Hello Danes

Author: Hello Danes

  • Dog Food DCM in Great Danes

    Dog Food DCM in Great Danes

    We’ve already written a few posts about dog food & DCM in Great Danes, but haven’t yet compiled a list of helpful topics, links, and science on it. This dog food DCM article will be ongoing and updated often. If you are concerned about nutritional DCM, or if your Great Dane was diagnosed with DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) or heart disease, this blog should serve as a resource for you.

    If you would like to click open some of our most popular nutritional DCM resources, start here (they will open in a new tab for you). Many other links are posted in the blog text below as well.

    Should I feed Grain-Free Dog Food?

    DCM Update, 2022

    Judy Morgan, the FDA, and Pseudoscience

    What is DCM in Dogs?

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    What is Nutritional DCM in Dogs?

    Nutritional DCM, or “dog food DCM” is when a dog develops dilated cardiomyopathy (heart problems) because of unbalanced or poorly formulated nutrition. While some people believe this is a hoax, the relationship between bad nutrition and health problems in animals is well documented.

    In other words, this is a well-known and studied phenomenon. For example, in the not-so-distant past, cats were turning up with dilated cardiomyopathy. Pet food manufacturers responded to this by researching the problem and learning that for cats, it was related to nutritional deficiencies.

    Cat foods were adjusted and from that point forward, the problem went away. Here is an article from 1987 that covers this event: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-08-14-mn-805-story.html

    For cats, who have a limited ability to make their own taurine, it was a simple solution. Adding taurine to the diet solved the problem. For dogs (who are much more able to synthesize their own taurine from other amino acids), it’s a lot more complicated.

    Below I’m sharing some nutritional DCM facts, as well as scientific research and links. In the interest of keeping this article clean and free of bias, we will not be using any affiliate links in the text of the post.

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    Nutritional DCM Facts

    Here are some facts about nutritional DCM Dilated Cardiomyopathy that you may not know.

    Nutritional Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs is a serious heart condition that has been associated with certain dietary factors. Here are some key facts about nutritional DCM:

    1. Definition: Nutritional DCM is a heart disease that affects the heart muscle, leading to its enlargement and weakened contractions.
    2. Link to Diet: Research has suggested a potential link between certain grain-free and boutique diets and an increased risk of DCM in dogs. Diets high in peas, lentils, and potatoes are specifically under scrutiny. Adding grains to the diet does NOT solve this problem!
    3. Taurine Deficiency: Taurine is an amino acid essential for heart health in dogs. Some cases of DCM have been associated with taurine deficiency, though not all affected dogs are deficient, and not all taurine-deficient dogs develop DCM. Adding taurine to the diet does not necessarily solve this problem.
    4. Affected Breeds: While initially observed more in breeds predisposed to DCM, such as Doberman Pinschers and Boxers, nutritional DCM has been reported across various breeds, including those not historically prone to the disease.
    5. FDA Investigation: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating the potential link between certain diets and DCM in dogs in 2018. The investigation is ongoing, and updates are periodically released.
    6. Importance of Balanced Nutrition: While the investigation continues, it is crucial for dog owners to provide a well-balanced and nutritionally complete diet. Consultation with a veterinarian is advisable to determine the most appropriate diet for an individual dog based on its breed, age, and health status.
    7. Diagnostics and Monitoring: Diagnosis of DCM involves a thorough veterinary examination, including imaging techniques like echocardiography. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring are essential for early detection and management.
    8. Treatment: Treatment may involve dietary adjustments, taurine supplementation, and medications to manage heart function. However, outcomes vary, and some cases may be challenging to manage.
    9. Prevention: Until more is known about the specific dietary factors contributing to DCM, prevention involves choosing dog foods with complete and balanced nutrition, and consulting with a veterinarian to tailor the diet to the individual needs of the dog.
    10. Ongoing Research: The understanding of nutritional DCM in dogs is evolving, and ongoing research is essential to uncover the precise factors contributing to this condition. Veterinarians play a crucial role in staying informed and guiding dog owners in making informed dietary choices.
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    DCM & Dog Food Research

    It’s important to keep in mind that many sources of information on nutritional DCM are extremely biased. “Holistic” veterinarians don’t like this discussion because it directly implicates dog food diets that they promote as healthier (for example, grain-free diets from small dog food companies).

    A great example of this can be seen here, by influencer Judy Morgan and her inflammatory take on the FDA statements about DCM research.

    We recommend looking at scientific sources and links, and listening to professionals who have obtained board certifications in their speciality (cardiology, nutrition, internal medicine) when it comes to forming beliefs about nutritional DCM.

