Looking after your adult dog
Looking after your adult dog
Here’s what you need to know about vet visits, nutrition and everyday care for an adult dog.
When your pet is unwell or hurt, it can feel overwhelming. Some situations can safely wait for your regular vet, while others call...
Wellness plans and pet insurance serve different roles in your pet’s healthcare — but they complement each other perfectly. Here’s how they work...
Most graduates of puppy schools will know that treats can be a powerful tool when you want to reward and reinforce good behaviour...
As pet owners, we want the best for our furry friend. And we especially want them to live long, healthy and happy lives. One...
As devoted pet parents, we want nothing but the best for our canine companions – and that begins with providing them with the...
When your pet is unwell or hurt, it can feel overwhelming. Some situations can safely wait for your regular vet, while others call...
Wellness plans and pet insurance serve different roles in your pet’s healthcare — but they complement each other perfectly. Here’s how they work...
Most graduates of puppy schools will know that treats can be a powerful tool when you want to reward and reinforce good behaviour...
As pet owners, we want the best for our furry friend. And we especially want them to live long, healthy and happy lives. One...
As devoted pet parents, we want nothing but the best for our canine companions – and that begins with providing them with the...
Behaviour and understanding your dog
Behaviour and understanding your dog
Even adult dogs don’t have it all figured out. Check out our vet-approved advice to help you get to the bottom of strange behaviours and help them develop into a calm, confident dog.
If your dog seems to panic every time you leave the house, they could be dealing with separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in dogs...
If you’ve ever caught your dog or cat chomping on your green lawn – and wondering aloud why is my pet eating grass?...
If your dog seems to panic every time you leave the house, they could be dealing with separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in dogs...
If you’ve ever caught your dog or cat chomping on your green lawn – and wondering aloud why is my pet eating grass?...
Quiz: What’s your pet personality?
Ever wondered which dog or cat breed you’d be? Answer five fun questions to see if you’re more of a spirited Mini Schnauzer or a laidback Tabby.
Quiz: What’s your pet personality?
Ever wondered which dog or cat breed you’d be? Answer five fun questions to see if you’re more of a spirited Mini Schnauzer or a laidback Tabby.
Health care for adult dogs
Health care for adult dogs
Learn how to spot and manage the most common health issues that affect dogs, and how everyday care can help prevent them.
Jumping for a treat, running for a ball, turning quickly in motion to bring you back that stick… dogs rely on healthy knees...
If your pug, bulldog or Frenchie is snorting and struggling to breathe, BOAS surgery could be life changing. Is your pet always snuffling,...
Want to give your dog the best shot at a long, happy life? Vaccinations are one of the simplest ways to keep them...
If your dog is a Dachshund (or any breed with a long back), you may have heard of IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease). This...
Pancreatitis is a condition that can sneak up on your pet – it's inflammation of the pancreas and has several causes. It’s crucial...
While poo may not be glamourous, monitoring it can give you valuable insights into your pet’s health and can help identify potential issues...
Ear infections (also known as Otitis) are a common reason for pet owners to visit the vet. While they’re more common in dogs,...
Dental disease affects 80% of adult pets and can lead to bad breath, painful teeth, and potentially serious health problems if left untreated. In...
Is your pet carrying some extra weight? In a world full of treats and cozy beds, it’s common for our pets to become...
Taking care of your dog’s teeth is crucial for their overall health at all stages of life. Regular dental care plays a key...
Jumping for a treat, running for a ball, turning quickly in motion to bring you back that stick… dogs rely on healthy knees...
If your pug, bulldog or Frenchie is snorting and struggling to breathe, BOAS surgery could be life changing. Is your pet always snuffling,...
Want to give your dog the best shot at a long, happy life? Vaccinations are one of the simplest ways to keep them...
If your dog is a Dachshund (or any breed with a long back), you may have heard of IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease). This...
Pancreatitis is a condition that can sneak up on your pet – it's inflammation of the pancreas and has several causes. It’s crucial...
While poo may not be glamourous, monitoring it can give you valuable insights into your pet’s health and can help identify potential issues...
