?imgeng=/w_auto,140/h_53 "svg-icon"){kind=logo}
Questions
- At What Age Do Puppies Mature?
- Physical Maturity in Puppies
- When do Dogs Reach Sexual Maturity?
- Emotional Maturity in Puppies
- The Teething Process in Puppies
- When to Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Food
When do Puppies Stop Growing?
The excitement and joy that come with getting a new puppy are uncontainable. Cute, fluffy and super playful, your new pup will grow up to be a much-loved member of your family.
However, before you even think about getting a puppy, it’s important to research different breeds to get an idea on how big they’ll grow to be. After all, they tend to be small and irresistible when you first get them, but you need to ensure they’ll be manageable for you once they’re fully mature. Nobody wants to be taken for a walk by their dog, do they?
But when do puppies stop growing and how quickly do they tend to grow? We’ve got all the information you need to know about your maturing pup so you know exactly what to expect.
At What Age Do Puppies Mature?
Although it can vary from breed to breed, puppies generally mature when they’re between nine to 18 months. This is when your dog bids puppyhood goodbye and enters maturity.
Your dog will mature in three different ways – physically, sexually and mentally, and they may not all happen at the same rate.
Physical Maturity in Puppies
Unsurprisingly, physical maturity refers to the size of your dog as they mature. You will notice a huge number of physical changes to your puppy in the first year to two years, depending on their breed.
)
When do Dogs Reach Sexual Maturity?
Sexual maturity in dogs refers to when dogs are physically capable of siring or carrying a litter of puppies. It typically occurs at around six months old, but, as with physical maturity, this can vary according to your dog’s breed.
You may notice your dog showing signs of sexual maturity, as female dogs will go into heat around twice per year and male dogs may start marking their territory. When your dog reaches sexual maturity, you may want to think about whether you’re going to have them spayed or neutered to avoid any unwanted puppies!
Emotional Maturity in Puppies
The clearest sign that your pup has reached emotional maturity is when they stop exhibiting puppy-like behaviors. You may notice your dog listening to you and obeying commands, being less distracted whilst out walking or during training and generally just appearing calmer and more settled.
It’s difficult to say when your puppy will reach this stage of maturity, as it can depend on a number of factors, but most dogs should be more emotionally mature by their second birthday – even if it may not seem like it sometimes…
The Teething Process in Puppies
You’ll notice your pup’s first set of teeth growing when they’re around three weeks old, but they won’t last very long and will usually have fallen out by the time they’re 12 weeks old. Once their baby teeth have fallen out, their adult teeth will start to grow, which generally takes around six months.
)
Just like humans, puppies usually experience some discomfort whilst teething and it’s your job as a new dog parent to do everything you can to make this process a little more comfortable for your pup.
Teething gel is a great place to start. Products like the VetIQ Puppy Teething Gel have been specifically formulated to relieve gum pain during teething, as well as reducing the bacteria in their mouth to help avoid any infections.
Your pup may also benefit from chewing on a teething toy like the Nylabone Puppy Teething Ring. Not only will this help to satisfy your pup’s chewing instinct whilst teething, but it will also provide them with something to nibble on that isn’t your furniture or slippers – it’s a winner all-round!
When to Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Food
When it comes to feeding your growing pup, it’s important to know what stage they’re at to ensure they’re getting the right nutrition. Puppy food tends to be higher in protein and calories to support their rapid growth and high energy levels, however, their nutritional needs quickly change as they mature, so their food will need to too