    Contrary to popular belief, the FDA has not ‘debunked’ anything, and dedicated research into the mechanisms behind dilated cardiomyopathy is ongoing.

    Like many blogs, Hello Danes is a profit-driven resource. However, we make it a point to share information and form opinions based on boarded professionals, veterinary research, and legitimate science; not anecdotes. We encourage you to click on the research articles we share and form your own opinion, too!

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    Dog Food & DCM Science & Links

    All Trades DVM DCM Timeline – this is incredibly comprehensive and loaded with direct links to scientific studies on the topic:

    https://www.alltradesdvm.com/topics/diet-associated-dcm/dcm-timeline

    The most recent study, shows yet again that pulse ingredients can cause changes to the heart muscle:

    December 2022 DCM Study

    The Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM in Dogs group on Facebook is eye-opening. They document confirmed cases of nutritional DCM, including the dog’s age, breed, and foods that the dog had been eating at the time of their diagnosis.

    Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Dogs

    A team of veterinary specialists and professionals runs the DCM Dog Food website. It has a wealth of information, FAQ’s, and research:

    https://dcmdogfood.com/taurine-dcm-faq/
    https://dcmdogfood.com

    This UC DAVIS Study is seeking participants. If your dog has been eating a commercial diet (grain-free or grain-inclusive) for the last 6 months and does not have congenital heart disease, they may be eligible to participate:

    UC DAVIS DCM Research Study Information

    The Great Dane Club of America posted a 2002 research update into genetic (congenital) DCM in Great Danes. This is unrelated to nutritional DCM, however, has important information for Dane owners on what to look for:

    https://gdca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Great-Dane-102.pdf

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    Nutritional DCM in Great Danes

    I did a quick search in the Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy group for ‘Great Dane’ and the results were heart-wrenching.

    Within minutes I found story after story of Great Danes that had been fed boutique foods and grain-free diets who suffered from an enlarged heart.

    These cases were all well documented and had been diagnosed and confirmed by veterinary cardiologists.

    Many of them were reversed by switching to Purina Pro Plan Large Breed. For some, it was too late. In a quick search, the food I saw repeated most often as a culprit was Taste of the Wild.

    That’s just one brand of many formulas that are popular among Great Dane owners.

    If you want my personal opinion, you could not pay me to feed Taste of the Wild or any other label manufactured by its co-packing company, Diamond Pet Foods. This includes Diamond Naturals, Nutra Nuggets, Costco/Kirkland, and Solid Gold.

    Even if many dogs seem fine on the grain-inclusive versions of these foods, this company is perfectly willing to ignore DCM research and keep foods, such as Taste of the Wild (TOTW) grain-free on the shelves.

    Honestly? The Great Dane community should be much more alarmed about this than they currently are.

    It’s not just about grain-free foods. It’s about formulation. At minimum, dog food companies should be employing people who are qualified to design pet foods. Unfortunately, many do not. They can make plenty of money by investing instead in fancy packaging and marketing claims.

    I searched two brands at the Pet Nutrition Alliance. One of them was Purina (the company with the largest market share by miles, and no verified nutritional DCM cases), and one of them was Diamond Pet Foods (the makers of Taste of the Wild, who has a very small market share and many verified DCM cases).

    Can you guess which is which on the infographic below?

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    Note: An “ACVN Diplomate” is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. They have received the highest credentials available when it comes to pet nutrition.

    Here are other popular brands in the Great Dane community that do not have qualified staff to formulate the diets:

    Fromm Family Foods – Formulated by a chemical engineer. In 2023 they promoted a PhD in Animal Nutrition on their staff, and we hope to see positive changes.

    Victor – Formulated by somebody with an M.S. in animal science (not nutrition) and a simple online “nutrition certification”. See also their questionable quality control history, here.

    Holistic Select, Wellness Core, Eagle Pack – Information is not available from any source, indicating that they do not have qualified people formulating the diets that they sell under different brand names, and do not wish that information to be public

    Diamond: Diamond Naturals, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Nutra-Nuggets, Costco/Kirkland, Solid Gold – “Consults with an M.S. in Animal Nutrition”. This means that across multiple labels, nobody is on staff to formulate the diets, and their off-site consultant is only marginally qualified

    Study after study shows that when it comes to giant breed dogs, and in particular giant breed puppies, choosing a well-balanced and professionally formulated, highly-researched food that has been subjected to feeding trials is incredibly important.

