As dog owners, we all want the same thing — a happy, healthy dog that enjoys a long and active life.

While every dog is different, there are a few key areas that play an important role in supporting your dog's overall health and wellbeing. From nutrition and exercise to mental stimulation and regular health checks, small everyday habits can make a big difference.

Here are some of the most important things to consider when looking after your dog's general health.

1. Feed a Balanced Diet

Good nutrition is one of the foundations of a healthy dog.

Your dog's diet should be appropriate for their age, size, activity level and individual needs. Puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs all have different nutritional requirements, so it's important to choose food that supports their stage of life.

Keeping an eye on portion sizes is important too. Even small amounts of extra food and treats can add up over time.

Fresh water should also always be available throughout the day.

2. Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can support your dog's mobility, comfort and overall wellbeing.

If you're unsure whether your dog is carrying excess weight, speak to your vet. They can help assess your dog's body condition and advise on an appropriate feeding and exercise routine.

Regularly monitoring your dog's weight can also help you spot changes early.

3. Make Exercise Part of Everyday Life

Dogs need regular exercise to help keep both their body and mind active.

The amount and type of exercise your dog needs will depend on factors such as their breed, age, size and health.

For some dogs, a couple of walks and plenty of opportunities to play may be ideal. Others may need more physical activity or mental challenges.

Mixing up your dog's routine can also help keep things interesting. Exploring new walking routes, playing games or practising simple training exercises can all provide valuable stimulation.

4. Don't Forget About Mental Stimulation

A healthy dog needs more than physical exercise.

Mental stimulation can help keep your dog engaged and entertained. Simple activities such as puzzle toys, scent games, training sessions and hide-and-seek can give your dog something to think about.

Even spending a few minutes teaching a new command or practising an existing one can become a fun part of your daily routine.

5. Support Their Digestive Health

A healthy digestive system plays an important role in your dog's overall wellbeing.

Changes in appetite, stool consistency or toileting habits can sometimes be an indication that something isn't quite right.

Providing a consistent, balanced diet and avoiding sudden changes to your dog's food can help support digestive comfort.

If you notice ongoing digestive problems or significant changes, it's always best to speak to your vet.

6. Look After Their Skin and Coat

Your dog's skin and coat can often give you clues about their general health.

Regular grooming gives you the opportunity to check for changes such as dry skin, irritation, lumps, bumps or areas of hair loss.

A balanced diet containing appropriate nutrients can also play a role in maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat.

7. Support Joint Health and Mobility

Looking after your dog's joints is important throughout their life, not just when they start getting older.

Maintaining a healthy weight and providing appropriate exercise can help support mobility. Older dogs may naturally become less active, so paying attention to changes in movement, stiffness or reluctance to exercise can be helpful.

If you notice changes in your dog's mobility, speak to your vet.

8. Keep Up With Regular Health Checks

Routine veterinary care is an important part of keeping your dog healthy.

Regular check-ups can help identify potential issues early. Depending on your dog's lifestyle and individual needs, your vet can also advise on areas such as vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental health and weight management.

At home, it's also useful to get into the habit of checking your dog's:

• Eyes

• Ears

• Teeth and gums

• Skin and coat

• Paws and claws

• Weight

• Energy levels and behaviour

Knowing what is normal for your dog can make it easier to notice when something changes.

9. Consider Everyday Nutritional Support

Even when your dog is eating a good-quality diet, some owners choose to include supplements as part of their dog's everyday routine.

The right nutritional support will depend on your individual dog and their needs.

Millie Jake's 10-in-1 Multivitamin Chew Treats provide a convenient way to support multiple areas of your dog's everyday wellbeing in one tasty chew.

Our formula includes carefully selected ingredients designed to support areas including:

• Everyday health and wellbeing

• Joint support

• Skin and coat

• Digestive health

• Immune health

Always follow feeding guidance and speak to your vet if you have concerns about your dog's individual health or nutritional requirements.

Small Everyday Habits Can Make a Big Difference

Keeping your dog healthy doesn't need to be complicated.

A balanced diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, routine health checks and plenty of love and attention can all contribute to a happy and healthy life.

By paying attention to your dog's everyday needs and noticing changes early, you can give them the best possible support at every stage of life.

Give Your Dog a Little Extra Everyday Support

Looking for a simple way to support your dog's daily wellbeing?

Discover Millie Jake's 10-in-1 Multivitamin Chew Treats — convenient daily chews created to support multiple areas of your dog's health and wellbeing.