Pet Factsheets

©Jessica Death

Now that your puppy is older, it can start to enjoy longer walks or you can pick up the speed and take them for short jogs. The age that a puppy reaches maturity varies depending on breed. Small dogs reach adulthood at around 8 months, medium dogs at 12 months, and large dogs at around 18 months. Giant dog breeds can take up to 2 years to reach full maturity. Over-exercising large and giant dog breeds before maturity can cause health problems because their bones and joints are still developing. Always increase exercise slowly, building gradually up towards longer walks. Allow dogs to rest and sniff when they need to, rather than forcing a continuous pace, and restrict high impact exercise such as jumping.

The size and breed of your dog determines how much food they need and what type of food. The size of the dog breed affects their rate of growth. Large (adult weight 25-40 kg) and giant (adult weight over 40 kg) dog breeds take longer to reach maturity so need to stay on puppy food for longer than smaller dog breeds. Small (adult weight under 10 kg) and medium (adult weight 10-25 kg) dog breeds can be transitioned onto adult dog food at around 10-12 months. Puppy food is high in calories and has more nutrients than adult food, which is needed during the first year to help with their rapid growth. Ask your veterinarian for advice if you’re unsure when to switch to adult food. They can also help with mixed dog breeds, when you’re unsure of what their adult size is going to be. You’ll also need to change the portion sizes and number of meals - an adult dog should be fed twice a day. Get your puppy weighed regularly to make sure they are gaining weight at the correct rate. If your puppy starts to pile on the pounds too fast, you may need to follow strict portion-controlled feeding. When changing from puppy food to adult food, make sure you do so gradually. Over a couple of weeks, increase the amount of adult food added to their usual food, while decreasing the amount of puppy food until you are left with only adult food. This slow transition will increase the chances of your puppy accepting the new food. Always check that the food you are giving your dog is appropriate for their breed size and age. The smaller the breed, the quicker they reach adult hood. When their bones have stopped growing, they no longer need the extra calories and nutrients that puppy food contains.

If you have kept up with brushing your dog and clipping their nails, they'll now be used to the process. This makes for a much nicer grooming experience as your dog won’t become stressed by the tasks. Don’t worry if you haven’t, your dog is still young and will soon get used to it if you do it regularly. It is important to not force your dog to be groomed or have their nails trimmed. Allow your dog to choose to opt in and leave if they need a break. Incorporate lots of small, healthy, yummy treats to make grooming an extra enjoyable experience. Visit Fear Free Happy Homes (www.fearfreehappyhomes.com) for video tutorials on making grooming and dental care a fun experience for you and your pet. Grooming is essential for keeping your dog happy and healthy and can also help you to spot any potential health issues at an early stage. By 6-7 months your puppy should have all their adult teeth. To keep their teeth in tip-top condition and prevent any dental issues, aim to brush their teeth daily or at least 3 times a week. If you notice signs of dental problems, like bad breath, broken teeth, or difficulty eating, take your puppy to see your veterinarian.

The age of sexual maturity varies between size of dog. Smaller puppies can be neutered from 4 months old, and by 8 months old they may be showing hormone-related behavior like spraying and mounting. If your puppy hasn’t already been neutered, now is a good time to speak to your veterinarian. They’ll be able to discuss the pros and cons of neutering. Female dogs can be spayed before they have their first season, which is usually around 6 months of age. There is no upper age limit, so if you would like to breed your dog, you can get them neutered later in life.

At this age, socialization and training are still important for your puppy’s development. By now they should be well socialized and feel comfortable and happy in most environments and situations. Your puppy may have learnt the common cues of sit, lie down and come, but training is an ongoing process. If you stop practicing, your puppy may forget the cues! Positive reinforcement and repetition are key. Recall training should be practiced regularly to ensure they are kept safe when off lead. Reward your puppy with praise, treats or toys every time they complete a request. Your puppy may become a bit naughty if they are not mentally and physically stimulated, so make sure you have lots of puzzle toys to entertain them and that you regularly play games together. If your puppy starts to display bad habits, tackle them quickly. Your veterinarian can refer you to a behavior specialist if you are experiencing problems like persistent barking, destructive behavior, separation anxiety or aggression.

By this age your puppy will have had its complete course of puppy vaccinations, but it will be due booster vaccinations yearly. Always keep up to date with these vaccinations to make sure your dog is fully protected. The vaccinations given depend on the disease that are prevalent in your area, and the health of your dog. Some need topping up every year, others every 3 years. At the vaccination appointment your vet will give your dog a general health check. It's also a good time for you to discuss any concerns you have about your dog's health or behavior. Remember to keep up with regular flea and worm treatments. Your puppy will need deworming every 3 months and flea treatments are usually monthly, but this depends on the product used. Your veterinarian will discuss options with you. Fleas and worms can be passed on to other dogs, cats and humans, so using preventative treatments on your dog will help to protect the rest of your household.