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    Nutritional DCM & Our Recommendations for Great Dane Owners

    We’ve dug into the links, science, and research so that you don’t have to.

    We’re making every effort to present factual, science-backed information that the solid majority of veterinarians and veterinary specialists would support, and we are open to being challenged by reputable sources.

    Knowing this, here are the recommendations that we unapologetically make:

    • Choose a dry food from a well-known brand that is committed to research and that has at least one AVCN Diplomate (Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist) on staff
    • Feed a grain-inclusive diet
    • Avoid kibbles that have a lot of peas, potatoes, lentils, or legumes in the first 10 ingredients
    • Consider getting an echocardiogram for your dog if you’ve been feeding a grain-free or boutique food brand (some dogs will be just fine, but if they aren’t? Catching it early and switching diets is key)
    • Report health issues that may be related to diet (including heart disease, illness, or otherwise) to the FDA. Their food reporting form can be found HERE: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/report-problem/how-report-pet-food-complaint
    • If your dog is suffering from chronic loose stools, skin conditions, muscle wasting, low energy, or allergies, see your veterinarian, take their advice, and don’t be afraid to consider a therapeutic (“prescription” diet) or a consultation with a specialist (dermatology, cardiology, internal medicine, etc.)
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    Recommended Dog Food Brands That Don’t Cause DCM

    The following food brands are NOT associated with cases of preventable nutritional DCM, and are highly recommended by this blog, veterinary professionals, veterinary nutritionists, and top breeders. This is the only paragraph in this post containing Chewy affiliate links – which we could pull for ANY number of brands and formulas.

    These are the only ones we are comfortable recommending to Great Dane owners. We will not recommend brands that we feel are unsafe to feed, and for that reason, this is all you will find on our list:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

  • What are By-Products in Dog Food?

    What are By-Products in Dog Food?

    In the world of pet nutrition, the mention of byproducts in pet food often raises eyebrows and sparks concern among pet owners. We’ve all seen the commentary about by-products in dog food being “leftovers scraped off the slaughterhouse floor”. (Spoiler alert, that’s propaganda, not truth).

    It’s essential to put initial apprehensions behind when reading this blog post because I’m about to change your understanding of by-products!

    When sourced from companies committed to rigorous scientific standards and uncompromising quality, these ingredients can be a valuable and nutritious choice for your pet’s diet. Do I even say that by-products are biologically appropriate for dogs? Yeah, I’m going to go there.

    In this blog post, we will explore the often misunderstood realm of byproducts in pet food, shedding light on predatory pet food marketing, misinformation, and nonsense in the dog nutrition industry.

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    What are By-Products in Dog Food?

    Here is a list of things that you may see on your dog food label which indicates that by-products have been used in the formula:

    • Meat By-Product Meal
    • Chicken By-Product Meal
    • Meat By-Products
    • Liver, Kidney, Lung, Heart, Tongue, or Spleen in any form
    • Brewer’s Rice
    • Cartilage
    • Bone Meal
    • Blood Meal
    • Beef Cheek
    • Beef Pizzle
    • Chicken Paws
    • Gelatin
    • Fat

    You may be surprised to learn that many dog foods and dog treats contain by-products, even if they aren’t labeled as such.

    Brewer’s Rice is a by-product. It’s the tiny bits of rice left over from milling. They have the same nutritional value as whole pieces of rice, but aren’t ‘pretty’ so they are sorted out and sold as an inexpensive by-product.

    Author’s Note: the EU (European Union) defines by-products differently than the U.S. This is simply a matter of language and semantics; however, the concept remains the same. For this post as a U.S.-based blog, we are using ‘By-Products’ somewhat interchangeably with ‘Co-Products’ to avoid confusion.

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    Are By-Products in Dog Food Bad?

    The word ‘by-products’ conjures up visions of trash, scraps, and junk scraped off the factory floor. Many people have a visceral reaction to the word ‘by-products’ and will say they would never dream of feeding them to their dog.

    This always makes me chuckle because many of these same people will turn around and offer their dog a freeze-dried liver treat, bully stick, or bowl full of raw dog food (which is loaded with by-products such as spleen, cartilage, and bone).

    The actual definition of a by-product is simply this: “an incidental or secondary product made in the manufacture or synthesis of something else”.

    Oxford Languages

    Cream of Tartar, commonly used in Snickerdoodle cookies, is a natural by-product of winemaking!

    Whey, commonly used for its generous protein content, is a by-product of cheesemaking.

    Rennet, which is necessary to make many cheeses, is a by-product coming from the stomach of ruminant animals.

