Adult Dogs: 1 to 7 Years Old
Feeding Your Adult Dog
Adult dogs need sufficient nutrition to meet their energy needs and support good health. Normally, adult dogs get two meals a day: one in the morning, and one in the evening. But how much you feed your dog should depend on size and activity level, including how much energy is exerted each day.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and numerous health issues, so shower your dog with love and affection — not extra food and treats.
If your dog’s nickname is “Super Canine,” they’re probably more active than most and need more energy from their diet than average feeding standards. Dogs who spend more of their time on a couch or your lap will require less fuel.
Pups who serve as guide dogs or working dogs, like sheep and cattle herders or police dogs, need more fuel depending on the amount of physical work or stress involved. Dogs recovering from surgeries or illnesses may also have increased nutritional needs to help them recover more quickly.
Temperature changes can also affect your dog’s food intake. Extreme heat or cold demand more energy from your dog as they acclimate.
When buying a quality dog food, always compare ingredients. Some recipes require more calories to achieve the same nutritional benefits as higher quality pet foods that provide more nutritional value with smaller quantities.
Ask your veterinarian to recommend the type and amount of high-quality food you should be feeding your adult dog.
Training Older Dogs
Just like humans, dogs often show behavioral changes as they grow up and test their boundaries. Chewing is a prime doggy trait, honed when they were pups.
However, if your adult dog is still chewing and biting inappropriate things, you need to retrain them, especially since adult jaws can do much more damage than tiny puppy teeth.
This mouthing behavior is more difficult to curb in adult dogs because they aren’t as sensitive to human reactions as puppies are. Plus, the bigger the dog, the more difficulty restraining them.
Dogs usually learn to inhibit biting when they’re young and wrestle with other canines. When they hear a yelp, they know they’ve gone too far, and the play will stop. They quickly learn if they’re not gentle with each other, the fun ends.
If your adult canine didn’t learn to control playful biting as a pup, it’s not too late to teach them. If they nip too hard, emit a high-pitched yelp and immediately let your hand go limp.
Abrupt changes like this will startle your dog and temporarily stop the behavior. Praise and reward them for stopping or licking you before resuming play. If they nip again, repeat the training: yelp loudly, remove your limp hand from play, and ignore them for about a minute before trying again.
If your dog is particularly stubborn and keeps biting too hard, try leaving the room for a timeout. Return and resume playing until your dog realizes that rough play means the fun will stop.
How to Stop Your Dog Nipping
- Substitute chew toys and bones for fingers or toes.
- Nips when being pet? Distract your dog with treats in your other hand to create a positive association with touch.
- Substitute fetch or tug-of-war games that don’t require direct contact with your hands or feet.
- Reinforce impulse control by reviewing “sit, stay, and wait-for-it” commands.
- Avoid waving your hands to encourage play or making abrupt movements when your dog mouths. Jerking hands or feet may provoke more rough or aggressive behavior. Instead, let your hands or feet go limp.
- Never stop playing with your dog. If they have trouble learning to play, gently consult your veterinarian and consider professional classes from a certified trainer.
Organize Doggy Playdates
Play isn’t just for puppies. Encouraging socialization skills with other dogs, and human interactions that strengthen the bond between your best pal and your family, help stimulate your dog physically and mentally.
Healthy adult dogs should get a minimum of 30-60 minutes of physical exercise daily, but check with your veterinarian before beginning any exercise regimen for your dog. Large breed dogs are predisposed to ligament injuries, arthritis, and hip dysplasia — so prolonged movement like jogging is not recommended.
Some smaller breeds that have respiratory issues due to a flattened facial structure (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Frenchies, and more) can have trouble breathing during extensive exercise, so be careful not to overdue their physical activity — especially in warmer weather.
Remember, mental stimulation is as important as physical: Add adult canine toys and chews to your dog’s favorite puppy ones (if any have survived) to encourage solitary and group play. Bigger rope toys and flying discs can keep your adult dog moving throughout the day.
Toys that have a hidden treat are especially helpful for exercising your dog’s mind and keeping them alert. Have your dog hunt for dinner, learn new training commands and tricks, and have plenty of chew toys on hand to keep them busy when they’re in couch potato mode or left alone.
You can also use activity and play as a reward for a job well done, instead of relying on edible treats all the time. Your dog is more likely to learn new commands when there’s a fun reward — like a walk, a run, or a game of hide-and-seek — waiting after the goal is achieved.
Adult Dog Dental Hygiene & Grooming
Remember to keep up with your dog’s dental care, especially if this lapsed during the puppy years. Be sure your buddy’s teeth and gums are assessed by a veterinarian at least every year. At-home dental care, like teeth brushing, is also critical.
Gingivitis is common in adult dogs once they turn two, especially if dental care wasn’t started early. If your dog has chronic bad breath or sensitive, bleeding gums, let your veterinarian know.
During warm weather, always carefully inspect your dog’s coat for fleas and ticks. Regular brushing helps reduce the need for frequent baths. If bathing at home, gently comb or trim any matted fur before washing. Rinse thoroughly, as leftover soap can attract dirt — and don’t forget to use year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention to help keep your pup protected.
Enrich Your Dog’s Life
Nurturing is important at every stage of your dog’s life. If your work and home life are hectic and you can’t be with your best pal as much as you’d like, consider ways to add something new to their weekly routine:
- Dogs love other dogs even more than they love humans (most of the time). Consider taking your pup to doggy daycare to run and play with a variety of older and younger canines.
- If your workplace doesn’t have an “open-dog” policy that allows dogs to be coworkers, try spending lunchtime with your furry family member.
- Hire a reputable dog walker to exercise your pup during the day when you’re not home. If you have friends or family members who are free, ask if they’d like to visit your dog some afternoons.
As long as your adult dog doesn’t have any physical limitations and illnesses, their day-to-day life should be one of routine simplicity enhanced with lots of love from you and other humans.
Continue to provide high-quality adult food, regular exercise, training, and play. If you keep your veterinarian informed of any changes in your dog’s physical or mental condition and offer plenty of affection, you’ll likely enjoy a long and happy adventure together.
Is your dog seven years or older? Learn about the next important stage in their life.
