By one year old, your puppy will be an adult dog. He may still act like a mischievous puppy, but his needs will have changed in the following areas of his life.
Feeding
Now that he's fully grown, he'll need adult dog food to provide him with all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals he requires. Adult dogs don't use as much energy as puppies, so continuing to feed him puppy food may cause him to become overweight. Your vet will be happy to advise you on your pet's nutritional requirements and recommend a suitable adult food.
It's best to change over to the new food gradually over a 5- to 7-day period. This way he'll get used to any change in taste and consistency.
Vaccinating
At approximately 14 months of age, your vet will also recommend a booster vaccination to make sure your dog's immunity from disease is maintained. This is also a good time to make sure your dog is protected from parasites by updating his flea and deworming treatments.
Exercising
Now that your dog is bigger and more muscular, regular exercise is essential to keep him fit and healthy. Exercise doesn't just keep his body in shape, it also keeps his mind active, healthy and happy.
If you haven't already done so, now is a good time to speak to your veterinarian about the benefits of neutering your dog.
