The different stages of your dog’s life

Today is International Dog Day, and as a dog owner you know that dogs are so special. They can be great companions or even brave guide and rescue dogs. No matter how tough things are, they give you joy, comfort and their unconditional love. So how can you help your four-legged friend stay healthy at any age? We’ve got some tips for you!

When it comes to dogs, not all life stages are created equal. It may sound curious, but when dogs pass from puppyhood into adulthood and old age actually depends on their size. This video explains which different size categories there are. Take a look!

Please be aware that each dog is unique. So while these different size categories are helpful to get an overall understanding, they can vary depending on the individual health status of your dog as well as specificities of breeds. Your veterinarian will be able to let you know how these categories relate to your own dog.

Why the connection between life stages and size?

Understanding how your dog’s size category relates to their life stage can be extremely valuable, as it can help you create a personalized healthcare plan that is tailored to your dog’s needs at the appropriate time. Especially when it comes to preventive care, this can make a huge difference.
Three different life stages are commonly recognized in dogs based on an understanding of how dogs mature and age both physically and behaviorally: puppy, adult and senior¹. Here is an overview of when dogs of different sizes enter each life stage and what that means in terms of healthcare.

Tackling prevention, from puppy to senior

Small and medium dogs are puppies until they turn 7 months old. Large and very large dogs are puppies until they are 1 year old.

The puppy stage encompasses the rapid growth period lasting from six months for small dogs to a year for larger ones. This is the time to discuss the following topics with your veterinarian:

Diet, vaccination, parasite control, exercise and socialization, reproductive health

Puppyhood is a crucial period for the development of your dog’s behavior and socialization. Inappropriate behavior can be corrected with greater ease during this life stage. Ask your veterinarian about getting your dog used to having their mouth, teeth, ears and claws examined, and how to clean your dog’s teeth.

It’s also very important to get your puppy on a schedule for vaccinations and parasite control early on. Your veterinarian will advise you on what is the right plan for your puppy’s individual situation.

Small dogs are adults from 7 months to 11 years. Medium dogs are adults from 7 months to 8 years. Large dogs from 1 to 8 years and very large dogs from 1 to 6 years.

Now is the time to bring up the following topics with your veterinarian:

Diet, vaccination, parasite control, exercise and weight monitoring, dental care

Don't forget that dogs can learn at every age! Continue to train and socialize your dog – it'll bring joy to both of you. it'll bring joy to both of you.

From 11 years onwards, a small dog is considered a senior. For medium dogs and large dogs, it's 8 years. And very large dogs are considered seniors from 6 years onwards.

Once your dog enters into this life stage, you will have to pay even closer attention to their health. These topics are great to bring up with your veterinarian now:

Diet, parasite control and vaccination, routine laboratory tests, mainining mobility and cognitive health, dental care

Routine laboratory tests are particularly important for senior dogs as they allow early detection of diseases. Many illnesses and changes affecting senior dogs can be managed very successfully, leading to a good quality of life and longevity. quality of life and longevity.

Have your dog’s back at all times

Each stage of your dog’s life brings its own health challenges but also joys and experiences to remember. So make every moment count and be proactive in supporting your four-legged friend as their health needs change.