There are two
major types of health concerns that go into the Great Dane care attributes, (i)
health problems that are inherited and (ii) health problems that are caused by
lack of proper care, i.e. poor nutrition, poor exercise habits, no grooming, and
so on.
The first aspect should not bother you really, if you went to the
right breeder, since he/she would have taken care that your dog does not suffer
from any inherited disease before he/she handed it over to you.
The second
factor too should not be an issue of the breeder did a good job in interviewing
you to find out whether you are the right person for his precious Great Dane puppy
or not. Hence, generally speaking if your selection process was good and successful
you will have a very healthy and carefree Great Dane puppy on your hands.
The
Basic Great Dane Health Care
While indeed you are having a very sweet and
healthy puppy on your hands, you should be aware that this dog is prone to a few
diseases that are particular to its breed.
1. Bloat or Gastric Torsion –
this is number one killer health problem of a Great Dane. The actual reason that
causes it is not yet known. When this happens, the stomach gets boated and then
it twists itself in such a manner that it cuts off the blood supply to all other
organs killing the dog swiftly and painfully.
The warning signs are excess
salivation, inflation of the stomach, rapid breathing, restlessness, etc. Rush
your dog to an animal hospital if you suspect bloat, since in most cases it will
require surgical intervention to correct the problem. You can prevent this from
happening by proving free feeding (have a full bowl of food throughout the day
so the dog can east whenever it pleases) and plenty of water available. Use an
elevated dog feeder, which will reduce the air intake while eating.
2. Panostetis
or pano – this is a condition which happens because of the rapid growth of the
Great Dane. Proper Great Dane care in terms of providing adequate health supplements,
especially Vitamin C would help in this ailment. The early signs are limping and
movements that indicate pain and discomfort. The vet will know how to alleviate
this problems, if it becomes too much.
3. Inherited Great Dane Health Problems
– as mentioned earlier, if your breeder is of good quality you will not have any
problems in this quarter. However, it may, despite of his best efforts still suffer
from genetic/ inherited health problems such as, his dysplasia (affects the bone),
cardiomyopathy (affects the heart) and hypothyroidism (affects immune system)
are amongst the most common.
The Great Dane care will very much depend
upon the advice you get from your vet. I hope you know how
to choose a vet for your Great Dane health problems because this is an important
factor in maintaining its health and its well-being.
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