Top Tips for Keeping Your Dog Healthy in 2026: Insights from Petplan’s Vet

As dogs age faster than humans, how can owners support their dog’s overall health? Petplan’s veterinary expert, Dr Brian Faulkner, shares his key tips and advice to keep our dogs healthy at every stage of life.

Why do some dog breeds age differently?

While certain breeds may age faster than others, there are several factors that can influence their physical health such as diet, exercise, genetics, overall health and medical history.

The number one reason behind the rate of dogs ageing is their size. Larger breeds, such as a Great Dane, may show signs of ageing from four or five years old, while a Chihuahua might still behave like a puppy at the same age.

Top five ways to keep your dog healthy:

Tailor their diet: A balanced diet is fundamental. It should be specifically adapted to a dog’s breed, age (puppy, adult or senior), and activity levels.
Maintain a consistent exercise routine: Exercise isn’t just about physical activity; ‘walkies’ also provide vital mental enrichment. To understand a dog’s specific exercise requirements, owners should consider their dog’s breed, fitness, health, and age.
Ensure a healthy weight: Being a healthy weight significantly impacts a pet’s wellbeing, reducing the risk and severity of many diseases, and potentially extending their lifespan. Dog obesity can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. It’s also important to avoid feeding your dog fatty foods – instead, offer healthy treats such as small pieces of carrot, blueberries, apples, or cucumber. If living in a multi-person household, open communication is key to preventing overfeeding, as small treats here and there can quickly add up.
Prioritise dental care: Dental problems are common in pets, making oral hygiene incredibly important. While dental chews can help, they are no substitute for regular brushing.
Regular vet check-ups: Early intervention is key to addressing potential health issues. Regular veterinary examinations can catch problems before they become serious, ensuring your dog stays healthy.
Petplan’s veterinary expert, Dr Brian Faulkner, comments: “While these five tips might seem straightforward, our recent 2026 Dog Breed Report* reveals an interesting disconnect: nearly half of dog owners (44%) state their number one concern for caring for their dog in 2026, is keeping them healthy and active.

“A dog’s age, existing health conditions, weight, and breed are all key factors in how long a dog should be exercised for. For instance, puppies require frequent, short bursts of play to protect developing joints, whilst senior dogs might need gentler, and low-intensity exercise.

“As a general guide, we recommend around 30 minutes daily for small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas; approximately one hour for medium-sized breeds such as Labradoodles. For particularly energetic breeds including Spaniels, Collies and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, we recommend one to two hours of daily exercise; and a minimum of two hours for large breeds such as Labradors and German Shepherds.

“It’s important to note that each dog is different and their routines will differ with time too. Simple, everyday things can make a huge difference to our pet’s lives such as regular exercise. As humans we also reap the health benefits of regular walks, but for our dogs it can help offer mental and social stimulation, as well as reducing boredom to help ensure a calmer dog at home.

“Early intervention is key to addressing any potential health issues. And if those vet visits become necessary, having dog insurance can provide invaluable peace of mind.”

If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with vet professionals from the comfort of your own home. Simply log in to your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area.