Great Danes: What a Unique
Breed!
Your dog is special! She’s your best friend and
companion and a source of unconditional love.
Chances are that you chose her because you like great
Danes, and you expected her to have certain traits that
would fit your lifestyle:
Affectionate, easygoing, and sweet
Trustworthy and dependable
A good companion and family dog
Requires minimal grooming
An excellent guard dog
Courageous and loyal
No dog is perfect, though, and you may have noticed
these characteristics, too:
Takes up a lot of room due to her massive size
Must be properly socialized with humans and
other animals
Prone to separation anxiety, with associated
destructive chewing behaviors
Can be independent and strong-willed
Passes a lot of gas, sheds, and drools
Has a short life span and lots of health problems
Is it all worth it? Of course! She’s got her own
personality, and you love her for it.
Your Great Dane’s Health
We know that because you care so much about your
dog, you want to take good care of him. That’s why
we’ll tell you about the health concerns we’ll be
discussing with you over the life of your Dane.
Many diseases and health conditions are genetic,
<Insert hospital name and phone number>
1601 Lee Road
Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: 407-644-2676
Fax: 407-644-1312
www.wpvet.com
Dental Disease
Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in
pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. It starts with
tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of
the gums and roots of the teeth. We’ll clean your dog’s
teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home
to keep those pearly whites clean. It’s also important to
prevent broken or damaged teeth by avoiding certain kinds
of toys and treats, including chew hooves, tennis balls,
bones, and ice cubes.
Heart Disease
Great Danes are especially prone to a kind of deadly heart
problem known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in
which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it
can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. Watch
for your friend acting weak or tired, fainting or collapsing,
breathing in a labored way, or coughing. We’ll conduct an
annual ECG screening after age one to look for abnormal
heart rhythms. We’ll treat this condition with medication
and may also recommend a dietary supplement called
taurine.
Hip Dysplasia
You’ve probably heard of hip dysplasia, an inherited
disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and
leads to arthritis. Unfortunately, it is common in great
Danes. You may notice that he has lameness in his hind
legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can
treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to avoid
discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option
in severe and life-limiting cases of hip dysplasia. We’ll
take X-rays of your dog’s joints to identify the disease as
early as possible. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may
develop arthritis two years earlier than those of normal
weight, causing undue pain and suffering. Good nutrition
and proper exercise are also very important to help reduce
bone and joint problems as a pet gets older.
Infections
Danes are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections—the
same ones that all dogs can get—such as parvovirus,
rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are
preventable through vaccination, which we’ll administer to
your dog based on the diseases we see in our area, her age,
and other factors.
Joint Disease
When great Dane puppies are allowed to grow too quickly,
the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bone
properly. Surgery may be required to fix the problem,
known as osteochondritis dessicans or OCD, so it’s best to
stick to our recommended growth rate of no more than
four pounds per week. Don’t overfeed him, weigh your
puppy every three to four weeks, don’t feed calcium
supplements, and feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than
an adult diet or a regular puppy diet.
Winter Park Veterinary Hospital
meaning they’re related to your pet’s breed. That doesn’t
mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that
he’s more at risk than other dogs. We’ll describe the most
common issues for great Danes to give you an idea of what
may come up. Of course we can’t cover every possibility
here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual
signs or symptoms.
This guide, and the health evaluation schedule it contains,
helps us and you plan for your pet’s health-care needs. At
the end of the booklet, we’ve included a description of
what you can do at home to keep your Dane looking and
feeling his best. You’ll know what to watch for, and we’ll
all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible
care of your pal.
Bloat
Gastric dilatation and volvulus, also known as bloat,
usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This
means your Dane is more at risk than other breeds.
Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or
sutured in place so that it cannot twist is an option. When a
dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas.
The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and
sometimes the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly
fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may
retch or heave (but nothing comes out), act restless, have a
pot belly, or lie in a prayer position (front feet down, rear
end up). If you see symptoms, take her to an emergency
hospital immediately!
