A practical, vet-informed checklist for keeping your dog healthy: vaccinations, flea, tick and worm control, dental care, weight, exercise, grooming, microchips, insurance and seasonal hazards throughout the UK year.
Preventive care is cheaper and kinder than treating problems after they appear. This checklist covers the main areas. Your vet will tailor advice to your dog's breed, age, lifestyle and health.
Vaccinations
In the UK, core vaccinations protect against distemper, canine parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. Puppies need a primary course, then boosters. Some components need annual boosters, others less often; your vet will set a schedule. Kennel cough vaccination is often recommended, and usually required by kennels. Rabies vaccination is needed for travel abroad.
Parasite control
- Fleas: regular treatment helps prevent infestations, which can also spread tapeworm.
- Ticks: check your dog after walks in long grass and woodland, especially in spring and autumn. Remove ticks with a tick tool. Ticks can carry diseases, including Lyme disease.
- Worms: roundworm and tapeworm treatment is needed regularly. Lungworm, spread by slugs and snails, can be serious; ask your vet whether your dog's product covers it.
Use products recommended by your vet. Some flea products for dogs are toxic to cats.
Dental care
Dental disease is very common in dogs, especially smaller breeds. Brush your dog's teeth daily with dog toothpaste (not human toothpaste), starting gently. Dental chews can help but don't replace brushing. Your vet will check teeth at health checks.
Weight and diet
Being overweight increases the risk of joint problems, diabetes and other conditions. Feed a complete diet suited to your dog's life stage, weigh food portions, and count treats. You should be able to feel, but not see, your dog's ribs. Ask your vet to body condition score your dog.
Exercise and enrichment
Exercise needs vary hugely by breed and age. Puppies shouldn't be over-exercised while growing. Mental enrichment, such as sniffing walks, puzzle feeders and training, matters as much as physical exercise.
Grooming and checks
- brush regularly according to coat type;
- check ears for redness, smell or discharge;
- trim nails if they don't wear down naturally;
- check for lumps, and get any new or changing lump checked by a vet.
Neutering
Neutering can prevent unwanted litters and some health problems, but timing varies by breed and size. Discuss pros, cons and timing with your vet.
Microchip and ID
It's a legal requirement for dogs in England, Scotland and Wales to be microchipped, with up-to-date details on the database. When in public, dogs must also wear a collar and tag with the owner's name and address.
Insurance and costs
Vet treatment can be expensive. Pet insurance policies vary widely, especially in whether they cover ongoing conditions. Read the terms carefully. Some practices offer health plans that spread the cost of routine care.
Seasonal hazards
- Spring: ticks; toxic spring bulbs such as daffodils.
- Summer: heatstroke. Never leave a dog in a car, walk early or late, and watch hot pavements. Flat-faced breeds are especially at risk.
- Autumn: conkers and acorns; fireworks anxiety. Prepare early with a safe den and speak to your vet about support.
- Winter: antifreeze, which is highly toxic; grit and salt on paws; chocolate, grapes, raisins and xylitol at Christmas.
Health checks
An annual vet check, often with boosters, is a good chance to catch problems early. Older dogs may benefit from checks every six months.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I worm my dog?
It depends on lifestyle and product; your vet will advise a schedule.
Can I skip vaccines for an indoor dog?
Diseases such as parvovirus can survive in the environment, so core vaccines are still important.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.