6 Ultimate Daily Habits for a Healthy Dog

Wondering if you’re doing enough for your pup?

In less than 10 minutes, we will cover the 6 essential pillars of wellness that should be a part of your dog’s everyday life and how they affect their health. Plus, practical ways to help you incorporate new habits into their routine—without overcomplicating things.

In This Post, You’ll Learn:

• What’s Missing From Your Dog’s Routine

• 6 Areas of Health To Prioritize

• How to Implement Into Daily Routine 

Why Your Dog’s Routine Might Be Missing the Mark

Even the most devoted dog parents can feel unsure when it comes to their pup’s daily health habits. It’s not about neglect—it’s usually about not knowing what actually matters most. 

Here are three of the biggest gaps that can hold pups back from feeling their best:

• Knowing What’s Essential Vs. Optional: Many pawrents over-focus on novelty (like fancy treats or seasonal gear) while overlooking everyday basics that make a lasting impact—like joint support, hydration, or movement.

• Keeping it Simple Without Sacrificing Health: Complicated routines often lead to inconsistency, while habits that pair naturally with your routine—like refreshing their water bowl while making your morning coffee—will help you cover key health needs.

• Accidentally Forgetting the Basics: Over time, “small slips” in your pup’s whole body health can lead to a decline in their health and happiness.

6 Key Areas For Optimal Dog Health

The truth? A truly balanced routine is built on six foundational pillars, both inside and out. Let’s take a look:

1. Mindful Movement

→ Just as humans need to prioritize movement, so do pups. 

Regular movement helps keep synovial fluid (the joint's natural lubricant) flowing. Skipping it? That can cause the fluid to become stagnant, leading to stiffness.[1]

Even just 15-30 minutes of walking or active play is a great way to stimulate circulation and boost their mood. For aging or active pups, try PupGrade’s Joint Support Soft Chews to support mobility and comfort.

Fun Fact: Physical activity also triggers endorphins in dogs, which may help promote better behavior throughout the day.[2] 

2. Fresh Water Access

→ Proper hydration is essential for normal body and kidney function. 

Just slight dehydration can affect energy, digestion, and mood in dogs.[3] A fresh bowl of water twice a day isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s crucial for them to maintain healthy hydration levels.

Proper hydration also helps regulate body temperature and improves nutrient absorption, especially in warmer months or active breeds.[4]

Pro Tip: The bacteria in your dog’s saliva can quickly create a biofilm on the surface of their bowl which could lead to sickness.[5] Before refilling, quickly wash their bowl with warm, soapy water. 

3. Balanced Nutrition

→ Your dog thrives on a well-rounded, whole food diet.

Low-quality dog food can contain artificial flavors, unnecessary colors, and preservatives. 

Instead, focus on buying high-quality food with transparent ingredients. Look for clear protein sources listed on the bag, such as beef, lamb, chicken, or fish. Their food should also be rich in healthy fats and balanced with whole grains. 

Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like those from fish) have been shown to support cognitive function, joint flexibility, and even calm inflammation.[6,7]

4. Daily Supplements

→ It’s tough for dogs to get enough vitamins and minerals from diet alone (even if it’s high quality).[8]

While whole food provides a wide range of naturally occurring nutrients that are easier to digest and absorb, nutritional gaps can still happen based on your dog’s age, activity level, or specific health needs.

That’s where supplements come in. This Daily Multivitamin is a simple way to add missing nutrients and reinforce what they’re already getting from their food.

Pro Tip: Did you know that nearly 70% of your dog’s immune cells live in their gut?[9] Adding Digestive Support Soft Chews to their routine can help support their immune system, healthy digestion, and gut balance.*

5. Dental (Oral) Care

→ Oral health is connected to the overall health of your dog.

Most dogs show signs of periodontal disease by age 3.[10] Plaque can start to harden into tartar in as little as 24 to 48 hours, so daily care is crucial. Staying ahead of it can help prevent bad breath, painful infections, and more serious inflammatory issues that affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Pro Tip: Brushing your dog’s teeth can be messy and inconvenient. However, this Dental Care Solution is an odorless, flavorless liquid that you can add directly to their water bowl. Yes, maintaining their oral hygiene is really that easy!

