
Big dogs are adorable because they tend to have mild temperaments, which makes them a popular choice for many families. According to experts, large dogs are friendlier because their size makes them less intimidated. Unfortunately, large dog breeds are very fragile, especially in their old age and they have a shorter lifespan.
Products to Keep Your Big Dog Healthy
You can always find products that will make your dog’s life a bit easier. According to experts, there are products specifically designed to keep large dog breeds happy. Although such products are not always cheap, they will be worth it to see your pooch wagging his tail.
Here are some of the products that you should get for your big dog:
Orthopedic dog bed – if you sleep on a memory foam mattress, then you know how comfortable it is. Now you can give your dog the same amount of comfort by investing in an orthopedic bed. It is ideal for larger dogs that are victims of hip and joint pain.
Large dog crate – since large dogs have issues with their muscles and joints, you should get an appropriately sized crate. A small crate can make joint problems even worse.
If you have a giant dog breed, you already know that every moment with him is precious.
Therefore, you should do whatever you can to make sure that he is comfortable and happy. By choosing some pet products and visiting the vet regularly, you can keep your dog happy.
Common Health Risks for Larger Dogs
You need to keep your family dog healthy no matter what size he is. Large dogs that weigh over 100 pounds end up with many health problems.
Here are the common health issues for big dogs:
Obesity – poor exercise and joint problems mean that large dogs might not be able to burn excess calories. Moreover, large breed dogs typically eat more, which means that they might suffer from obesity. Excessive weight reduces the lifespan of dogs and makes it difficult for them to breathe.
Osteoarthritis – if your dog suffers from joint problems, then he has a higher risk of getting osteoarthritis in old age. Deterioration of joint cartilage causes this chronic inflammation. Because big dogs weigh more, this disease is more likely to be present in large pooches.
Hip dysplasia – this disorder can affect dogs at any age. It is genetic and occurs when hip joints develop abnormally thus causing deterioration of muscles and joints. Hip dysplasia can make your dog listless because of pain.
Generally, big dogs are more likely to fall ill compared to smaller dogs. However, this does not stop people from wanting to bring them home. Before you get a large dog, you should do plenty of research. You should also know that owning a large dog is not cheap and you should take some steps to make your home friendly for giant dogs.
Schedule Regular Screenings
When you schedule regular vet visits, you can detect a problem sooner and start making the right adjustments. For instance, if your dog develops hip dysplasia, your vet can devise a treatment program that includes surgery, meds, and supplements. You will have to get an orthopedic bed and keep your dog warm because cold weather worsens joint stiffness.
You also need to ensure that floor surfaces have enough traction. You do not want your sick dog to slip and fall on hardwood or tile floors.
Conclusion
Despite all these problems that big dogs face, yours can lead a happy and healthy life with the proper attention and care. You should not be afraid to get a big dog.
Big dogs are adorable because they tend to have mild temperaments, which makes them a popular choice for many families. According to experts, large dogs are friendlier because their size makes them less intimidated. Unfortunately, large dog breeds are very fragile, especially in their old age and they have a shorter lifespan.
Thank you for this important contribution. Especially dog owners of big dogs should know about health risks. This article explains the most important health problems well. Every dog owner should deal with these problems.
I am so glad that you liked the post. I grew up with a Great Dane and her care was different than my little Maggie.