Great Danes are a special breed. They shower you with love while offering friendship and companionship. Even though they have an average life span of about seven to nine years, they live longer when properly groomed. Some traits that make this Dog breed different include;
- Confidence and fearlessness.
- Athletic and energetic features
- Good with kids
- Easy to get along with and other traits that would suit your lifestyle.
They were originally bred to hunt wild boar with their German origin, but because of their personality, they are presently domestic. Although they are giants, they are easy-going and friendly.
Great Dane’s health
As you know, no dog is perfect, but the amount of care you give your Pet determines their overall output. For this reason, you must make sure that you give them the best always. Although Dog-care products could help, top-notch products are what you need. To this end, having a good knowledge of your Dane will help you prevent certain health-related challenges. Remember that the right care will make it easier for your dog.
Many dog health conditions are genetic, but there is a consensus among Veterinarians and Dog experts that diseased conditions on a Great Dane may be relative. That does not mean Danes are predisposed to similar infections as other Dogs. It means they are at a higher risk. Regardless of the products you use for your Pet, this guide will describe several infections peculiar to a Great Dane- Great Dane skin problems, skin diseases, allergies, thyroid problems, risks of pet products, etc.
General Information for your Great Dane.
Dental Disease: Your great Dane, like any dog, is prone to dental disease. Dental infections are common in pets by age two, but a Dane may be more susceptible. You want to brush their teeth with soft cleaning products and watch what goes into their mouth.
Obesity – obesity is of significant concern in these dogs. It could be a worse problem in that it affects joints, the back, and the heart. You may consider procuring pet exercise products to help your pet friend.
Parasites- all kinds of worms and bugs can invade dogs, but a Dane could have everything; fleas, ticks, mites, and worms. Effects are visible on the skin, but skincare products could help. Since some of these parasites are transmittable to owners, it is better to test them regularly while considering a visit to the veterinarian, products, and medications.
Spay or Neuter- this entails removing the ovaries for females and testicles for males. These are preventive surgical procedures for fatty tumors, cancers, and eliminating the possibility of pregnancy.
In order to get your furry mate checked for any such sensitivity the starting point is regular veterinarian visits. The vet must be able to detect the difference between a yeast infection and periodic shedding of the fur coat. In case any such possibility is detected you may have to foot the vet bills to be able to get vet treatments for the situation and other things, such as any extra picks.
Some Skin Predispositions for Danes
These dog breeds are highly susceptible to skin allergies. The cause may be a result of genetic, environmental, and food sources. The allergies may appear in several locations on the body; they could be dry, flaky, itchy skin, or scratchy. Consequently, adverse inflammations on the skin could be a result of food allergy or nutrition. Therefore, hot spots, lesions, and crusting may ensue.
- Hypothyroidism – is a leading cause of non-pruritic skin abnormalities in these dogs. It manifests as scabies, atopic dermatitis, and other forms of food intolerances.
- Allergens – Dogs, like their owners, have allergies, and each exhibits different reactions. Food Allergy could make their skin itch. But dog food allergies may be corrected by consulting with a veterinarian or maintaining a balanced food regimen. Since pets are prone to sensitivities, you may look out for edible products that are gentle on the stomach. For these allergic reactions, rubbing the face, scratching, and licking the paws are common signs.
- Hyperkeratosis- this occurs on the footpads of the Dog. It could be such that the skin around the pads become thick and crusty.
- Mange- a microscopic type of mite living in hair follicles; could affect the skin. In mild cases, hairless lesions, bumps, and irritations may occur. Secondary skin infections like skin scrapings may ensue, but prompt vet care could help curtail the effects.
- Histiocytomas- a benign skin condition in dogs. It is similar to a condition in humans but may rarely occur in Great Danes.
- All dogs have bacterial dermatitis, but Great Danes are prone to acral lick dermatitis, lick granulomas, zinc responsive dermatosis, atopic dermatitis, etc. Also, skin conditions in the form of skin scarpings are noticed. Scratching is inclusive, and as a result, coats may lose shine. However, products like moisturizing shampoo and balanced nutrition could prevent skin disease altogether.
Despite their coats’ thickness and smoothness, the body of your Dog could become dry. You want to look out for scaly patches, dandruff, lesions, and redness (caused by inadequate blood supply). Furthermore, seasonal changes may cause hair loss.
Allergy locations
Aside from the prevalence of eye problems in these dogs, allergies occur in a variety of locations. Pay attention to the face, muzzle, ears, stomach, sides, and any area where the skin folds. When these areas show such symptoms, it could lead to secondary diseases if left untreated or when a medicine is not applied.
Managing skin-food abnormalities
Since it has been established that food has certain links to skin abnormalities, it would help if you considered putting your Dog on a new diet. At the same time, pet parents go with various products; the nutritional quality and quantity matter. Although some products’ error is a lack of healthy fats, which could result in heart disease, you want to consider foods with essential fatty acids like omega 6 and omega 3. Besides boosting the immune system, omega 3 fatty acids help manage allergies, heart diseases, and boost coat shine.
A big part of what you need to keep your Dog away from atopic dermatitis is grooming and choosing food with the right ingredients. Consider asking for expert recommendations before buying food products. Also, adhere to Vet Schedules. Another important step is to have pet insurance that could cater to Products and services. Also, when considering products, you want to pick products with their rights reserved. Consider building food routines around healthier regimens. Aside from great products, the following treatment options could also be helpful;
- For Chronic Itching and Dermatitis – consider a diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and other fatty acids.
- Dull Coat and Scaling- adjust the EPA and DHA levels in Pet products.
- Dandruff and Crustiness- adjust the zinc and Vitamin A levels of the diet.
- Coat color changes – increase amino acid levels.
Any abnormal sign could be a symptom of infections as skin redness could be a pointer to atopic dermatitis. Health concerns in our pets could be a combination of symptoms. Most importantly, get help when you need some.