6. Emotional Bonding 

→ Physical affection builds your dog’s trust, encourages relaxation, and supports emotional well-being.[2]

If your dog tends to be restless, energetic, or anxious, try incorporating calming activities such as brushing, giving them a chew toy, or giving them a gentle massage. These tactics help increase their oxytocin levels (the "feel-good" hormone) and strengthen the bond you share.[2]

Pro Tip: If they need even more support to relax, these Calming Soft Chews are made with mindful calming ingredients that help promote relaxation and a balanced mood. 

One Day At A Time: A Simple Daily Health Checklist for Your Dog

→ Start small, stay consistent, and let your routine evolve.

While every part of this checklist supports your dog’s health, you don’t have to do it all at once. Start with one or two habits that feel manageable. After a few weeks, check in. If you feel confident with the steps you have, layer in one more.

Morning Routine

• Move Together (15–30 mins)
  Walk, play, or zoomie time to boost mood, circulation, and behavior.

• Refresh Water + Oral Care
  Rinse their bowl and refill with fresh water. Add 1 tsp of Dental Care Solution to 8 oz of water (AM or PM).

• Breakfast + Supplements
  Serve a high-quality meal with your dog’s daily supplements of choice.

Midday / Afternoon

• Brain or Bonding Break
  Try a puzzle toy, a short training session, or some cuddle time to engage their mind and heart.

Evening Wind-Down

• Calming Touch
  Brush, massage, or offer Calming Soft Chews to help your dog relax and feel safe before bed.

• Refill Water (Round 2!)
  If you haven't already, top off their water bowl with fresh water. Hydration matters, especially overnight.

Ready for Peace of Mind & A Healthier Pup?

In a world overflowing with advice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about what really matters in your dog’s daily routine. But by focusing on the essential pillars of wellness, you’re covering the foundations that support their long-term health.

If you ever need a little help along the way, PupGrade is here to make healthy routines feel second nature—for both of you. Use code BLOG10 at checkout for 10% off your first order. 

Resources:

1. Stevens, C., Kawecki-Wright, E., de Ortiz, A. R., Thomson, A., Aker, S., Perry, E., Haupt, E., Mondino, A., Enomoto, M., Gruen, M. E., & Lascelles, B. D. X. (2025). Factors influencing, and associated with, physical activity patterns in dogs with osteoarthritis-associated pain. Frontiers in veterinary science, 12, 1503009. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1503009 

2. Marshall-Pescini, S., Schaebs, F. S., Gaugg, A., Meinert, A., Deschner, T., & Range, F. (2019). The Role of Oxytocin in the Dog-Owner Relationship. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 9(10), 792. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100792 

3. Bissett, S. A., Guilford, W. G., Haslett, S. J., & Sunvold, G. D. (1998). Effect of five percent dehydration on breath hydrogen concentrations in dogs. American journal of veterinary research, 59(3), 245–249. 

4. Bruchim, Y., Horowitz, M., & Aroch, I. (2017). Pathophysiology of heatstroke in dogs - revisited. Temperature (Austin, Tex.), 4(4), 356–370. https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2017.1367457 

5. Zhao, A., Sun, J., & Liu, Y. (2023). Understanding bacterial biofilms: From definition to treatment strategies. Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 13, 1137947. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1137947 

6. Pan, Y., Landsberg, G., Mougeot, I., Kelly, S., Xu, H., Bhatnagar, S., Gardner, C. L., & Milgram, N. W. (2018). Efficacy of a Therapeutic Diet on Dogs With Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS): A Prospective Double Blinded Placebo Controlled Clinical Study. Frontiers in nutrition, 5, 127. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2018.00127 

7. Carlisle, C., Metzger, B. T., Tintle, N. L., Polley, K., Jackson, K. H., Le Brun-Blashka, S., Griffiths, J., & Harris, W. S. (2024). The Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on the Omega-3 Index and Quality of Life and Pain Scores in Dogs. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 14(21), 3108. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14213108 

8. Barroso, C., Fonseca, A. J. M., & Cabrita, A. R. J. (2024). Vitamins, Minerals and Phytonutrients as Modulators of Canine Immune Function: A Literature Review. Veterinary sciences, 11(12), 655. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11120655 

9. Vighi, G., Marcucci, F., Sensi, L., Di Cara, G., & Frati, F. (2008). Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clinical and experimental immunology, 153 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), 3–6. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x 

10. Enlund, K. B., Brunius, C., Hanson, J., Hagman, R., Höglund, O. V., Gustås, P., & Pettersson, A. (2020). Dog Owners' Perspectives on Canine Dental Health-A Questionnaire Study in Sweden. Frontiers in veterinary science, 7, 298. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00298