Watching dogs grow from furry little clumps in the years spent with them is a journey full of surprises and warmth. However, one day we will find that the growth pace of dogs gradually slows down until it stops. Understanding the signs of dogs stopping growing up not only allows us to take better care of them, but also provides us with a deep reflection on the growth process of dogs.
Body shape and weight tend to stabilize
The size and weight of a dog are the most intuitive signs of growth. During their puppy years, their bodies feel like they have been wound up, growing rapidly and their weight continues to climb. Small dogs typically have their body size and weight largely fixed between 6-12 months of age; The growth cycle of medium-sized dogs is slightly longer, usually 12-18 months; Large dogs take 18-24 months to stop growing.
When you notice that dogs are no longer growing taller and gaining weight as quickly as before, their weight remains stable for a long time, and their body lines and contours no longer show significant changes, it is likely that they have stopped growing. For example, the little puppy that used to require you to hold it carefully in your palm has now grown into a majestic big dog, with a strong and sturdy body, no longer the immaturity and delicacy of a puppy. Every time I take my dog to weigh it and see that the weight number no longer jumps, a hint of emotion inevitably surges in my heart. I feel the passing of time and am also pleased that my dog has grown up healthy.
Complete skeletal development
The development of bones is crucial for the growth of dogs. The bones of puppies are soft and elastic. As they grow, the bones gradually harden and the bone plaque lines close, marking the completion of bone development and the cessation of longitudinal growth in dogs.
We can feel the changes in the bones of a dog by touching its body. During the puppy stage, gently touching their legs and spine can feel the thinness and softness of their bones. As dogs grow up, their bones become thick and solid, especially the leg bones, which can easily support their body weight. When taking a dog to a pet hospital for a physical examination, X-ray examination can also clearly show the closure of the bone plaque line, providing a scientific basis for determining whether the dog has stopped growing. Looking at the healthy and strong bones of dogs, we know that they have the ability to cope with life.
Tooth growth and end of tooth replacement
The growth of teeth and the process of tooth replacement can also reflect the growth stage of dogs. Puppies start to grow baby teeth 2-4 weeks after birth, and by 2-4 months, baby teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth. When dogs are 6-8 months old, their permanent teeth are almost fully grown and the process of tooth replacement is complete.
When you see that dogs no longer bite through furniture due to tooth replacement, their teeth become neat and firm, and no new teeth grow, it indicates that their oral development has matured and is also a sign that their physical development is nearing its end. Every time I brush my dog's teeth, looking at their white and neat teeth, I think of their mischievous appearance when they changed their teeth, and my heart is filled with memories of their growth.
Signs of sexual maturity appear
Sexual maturity is an important stage in the growth process of dogs and a sign of cessation of growth. Small dogs generally reach sexual maturity at 6-8 months, medium dogs at 8-12 months, and large dogs at 12-18 months.
After a dog reaches sexual maturity, there will be some noticeable changes. Female dogs will experience an estrus cycle, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the external genitalia, becoming restless and anxious in behavior, and preferring to approach male dogs. Male dogs will have an increased sense of territory, like to mark their territory everywhere, and show a strong interest in female dogs. These changes not only indicate that dogs have matured physiologically, but also imply that their physical development is gradually coming to a halt. Seeing these changes in dogs, we are not only happy about their growth, but also pay more attention to their health and behavior.
Behavior and personality tend to stabilize
As dogs grow, their behavior and personality also change. During the puppy stage, dogs are lively and curious, full of curiosity, and eager to explore everything around them. They always jump up and down at home, throwing toys everywhere.
And when dogs stop growing up, their behavior becomes more stable and their personality gradually takes shape. I am no longer mischievous like when I was a child, but prefer to quietly accompany my master. They are more obedient to their master's instructions and can better understand their master's intentions. The once mischievous little one has now become our most intimate companion in life, and this change makes us feel the growth and maturity of dogs.
The signs of a dog stopping growing up are multifaceted, from stable body weight and complete bone development, to the end of tooth growth and replacement, the manifestation of sexual maturity signs, to stable behavior and personality. Each sign is a mark of a dog's growth. As owners of dogs, we accompany them on this journey of growth and witness every change they undergo. The growth of dogs is a warm chapter in our lives. When they stop growing up, we will still spend every beautiful time with them with full love, because they have already become an indispensable part of our lives.
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