Great Danes make great pets.
Great Danes make excellent pets, but a number of health problems are associated with this breed. Many health problems are caused by the large physical size of Great Danes, though some problems also have a genetic component. These health problems make the average life span of a Great Dane somewhere around six and one half years. Knowing about these common health problems can help you dramatically improve the quality of your Great Dane's life.
Instructions
1. Look out for hypertrophic osteodystrophy between the ages of 4 and 7 months. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is an orthopedic condition that can sometimes occur during the rapid bone growth of Great Dane puppies. Symptoms to look out for include severe pain and a rising temperature.
2. Watch for lumps that may appear on the legs of your Great Dane puppy; these are symptoms of a condition called panosteitis. These lumps are another result of rapid bone growth and result from inflammation, which is manageable with anti-inflammatory medication.
3. Try to limit your Great Dane puppy's activity during the first year. Great Danes are actually quite fragile during this stage of life and are prone to orthopedic problems in particular as their bodies grow.
4. Watch your Great Dane for potential joint problems. The symptoms of hip dysplasia, for instance, are lameness in the rear legs and an abnormal gait. X-rays can further diagnose the problem, and medications can help slow the progression, provided the problem is caught early enough.
5. Watch for bloat, which is one of the most serious health conditions a Great Dane can suffer from. Look for symptoms such as swelling in the abdomen, abdominal pain, excessive saliva and rapid breathing. The risk of bloat can be lessened by not giving your Great Dane too much water when he's exercising, using an elevated dog feeder and providing multiple, smaller meals throughout the day. If you suspect your dog has bloat, go to a veterinarian immediately, as the condition is life threatening.
6. Make regular trips to the veterinarian for checkups. A veterinarian will be better able to spot the early signs of the many different potential health problems of Great Danes.
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