Great Danes have muscular and gigantic body builds. When this breed is well-fed and gets enough exercise, they look like they have a very healthy life. However, the Great Dane could suffer from specific health concerns like other dogs.
Some health conditions that develop in Great Dane puppies are directly linked to this dog’s physical attributes. So, what are some of the most common health issues that Great Danes suffer from? Here are the top three and how to provide the best care for this dog counted amongst giant breeds.
Genetically speaking, Great Danes are predisposed to joint and bone diseases due to their physical build. The hind legs could bear its brunt, especially on overweight dogs. These gentle giants could also have bone cancer, depending on nutrition and hereditary factors.
On the other hand, stomach twists could also ensue, impacting healthy weight gain. However, this dog’s quality of life can be significantly improved when taken care of. Pet parents should do all they can to ensure their Great Dane’s health takes priority over all else.
Apart from the conditions above, there are chronic or severely discomforting conditions to look out for. The top three health issues to monitor this gentle giant include heart disease, potential stomach upsets, and hip dysplasia. Here is what you need to know about these conditions to manage them better.
Great Danes could suffer from dilated cardiomyopathy, which directly impacts blood supply. If a hound suffers from this condition, you might notice panting, bloated stomach, and swollen feet. These symptoms need to be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. In addition, playful dogs might feel frustrated, so you might need to take it easy on daily exercise.
At times dogs, deep-chested dogs like Great Danes could experience gastric torsion. This condition is better known as stomach bloat and could require professional help. With a proper diet, you could minimise the effects of this condition on dogs. Your Dane could need a medical procedure called gastric apex to return this hound’s stomach to its normal position.
If there are issues with your dog’s spinal cord or hip sockets, they will most likely suffer from hip dysplasia. The best way would be to assess if the hip socket correctly developed before birth. Veterinarians can help with a diagnosis and treatment plan. Dog owners should just make sure they exercise Great Danes.
You should never compromise your pup’s health, and getting pet insurance ensures that the insured hound gets adequate healthcare coverage. In addition, you should have your dog insured, especially a Great Dane, since this hound could also suffer from conditions such as Addison’s disease and wobbler syndrome.
The best insurance policy should have smaller waiting periods and longer coverage terms. Also, check if your shortlisted insurance plans cover conditions these large dogs are predisposed to. Finally, you can consult with members of a local Great Dane club to get more advice on finding the best insurance plan nearby.
Great Dane hounds can offer companionship to their human family for roughly 8 to 10 years. This breed, recognised by the American Kennel Club, can reach 12 years in rare cases.
Here are some frequently asked questions about these furry family members.
Large breeds are predisposed to joint and bone health issues; their immune system is quite resilient, but they might be victims of their physical build. This giant breed is no different. However, it might have slightly more health problems than other pets.
The most common causes of death for Great Dane hounds include heart conditions, cancer, and stomach torsion.
A Dane called Maggie Mae lived for over 16 years, this breed’s longest recorded life span.
Owning a Great Dane certainly requires understanding and preparation. So before bringing this dog home, prepare to care for its health to the best of your ability. This could mean getting pet insurance for the best healthcare. You can get affordable pet insurance in Australia by comparing quotes and policies.
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