4 Essential Canine Care Tips from Your Veterinary Nurse

When you take your dog to the vet, you may build a bond with the veterinary surgeon who treats them. However, behind every vet is a dedicated team of veterinary nurses who play a vital role in your dog’s care. Many of these nurses are highly qualified, with years of experience, making them an invaluable source of advice and support.

Veterinary nurses assist vets with treatment but also offer nurse-led clinics and services that can help you care for your dog more effectively and often at a lower cost. Many dog owners do not realise the wealth of knowledge veterinary nurses have and the support they can provide.

In this article, we share four practical tips on canine care that your veterinary nurse would want you to know to keep your dog happy and healthy.

1. Phone Your Vet Clinic for Advice

If your dog shows unusual symptoms or you’re unsure whether a vet visit is necessary, reaching out for advice can save you time and money. Consult fees in the UK typically start at around £30, so calling your clinic first can help you decide if immediate care is essential or if monitoring the situation is appropriate.

When you call, ask politely who you are speaking to and request to speak to a veterinary nurse if you initially reach a receptionist. Veterinary nurses can assess your dog's symptoms over the phone, provide guidance on urgency, and may suggest nurse-led consultations tailored to your dog’s needs.

2. Take Care of Your Dog’s Teeth

Dental health is a common yet often overlooked aspect of canine wellbeing. Regular dental procedures under general anaesthetic are costly and can be distressing for your dog. Thankfully, many dental issues can be prevented with proper daily care.

Start brushing your dog’s teeth early, using vet-approved brushes and toothpaste. Incorporate dental-friendly diets and treats, avoiding sugary snacks. Dental hygiene not only prevents pain and tooth loss but also reduces risks of more serious health problems linked to dental disease.

3. Manage Your Dog’s Weight

Weight management is crucial for a dog’s overall health, longevity, and quality of life. Veterinary nurse-led weight clinics are common in many practices and offer personalised advice on diet and exercise.

Overweight dogs face increased risk of joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease. If your dog is carrying extra weight, consult your vet or veterinary nurse early. Together, you can establish a healthy feeding plan and suitable exercise routine that fits your lifestyle. Remember, maintaining a healthy weight helps keep your dog energetic and reduces veterinary costs long-term.

4. Insure Your Dog for Unexpected Health Needs

Vet nurses often develop close bonds with the dogs they care for and know how vital it is that owners can afford necessary treatment. Pet insurance ensures your dog can get timely treatment without financial stress, and it enables your veterinary team to consider a wider range of treatment options.

While clinics may offer payment plans, the responsibility to provide care rests with the owner. Sadly, vets and nurses sometimes face heart-breaking decisions when owners cannot afford treatment costs. Insuring your dog early, ideally when young and healthy, maximises coverage and peace of mind.

Many pet insurance policies cover emergencies, routine care, dental treatments, and chronic conditions. Talk to your veterinary practice about recommendations for trusted insurers that suit your dog’s breed and age.

Stay on Top of Parasite Prevention

One of the most consistent pieces of advice from veterinary nurses is the importance of year-round parasite prevention. Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are far more prevalent than many owners realise, and the consequences of leaving them untreated range from skin irritation and tapeworm infection to serious conditions such as Lyme disease, transmitted by ticks.

Flea infestations can establish themselves in carpets and soft furnishings within weeks, making the home environment as important to treat as the dog itself. Veterinary nurses recommend using a vet-prescribed flea and worming treatment rather than supermarket products, which are often less effective. Monthly treatments are standard for most dogs, though frequency can vary depending on your dog’s lifestyle, where you walk them, and whether there are other pets in the household. Your veterinary nurse can advise on the most appropriate protocol and products for your individual dog.

Microchipping and Keeping Your Dog’s Details Up to Date

Microchipping has been a legal requirement for all dogs in England, Scotland, and Wales since 2016. A microchip is a small device inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades, containing a unique identification number linked to your contact details on a national database. If your dog goes missing and is found by a rescue centre or vet, scanning the chip allows them to trace you quickly.

What veterinary nurses frequently highlight is that microchipping alone is not enough — you must keep your contact details on the database current. If you move house or change your phone number, update your records promptly. The most common reason microchips fail to reunite dogs with their owners is out-of-date contact information, not chip failure. Ask your veterinary nurse to scan your dog’s chip at routine appointments to confirm it is still detectable and reading correctly.

Preventive Care: What Your Vet Nurse Wants You to Schedule

Veterinary nurses are strong advocates for preventive care because they see first-hand how early intervention prevents suffering and saves money compared with treating advanced disease. The following schedule reflects what most veterinary nurses would recommend as a minimum for a healthy adult dog in the UK:

• Annual vaccination booster: Protects against distemper, parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis, and leptospirosis. Some vaccines are given every three years; your vet will advise.
• Annual health check: A full physical examination allows your vet or nurse to catch weight changes, dental disease, lumps, or early signs of arthritis before they become serious problems.
• Six-monthly weight and body condition checks: Available as free nurse appointments in many practices, these help catch gradual weight gain early.
• Kennel cough vaccination: Recommended before boarding, attending doggy daycare, or any situation where your dog mixes with other dogs in enclosed spaces.

By following these practical tips from veterinary nurses, you can nurture your dog's health, happiness, and comfort for years to come. For more information on finding the right support for your dog, contact your local veterinary practice and speak to their qualified nursing team.