In this article, we will cover dog Life Cycle Explained: Care Tips for Every Stage and their various stages in detail. We will guide you through these stages offering that every responsible pet owner should know.
Dogs are the most popular pets in the world. They belong to the genus Canis, species Canis lupus, of the Canidae family under the Carnivora class, and are related to the foxes and jackals. About 400 dog species have originated from grey wolves.
Dogs have well developed senses of smell, sight, hearing and taste. Dogs’ noses are about 40 times more sensitive than humans. These creatures have been living with humans for more than 12,000 years. It is also considered the first domesticated animal.
It sweats only through its nose and paws, so it controls its body temperature by sticking out its tongue (panting).
Let’s look at the life cycle and nutrition of a dog to get a better understanding.
What are the stages of a dog life cycle
Dog Life Cycle and Four Stages of a Dog’s Life Cycle.
- Puppy stage
- Adolescent stage
- Adult stage
- Senior stage
Puppy Stages
This stage lasts from approximately 5 to 18 months, which includes the following sub-stages.
neonatal stage
The puppies are born after approximately 64 days of gestation period. The puppies are born blind, deaf and toothless at birth.
After birth, for about two weeks (10-14 days) the puppies are unable to do anything.
Its eyes and ears are underdeveloped, they are also unable to control their body temperature,
The puppy is completely dependent on its mother for nutrition and survival. Its only activity is to sleep and drink milk. Their sense of smell is only developed, which helps them to find their mother and siblings.
Transitional stage
During this stage, puppies begin to experience their surroundings. Puppies open their eyes and ears for the first time 2 to 4 weeks after birth. This improves their hearing ability, and they are able to react to sounds.
Although their vision is blurry at first, puppies begin to see and hear clearly as their sensory organs (smell, touch and taste) develop.
After 3-4 weeks, puppies start consuming other foods along with their mother’s milk. Because during this stage their teeth start coming out.
In this period, they become capable of controlling their body temperature.
Socialisation stage
The duration of this stage is 4-12 weeks.
During this period the puppies start understanding their surroundings. In this stage the permanent teeth appear.
Puppies stop drinking mother’s milk after about 8 weeks, and become completely dependent on food. This process depends on the breed.
This period lays the foundation for their growth and development, nutrition plays an important role in improving their immune system.
It is during this stage that domestic puppies are given all the necessary vaccinations.
Large breed puppies enter adolescence later than small breed puppies.
Adolescence dog stage
The adolescent stage lasts from about 6 to 36 months depending on the breed variety, ranging from 6-18 months for small breeds and up to 36 months for large breeds.
Small breeds enter this stage earlier than larger breeds.
During this stage, the dog’s physical and mental behaviour starts changing as its reproductive hormones become active.
The dog becomes rebellious and irritable. If neutering is not done, it becomes difficult to discipline the dog
Female dogs enter heat and male dogs become more interested in urine marking and sniffing.
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and learning. They become curious and energetic.
Adult stages
The duration of this stage varies depending on the breed and size of the dog, beginning at around 18 months for small breeds and 36 months for larger breeds and lasting for 7 to 10 years.
Dogs become fully sexually mature after 6 months to a year, with smaller breeds maturing faster than larger breeds.
Females experience their first estrus cycle between the ages of 6 and 28 months.
Their sexual activities are under control, the dogs have low excitability. They are physically very active, calm, independent and responsible.
During this stage, dogs reach their peak physical abilities, this stage is easy to manage. Dogs are trained and practiced the skills given to them by humans.
They need to be treated with patience and constructive behavior. Dogs need regular exercise and a healthy diet to stay fit.
Senior dog Stages
The lifespan of dogs varies depending on the breed variety. Which is approximately 8 to 15 years.
During this period the dog is inactive, tired, his muzzle turns grey, which indicates his old age. He eats less, digestion also slows down, which leads to weight gain. And sleeps several times a day.
Best dog food for senior dog
Nutrition Varies depending on your dog’s needs. Feeding your dog a balanced diet is essential for their health and well-being.
This diet will strong their health, energy, immunity.
- Vegetables :- Carrots, Spinach ,Green Beans (source of vitamins) ,Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin ( great digestion ).
- Fruits :- Blueberries , Apples ,Bananas.
- Grains :- Brown Rice, Oats.
- Dairy product :- Yogurt , Cheese .
And other Supplement nutrition like glucosamine sulphate, bone meal powder ( needed calcium for bones) all excellent for dogs.
There are various types of dog food available, but dry food is the best option. These contain all the nutrients .
food to strictly avoid for dog
- Chocolate
- Nuts
- Onions
- Raisins
- Leeks
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Avocados
- Leftover bones
conclusion
Dogs are most popular omnipresent domesticated animals across the globe. Dog species are widely known for guarding. Human beings have developed a fond connection with dogs, also they are used as therapy dogs in hospitals and other medical centres.
In this article, we had cover dog Life Cycle Explained: Care Tips for Every Stage and their various stages in detail. We had guide you through these stages,
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