You’ll need to modify your caregiving techniques as your dog ages from a puppy to an old dog. Here are the six stages of life that they will experience.
#3: He does not eat as much
Young dogs need to eat more calories than an adult dog because they are more active both inside and outside. When they reach adulthood and their physical development stops, they won’t require as much food to stay satisfied and healthy.
You can watch your dog’s food intake carefully and give him a balanced, healthy diet to ensure his health as he grows. Ask your veterinarian for advice if you’re not sure where to begin. Your dog’s doctor can tell you what food he needs, how much he needs, and what to watch out for in terms of his intake.
Older Dogs and How to Take Care of Them
Life Stage No. 5: Senior. When your dog reaches the last quarter of their life expectancy, they move into this stage. A dogs lifespan varies according to size and breed.
Life Stage No. 6: Geriatric. Dogs remain in this final stage for the remainder of their lives after reaching their life expectancy.
Your dog might slow down and require a little more attention as they age.
Food. Dogs that are older might not require as much food as puppies. Consult your veterinarian about whether you should switch to senior dog food and how much to feed them.
Checkups. You may need to begin taking your older dog to the vet for checkups every 6 months. Thats because later in life, dogs are more likely to develop arthritis and other diseases. Routine blood tests can help detect problems early, such as kidney disease. Early diagnosis and therapy can help prolong their life.
Your dog may develop bad breath and dental problems as they get older. Talk to your vet about how to care for your dogs teeth.
Temperature. Older dogs still need exercise. But they often cant handle extreme temperatures as well. So, protect your senior dog from overheating.
Home. Dogs may experience vision problems, difficulty walking, and difficulty thinking clearly as they age. By keeping the floor free of electrical cords and other objects, you can “age-proof” your home and safeguard your dog. To alleviate pressure on their joints when they are lying down, give them thicker bedding.
#1: He calms down
Puppies are almost always over the top with excitement and ready to play at any time. As they develop, they have a lot of energy to expend, but when your dog reaches maturity, everything changes. Over time, an adult dog’s attitude and behavior become more reserved. As some breeds, like golden retrievers, stay more active than others, this is not necessarily true for all dogs, but it is still something to keep in mind as you watch your puppy grow into an adult.
As your dog becomes less active, you may be relieved. It is acceptable to feel a little relieved that he is no longer pleading with you to play fetch every hour, but you should still encourage him to play frequently and keep promoting socialization. Just like humans, dogs who lead sedentary lives become unhealthy. This leads to several problems when they get older. For example, a sedentary dog may suffer from:
If you do not address these problems right away, they could become fatal. To keep your dog happy and healthy, play with him every day. It also motivates you to move more, which is a bonus!
FAQ
At what age is a dog no longer considered a puppy?
While their bones are still developing, which can take anywhere from six to twenty-four months, puppies continue to grow in height and size until they are one year old, when they are officially classified as adult dogs.
How do you tell if a dog is a puppy or not?
The best way to tell how old a puppy is is to examine their teeth. A puppy’s baby teeth should all come in between three and six weeks of age, and adult teeth should start to erupt between twelve and sixteen weeks at the front of the mouth and between sixteen and twenty-four weeks in the back.