Ear infections (also known as Otitis) are a common reason for pet owners to visit the vet. While they’re more common in dogs,...
Dental disease affects 80% of adult pets and can lead to bad breath, painful teeth, and potentially serious health problems if left untreated. In...
Is your pet carrying some extra weight? In a world full of treats and cozy beds, it’s common for our pets to become...
Taking care of your dog’s teeth is crucial for their overall health at all stages of life. Regular dental care plays a key...
Pet age calculator
Curious to know how old your pet really is in human years? Answer a few quick questions to discover their true age and life stage.
Pet age calculator
Curious to know how old your pet really is in human years? Answer a few quick questions to discover their true age and life stage.
FAQs
Your top adult dog questions, answered by the experts.
Dogs are generally considered adults when their growth and nutritional needs stabilise – usually around 18 months of age, although smaller breeds tend to mature earlier, while large and giant breeds take longer to fully mature. If you’re not sure what stage of life your dog is in, check out our Pet Age Calculator.
You can teach an older dog new tricks – like toilet training – but it may require a little more patience. First, establish a consistent routine: take your dog outside to the same spot at regular intervals (after meals, waking, play, or naps). When they go in the right place, reward them with praise or treats straight away. Clean any indoor accidents thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner to remove lingering odours that could attract repeat accidents. Consistency and patience are key – even adult dogs can learn good toilet habits with routine and positive reinforcement.
An adult dog typically has 42 permanent teeth – 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. These replace the puppy’s “baby teeth” during the teething phase.
No, puppy food isn’t recommended for adult dogs. That’s because it’s formulated with higher calories, protein and nutrients to support rapid growth and is often too rich for most adult dogs. Feeding your dog puppy food long-term can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalance once your dog is fully grown. Adult dogs should transition to a complete, balanced adult formula that matches their size, breed and lifestyle. If you’re unsure which diet is right for your dog, your vet can recommend the best option for their age and health needs.
Yes, while puppies are the most likely to contract canine parvovirus (parvo), adult dogs are still at risk, especially if they’re unvaccinated or their immunity has lapsed. Parvo is passed on through direct contact with an infected dog or by coming into contact with their faeces and can be fatal. That’s why vaccination and regular boosters remain important throughout a dog’s life. Not sure if your adult dog is up to date on their shots? Talk to your vet about getting them fully protected.
Dogs are generally considered adults when their growth and nutritional needs stabilise – usually around 18 months of age, although smaller breeds tend to mature earlier, while large and giant breeds take longer to fully mature. If you’re not sure what stage of life your dog is in, check out our Pet Age Calculator.
You can teach an older dog new tricks – like toilet training – but it may require a little more patience. First, establish a consistent routine: take your dog outside to the same spot at regular intervals (after meals, waking, play, or naps). When they go in the right place, reward them with praise or treats straight away. Clean any indoor accidents thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner to remove lingering odours that could attract repeat accidents. Consistency and patience are key – even adult dogs can learn good toilet habits with routine and positive reinforcement.
An adult dog typically has 42 permanent teeth – 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. These replace the puppy’s “baby teeth” during the teething phase.
No, puppy food isn’t recommended for adult dogs. That’s because it’s formulated with higher calories, protein and nutrients to support rapid growth and is often too rich for most adult dogs. Feeding your dog puppy food long-term can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalance once your dog is fully grown. Adult dogs should transition to a complete, balanced adult formula that matches their size, breed and lifestyle. If you’re unsure which diet is right for your dog, your vet can recommend the best option for their age and health needs.
Yes, while puppies are the most likely to contract canine parvovirus (parvo), adult dogs are still at risk, especially if they’re unvaccinated or their immunity has lapsed. Parvo is passed on through direct contact with an infected dog or by coming into contact with their faeces and can be fatal. That’s why vaccination and regular boosters remain important throughout a dog’s life. Not sure if your adult dog is up to date on their shots? Talk to your vet about getting them fully protected.
Still scratching your head?
Still scratching your head?
Even grown-up dogs can keep us guessing. For answers and expert guidance, chat to your vet.
Personalised advice.Straight to your inbox.
