Growth and Development: Critical Times to Check on Your Puppy’s Growth

Puppies grow at an astounding rate, and their first year is filled with critical developmental milestones.  It’s not hard to quickly find yourself getting overwhelmed!

Here's a timeline of key developmental stages between 8 weeks and 6 months of age, along with important health checks and preventive measures to help you spend more time enjoying your puppy.

2 Months Old: The First Steps

6-8 weeks is time for your puppy’s first veterinary visit! This visit is often not with you, as it is done whilst your puppy is still with their family and breeder. Often puppies are vaccinated and microchipped at this visit. Be sure when you adopt your new puppy that you have their;

Vaccination booklet

Microchip number and change of ownership documentation

As soon as you adopt your new puppy, a smart move is a health check with your family veterinarian.

All new puppies are invited to VetLand Hospital and Emergency for a FREE meet and greet consultation.

This is a time to pick up on any development health issues with your puppy, as well as confirm their health schedule. This consultation will cover;

3 Months Old: Building Immunity and Social Skills

By the time your puppy reaches 12 weeks, it's time for the second round of vaccinations and another vet check. At this stage:

There may be some changes needed to their flea and worming schedule, be sure to find out at your vaccination appointment.

You are in the PEAK socialisation period. Start socialisation activities to help your puppy adapt to different environments, people, and other animals. Your puppy’s immune system is still developing so work with your vet to identify safe ways support their social development.

This is the optimal time to start a puppy school. Puppy school is essential, even for seasoned puppy parents, as it gives dog’s exposure to new environments, people and pets during their limited development stage. From 16 weeks old, their ability to perceive new experiences as positive will dramatically reduce.

4 Months Old: The Changing Phase

At 16 weeks, some puppies may require a third vaccination. However, your puppy may have benefited from an ‘early-finish’ vaccination, and this may not be needed. This period marks the end of the critical socialisation window. Key points include:

Monitoring the first signs of baby teeth becoming wobbly, the front teeth will wobble first!

Assessing any social anxieties and being quick to develop strategies to address them.

Regular interaction with other dogs and people helps reinforce positive behaviours and reduces the risk of fear or aggression in adulthood.

6 Months Old: Comprehensive Growth Assessment

When your puppy reaches six months, their bodies will have changed again! As will their needs! This check-up will include:

Ensuring all baby teeth have fallen out and adult teeth are in place.

Reassessing nutrition and weight to ensure your puppy is on the right track.

Discussing breed-related diseases and preventive measures. For instance, we will spend time discussing bloating and twisting for German Shepherd puppies, but with poodles we will work on strategies to maintain their dental health.

Discussion regarding the optimal time for desexing, depending on your puppy’s breed and health status.

Beyond 6 Months: Towards Adulthood

While this article focuses on the critical early months, remember that most puppies will continue to grow until they are 12 months old, with some continuing to grow until they are 18 months old! Proper nutrition, exercise and early behavioural guidance are critical  as your puppy transitions into adulthood.

Having a great family vet on board to help guide you both through these challenges not only makes for a smooth transition, but sets them up for healthy growth. 

All new puppies are invited to VetLand Hospital and Emergency for a FREE meet and greet consultation.