My Best Friend Is a Vet. Here Are 10 Things He Wishes Every Dog Owner Knew.

I never expected to get an inside look at what it’s really like behind the exam room door at the vet’s office—but then my best friend became a veterinarian.

One minute we were swapping college horror stories and binge-watching Netflix, the next he was telling me about a Labrador with a sock lodged in his intestines. Fun times, right?

But beyond the wild stories (and trust me, there are so many), he also started dropping some serious truth bombs about what it’s like working with dogs—and their humans.

And honestly? Some of the things he shared completely changed how I care for my own pup.

Because while most dog owners are doing their best, there are a handful of crucial things many of us just don’t know—or think about—until it’s too late.

According to him, so many health issues, behavior problems, and even life-threatening emergencies could be avoided if more people understood a few basic principles about dog care.

We’re talking preventable diseases, misunderstood behaviors, and that all-too-common assumption that “they’re fine” because they’re wagging their tail.

So if you’ve ever wondered what your vet really wishes you knew—what they want to shout from the rooftops every time you walk in with your four-legged bestie—this list is for you.

It’s not about judgment. It’s not about guilt. It’s about helping your dog live their happiest, healthiest life for as long as possible.

Because trust me: after years of hearing my friend vent, worry, and cheer over the dogs that walk through his clinic doors… this is advice worth listening to.

1. Annual Checkups Are Not Optional

Just because your dog isn’t limping or coughing doesn’t mean everything is fine under the surface. Dogs are masters at masking discomfort. By the time you notice something’s off, the issue may already be advanced.

Yearly vet visits catch problems early—before they turn into emergencies. Whether it’s detecting heart murmurs, arthritis, or subtle weight changes, those checkups aren’t just routine. They’re your dog’s first line of defense against pain and disease.

2. Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworm Aren’t Just Seasonal

Too many owners skip parasite prevention during the winter, assuming bugs take a holiday when it’s cold.

But depending on where you live, fleas and ticks can be a year-round problem. And mosquitoes—the ones that transmit heartworm—don’t need a heatwave to thrive indoors.

One missed dose of heartworm prevention can open the door to an expensive and potentially fatal disease. Trust your vet when they say prevention is a year-round commitment.

3. Obesity Is the #1 Preventable Health Issue

Your dog’s chubby cheeks may be cute, but those extra pounds can silently shorten their life. Obesity is linked to diabetes, joint pain, heart disease, and even cancer.

Most dog owners overestimate how much food their pet needs—and underestimate the calories in snacks. Feeding based on weight goals and daily activity, with no free-feeding, can make all the difference. Love your dog with walks, not treats.

4. Dental Disease Starts Younger Than You Think

You probably wouldn’t skip brushing your own teeth for years—but that’s exactly what many people do for their dogs. By age three, most pups already show signs of gum disease, which can lead to infections, tooth loss, and even heart issues.

Brushing their teeth a few times a week, using dental chews, or getting routine cleanings can help keep your dog pain-free. Dental health isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential.

5. Behavior Problems Often Have Medical Causes

If your dog starts acting “off,” like growling, hiding, or refusing to be touched, don’t jump to conclusions about their personality. Dogs don’t misbehave out of spite—they communicate through behavior.

Sometimes what seems like a training issue is actually pain, anxiety, or illness. Before hiring a trainer or labeling your dog “aggressive,” get a vet to rule out underlying medical causes first. You might be surprised by what’s really going on.

6. Dogs Hide Pain—They’re Hardwired That Way

Dogs have evolved to mask pain as a survival instinct. It’s not stubbornness—it’s biology. That means they won’t whine, limp, or cry until the pain becomes severe.

Watch for more subtle clues: a dog that’s slower to get up, avoids stairs, or no longer jumps on the couch may be suffering quietly. Don’t wait for the dramatic symptoms. By the time they appear, your dog’s been hurting for a while.

7. “Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe

Just because something is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe for dogs. Essential oils, herbal remedies, or raw diets may sound wholesome, but many can cause allergic reactions, stomach issues—or even be toxic.

Vets see it all: garlic poisoning from “natural flea remedies,” vitamin overdoses, and raw diets that cause salmonella. Always check with a professional before trying anything new. Your dog’s biology doesn’t always agree with human trends.

8. Not Every Lump Is “Just Fat”

It’s easy to brush off a new bump or lump as harmless, especially if your dog has had them before. But that little fatty mass could be something more serious—like a cancerous tumor.

Your vet doesn’t have X-ray vision, but they do have fine-needle aspiration and lab tests. The earlier a suspicious lump is diagnosed, the better your dog’s chances if it turns out to be something dangerous. When in doubt, get it checked.

9. Your Dog’s Breed Isn’t a Diagnosis

Sure, breeds have tendencies—Labradors tend to be friendly, Chihuahuas might be yappy—but those are just generalizations. No breed guarantees perfect health or a specific behavior.

Vets treat every dog as an individual. Just because your German Shepherd “shouldn’t” get a certain illness doesn’t mean it won’t. And assuming your breed is immune to issues can delay important care.

Trust your vet’s tests and insights more than online breed charts.

10. Your Vet Is on Your Team—Not Judging You

Many pet parents hesitate to tell the vet everything—they feel embarrassed about missing a dose, feeding table scraps, or delaying a visit. But the vet’s goal isn’t to shame you. It’s to help your dog live the best life possible.

The more honest you are, the better care your pup receives. Your vet has seen everything before—so speak openly, ask questions, and treat them like the teammate they are.