    Leather is a by-product (co-product) of the beef industry.

    Whether you like it or not, if you feed your dog the following items you are feeding by-products:

    • Bully stick / Beef Pizzle (which is made from bull penis)
    • Freeze-dried liver or other organs
    • Chicken paws
    • Poultry necks
    • Freeze-dried duck heads
    • Pig ears
    • Spleen, heart, kidney, lung, etc.
    • Eggshells

    By-products (co-products) are found in many places, not just pet foods! Many by-products we humans use and consume daily are not labeled as by-products (or co-products), but that’s what they are.

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    What is the By-Product Meal in Dog Food?

    Here is where we can dig into this discussion. Chicken By-Product meal is the first ingredient in one of our most commonly recommended foods, Royal Canin Giant Breed.

    That word ‘by-products’ sounds gross and cheap, when really, it’s exactly what a dog needs in their diet. Allow me to explain.

    If you give a dog a whole dead chicken, they will first dig into the organs. They also want the bones, tendons, and cartilage. Then some fat and skin. Finally they will eat the muscle meat.

    Dogs need meat, bone, organ, and cartilage in their diet. These things are incredibly nutritious!

    When you see “chicken by-product meal”, you are seeing an ingredient that contains a nutritious dehydrated meal made of those things: meat, bone, organ, and cartilage.

    These ingredients come from the chicken meat processing industry. They are considered ‘by-products’ because unlike chicken wings or breasts, they are not widely consumed by humans.

    By utilizing by-products in pet food, we’re making a conscious, eco-friendly choice to reduce the impact that our diets and our pet’s diets have on the Earth.

    Now think of the dog food brands that rely on “fresh meats”. Those are brands that intentionally turn away the nutritious parts of the slaughtered animals such as the bones, organs, and cartilage.

    They are not only being wasteful, but they are ignoring valuable nutrition.

    AAFCO defines meat by-products as follows: “rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach, and rumen contents”.

    While you may have read that ‘by-products’ in pet food are “slaughterhouse waste full of hooves, hair, beaks, and feet“, it’s not true.

    What is Meat Meal in Dog Food?

    To better understand meat meals, it’s helpful to understand first how extruded kibble products work.

    Fresh meat (which may be labeled as “fresh chicken, deboned lamb, grass-fed beef” or similar) is around 70% water content.

    In other words, fresh meat is heavy, but mostly because it contains so much water. This is what allows the dog food company to place “fresh meat” as the first ingredient.

    However, once the kibble is extruded (cooked) and the moisture content is significantly reduced, the actual amount of meat left in the finished kibble is much less than you think. Remember that a finished kibble is a dry product with very low moisture content.

    Enter meat meal.

    Meat meals are an ingredient that was developed to solve this problem. If you want your dog’s kibble to have a legitimate amount of animal-based nutrition in it, you want to see “meat meal” or “meat by-product meal” in the ingredients list!

    Meat meals have been shown in studies to reduce the risk of bloat in dogs!

    To make a meat meal, the manufacturer ‘renders’ animal products (including muscle meat, tissue, cartilage, bones, and organs) to remove the fat and moisture.

    The finished product is a nutrient-dense dry ingredient that is easy to store and incorporate as a primary ingredient in a dry, extruded kibble. It is incredibly high in protein and amino acids, especially when compared to fresh meat (by volume).

    You can think of ‘meat meal’ (including ‘by-product meal’) as a protein powder of sorts. However, instead of mixing it up in a blender bottle after a workout (as you might do with your whey protein), the dog food manufacturer is turning it into a nutritious, chewable finished product.

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    What is in the By-Product Meal in Pet Food?

    Now that we understand the difference between fresh meat and meat meal, and we understand what by-products are (“co-products”), we can dig a little deeper into what a by-product meal is.

    Dog food companies are NOT required to state what is in their meat meals specifically, but there are important guidelines they must follow regarding what is and is not allowed in pet food.

    No matter what nonsense you read on the internet, there should be no feet, beaks, hair, hooves, or euthanized pets scraped off of a slaughterhouse floor in your dog food.

    Royal Canin, who is widely known for its use of chicken by-product meals, talks about this topic directly from HERE. Their by-product meal utilizes all acceptable and nutritious parts of the chicken; the same ingredients a dog would eat when offered a whole raw chicken.

    Royal Canin employs a massive team of veterinary nutritionists and food scientists and has made massive contributions to veterinary science, medicine, health, and research.

