Dog Health General
Developmental Stages of a Dog's Life - Chart
Janie Airey/Getty Images
Jacque Lynn Schultz, ASPCA Director, Special Projects
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JUVENILE
6 WKS - 6 MOS. |
ADOLESCENT
6 MOS - 18 MOS. |
ADULT
18 MOS - 7 YRS. |
GERIATRIC
7 YEARS + |
|
|
E
q u i p m e n t |
kennel crate, buckle collar, leash, odor neutralizer, anti-chew spray, chew toys, I.D. tag, microchip, dog license | check collar size, check leash for wear; head halter for training if necessary, new toys suitable for hard chewing and grinding, dog bed | check equipment for wear; repair or replace bedding, toys, collar, and leash, update license yearly | orthopedic dog bedding, body harness if needed, odor neutralizer for incontinence |
|
E
x e r c i s e |
play games that encourage cooperation: hide & seek, find it, round robin recalls | problem prevention program: 2 hrs. aerobic exercise daily; tug of war games only if dog follows rules | maintain exercise program; can include jogging and cycling activities, agility classes | light exercise program to maintain weight; avoid overexerting on hot or cold days |
|
G
r o o m i n g |
daily brushing, bi-weekly nail clipping, weekly teeth cleaning, bathe as needed | maintain grooming program, flea/tick control program, bathe as needed | maintain programs, note any skin growths or changes in pigment, bathe as needed | massage therapy, maintain grooming, report to vet growths/lumps, pigment changes |
|
H C |
puppy vaccination series, rabies vaccination, stool check, deworming, early age spay/neuter | annual vaccinations, stool check, heartworm test, traditional spay/neuter heart worm preventative | annual check-up vaccinations every 1-3 years, check for periodontal disease, heartworm test and monthly preventative | report any sudden changes in diet, activity, stool to vet, heartworm test and monthly preventative |
|
D
i e t |
premium quality dry kibble puppy formula 2-3X/day, treats for training | 6-12 months: puppy formula 2X day; 12-18 months: adult formula 1-2X/day, treats for training | watch for obesity; switch to less active formula if necessary, treats for training | senior formula diet; vet prescribed diet for kidney and other problems, treats for training |
|
T
r a i n i n g |
supervision and consistant feedback regarding house manners, basic commands; handling exercises; socialization | training program emphasizing impulse control and leadership; agility and/or tracking skills | maintain training; guarding breeds may need additional supervision and training to prevent problem behaviors | maintain training according to dog's ability (loss of vision, hearing, stiffness/pain), more frequent opportunities to soil outdoors |
|
B
e h a v i o r |
impressionable, learns quickly and easily, best time to train and begin lifelong habits | sexually mature; typical headstrong teenager; rebellious | emotionally/ socially mature, behaviorally predictable, may try to dominate | reduced sensory input may result in confusion or irritability, canine cognitive dysfunction |
Courtesy of
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New York, NY 10128-6804
212-876-7700
www.aspca.org