Cancer
Your great Dane is especially prone to osteosarcoma, or
bone cancer. The symptoms are lameness and leg pain in a
middle-aged or older dog. Early detection is critical! Call
right away if you notice that your dog is limping.
Neurological Disease
A genetically linked neurological condition that could
occur in your great Dane causes a wobbly, drunken
gait. This condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler
syndrome, happens because there is a narrowing of the
vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the spinal cord and
associated nerves. If the nerves don’t send signals to the
brain the way they’re supposed to, your dog can’t feel her
feet. The first signs you’ll notice are unstable hind legs,
stumbling, and sometimes falling. Medications, neck
braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery are
treatment options.
Obesity
Obesity is a significant health problem in dogs and a
serious disease that may cause arthritis, some types of
cancer, back pain, and heart disease. Though it’s tempting
to give your pal food when he looks at you with those
soulful eyes, you can love him to death with human food
and treats.
Parasites
All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your dog’s body,
inside and out. Everything from fleas to ticks to ear mites
can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms,
heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in
any number of ways: drinking unclean water, eating or
stepping on feces, or being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a
family member and are a serious concern for everyone. For
your friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and
even death, so it’s important that we test for them on a
regular basis. We’ll also recommend preventative
medication as necessary to keep her healthy.
Skin Infections
Your great Dane is prone to a form of skin infection called
lip-fold pyoderma, which occurs because the folds of skin
along the lower jaw are usually moist. Bacteria can readily
gain a foothold and cause a reddened, smelly area that is
uncomfortable for your dog. Another painful condition that
your Dane is susceptible to is pododermatitis, or skin
infection of the feet. It causes blisters and ulcers between
his toes that he may lick, or they may make him limp.
Ouch! We will check for these conditions upon
examination, but let us know if you see signs. We’ll
recommend treatment with ointments, antibiotics, and
other therapy as necessary.
Spaying or Neutering
One of the best things you can do for your great Dane is to
have her spayed (called neutering in males). In males, this
means we surgically remove the testicles, and in females, it
means we surgically remove the uterus and ovaries.
Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain
types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet
becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.
Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your
pet is under anesthesia, to evaluate and possibly address
some of the diseases your Dane is likely to develop. This is
convenient for you and easy for your friend. Don’t worry;
we’ll let you know what specific problems we’ll look for
when the time arrives.
Thyroid Problems
Danes are prone to a condition called hypothyroidism in
which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone.
Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss,
susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, lethargy,
mental dullness, sleeping excessively, fearfulness,
aggression, or other behavioral changes. We’ll conduct a
blood screening test annually starting at age two.
Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given
in the form of a pill.
Winter Park Veterinary Hospital
Taking Care of Your
Great Dane at Home
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and
healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch
his diet, make sure he gets plenty of exercise, regularly
brush his teeth, and call us or a pet emergency hospital
when something seems unusual (see “What to Watch For”
below). Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations
and vaccinations that we recommend for him. This is when
we’ll give him the necessary “check-ups” and test for
diseases and conditions that are common in great Danes.
Another very important step in caring for your pet is
signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be
medical tests and procedures he will need throughout his
life, and pet health insurance will help you cover those
costs.
Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise
Build her routine care into your schedule to help your
Dane live longer, stay healthy, and be happier during her
lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a
proper diet and exercise routine. Overweight great Danes
are more prone to cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and other
problems.
Brush her teeth at least three times a week.
Don’t let your dog chew on bones, ice cubes, hooves,
or tennis balls.
Keep your dog’s diet consistent, and don’t give her
people food.
Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.
Exercise your dog regularly, and don’t overdo
exercise.
What to Watch For
Give us a call immediately if you notice any of these signs
in your great Dane:
Vomiting or chronic diarrhea
Weight loss or weight gain
Lumps, bumps, and moles
Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping
Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes
Limping or lameness—this could indicate hip
dysplasia or bone cancer
Hair loss
Coughing or difficulty breathing
Episodes of weakness
Pot-belly appearance
Inability or straining to urinate
Cloudiness, redness, itching or any other abnormality
involving the eyes
Itchy skin (scratching or licking)
Change in appetite or water consumption
Scratching or shaking the head, or discharge in the ear
A foul odor or redness about mouth
Sores or blisters between her toes
Wobbly legs, stumbling, or falling
Partners in Health Care
DNA testing is a rapidly advancing field with tests being
developed to help diagnose conditions before they become
problems for your friend. For the most up-to-date
information on DNA and other screening tests available
for your pal, visit www.Genesis4Pets.com.
