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Physiological condition, rather than chronological age, determines whether a dog is mature. Aging begins when the body's systems start to slow down, when cells deteriorate faster than the body can repair them. Though large breeds tend to age faster than smaller breeds, the mature years generally begin at around 7 years (5 years for large breeds). If you feed your mature dog a diet designed to address the nutritional needs of his age, you can best maintain his overall health and well-being.
As your dog ages, it is important to detect and address with his veterinarian the telltale signs of aging or disease: a dull, dry coat and flaky skin, joint stiffness, energy loss, weight gain, increased water intake, digestive problems, and frequent constipation. These signs, among others, may be caused either by normal wear-and-tear or perhaps by the onset of disease. In any case, detecting and addressing them early may give your dog a greater chance to stay active and healthy.
When and how your dog responds to the aging process has a lot to do with genetics and environment, but nutrition plays an equally important role. The quality of food and its ability to maintain and nourish your dog's cells can help promote a long, healthy life.
As your dog ages and his systems become less efficient, he relies increasingly on the food you provide to make up for his body's shortfalls. According to Michael Hayek, PhD, an IAMS research nutritionist who specializes in geriatric nutrition, 'Aging dogs need the same nutrients as younger dogs; however, the quantity or the way the nutrients are provided may change.'
Puppies bring abundant joy to our lives from the moment we bring them home and caring for them comes as second nature to us. ‘How to take care of puppies’ is one of the most frequently asked questions by new puppy owners. But taking care of puppies is quite easy with the right method. IAMS is here to help you every step of the way in raising your puppy. From having a varied dog food range to providing tips on dog nutrition, we have got you covered.
Puppies need healthy food and a safe environment as they’re vulnerable to various types of illnesses and diseases. Also, puppies have a natural tendency to chew on objects, so it’s important to ensure that they don’t end up swallowing dangerous objects. Make sure you offer toys to your puppy to satisfy its need to chew.
If you feed your puppy healthy food from the start, it will remain healthy even in its old age. Proper nutrition from the start ensures that your puppy does not fall sick or even suffer from fur loss. Making sure that your puppy remains active is very important. A sedentary lifestyle, even for dogs, is extremely harmful to their health in the long run. All these things are an essential part of taking care of your puppy that adds to its healthy and long life.
Here is a table that will help you understand your puppy’s growth and developmental stage better:
Growth stage | 0-7 weeks | 7-8 weeks | 8-10 weeks | 8-16 weeks | 4-6 months | 6-12 months | 12-18 months |
Character traits | Puppies learn social behavior like when to bite, submission, paying attention and general interaction with other dogs. | This is the best period for puppies to bond with humans. | This is a very vulnerable stage for the puppy, and it is best if it has positive experiences during this stage. It is also called the ‘fear period’. | You can start training your puppy during this stage. And avoid incorporating punishment for this purpose. | Your puppy may appear more confident and independent during this stage. | This is the stage when your pup is high on energy. You must ensure it does not experience boredom during this stage. | By the time your pup reaches this stage, it should have reached emotional maturity as well. |
You may begin training them at this stage with basic simple manners. | It is important to make your puppy feel good if it’s sad. | Ensure you get your puppy spayed or neutered by the 6th month. | Provide many opportunities to your dog to play with different kinds of toys. | During this phase, your dog tends to assert its dominance and hope to improve its status in your house. |
Owning a puppy feels special, doesn’t it? You have to keep a few things in mind when you bring your puppy home. Here are some tips that may help you raise your dog with ease:
