At Summit Veterinary Care, we love any excuse to celebrate the incredible bond between dogs and their people—and September’s Responsible Dog Ownership Month is the perfect time to reflect on what it really means to give our pets the best life possible!

Being a responsible dog owner isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being proactive, informed, and committed to your dog’s health, safety, and happiness. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy or you’ve been with your senior pup through it all, there’s always room to check in on the essentials.

Here are a few key areas we recommend reviewing this month.

1. Wellness & Preventive Care

Is your dog up to date on their vaccines, parasite prevention, and annual wellness exam?

Routine checkups help us detect health issues early—before they become serious. Even if your dog seems healthy, subtle changes in weight, behavior, or lab results can tell us a lot.

If your dog hasn’t been seen in the past year, or if you’re not sure about their vaccine schedule, our team is happy to help you get everything current. If you want to learn more about wellness care recommendations, you can visit our webpage linked here.

2. Nutrition & Weight Management

A healthy diet is more than just calories. Dogs thrive on balanced, species-appropriate nutrition. If you’re unsure whether your dog’s food is meeting their needs—or if you’ve noticed weight gain or digestive issues—it’s a great time to ask us for recommendations.

We also carry prescription diets and are always happy to offer advice based on age, breed, or medical conditions.

3. Exercise & Enrichment

Daily activity isn’t just about physical health—it also prevents behavioral issues and strengthens your bond.

• Is your dog getting enough physical and mental stimulation?
• Do you rotate toys, go for regular walks, or offer puzzle feeders?

Even short, consistent play sessions can make a big difference in your dog’s overall well-being.

4. Grooming & Hygiene

Routine grooming keeps your dog comfortable and can help prevent skin issues, matting, or ear infections.

Even if your dog doesn’t need professional grooming, check regularly for:

• Long nails
• Dirty ears
• Matted fur
• Bad breath or tartar buildup

Dental health is often overlooked, but it plays a huge role in your dog’s overall wellness.

5. Training & Socialization

Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog with a stubborn streak, training is key to a happy, confident pet. Responsible ownership includes setting clear expectations and reinforcing good behavior in a positive, consistent way.

If you’re dealing with reactivity, anxiety, or fear-based behaviors, we’re happy to discuss Fear Free strategies that support your dog’s emotional health.

6. ID & Microchip Info

When was the last time you checked your dog’s collar tag or microchip information?

Even the best-trained dogs can slip out of a gate or get spooked. Ensuring your contact info is up to date can make all the difference if they’re ever lost.

Your Dog Deserves Gold Standard Care

We know you love your dog like family—because we do, too. Responsible dog ownership isn’t just a checklist. It’s a lifelong relationship built on trust, care, and compassion.

If you have questions about your dog’s health, training, nutrition, or preventive care, the team at Summit Veterinary Care is here to help. Reach out any time—we’re proud to be your partners in keeping your dog healthy and happy for years to come.