Recognizing where on the life-stage spectrum your dog is, will help you make important decisions and let us tailor health care plans to best suit your pet.
Dog Life Stages:
- Puppyhood: Puppies are born blind and deaf and are unable to regulate their body temperature. They will start to see and hear around 2-3 weeks of age and will start to explore their surroundings. Puppies are very playful and need plenty of exercise and training. They should be fed a diet that is high in protein and calories to support their growth.
- Adolescence: Puppies enter adolescence around 6 to 18 months of age. This is a time of rapid growth and development, both physically and mentally. Puppies may become more independent and may start to test their boundaries. It is important to continue to train and socialize puppies during this time.
- Adulthood: Dogs reach adulthood around 2 to 3 years of age. This is the time when they will reach their full size and weight. Adult dogs are typically more settled and less energetic than puppies. They should be fed a diet that is lower in calories and higher in nutrients to maintain their health.
- Seniorhood: Dogs enter seniorhood around 7 to 8 years of age. This is a time when they will start to slow down and may experience some health problems. Senior dogs should be fed a diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients to support their health. They should also be taken to the veterinarian for regular checkups.
It is important to be aware of the different life stages of dogs so that you can provide them with the best possible care.