Your Dog's Life Stages
From the first day home to the golden years — understand what your dog needs at every stage of life. Nutrition, exercise, health, and training guidance tailored to each phase.
Most critical stage
Socialisation Puppy
Peak socialisation window — every new positive experience now shapes behaviour for life. Begins testing boundaries. Short attention span. Fear period may occur around 8–10 weeks.
Explore stagePuppy
Adolescent & Young Adult
Adult
Senior & Geriatric
Why Life Stages Matter
A dog's needs change dramatically across its life. Feeding a 3-month-old puppy the same food as a 10-year-old senior, or exercising them the same way, can cause serious harm. Understanding each stage helps you prevent disease, build the right habits early, and give your dog the best quality of life.
In India, life stage care matters even more because of environmental factors — monsoon season diseases (leptospirosis), summer heat stroke risks, and endemic tick fever all affect dogs differently depending on their age and immune system maturity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a dog considered a senior?
Small and medium breeds are considered senior from around 8 years. Large breeds age faster — they are senior from 6–7 years, and giant breeds from as early as 5.
When should I switch from puppy food to adult food?
Small and medium breeds transition at 12 months. Large and giant breeds should stay on puppy food until 18–24 months due to the controlled calcium levels needed for proper bone development.
How much exercise does a puppy need?
The guideline is 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. A 3-month-old puppy needs just 15 minutes of structured exercise twice a day. Over-exercising puppies risks growth plate injury.
Do senior dogs need less food?
Generally yes — metabolism slows with age. However, protein needs stay high (to prevent muscle wasting). Most senior dogs need 20–30% fewer calories than their adult peak but the same or higher protein percentage.