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Knowing when a dog ceases to be a puppy is a very frequent question. For us, age serves as a reference to modify their diet, giving way to the diet of an adult dog. Changing age also helps us to know when we can start exercising actively and many other issues related to daily care.
However, not all dogs age in the same way, large puppies tend to reach adulthood later than small ones.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we will explain at what age does the dog stop being a puppy? and becomes an adult, as well as some useful advice and considerations you should take into account.
When is a dog considered to be an adult?
As we have already mentioned, this is directly related to the size of the dog and it can vary greatly from one race to another. Thus, we consider that a dog is an adult in the following way:
- small dogs: between 9 and 12 months.
- medium and large dogs: between 12 and 15 months.
- giant dogs: between 18 and 24 months.
Once the corresponding age is reached according to its size, the dog becomes a youngster and, generally from the age of two, it is considered to be fully adult.
However, you must remember that each dog has a different growth rate and that aging is also related to other factors. To find out exactly when your dog is no longer a puppy, you can consult your trusted veterinarian, who will provide you with this information after examining him. Also the veterinarian can help detect if something is happening to your dog and he is not growing as it should.
What does it mean for your dog to stop being a puppy?
To start with, there are a number of changes related to care, such as food. The puppy will no longer use the range junior To start in feeding adult, which contains less fat and more protein, specific nutritional needs for this step.
It's also time to start take longer walks, as well as starting him in physical activity and in canine sports in a progressive way. This will help you build your muscles and relieve the stress that builds up in your body.
It's also the time to consolidate basic obedience (sit, come, quiet, lie down,...) and give way to advanced training orders. Everything you can teach him, including mental stimulation games, will be essential for your puppy's mind to stay young for much longer. Offer him new experiences and carry out activities with him that he could not do when he was a puppy, this will provide him with the well-being he needs.
don't forget the hygiene and health routines, necessary and fundamental to remain free from any disease or parasite. Some of these routines are:
- Internal deworming
- External deworming
- Monitoring the vaccination schedule
- Veterinary visits every 6 or 12 months
- oral cleaning
- eye cleaning
- ear cleaning
- monthly baths
Don't forget that when a dog is no longer a puppy, it can undergo spaying or neutering, a highly recommended practice to avoid future behavior problems as well as unwanted litters. Castration has several advantages, which have a positive impact on your health.
If you think your dog isn't growing, read the animal expert's article on this topic!
