for:

• Real animal protein (like chicken, beef, or salmon) as the first ingredient.

• Whole foods such as brown rice, sweet potato, peas, or oats for digestible carbohydrates.

• Healthy fats from sources like fish oil or flaxseed, which help keep skin and coat shiny.

Things to avoid include:

• By-products or vague meat meals that don’t list the animal source.

• Excess fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, which offer little nutrition.

• Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which provide no health benefit and can sometimes irritate sensitive dogs.

Always feed according to your dog’s age, size, and activity level, and make sure fresh water is available at all times. Good nutrition gives your dog the energy to enjoy life, recover from activity, and thrive every single day.

2. Provide Daily Exercise

Exercise is one of the most important ways to keep your dog both healthy and happy. Walks and playtime aren’t just for stretching their legs, they help release pent-up energy, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent boredom that can lead to destructive behavior.

A good rule of thumb: match the type and length of exercise to your dog’s age, breed, and energy level. High-energy breeds may need multiple long walks or runs each day, while older or smaller dogs might do well with shorter, gentler outings. Variety also helps—mix in fetch, tug, or structured games to keep things interesting.

Think of exercise as more than physical movement: walks are opportunities for your dog to explore the world. A dog who’s both physically and mentally satisfied is calmer, better behaved, and truly happier at home.

If you are too busy to provide regular daily Dog Walking for your dog, hire a Professional Dog Walker

3. Routine and Structure

Dogs thrive when life has a level of routine and structure. A routine, like regular walks and exercise, helps them burn energy and feel balanced. Structure, gives your dog clear expectations for how to behave in everyday life.

When we’re consistent, dogs understand what’s expected of them. If we’re inconsistent, it creates confusion, and confusion often leads to an imbalanced dog who can develop bad habits like obsessive barking or destructive chewing. Structure can be as simple as waiting calmly while you clip on the leash, or respecting boundaries in the home.

By combining routine exercise with consistent structure, you create a world where your dog feels secure, understands their role, and can relax knowing you’re guiding them. This not only makes them happier but also makes life together smoother and more enjoyable.

If you find creating boundaries difficult, reach out to a Professional Dog Trainer

4. Create a Comfortable Space

Just like us, dogs need a place where they can fully relax and feel safe. A comfortable space gives them a chance to recharge, especially after exercise, play, or social outings. This could be a cozy bed in the corner, a crate they view as their den, or a quiet room away from household noise.

Having a safe spot is more than just comfort, it’s about giving your dog a sense of security.

This may come as a shock to some people, did you know your adult dog is supposed to get 12-14 hours per day? Quality rest is essential for a dogs mood and health. When they know they have a place to retreat, it reduces stress and helps prevent overstimulation.

Encourage your dog to use their space by keeping it positive. Add a blanket they love, a chew toy, or even cover the crate for a “den-like” feel. A comfortable, safe environment allows your dog to relax completely, which is key to long-term happiness.

5. Stay on Top of Grooming

Grooming is about much more than looks, it’s an important part of your dog’s health and comfort. Regular brushing keeps their coat clean, reduces shedding, and helps distribute natural oils for healthy skin. It also prevents painful tangles or mats, especially in long-haired breeds.

Nail trims are just as important. Overgrown nails can make walking uncomfortable and even lead to joint issues if left unchecked. Baths, done as needed for your dog’s coat type and activity level, help wash away dirt and keep their skin healthy.

Grooming is also the perfect time to check your dog over for anything unusual: bumps, skin irritations, or ticks. By making grooming a regular part of your routine, you’re not only keeping your dog comfortable but also catching small issues before they become bigger problems.

If you aren't comfortable grooming on your own, reach out to a professional Dog Groomer.

6. Schedule Regular Vet Visits

Routine veterinary care is one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy and happy long term. Annual check-ups (or more frequent visits for puppies and senior dogs) allow your vet to catch health issues early, before they become serious.

Wellness exams include checking your dog’s weight, teeth, heart, joints, and overall condition. They’re also a chance to stay on top of vaccinations and preventative treatments like flea, tick, and heartworm protection. These may seem small, but they play a huge role in preventing discomfort and disease.

Even if your dog seems perfectly healthy, don’t skip the vet. Dogs are experts at hiding pain or illness, and regular check-ups give you peace of mind knowing your pup is thriving. Prevention is always easier and kinder than treatment.

Final Thought

Keeping your dog happy and healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on the basics: nutritious food, regular exercise, routine and structure, a comfortable space to rest, grooming, and consistent veterinary care. When these needs are met, your dog feels secure, balanced, and full of energy for the things they love most, walks, play, and spending time with you.