Lifestage mascot

How old is your dog?

Pre-Puppy
Pre-Puppy preview image

Pre-Puppy

What’s better than puppies? That’s right: your own puppy. So, what do you need to know before you take the plunge into pet parenthood?

0-2 months
0-2 months preview image

0-2 months

Welcome to the world little one. It’s all grow-grow-grow for your puppy right now, so there’s many things to prepare.

2-3 months
2-3 months preview image

2-3 months

Your puppy is ready to come home and turn your world upside down. It’s time to put your preparation into practice – and remember to take it all in!

3-6 months
3-6 months preview image

3-6 months

You’re entering a period of immense growth, lots of learning and new adventures. Bring on the play date with the big wide world!

6-12 months
6-12 months preview image

6-12 months

Your fur-baby is nearing adulthood. Can you see their grown self coming through? Sigh…they grow up so fast, don’t they?

12-18 months
12-18 months preview image

12-18 months

Your puppy has turned one and they might not be so little anymore. Make sure to book their first annual check-up.

18 months - 3 years
18 months - 3 years preview image

18 months - 3 years

Your dog is one an established family member now. Enjoy who they have become and the bond you now share at this special stage.

3 - 8 years
3 - 8 years preview image

3 - 8 years

Your dog is a full-grown adult now. They understand where their place is in your home and the wider world.

8+ years
8+ years preview image

8+ years

Just like many senior citizens, senior dogs have some extra needs. Learn to look after your best friend and support their health as they grow older.

3-6 months

This is an important time for you and your puppy. Now that you’ve laid all the groundwork, it’s time to experience the big wide world.

At three to six months of age, your four-legged pal will experience an intense growth spurt and weight gain, so keep an eye on their feeding guidelines to make sure they get the best nutrition.

By 16 weeks they should be fully vaccinated, and have flea and worm treatments sorted, which means the world is their (squeaky) oyster, so this is the time to explore. Venture further on walks, maybe try off-lead parks, take them to a doggy beaches or even on a getaway. This will be a good way to test their newly gained skills in different environments and cement any training routines.

At the same time their adult teeth will be coming in, so you might want to hide your favourite leather loafers and invest in some heavy-duty chews.

3-6 months hero image

Dogs and Car Anxiety

Does your dog get anxious about car travel? See tips from Lara Shannon from Pooches @ Play.

Impact of Food on Dog Skin Health

Healthy skin starts with a healthy diet; tips for looking for dog foods that are good for their skin.

Identifying Behavioural Issues in Puppies

Explore the key behavioural issues that can arise in puppies and discuss effective ways to identify and manage them.

Puppy not Eating

Learn some common causes of a new puppy's loss of appetite & solutions to help get your pup back on track to a healthy diet.

How smart is my puppy?

Intelligence in dogs exists similar to humans. So how do you tell how smart your puppy is?

Washing & Grooming your Short Haired Dog

Short haired dogs have different grooming needs than long haired dogs. Here's some tips on the best way to wash and groom them.

Why dogs lick people 7 things and How to Reduce Excessive Licking

Licking is a normal behaviour for dogs but excessive licking can be problematic & a symptom of an underlying health or behavioural issue.

Why dogs scratch People & Things and How to Reduce Problem Scratching

Most scratching is completely normal and instinctual for dogs, but can be problematic when they scratch people or things.

Dog Begging

Find out why dogs beg & how you can effectively train your dog not to beg.

Why dogs Chew People & Things and How to Reduce Problem Chewing

Chewing can become a problem in puppies or dogs who chew excessively or chew on people’s hands, clothes or items we don’t want them to chew.