Great Danes are the quintessential big dogs. Danes have large floppy ears, a blocky head, a deep chest, long limbs, and a long tail. They can be clumsy at times but make great family pets thanks to their mild temperament (with proper socialization) and loyalty to their owners.
Unfortunately, Great Danes also have the downsides of big dogs: most notably a short life expectancy. While some dog breeds are expected to live 15 years or more, the average Great Dane life expectancy is just 6-8 years. The anatomy that makes Great Danes so appealing also renders them susceptible to a multitude of health problems.
We know you’ll do everything in your power to keep your Great Dane healthy, and we want to help! We’re Seapet, a company that’s been researching and manufacturing the best all-natural supplements for pets since 1996. We understand what Great Danes need to live their best lives, and we’ll share common Great Dane health issues, care tips, and how nutritional supplements may help in this article. Let’s begin!
What are the most common Great Dane health problems?
The biggest obstacle to keeping Great Danes healthy is understanding their specific risks. Some health conditions are genetic and more common in pure breeds like Great Danes, while your dog’s large frame causes others. Issues may be associated with improper care as well. Here are 14 of the health problems your Great Dane may experience:
1. Great Dane skin issues
Great Dane skin issues are primarily caused by allergies. Dog allergens are comparable to people allergens and may include dust, pollen, mold, and food. The most common symptom is itchy skin called atopy, which can affect any part of a Dane but is most common around skin folds such as the ears, feet, or belly. Skin problems can also lead to painful paw infections.
If you think your Dane might be struggling with skin problems, the best course of action is to take them to the vet for a comprehensive treatment plan.
2. Wobbler Syndrome
Wobbler Syndrome (alternatively called Wobbler Disease) is a neurological condition linked to genetics. The vertebrae in the dog’s neck narrow, pinching the spinal cord and nearby nerves. As a result, the nerves cannot send signals to the brain, and the dog loses feeling in his or her feet. The condition is categorized by unstable hind legs, an awkward gait, stumbling, and occasional falling.
Treatments include prescription medications, neck braces, physical rehab, and surgery in extreme cases.
3. Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the head of a dog’s femur bone doesn’t correctly fit into the hip socket, leading to symptoms such as reluctance to exercise, stiffness, and evidence of pain. This is another genetic condition that Great Danes are more prone to than other dogs.
Your dog’s vet can diagnose this condition through X-rays and create a treatment plan to help you manage your furry friend’s symptoms. Joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are often recommended.
4. Dilated cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM is a genetic condition causing a dog’s heart to expand until it is too thin and weak to effectively pump blood. Sadly, this condition often goes undiagnosed until it is too late to help the dog. There is no cure for DCM, but treatments are available if the condition is caught early enough.
If your Great Dane develops DCM, catching it early is crucial. Some of the signs to watch out for include lethargy, troubled breathing, weight loss, decreased appetite, and unexplained coughing.
5. Addison Disease
Addison Disease (or hypoadrenocorticism) is a condition categorized by a decrease in corticosteroid production by the adrenal glands. It’s particularly common in middle-aged, female Danes and often presents with symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, and muscle weakness.
Treatment generally includes replacing glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. That sounds complicated, but it just means your vet will monitor your dog’s potassium and blood sodium levels to determine the correct dose of a supplement.
6. Happy Tail Syndrome
Happy Tail Syndrome describes the damage big dogs like Great Danes do to their tails by repeatedly hitting solid surfaces during wagging sessions. You would think the pain caused would stop the dog, but most dogs continue wagging and make the damage worse while leaving blood splatters behind. Ouch!
The only way to treat Happy Tail Syndrome is to prevent the dog from wagging until the prior damage heals, which can take up to a month. Great Danes are enthusiastic tail-waggers, so your vet may resort to treatments such as Elizabethan collars, mild sedatives, and bandaging to help the tail heal.
7. Obesity
Obesity is a common health problem for all dogs, but Great Danes are particularly vulnerable. Danes only need moderate exercise and their large size can trick well-meaning owners into overfeeding. Worse, obesity exasperates the joint conditions that large dogs like Great Danes already struggle with.
The best way to protect your Dane from obesity is to feed a regular, balanced diet while ensuring your dog gets enough active play to maintain physical fitness. If your dog is already overweight, a veterinarian can help you create a weight loss plan for your canine companion.
8. Ear infections
Ear infections in Great Danes are similar to those in people, except that Danes have much more ear. Most are caused by yeast or bacteria and lead to itchiness or pain. Other conditions such as allergies and hypothyroidism may increase the likelihood of ear infection.
Treating ear infections is relatively easy and comparable to humans. Experts recommend washing your pet’s ears twice per week to prevent ear infections from occurring in the first place.
9. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (or OA) is just as painful for Great Danes as for humans. Furthermore, the large size of Danes and their tendency to grow too quickly make them more susceptible to joint conditions such as osteoarthritis.
