Great Danes have a wonderful personality and temperament, making them a great choice for a wide range of families. They can easily steal just about anyone’s heart – even a non-dog person’s! Unfortunately, this gentle giant is prone to several health issues. These issues, when left untreated, can compromise your Dane’s quality of life and even shorten their already too short life span. The following are 3 of the top health concerns for Great Danes that all owners, or those thinking about getting a Dane, should know about.
#1 – Bloat
Boat is the number one killer of Great Danes, and they are prone to this condition more than any other breed. While the reason bloat happens is not fully understood, veterinarians do know the result of what happens when the stomach distends – it can rotate. This causes the blood flow to be cut off and digestion to shut down. While there is surgery to treat it, it’s not always successful. The best thing is prevention through feeding multiple small meals, using slow feeders or puzzle toys to avoid the “gulping” of food, and not exercising your Dane immediately after eating.
#2 – Heart Disease
Danes are prone to genetic Cardiomyopathy. Current research is exploring the possibility that the disease is sex-linked. Danes also have several congenital heart defects that can occur. If you are getting a puppy from a breeder, be sure they have tested their dogs for the presence of these diseases. Dogs with them should not be bred.
#3 – Cancer
Cancer is one of the other leading causes of death in Great Danes. The most common forms seen in the breed are bone cancer and lymphoma. Having regular check-ups and being aware of any changes in your dog’s appearance or mood can aid in early detection.