    They are known for turning away entire truckloads of ingredients that didn’t meet their strict standards. Not only that, Royal Canin has directly stated that they refuse to relabel their products to follow trends.

    Honest trust time: the only people who continue to perpetuate this idea that by-products are bad, are people who are trying to sell you something.

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    Should Dog Food Companies List Ingredients Separately?

    Some people believe that instead of saying “chicken by-product meal” manufacturers should be forced to list what is in the meal, specifically.

    For example, they might say instead “bone meal, dehydrated liver, dehydrated spleen, dehydrated lung”.

    We understand the point here, however, remember this: they cannot put slaughterhouse trash, hooves, beaks, and feet into their by-product meal. The things you are likely concerned about, don’t exist in a properly formulated and thoughtfully sourced food.

    If you believe a company is trying to ‘hide something’ (such as feet or beaks or intestinal contents) by listing a “by-product meal” instead of the individual ingredients within that meal, consider this.

    Ingredient splitting is the practice of splitting up whole ingredients into multiple parts on the ingredients list to deceive you.

    Instead of saying “peas”, some brands will say “whole peas, pea protein, green peas, pea fiber, whole yellow peas”. Or instead of saying “lentils” they will say “whole lentils, green lentils, lentil fiber, red lentils, lentil flour”.

    All on the same ingredients list. Because ingredients must be listed by weight before extrusion, this allows the company to artificially change your perception of how many peas or lentils are in the food. Splitting reduces their weight and moves them down the ingredients list.

    Manufacturers use a lot of deceptive practices, and choosing to indicate that they use a “by-product meal” instead of splitting it up for you on the ingredients label is not one of them.

    By-product meal is an ingredient, and as a regulated ingredient, it’s not full of trash and junk.

    The companies who use a lot of intentionally deceptive ingredient splitting are often the same companies who tell you by-products are bad. The bigger question here is this: what are they trying to hide?

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    Pet Food Marketing – It’s Shady Business

    There are thousands of dog food brands and formulas available to choose from. Many of them are made by marketing companies, who design a fancy eye-catching bag and website and then have their food concept manufactured by a co-packing plant.

    The dog food industry is a huge one, with sales in the BILLIONS! For small companies to get a piece of that pie, they have to work pretty hard to be seen.

    In other words, many dog food companies will say what they have to say to get your attention.

    Walk into any pet store and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the volume of options. Everything is colorful and eye-catching, and sales reps lurk around every corner to get your attention on whatever brand they are trying to sell that week.

    Here are some common marketing phrases and pet food trends you may have heard of:

    • Holistic
    • No By-Products
    • No Meat Meals
    • No Fillers
    • Grain-Free
    • Whole Food Ingredients
    • Fresh Meat as the 1st Ingredient
    • Gluten-Free
    • Keto / Low Carb

    There is a lot of misinformation and general nonsense floating around the internet regarding pet food, and we’re here to help you sort through all of it. We cannot wait to cover each of these topics individually so that you can be an educated and savvy consumer when it comes to choosing foods for your pet!

    Until then, don’t be afraid of meat meal or meat by-product meal in your pet’s food.

  • Should I Let My Dog Drink From the Toilet?

    Should I Let My Dog Drink From the Toilet?

    I don’t know about you, but I’m personally grossed out that people let their dogs drink from the toilet. It turns out though, that this is pretty common! Especially with Great Danes, because they drink a lot of water and the toilet is essentially a never-ending source of it. If you let your dog drink from the toilet, you might want to read this post.

    Here are a few topics I’d like to flush out…

    • If toilet water is safe for dogs
    • How to keep a dog from drinking out of the toilet
    • How to clean toilets properly and safety for dogs that DO partake in the liquid of the throne…

    Let’s talk about it!

    Should I let my dog drink from the toilet
    Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels.com

    Is It Safe to Let a Dog Drink From the Toilet?

    I mean…ick?

    Putting my personal feelings on this matter aside, let’s dig into this toilet-water drinking habit and see if it’s dangerous or not. Here is a simple fact (and no, it doesn’t matter how much vinegar and baking soda you dump in there):

    Toilet bowls can contain millions of germs and microbes, including e-coli and other bacteria which can cause digestive upset or even severe medical problems for your dog.

    Humans who are on medications or chemotherapy and use the toilet contribute to this landscape of bacteria and microbes swimming around in what appears to be clean, clear, fresh water.

    I hate to tell you, but letting a pet guzzle H20 from the toilet can be a pretty nasty habit.

    Where does toilet water come from?

