5 Things Every Dog Owner Should Do for a Healthier Pup

Think you’ve mastered your dog’s everyday routine? You’ve probably got the basics down but we’ve identified five areas of canine health that often get overlooked and are more important than you might think.

From easily missed nutritional gaps reducing your pup’s activity levels to everyday stressors dragging down their mental health, this blog covers five aspects of their health with examples of lifestyle and environmental changes to make to help keep your dog strong, healthy, and thriving, from nose to tail. Let’s check it out!

1. Keep Their Gut in Check, Every Day

Did you know that tummy troubles are the second most common reason dogs end up at the vet?

We usually think of digestion as just food going in and out, but your dog’s gut plays a much bigger role. It’s directly linked to their immune function, nutrient absorption, and even their mood.[1]

When the gut isn’t functioning optimally, dogs may experience changes in stool quality, skin comfort, or energy levels.[2]

Whether or not your dog has dealt with digestive issues before, incorporating gut-boosting habits into their routine can help lessen the vet visit. 

How to Help:

• Keep mealtimes consistent and avoid too many table scraps or sudden dietary changes.
  

• Incorporate fiber-rich food toppers like pumpkin purée or steamed veggies (if vet-approved).
  

• Add a daily supplement such as these Digestive Support soft chews, formulated with prebiotics like dandelion and nettle root to support a healthy gut and normal digestive function.* According to a survey of PupGrade customers, over 90% of pet parents saw an improvement in their dog’s digestion within weeks!

2. Help Them Handle Seasonal Discomfort

Is your dog constantly scratching or licking their paws? Environmental sensitivities like pollen, grass, or dust can trigger skin-related symptoms, especially in spring and summer. If you don’t take action, this discomfort from seasonal changes can take a toll on your pup’s happiness and routine. 

How to Help:

• Wipe paws after walks to reduce pollen exposure.
  

• Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter indoors to trap dust, pollen, and dander.
  

• Incorporate Itch & Allergy Soft Chews with wholesome ingredients like quercetin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C to help your pup maintain a normal immune response.*

Suggested Read: Why Dogs Lick Their Paws & When It’s a Concern

3. Ease the Stress of a Noisy, Busy World

Life is always changing—from noisy holidays and busy travel schedules, these external stressors can overwhelm even the most well-adjusted pup. If their emotional health is thrown off, it can lead to unwanted behaviors, but taking steps that support their mental well-being can help them feel more at ease, no matter what the calendar has in store! 

How to Help:

• Create a quiet, cozy "den" where your dog can retreat during loud events. Think dim lighting, favorite toys, and bedding with their scent on it. Initially, you can use treats as positive reinforcement to encourage them to go there.
  

• Playing calming music or white noise can help slow their heart rate, relaxing the nervous system.[4]
  

• Utilize Calming Soft Chews with natural ingredients like melatonin, chamomile, and L-theanine to promote relaxation and help animals cope with external stresses.* 

4. Help Their Joints Keep Up With Their Spirit

Active dogs from young to senior can benefit from daily joint support. Whether your pup is sprinting after squirrels or climbing stairs like a champ, their joints work hard, so protecting them proactively can help preserve mobility over time.

How to Help:

• Keep your pup at a healthy weight to reduce joint strain. To assess your dog’s ideal weight, you can use the Body Condition Score (BCS), used by vets, and scales from 1–9 or 1–5. A BCS of 4–5 out of 9 is typically a good range for most dogs.
  

• Maintain a moderate, regular exercise routine. Start with daily walks at a steady pace, mix in low-impact play like fetch on grass, and gradually increase duration over time. Avoid sudden hikes, runs, or rough play if your dog isn’t conditioned for it.
  

• Add joint-supportive ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin found in Joint Support Soft Chews to their daily diet for enhanced tissue pliability and healthy bones and joint fluid viscosity.* 

5. Fill in the Nutritional Gaps

Even dogs with a well-rounded diet may miss out on some essential nutrients. Bridging any gaps can support areas like energy levels, skin health, and immune function.

How to Help:

• Adding whole proteins and dog-safe fruits or veggies to meals can boost nutrient variety and support overall health. It’s also a great first step if you're considering a more personalized or homemade diet.
  

• Talk to your vet to make sure your dog's diet is right for them, considering their age, breed, and any health risks.
  

• Add this uniquely blended Daily Multivitamin to your dog’s routine for an easy way to round out their nutrient intake. These soft chews come in a delicious meat flavor and have undergone thorough taste testing across all breeds to receive a unanimous wag of approval.*

From One Pup Parent to Another

Read community testimonials of how PupGrade has supported the needs of the pups in our pack:

Daily Multivitamin 

“My blue heeler, Charlie, loves this multivitamin. He gets so excited and his tail nub goes crazy when he sees the bottle.” - Heather M. 

Joint Support

“By the end of her first month taking the supplement, a miracle occurred. My girl was back! She played, she fetched, she ran and played with the other dogs. She had dropped years, and looked and played like a puppy again!” - Karen D.

Calming Soft Chews

“These actually help jasmine! We have tried multiple natural products and for her this one seems to work the best!” -Michelle M.

FAQs 

Q: Can I give my dog multiple supplements together?
A: Yes, many PupGrade soft chews are designed to work together. For example, pairing Digestive Soft Chews and Daily Multivitamin offers a balanced approach to gut and overall health.*

Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: Many pet parents report seeing changes within 2–4 weeks, though every dog is different.*

Q: Can I give these soft chews daily?
A: Absolutely. Consistency is key when it comes to supporting your dog’s wellness.*

Daily Health = Long-term Wellness

What do puppies, mature dogs, and senior dogs have in common? They all need support, and they’re trusting you to give them what’s best. After reading this blog, we hope you identified an area of your dog’s health that could use a little boost. 

Comment below what healthy habit you want to add to your dog’s wellness routine, and get started by exploring PupGrade’s full lineup of science-backed essentials here. 

We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!

This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Resources:

1. Pilla, R., & Suchodolski, J. S. (2021). The gut microbiome of dogs and cats, and the influence of Diet. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 51(3), 605–621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.01.002 

2. Yang, Q., & Wu, Z. (2023). Gut Probiotics and Health of Dogs and Cats: Benefits, Applications, and Underlying Mechanisms. Microorganisms, 11(10), 2452. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102452 

3. Kiełbik, P., & Witkowska-Piłaszewicz, O. (2024). The Relationship between Canine Behavioral Disorders and Gut Microbiome and Future Therapeutic Perspectives. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 14(14), 2048. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142048 

4. Bowman, A., Dowell, F. J., & Evans, N. P. (2017). ‘the effect of different genres of music on the stress levels of kennelled dogs.’ Physiology & Behavior, 171, 207–215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.01.024