Great Dane Problems and How to Prevent Them
Many health problems can plague Great Danes. This large breed is especially prone to problems with the stomach, lungs, and heart. Here are just a few of the most common. While you should bring your Great Dane to the vet whenever you notice something out of the ordinary. You can also visit a veterinary clinic to find out how to prevent any Great Dane problems. Listed below are a few ways to prevent common problems in your Great Dane.
Bloat – Great Danes are prone to bloat, which occurs when the stomach twists, cutting off the blood supply. The symptoms of bloat include restlessness, panicked pawing, and pacing. To prevent the condition, your veterinarian may attempt to tack your dog’s stomach. Other symptoms to watch for include weight loss and lethargy. Coughing increased respiratory rate, and abdominal distention is also signs of bloat.
Obesity – Another common Great Dane problem is obesity. Because of their oversized size, Great Danes tend to gain weight quickly. Overfeeding can exacerbate these conditions, especially if your Great Dane is overweight. To avoid this, increase your dog’s exercise time. Increase the pace and duration of walks and even jog around the block if necessary. However, remember that overfeeding is bad for your Great Dane’s health.
Heart Disease – Another common Great Dane problem is dilated cardiomyopathy.
The heart wall is too thin in these dogs and their hearts do not function properly. This is often caused by poor blood circulation, fluid buildup, and other complications, but if detected early, it can prolong the life of your pet. If left untreated, cardiomyopathy is fatal and most puppies are put down. Proper treatment will slow down the progression of the disease and give you a little more time to enjoy your Great Dane.
Bloat is also a common Great Dane problem. It is characterized by distention and a clumsy gait. If your Great Dane experiences bloat, take it to the vet immediately. If your vet is closed, go to a veterinary emergency clinic as soon as possible. You may be able to manage the symptoms yourself, but the vet will need to perform surgery to correct the problem.
Bloat is a common Great Dane health problem. Bloat results in twisting of the stomach and can result in gastric torsion, which can be life-threatening. Many owners opt to have their dogs’ stomachs ‘tacked’ to fix the problem. The surgery can be expensive, however. If your Great Dane is experiencing severe bloat, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. These surgeries can save the life of your Great Dane and avoid the stress and inconvenience that come with it.
During the development stage, your Great Dane is likely to develop hip dysplasia.
If your Dane has the condition, it can result in painful arthritis later in life. If you catch it early, surgery can fix the problem and eliminate the pain. Unfortunately, this is a genetic problem, and the best prevention for this condition is to get a puppy from parents who have not been affected by the disease. You can also keep your Great Dane lean.
As your Great Dane matures, proper diet becomes important. Otherwise, your dog could become overweight, which will shorten their lives and cause them many health problems. Obesity is one of the most common Great Dane problems, and it can lead to arthritis, diabetes, and even orthopedic diseases.
Fortunately, the good news is that there are ways to prevent obesity and ensure that your Great Dane lives for years to come. A Great Dane makes a great family pet. Their tolerant, loving personalities make them ideal for active families. But if you have small children in the house, a Great Dane may not be the right fit. As a result, you should provide ample exercise and a secure outdoor yard. Despite their playful personality, Great Danes can accidentally knock over children. Therefore, they must be properly trained to avoid jumping on children.
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