Growth in Dogs: What to Expect

By K9Reproduction.com Editorial Updated Sep. 7, 2022

If a young dog has joined your pack recently, you likely have questions about what the first year or so in her life will look like from a developmental perspective. When will she stop growing? What do those big paws really mean? Dr. Susan O’Bell, a primary care doctor at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, and Dr. Matthew Rooney, owner of Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists in Longmont, Colorado, have the answers.

When Do Dogs Stop Growing and How Big Will My Puppy Get? Growth in Dogs: What to Expect

Most dogs’ growth plates close at around 9 to 11 months of age. By this point, you should have a good sense of your dog’s ultimate height and length, with giant breeds growing until they are a little over a year old. Smaller dogs reach full growth a bit sooner, between six and eight months.

“Many medium and large breed dogs retain a ‘juvenile’ appearance for their first one to two years of life, but technically they aren’t still growing,” says Dr. O’Bell. So, although your dog’s demeanor and behavior can still appear juvenile, and sometimes their features retain that “puppy” look, your dog should no longer be growing after it turns two.

If you know the breed of your dog or, better yet, the parents of your pup, you can estimate how large your dog will be. One of the best predictors of ultimate stature are your dog’s siblings. If you can check out a previous litter of the same sire and dam, you will get a glimpse of your dog’s future size. “For purebreds, there are some general ranges available, so your dog’s ultimate size shouldn’t be a huge surprise,” adds Dr. O’Bell.

Unfortunately, while pet parents are quick to comment on the size of a puppy’s paws and ears, they don’t tell us much about how big a dog will be. “We often comment about how big a puppy’s paws or ears are, but these are not reliable indicators,” Dr. O’Bell says.

Common Conditions to Be Aware of in Growing Dogs

“The most common concerns are orthopedic. Problems in the elbows, shoulders, hips, and other joints mainly occur in larger dogs (50 pounds or more). Very small dogs can have hip or knee issues,” says Dr. Rooney, noting that most growing dogs will not be affected by these conditions.

Painful but short-lived bone inflammation, known as panosteitis, can affect young dogs and usually requires medication. Large and giant breeds sometimes suffer from hypertrophic osteodystrophy, painful swelling of growth plates of the legs that is often accompanied by a fever. The condition usually resolves on its own.

Some inherited and congenital conditions include hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis. Surgery is sometimes needed to correct these conditions. Large breeds such as German Shepherds, Labradors, and St. Bernards are among those prone to these conditions. If you see your dog limping or notice that one leg appears to be slightly twisted or angled, contact your veterinarian or a surgical specialist.

Do Dogs Experience Growing Pains?

Puppies don’t seem to experience growing pains, says Dr. O’Bell. However, some orthopedic conditions can cause symptoms in young dogs, including limping, an abnormal gait or stance, or reluctance to participate in normal activities. Sometimes there will be heat, swelling, and/or pain around the affected areas. Some inflammatory conditions are accompanied by a fever, which can make your dog lethargic and dull her appetite.

Most puppies are more high-energy than adult dogs and may be more prone to minor injuries from rough play that can cause temporary discomfort.

Care Requirements for a Growing Dog

All puppies should have periodic visits to their veterinarian, often three or four visits during their first year of life. During these visits, your vet will assess your puppy’s growth, including weight gain and body condition. Use common sense when monitoring your young dog’s health by paying attention to her normal habits, raising any concerns you have with your vet, and watching for signs of anything that seems off.

Diet

Look for higher-protein dog foods to fuel your puppy’s growth. Large-breed puppies will benefit from eating a large-breed puppy food because these products help prevent too-rapid growth that increases their risk of developing orthopedic disorders. Your veterinarian can help you tailor your puppy’s diet to ensure she is gaining enough weight and receiving the proper amounts of nutrients. In addition to adequate protein, young dogs need higher amounts of fat than adult dogs and a proper balance of vitamins and minerals to support their growth and development.

Exercise

Puppies should have at least an hour of moderate activity a day, but the right amount of exercise can vary. Depending on the breed and age of your dog, she may be interested in or able to play for only a few minutes before needing a nap. Other puppies require longer periods of stimulation.

Strenuous exercise may pose only a theoretical risk to young dogs, but caution is advised, especially in large-breed dogs and those predisposed to conditions such as hip dysplasia. “We wouldn’t want to damage their growth plates, especially when they are still growing,” notes Dr. O’Bell.

Q&A Section

Q: When do dogs stop growing?

A: Most dogs’ growth plates close at around 9 to 11 months of age, with giant breeds growing until they are a little over a year old.

Q: How can I estimate my puppy's adult size?

A: If you know the breed of your dog or the parents of your pup, you can estimate their adult size. Siblings from previous litters can also provide a good indication.

Q: What are common conditions to be aware of in growing dogs?

A: Common conditions include orthopedic issues like panosteitis, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis. Regular vet visits can help catch these early.

Q: Do puppies experience growing pains?

A: While puppies don’t seem to experience growing pains, some orthopedic conditions can cause symptoms like limping, abnormal gait, or reluctance to participate in normal activities.

Q: How should I care for my growing puppy's diet and exercise needs?

A: Provide a high-protein diet and ensure they get at least an hour of moderate activity a day. Consult your veterinarian for diet recommendations and monitor your puppy's growth regularly.

FAQ Section

Q: What should I do if my puppy is limping?

A: Contact your veterinarian immediately. Limping can be a sign of orthopedic issues that may require treatment.

Q: How often should I take my puppy to the vet during their first year?

A: Plan for three or four vet visits during the first year to monitor growth and health.

Q: Can strenuous exercise harm my growing puppy?

A: While it poses only a theoretical risk, it's best to be cautious, especially with large-breed dogs, to avoid damaging their growth plates.

Q: How much sleep does a puppy need?

A: Puppies need a lot of sleep, often over fifteen to eighteen hours per day, to support their growth and development.

Q: What should I feed my large-breed puppy to prevent orthopedic issues?

A: A large-breed puppy food that promotes slow and steady growth can help prevent orthopedic disorders. Consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations.

Q: Are big paws and ears indicators of my puppy’s adult size?

A: No, the size of a puppy’s paws and ears are not reliable indicators of how big they will grow.

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