Dog owners worldwide know these loyal and loving animals are much more than pets. They are friends, companions, and family members. Their devoted owners feel it keenly when they fall ill or experience painful aging.
Few things are worse than seeing these devoted animals suffer in silence.
If your fur baby is a large breed dog, it has specific health concerns that you will need to help it deal with.
Here are the most common big dog health issues these gentle giants face and how you can help.
Joint issues
Like people, all dogs are prone to experiencing joint issues as they age. Not surprisingly, large dogs like Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Rottweilers, Boxers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to experience these issues more acutely.
Some big dog health issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and various forms of arthritis.
Because it is known that joint problems are likely with large breeds, you should not wait for your pet to experience the pain and immobility of these conditions. Instead, preventative measures should be started when they are very young.
Daily exercise is a necessity for your large friend. Regular exercise will keep his muscles toned. Good musculature will allow him to support his large frame comfortably well into his later years.
Keeping his weight healthy will ensure that no extra strain beyond his naturally large size is placed on his hips and elbows.
Several natural supplements, such as glucosamine and MSM, can help keep his joints supple. CBD oil for dogs can also be beneficial in managing pain and inflammation when they occur.
In this case, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure, so start supplements when your pet is still a puppy and continue them throughout his life.
Manage joint issues
Due to their weight and size, large dogs are more prone to joint issues, so early detection and intervention are crucial for improving their quality of life.
To identify potential joint problems, observe any behavior changes in your dog, such as limping, favoring a leg, or showing reluctance to move.
A sudden decrease in activity level or longer recovery times after exercise can also signal discomfort. Monitoring your dog’s weight is essential, as excess weight can place additional stress on their joints.
Regular weigh-ins will help ensure they remain at an appropriate weight for their breed and size. Routine checks of your dog’s joints can be beneficial.
Gently move their legs to assess for stiffness or resistance and palpate the areas around the joints; any noticeable discomfort could indicate pain.
Regular veterinary visits are essential to catch early signs of joint issues, especially as your dog ages.
If you suspect a problem, your veterinarian may recommend X-rays or other diagnostic tests to evaluate joint health.
Discussing joint supplements with your vet, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, can help support your dog’s joint function.
Modifying routines can alleviate strain on your dog’s joints during exercise. Implement low-impact activities like swimming or walking on soft surfaces rather than intense running on hard ground. Instead of extended play sessions, break exercise into shorter, more frequent segments.
Ensuring your dog is comfortable at home is equally essential. Provide an orthopedic bed that supports their joints, and consider using ramps or steps to help them get in and out of vehicles or onto furniture without jumping.
Finally, maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for joint health. Monitor food portions carefully, avoid overfeeding, and consider using measuring cups or following designated feeding guidelines.
Choosing low-calorie treats and incorporating healthy snacks, like carrots or green beans, can also make a significant difference.
Heart problems
Big dogs are also more prone to issues with their hearts than smaller breeds.
They can experience many forms of tachycardia and potentially serious problems such as cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis.
Many of the same pharmaceuticals used for humans can help treat these issues, but prevention is the key.
A diet and supplements containing many phytochemicals can prevent many health issues, including those that affect the heart.
Manage heart problems
Heart problems are common in large dog breeds, so owners must be vigilant.
Watch for signs like excessive panting, coughing, or labored breathing, which may indicate lung strain or fluid.
Changes in energy levels, such as fatigue, lethargy, and swelling in the abdomen or legs, can also signal heart issues. Any episodes of fainting should prompt immediate veterinary attention.
Regular vet check-ups are essential, including physical examinations and possibly routine blood tests, echocardiograms, or ECGs to detect underlying problems.
Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise is vital to reduce strain on the heart.
Tailor your dog’s activity to their age and health status, and be mindful of sudden changes in behavior, such as increased irritability.
Educate yourself on breed-specific risks, as certain breeds may be prone to specific heart conditions. If your dog is at higher risk, discuss cardiac screenings with your vet, especially if it is older or has a family history of heart disease.
Obesity
Obesity is a significant health issue for large breed dogs due to their unique physical structure and the increased strain excess weight places on their joints and organs.
For these gentle giants, carrying extra pounds can exacerbate joint problems, such as hip dysplasia and arthritis, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and a decreased quality of life.
Additionally, obesity can contribute to serious health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues, which are particularly risky for larger dogs.
The impact on their lifespan can be severe, as excess weight often shortens the longevity of these breeds.
Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise is crucial to ensuring that large dogs live long, healthy lives free from the complications associated with obesity.
Manage obesity
Identifying and addressing obesity in large dogs involves a combination of observation and proactive management.
First, assess your dog’s body condition by looking for key indicators such as a visible waist, palpable ribs without excessive fat covering, and an overall healthy appearance.
If your dog has a round belly, lacks a defined waist, or has difficulty moving, these may be signs of obesity.
To address this issue, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian, who can provide a tailored diet and exercise plan.
Gradually reducing calorie intake while incorporating regular exercise, like daily walks and playtime, can help your dog shed excess weight safely. An automatic feeder can help you manage your dog’s calorie intake properly.
Additionally, monitoring portion sizes and avoiding excessive treats is vital to managing dogs’ weight effectively. Regular check-ups can help track progress and ensure your dog remains healthy throughout the journey.
Big dog health issues contribute to a shorter life span
It is a heartbreaking truth that the canine life span is roughly a tenth of that of their human counterparts, but large breeds have the shortest life expectancy.
Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and French Bulldogs typically have longer average lifespans than giant breeds.
The average small or medium-sized dog lives 10 to 15 years, mixed-breed dogs often live even longer, whereas the largest breeds average around eight.
You cannot magically keep your best friend with you forever, but you can maximize his life expectancy and ensure he stays healthy as he ages.
The best thing you can do for your dog is to feed him a high-quality diet. Many say a homemade diet is better than the most expensive store-bought brands. You can make your dog food and treats with healthy dog recipes.
Start with the best meat products you can afford, with grass-fed beef and free-range poultry being ideal. The harmful additives and chemicals in commercial meat are no better for your pet than for you.
Don’t forget that dogs are not strict carnivores; they also need a mix of fresh vegetables and some fruits to be at their best.
Do your research; not all fruits and vegetables are good for dogs. Dark leafy greens like spinach and berries like blueberries and tomatoes are all good choices.
Be sure to supplement his diet with plenty of antioxidants and phytochemicals, such as bilberry, krill, and turmeric.
Take action to mitigate big dog health issues
Most dog breeds are predisposed to certain illnesses and health issues, and large dogs are no exception.
Know your pet’s likely issues and take action now to prevent them as much as possible. You do not want to wait until they are sick or in pain to help.
Start with the best diet you can provide, add some quality supplements, and include lots of activity, and you’ll have the recipe for your furry friend’s longest and best life.
Regular vet check-ups and screenings are crucial for giant breed dogs, as their size can predispose them to specific health issues.
Routine veterinary visits help monitor their growth and development and allow for early detection of conditions like hip dysplasia, heart disease, and obesity, which are more common in larger breeds.
These check-ups also provide opportunities for vaccinations, dental care, and discussions around nutrition tailored to their unique needs, helping to ensure a longer, healthier life.
By establishing a proactive healthcare routine, pet owners can significantly enhance their dogs’ overall well-being and quality of life.
Devin Caldwell is an animal enthusiast. He owns two dogs and doesn’t go anywhere without them. He loves to travel and see the world with his wife and two kids. Devin is also a freelance writer and writes for many blogs. He has a great passion for writing and plans to do it for years.