Dog: lifespan, size, diet and care

How big it is

It depends on the breed: by the FCI standards, from 24 cm (9 in) at the shoulder for the Pomeranian to 90 cm (35 in) for the Neapolitan Mastiff.

All 42 breeds, each one to scale All the pets next to a person

What it eats and how often

complete dog food, in meals

• Babies, up to 3 months: every day, 4 meals a day
• Juveniles, up to 6 months: every day, 3 meals a day
• Juveniles, up to 12 months (large and giant breeds become adults at almost 2 years): every day, 2 meals a day
• Adults: every day, 1–2 meals a day

Measured meals, not a bowl that is always full: for most adult dogs, two weighed meals at the same times every day. Keep treats and snacks under 10% of the day's calories. Check its body shape often: if it is gaining weight, ask your vet how much to cut back.

Vaccines and checkups

Shots and deworming, week by week

The care calendar

What to do, from the most frequent to the least.

• every dayBrush its teethEvery day, with a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste; at least 3 times a week. Never human toothpaste.
• every weekBrush its coatShort coat once a week, medium coat a few times a week, long coat every day.
• every monthParasite protectionYour vet picks the product and the schedule: for worms usually every 1 to 3 months; for heartworm, where it occurs, every month during mosquito season.
• every monthWeigh-inWrite the weight in the journal and check its body shape: you should see a waist.
• every yearVaccinesAsk your vet which boosters are due: leptospirosis, where needed, every year; core vaccines no more often than every 3 years.
• every yearCheck-up at the vetOnce a year; from 7 to 8 years old, twice a year.

Call the vet right away if…

If you see one of these signs, call your vet now: don’t wait for it to pass.

• Swollen belly and repeated retching with nothing coming up
• Struggling or noisy breathing, or pale, white, gray or bluish gums
• Keeps vomiting, or there is blood in its vomit or diarrhea
• Collapses, or has a seizure lasting more than 2 minutes or more than one in 24 hours
• It may have eaten something toxic (medicines, cleaning products, pesticides), even if it seems fine

Ate something dangerous? What to do now