If your Dane is showing arthritic signs, there are several things you can do. A healthy diet can reduce inflammation and ease your dog’s symptoms, while a joint support supplement could help as well. Losing weight can help obese dogs, and you can always consult your vet if you’re stumped.
10. Thyroid Problems
Autoimmune thyroiditis frequently causes hypothyroidism in Great Danes, meaning they don’t get enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to all sorts of problems.
Luckily, your vet can manage this disease through simple blood work and prescribe medications to get your dog’s thyroid levels back to where they are supposed to be.
11. Bloat (Gastric Torsion)
Bloat is exactly what it sounds like: the Dane ate too much too fast and is now gassy. People do the same thing all of the time. However, the length-to-width ratio and deep chest of Great Danes make it much harder for them to expel the gas. When the stomach expands, it twists and locks the gas inside. Further complicating matters, the stomach can twist so tightly that it cuts off blood flow to the stomach. Unfortunately, bloat often proves fatal.
If you think your Dane has bloat, there’s no time to lose. If you take your dog to the vet immediately, emergency surgery may be able to save them. Telltale signs to look for include panicked pawing at the stomach, pacing, unsuccessful vomiting, and restlessness.
12. Tricuspid Valve Disease
Tricuspid Valve Disease is a genetic condition where the dog’s heart valve doesn’t function correctly, potentially causing the entire left side of the heart to fail. Symptoms include a distended stomach, difficulty breathing, a heart murmur, increased heartbeat, and general weakness.
Treatments often include a low-sodium diet, losing weight, and supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids. Danes with Tricuspid Valve Disease are often advised against physical exertion, and surgery is an option in extreme cases.
13. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
Great Danes have an increased risk of osteosarcoma. Your dog’s prognosis is heavily dependent on how soon the cancer is caught. If you notice early signs such as leg pain and lameness, it’s important to act quickly.
Great Danes are also at increased risk for other forms of cancer including lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma. Again, early detection will greatly expand the treatment options available to you and your Dane.
14. Dental disease
While most dental problems are associated with small dog breeds, large dogs like Great Danes often have gingival hyperplasia, or overgrown gums caused by an inflammatory response to excessive plaque or certain medications.
Regular vet trips are the best solution to this problem. Your vet can clean your dog’s teeth and identify any issues before they spiral out of control.
How can I protect my Great Dane from these health issues?
Some Great Dane health problems are unavoidable, but proactive care goes a long way toward ensuring your dog lives as long as possible. If your puppy grows too quickly, they’ll become more susceptible to bone and joint conditions. Many health conditions associated with the size of Great Danes can be mitigated by monitoring your dog’s growth. Similarly, feeding your Dane an age-appropriate, balanced diet can reduce their risk of obesity and conditions like osteoarthritis.
Great Danes are vulnerable to gas and bloat, so overeating is a significant concern. You can feed your dog multiple smaller meals per day to reduce their risk of bloating. You might also consider a slow-feeder dog bowl to control how much your Dane consumes.
You cannot change your dog’s genetics, but you can find out what they are. If you got your Dane from a breeder, you should ask about their parents’ health histories for information about your canine’s genetics. Genetic testing is also an option if you aren’t sure of your dog’s lineage.
Most importantly, spend time with your Great Dane! Not only can active play give your dog exercise, but it’ll also strengthen the bond between you. You’ll be more likely to notice if something’s wrong, giving your vet more time to address any issues that arise.
Do supplements promote health in Great Danes?
Supplements may provide beneficial nutrients to support the health of Great Danes. The breed is well-known for developing joint problems, and most vets recommend glucosamine and chondroitin supplements to strengthen their bones. Likewise, Omega-3s may help support your dog’s cardiovascular health.
Of course, not all supplements are created equally. When it comes to something as important as your beloved pet’s health, you want the best of the best. Your dog’s supplements should be all-natural, sustainably sourced, and in a bioavailable form your dog’s body knows how to use. They should be backed by the best research in the industry, and the manufacturer should stand by them 100 percent.
Where can I find the best all-natural supplements for Great Danes?
Seapet is the only name you need to know for all-natural pet supplements. We’ve been refining our formulas for over two decades. Our Shark Cartilage Formula for Dogs contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate sourced from shark cartilage, giving your Dane the nutrients they need in the form nature intended. Better yet, it’s available in powder and capsule forms for maximal convenience.
Our Omega PLUS Fish Oil for Dogs contains human-grade, concentrated Omega 3 fatty acids. It acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, easing the symptoms associated with the joint conditions Danes are known for. Our fish oil may also support your dog’s immune system and promote healthy skin.
If you’re ready to give your dog the best all-natural pet supplements, we have you covered. Try us today!
Image by Martin Tajmr from Pixabay
