As your dog ages, new challenges will present themselves. These can be breed-specific, and it is vital to regularly take your dog to the vets to keep them happy and healthy. Dogs age at different speeds, with larger dogs generally maturing more slowly than small ones. Whatever age, size, or breed your dog may be, here are a few things to consider as your dog grows up.
Changing food
As your dog moves through different stages of life, its food will need to change in order to continue to support it. Other factors can also influence whether your dog needs their food changed, such as their weight or health conditions. Learn more about how and why to change your pet food. There are roughly four stages in a dog’s life: puppy, adolescence, adulthood, and senior, and you will need to adapt their routine to make sure they remain happy and healthy for their whole life. Different food has different nutrients that is required at the various stages of the dog’s life; for example, puppy food needs a high-calorie content because they are very active and growing. It can also be wet, dry, or a combination of both, and you also cannot feed adult dog food to puppies because their mouths are not big enough for the chunks or kibble!
To ensure your older dog receives the necessary care, monitoring their eating habits and adjusting their diet is essential. As dogs age, it becomes harder for them to move around comfortably, so providing them with adequate exercise and stimulation is crucial. Using a snuffle mat for dogs could be a helpful method to keep your older dog entertained. They provide mental stimulation without imposing too much physical pressure on their joints. Snuffle mats can further assist in decreasing anxiety, improving problem-solving abilities, and supplying essential mental stimulation for pets.
More space
As your dog grows, it may need more space, or different kinds of space. They type of dog you have will inform how much space it will need, and what it will use those spaces for. For example, breeds such as huskies, Labradors and springer spaniels need a lot of outdoor space to run around it, as they are larger dogs with a lot of energy. However, the size of your dog does not necessary dictate the size of the space it requires, as smaller dogs like Jack Russells also require a lot of room to run around in. Furthermore, it is hard to predict how larger your puppy will grow to be, especially if you are not sure exactly what breed it is. The environment your dog lives in needs to be safe and secure and make them feel comfortable.
Health
Your dog may experience many health problems throughout its life, and it is important to regularly take your dog to the vets for check-ups, as well as any times you have concerns. Your vet will be able to treat your dog, diagnose any new conditions, and make recommendations for products and items that your dog may benefit from. As a puppy, they will need vaccines, as well as boosters and other shots throughout their lives. Common health problems that are often seen in older dogs include joint issues such as arthritis, hearing and sight problems, obesity, and kidney problems. Some breeds are more prone to certain illnesses and conditions than others, but it is important to take good care of your dog throughout its life to ensure that it stays happy and healthy for as long as possible.