Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Most dogs stop growing taller and longer by 24 months of age, much faster than humans.
After your dog reaches maximum size, you’ll need to keep a careful watch on their weight to make sure they don’t gain too much.
As your dog ages, feeding them a supplement like Longevity15 can help them live longer, healthier lives.
Your adorable little puppy won’t stay a puppy for long. In fact, puppies grow exponentially faster than humans and reach their maximum growth much sooner than we do. Most puppies will be finished growing by about 18 months of age. Certain breeds will take longer to reach their maximum height and length, while others will finish growing sooner.
Together, we’ll talk about how long small, medium, and large breeds take to reach maximum size and what you should be doing at every stage of your dog’s development to help keep them healthy.
We’ll also talk about a supplement made for older dogs that can help protect their health span and give them the chance to live a long, healthy life.
Puppies grow rapidly. All breeds of dogs tend to double their weight within the first week of life. After that initial massive growth spurt, puppies grow an average of 5% to 10% of their current size each week of life through week eight.
This massive amount of growth takes a toll on a growing dog, which is why your puppy tends to play hard and furiously for short periods and then immediately lie down for a nap.
The first six weeks of a dog’s life are characterized by rapid growth and development. During this time, puppies will likely be nursing with their mothers. In some states, it is illegal to separate a puppy from its mother before it is fully weaned or at least eight weeks of age.
By six months of age, more than half of all dog breeds will have reached half their expected height and weight. Some smaller breeds and toy breeds may already have reached 60% of their maximum growth during the first six months of their lives.
At nine months, most dogs are about 75% to 80% finished growing. The exception is extra-large breeds, which reach a significant slow-down during months six to nine.
These dogs are only about 60% of their maximum size by nine months of age, which means your massive mastiff still has plenty more poundage to gain. Small and medium breeds have already reached 80% to 90% of their maximum growth potential by nine months of age.
By a year old, small and toy breeds have likely reached their maximum height and length. Medium and large breed dogs are close behind, at about 85% to 95% of their total growth. Extra-large breeds are catching up and measure about 80% of their full size by one year of age.
A year and a quarter later, medium breeds are now fully grown, and large breeds are nearing the end of their growth period. Extra-large breeds are now at 90% maximum size.
At one and a half years of age, almost all dogs will have reached their final height and length. There are very few exceptions to this rule. However, mixed breeds may take longer.
The only way to know for certain if a mixed breed has finished growing is to keep track of their development over time to look for changes. Additionally, you can look for knobs along their ribcage. These knobs are growth plates and indicate that a dog has not yet finished growing.
As you watch your dog grow, it is important to keep in mind that your dog has specific needs at every age of their life. As puppies, they’ll need different food than they do as senior dogs. Even though your dog may only be five to seven years old, they may be considered “senior” for their size and breed.
Large dogs and extra-large dogs peak faster, reaching senior adulthood around five years of age. Small and toy breeds reach senior adulthood around age seven.
As a puppy, your dog will need special food designed for their tiny teeth and bellies. Puppy food has specific nutrients your dog needs for optimum health. They’ll also need routine visits to the veterinarian and their vaccinations to keep them healthy and ensure they are growing properly.
Adult dogs can be transitioned to adult dog food and will still need yearly veterinarian visits. They’ll also need yearly dental cleanings. Some breeds, especially smaller breeds, will need more frequent dental cleanings to prevent dental decay which can lead to tooth loss and systemic illness.
Older dogs need specific care that usually begins with senior dog food. This food may have added benefits like nutrients that help protect joint health or aid in your dog’s agility. As your dog ages, it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for health issues. Older dogs may develop health issues that are hard to recognize if you don’t know the symptoms.
Some common older dog issues include:
If you suspect your senior dog is having issues, contact their veterinarian immediately to have them seen. Discovering a potential problem early could help you reduce the symptoms or completely eliminate it, if possible.
It doesn’t seem fair that our pups can’t live as long as us, but most of us will outlive our dogs. A dog’s lifespan is simply much shorter than a human’s lifespan. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t take steps to maximize our dogs’ lives and give them every chance to have a longer health span. Health span refers to the length of time your dog is able to live without health problems.
To keep your dog as healthy as possible, as long as possible, take these steps:
The easiest way to help your dog thrive might just be giving them a little longevity in the form of once-daily Longevity15.
Longevity15 is a supplement made to help support your dog’s ability to live as long and as healthy as possible. Inside each daily packet (which can be added to your dog’s kibble at mealtime), you’ll find FA15™, the pure, sustainable version of C15:0, a fatty acid that is beneficial for both humans and dogs.
This fatty acid helps your dog by:
Longevity15 is recommended for dogs aged 7+. With age, our dogs experience age-related decline and can benefit from added support.
Why not give them something that is not only delicious tasting (thanks to the addition of Himalayan cheese) but great for their aging bodies? Longevity15 is the solution for supporting your dog’s wellness and giving them the chance to wag those furry tails as long as they can.
Time passes, and your dog will outage you very quickly. However, you can take steps to keep your dog happy, healthy, and active for as long as possible. Longevity15 is the savvy dog parent’s tool to fight back against the clock and keep their pets healthy for a long time.
Sources:
Puppy Growth Chart: When Do Dogs Stop Growing | Well Beloved
Table of State Laws Concerning Minimum Age for Sale of Puppies | Animal Legal & Historical Center
When Does My Puppy Finish Growing? How Long Do Puppies Grow? | American Kennel Club.com
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
7 Health Issues to Look for When You Have an Older Dog | PetMD
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Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
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