Anna has a passion for keeping pets healthy and happy. She grew up with a Great Pyrenees as a family dog. Currently and currently has an orange tabby. She worked at a dog grooming and bathing salon where she learnt more about canine behavior and bathing. She lives in Wisconsin, in the United States. When she is not writing, she helps her partner run their small business, knitting, and enjoying local parks.
Focusing on Great Dane health is one of the most important parts of the ownership of this unique breed. Keeping your pet happy and healthy will mean they live longer, giving you more time to bond with them. With such a short-lived breed like the Great Dane, health is especially important. We’ve made a list of five health tips to improve your pet’s life.
Keep Your Great Dane In Great Health
Don’t skip out on your Great Dane’s regular vet visits, parasite checks, or vaccinations. Give your Great Dane daily exercise, like a 15 minute to half an hour walk. Make sure to balance how much food they eat with how active they are. Below are five more basic tips to help keep your Great Dane happy and healthy.
1. Support Their Joints
Great Danes are prone to joint issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia. Look for food or supplements with glucosamine, which supports joint health. Talk to your vet about potential treatment options as soon as possible for hip dysplasia and arthritis.
2. Prevent Bloat
Like a lot of large dog breeds, Great Danes are prone to a potentially fatal condition called gastric torsion, or bloat. This is usually the result of overeating or eating too fast. Invest in a slower-eating bowl and make sure to have anti-gas medication on hand just in case. Spread smaller meals throughout the day, instead of feeding one large one.
3. Check On Their Hearts
Great Danes may develop cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition which results in an enlarged heart. If addressed early enough, this condition can be managed with medication. Talk to your vet if your Great Dane is feeling depressed, lethargic, is coughing, or has difficulty breathing.
4. Include Cancer Screenings
Unfortunately, a dog of any age can develop cancer. Great Danes are especially prone to bone cancer, or osteosarcoma. As your Great Dane ages, make sure to incorporate cancer screenings in their regular vet check-ups. Check your Great Dane regularly for any odd lumps or growths.
5. Look For The Symptoms Of Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is usually caused by a hormone imbalance. This disease occurs more often in female Great Danes than males. Treatment usually involves hormone replacement, so it is important to take your Great Dane to the vet if you see any of the symptoms. These include lethargy, vomiting, and reduced appetite.
Anna has a passion for keeping pets healthy and happy. She grew up with a Great Pyrenees as a family dog. Currently and currently has an orange tabby. She worked at a dog grooming and bathing salon where she learnt more about canine behavior and bathing. She lives in Wisconsin, in the United States. When she is not writing, she helps her partner run their small business, knitting, and enjoying local parks.
