What should I know about my mature adult dog?
So, you just used the AAHA Canine Life Stage Calculator to determine that your dog is in the mature adult stage of life. Congrats! Knowing your dog’s life stage helps you provide a lifetime of optimal care.
A dog’s life can be divided into four stages: puppy, young adult, mature adult, and senior. The stages are based on a dog’s maturation and aging process. Because dogs evolve as they mature, they require different approaches to healthcare as they progress from puppy to senior. In fact, there are at least 10 health-related factors based on age, size, lifestyle, health status, and breed that your veterinary team regularly assesses to keep your dog healthy, happy, and safe.
When you understand your dog’s life stage, you and your veterinary team become partners in providing your dog with an individualized healthcare approach to every veterinary visit, resulting in the lifetime of optimal care your dog needs and deserves!
Mature adult dog care 101
A mature adult dog has different needs than a puppy, young adult, or senior dog. Good preventive healthcare and at least semi-annual to annual physical exams will put your dog on track to a long and healthy life.
If your dog is a working or service dog, they may require more frequent veterinary visits as a result of their job and genetics. Together, you and the veterinary team can develop a plan to maintain your dog’s health and specific physical abilities.
During your mature adult dog’s veterinary visits, your veterinarian will take your dog’s temperature and check their body and muscle condition, skin, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal system, urinary system, brain, nerves, bones, joints, and lymph nodes. Tell your veterinarian about your dog’s mobility and activity at home to help detect early signs of orthopedic disease and arthritis.
Below are some topics specific to your dog’s mature adult life stage you’ll want to discuss with the veterinary team.
Your mature adult dog’s lifestyle and safety
Your mature adult dog still wants to run, play, and explore! Talk to your veterinarian about how much exercise your dog needs and ways to enrich their environment to keep them occupied. Discuss how to keep your dog safe by identifying potential hazards inside, outside, and when traveling.
All dogs, regardless of their life stage, must travel safely and with minimal stress. Call your veterinarian prior to your dog’s visit to learn how to acclimate your dog to travel and determine the most effective way to transport them.
Infections between humans and animals
Infections transmitted between humans and animals are called zoonoses. They are transmitted in different ways, such as bites, raw food, and feces. Prevent infections from spreading between your dog and your human family members by letting the veterinary team know if there are children, elderly, or immune-compromised family members who may have exposure to your dog.
Mature adult dog behavior
Behavior problems are a common reason dogs are relinquished or euthanized. Your veterinarian is the best resource for accurate and current information regarding your dog’s behavior. At your mature adult dog’s veterinary visit, be prepared to discuss the following:
- How does your dog act and play?
- Has your dog developed undesirable behaviors, such as jumping or barking?
- Has your dog developed any fears?
- Is your dog exhibiting any breed-specific behaviors, such as digging or herding?
- Has your dog shown aggressive or unruly behavior?
- Have you noticed any changes in your dog’s relationship with you, family members, other animals, or people?
- Does your dog seem antisocial or “grumpy”?
Share any behavior concerns you have about your dog’s cognition (i.e., mental awareness or attitude). Many issues can be addressed and corrected by integrating medical, dietary, or pain management. If training is needed, your veterinary team can help you select appropriate trainers and classes.
Your mature adult dog’s nutrition
More than 50% of dogs suffer from obesity and obesity-related conditions. Maintaining an ideal weight keeps your dog active and bright. Excess calories lead to excess weight and poor muscle condition, making it difficult to move aging joints. Your veterinarian will establish a target weight range based on your dog’s current weight and muscle condition.
Also, your dog may develop a medical condition that is effectively managed by food with specific nutrient levels. While many people have opinions on the best food for dogs, veterinarians have the most medical training when it comes to your dog’s nutrition. Work with your veterinarian to choose a quality food with targeted nutrition based on your dog’s breed, size, and needs.
If you are using supplements, such as CBD, or considering it, talk with your veterinarian so they can help you make the safest choices for your pet.
Parasites and mature adult dogs
Your mature adult dog needs to be protected against parasites. A year-round medicine to prevent intestinal parasites should be continued as part of your dog’s healthcare plan. Remember, parasites are found in your dog’s feces and can be transmitted to humans, so talk to your veterinarian about how to keep everyone in your home safe. Also, keep your mature adult dog’s heartworm preventive as well as flea and tick control updated. Expect annual testing for tick-borne infection, heartworm disease, and intestinal parasites.
Vaccinations for mature adult dogs
Vaccination is a crucial component to preventive medicine in dogs during all life stages. Vaccinations keep your dog’s immune system strong to fight against infection. Several vaccines likely were administered routinely throughout your dog’s life as the primary defense against serious infectious illnesses. Depending on your dog’s vaccine history, lifestyle changes, and risk of exposure to disease, your veterinarian may adjust your dog’s vaccine schedule or suggest other essential vaccines to ensure your dog is protected from diseases. Your veterinarian will advise which vaccines are necessary to keep your dog healthy.
Your mature adult dog’s teeth
Yes, an adult dog can have a healthy mouth and good breath! Periodontal disease can be prevented through proper home care and regular dental examinations by your veterinarian. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to chronic pain, infection, and poor quality of life. Because so many dogs are affected by dental and periodontal disease, your veterinarian will perform an oral exam during your visit. This may require anesthesia to obtain X-rays to further evaluate and treat periodontal disease. If you have concerns about anesthesia, tell your veterinary team! They are happy to answer any questions and explain the risks associated with nonanesthetic dentistry.
It’s never too late for home dental care. Find out about dental products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) that can help maximize your dog’s lifelong health.
Your mature adult dog’s reproductive health
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough reproductive exam, regardless if your dog is spayed, neutered, or intact. It’s important to check out your dog’s prostate, mammary glands, and other reproductive organs to ensure they are in good health. If you breed your dog, discuss breeding frequency and practices as well.
Breed-specific information for mature adult dogs
There are breed-specific health concerns that can affect your mature adult dog’s quality of life. If your dog is a mixed-breed, consider DNA testing to determine risk factors for breed-specific diseases. Your veterinarian will continue to screen for cancer and orthopedic, kidney, liver, heart, gland, and eye abnormalities that may be breed-related. Early detection is one of the most effective ways to keep your dog healthy and happy!
Understanding your mature adult dog’s unique needs will help them thrive. Looking for a veterinarian for your dog? Find an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital here.