Your great Dane counts on you to take good care of him,
and we look forward to working with you to ensure that he
lives a long and healthy life. Our goal is to ensure that your
pal has the best health care possible: health care that's
based on his breed, lifestyle, and age. Please contact us
when you have questions or concerns.
Health Evaluation Schedule
for Great Danes
Now that you’ve read about the health issues we’ll be
monitoring, we wanted to give you an at-a-glance
summary of what services we’ll provide to keep your great
Dane happy and healthy. It may seem like your pet is
prone to quite a few problems, but don’t worry; we’ll take
the lead in keeping her healthy for a lifetime. We’ll review
these health-care steps with you in more detail, but please
feel free to ask questions or voice concerns at any time.
Studies to determine the frequency of inheritance or
disease in this breed either have not been completed or are
inconclusive. There is a general consensus among canine
genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the
conditions we’ve described herein have a significant rate
of incidence and/or impact in this breed.
Winter Park Veterinary Hospital
How We’ll Keep Your Great Dane Healthy
(√)
Age
Services We’ll Provide
Great Dane–Specific
Problems We’re Looking For
6–8
weeks
Head-to-tail physical examination
Internal parasite test and/or deworming
Vaccinations
Discuss socialization and at-home puppy care
Heart murmurs
Hernias
Proper dental alignment
Parasites
10–12
weeks
Brief physical examination
Heartworm prevention
Vaccinations
Discuss caring for your dog’s teeth at home
Proper growth rate
Behavioral problems
Parasites
14–16
weeks
Brief physical examination
Internal parasite check
Vaccinations
Discuss obedience training, nail trimming,
and grooming
Schedule spay/neuter surgery
Adult teeth coming in properly
Skin infections
Tonsillitis
Parasites
4–6
months
Head-to-tail physical examination
Presurgical diagnostics for spay or
neuter surgery
Stomach tack
Hip evaluation
Joint disease
Skin infections
Internal organ health prior to spay/neuter surgery
Prevention of bloat
Hip dysplasia
1 year
Head-to-tail physical examination
Hip evaluation
Heartworm test
Internal parasite check
Vaccinations
Discuss diet, weight, and exercise
Joint disease
Skin infections
Excessive weight gain
Behavioral problems
Hip dysplasia
Heartworms and other parasites
2 years
through
5 years
Head-to-tail physical examination
Hip evaluation
Internal organ health evaluation
Cancer screen
Thyroid testing
Heart health check
Internal parasite check
Heartworm test
Vaccinations
Dental disease
Skin infections
Healthy weight
Hip dysplasia
Internal organ health and function
Signs of cancer
Thyroid function
Heart disease
Heartworms and other parasites
6 years
through
7 years
Head-to-tail physical examination
Hip evaluation
Senior internal organ health evaluation
Cancer screen
Thyroid testing
Heart health check
Internal parasite check
Heartworm test
Vaccinations
Dental disease
Skin infections
Healthy weight
Arthritis
Hip dysplasia
Internal organ health and function
Signs of cancer
Thyroid function
Heart disease
Heartworms and other parasites
8 years
and older
Head-to-tail physical examination
Golden years internal organ health evaluation
Cancer screen
Thyroid testing
Glaucoma screen
Heart health check
Internal parasite check
Heartworm test
Vaccinations
Dental disease
Skin infections
Healthy weight
Arthritis
Internal organ health and function
Signs of cancer
Thyroid function
Glaucoma
Heart disease
Heartworms and other parasites
Note: We recommend twice-a-year examinations so that we may diagnose problems sooner.
This approach also gives you the budget-friendly option of spreading preventive testing over two visits rather than one.
Winter Park Veterinary Hospital