Got A Great Dane? 2 Common Health Problems To Look Out For

Originally bred for hunting, Great Danes are some of the largest dogs in the world. In fact, a Great Dane holds the current world record for being the tallest dog ever recorded. But the breed's mammoth size comes with predispositions to health problems. If you have a Great Dane, there are two common health problems to be aware of as your dog ages.

1. Hip Dysplasia

Due to their large size and heavy frame, Great Danes often suffer from hip dysplasia, which is a disorder where the hip joint becomes loose. When this happens, the Great Dane's leg bone shifts frequently.

Dogs can experience hip dysplasia at any age, but the disorder typically becomes noticeable in the later years of a canine's life. At first, hip dysplasia has very few symptoms. But as the loose joint wears away the leg bone, pain and stiffness occur.

If your Great Dane is suffering from hip dysplasia, you'll likely notice hesitation when your dog gets up after resting. Your dog may also avoid running and may begin limping and hopping while moving. However, these signs are often only present once hip dysplasia has become severe.

Hip dysplasia is inherited, and there are no known ways to stop it from occurring. But there are ways to reduce the damage and suffering caused by hip dysplasia. For instance, maintaining proper weight is vital for Great Danes and other dogs prone to suffering from hip problems. If your dog is overweight, the extra pressure puts stress on the hip joints, which makes the symptoms of hip dysplasia worse. So be sure to feed your Great Dane a healthy diet, and take your dog out to play and exercise frequently.

If your Great Dane is showing signs of hip dysplasia, see a veterinarian, who can prescribe pain pills to improve your dog's quality of life.

2. Heart Disease

Heart disease is another problem that Great Danes are predisposed to. When a dog is suffering from heart problems, the following symptoms often occur:

• Fatigue
• Shallow breathing
• Coughing
• Fainting
• Potbelly (due to water retention)

If left untreated, heart problems often lead to cardiac arrest, so never ignore the above symptoms. If your dog begins showing any of the signs above, get assistance from a veterinarian immediately.

Be proactive by taking your dog to the vet for regular checkups. These quick visits will help to identify and treat hip and heart problems before they become severe.