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Dog Health General

1. Developmental Stages of a Dog's Life - Chart

Developmental Stages of a Dog's Life - Chart

Photo: Double Dog Rescue, Harwinton, CT

Jacque Lynn Schultz, ASPCA Director, Special Projects

[Petfinder editor's note: This chart offers a loose guide to a dog's developmental life stages. However, each breed and individual is different and may mature slightly differently.

In general, larger dogs may reach the senior or geriatric stage around age 7, while smaller dogs may be considered adults until an older age.]

	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 e a l t h C a r e	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