My husband and I have witnessed the science of pet health and longevity evolve quite a bit lately, and it’s an exciting time to see how much opportunity there is to improve pet health spans and make a difference.

Do you know what to expect as your dog gets older? What about what is considered normal for a new puppy? Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not age in a linear fashion, with each stage of life proceeding 100% predictably from the last. While every pet ages differently, there are still some key markers and milestones to be on the lookout for, and for some these physical and behavioral differences can be difficult to understand. 

In this guide, let's take a closer look at the different stages of life in dogs and cover some important aspects of canine development and aging. We'll also detail some common challenges and solutions associated with each stage. By developing a higher depth of knowledge around what to expect and what you can do about it, hopefully your companion has the best chance at long-term health and happiness. Select a stage of life below to get into the details or go just ahead and read every category from puppy to pensioner.