    Toilet water in most homes comes from a fresh, clean water supply. However, it enters the toilet and is stored in a tank, waiting for the next flush to refill the bowl.

    That tank sits on the back of the toilet and it’s rarely if ever cleaned out. If you’ve ever had to fix something in that tank, you’ve probably seen how gross they can get over time! THIS is the water coming into the bowl of your toilet, that your pet is happily slurping away at.

    border collie in the bathtub
    Photo by Elina Volkova on Pexels.com

    Can Dogs Drink Toilet Water and Not Get Sick?

    Dogs do have a different gut microbiome than humans, so in general, it’s safer for them to drink toilet water than it is for humans to drink toilet water.

    But, that doesn’t make it ideal, or even good, for your dog to do this.

    Not only do we have the aforementioned dirty tank water + microbes situation at play, but toilet cleaners can hang out in the bowl and yes, those can be toxic to your pet.

    Of course, dogs do all sorts of nasty things. They sniff butts, roll around on dead things in the grass, eat out of the trash can, drink slimy lake water, and may even eat poop from other dogs or wildlife.

    All of those dirty dog habits can lead to gastrointestinal upset, parasites, disease (such as Leptospirosis), or blockages.

    In other words, just because they do those gross things, doesn’t mean that we should allow or encourage it. This includes drinking out of the toilet.

    Don’t forget that when dogs finish drinking (especially those with big jowls like Great Danes), the dog will drip toilet water out all over the bathroom and your hallway. This is before they come over and rub their face on your couch or your knee.

    If you aren’t willing to drink the water, why would you allow your dog to do it? Sorry folks, this is one nasty habit we just cannot get behind.

    brown dog drinking water on the shallow part of the beach
    Photo by Rayden Dsouza on Pexels.com

    Are There Pet-Safe Toilet Bowl Cleaners?

    I noticed (in online discussions about this topic) that people who intentionally allow their dog to drink from the toilet claim to use ‘non-toxic cleaners’. The belief here is that toilet cleaners without chemicals will sanitize the bowl and be safe for the pet to drink.

    Of course, chlorine-based cleaners (which work to kill bacteria) could be harmful to your pet. They do stick around in the toilet bowl and may take more than one flush to fully dilute.

    Not to mention the problems that could arise if you forget to flush the toilet after cleaning it (and the dog goes in for a drink).

    But what about “natural” cleaners, are they safe?

    A quick search online turned up several “pet safe” toilet cleaners and ideas, including products to purchase, and the popular “baking soda and vinegar” trick.

    Does Baking Soda and Vinegar Clean Toilets?

    Nope. Get this. If you speak to a chemist, they will tell you that when you mix vinegar with baking soda, you create SALT WATER.

    Saltwater folks. You are cleaning your toilets with…water.

    Don’t believe us? Read this fantastic article here, or take a look at this one. Both of these articles use science to dispel many common myths about using baking soda + vinegar to clean toilets. We’ve all been scammed. Baking soda and vinegar is NOT getting your home, or your potty clean.

    Here is a fun TikTok on the topic, too. Please like and follow this amazing creator:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@chem.thug/video/7183311804469185838?_t=8ZALKZ0HJgU&_r=1

    So what is a pet parent to do?

    Many well-formulated ‘natural’ toilet cleaners may bridge the gap here, but I would personally reach out to the company to confirm that they’ve done a study proving that their product is safe for pets to ingest, and also effective against bacteria.

    Most toilet cleaners that are safe for dogs do not disinfect, they only clean the surface stains.

    Those ‘non-toxic’ and ‘pet safe’ cleaners may make your home smell good, but you can bet that in most cases, E-coli and other little bugs and microbes deposited in there from human puke, spit, pee, poop, and period blood are still having a party in the toilet water!

    Not to mention the goodies floating around in the standing tank on the back of the toilet.

    Keep in mind that many essential oils are extremely toxic, especially to pets! Adding “Thieves” or whatever essential oil (that seems safe and natural) to try and disinfect things may do more harm than good.

    crop person cleaning toilet rim with sponge
    Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

    How Do I Stop My Dog From Drinking From the Toilet

    Now that you know how a shiny toilet bowl can still actually be very disgusting and dirty, even if you use “non-toxic” toilet cleaners, it’s time to stop your dog from drinking the toilet water in there.

    Just because your dog has always been fine, doesn’t mean that they always will be.
    There is no reason in the world to allow or encourage this behavior.

    Here are a few tips!

    • Provide clean, fresh water in a stainless bowl
    • Close the lid
    • Close the door

    If your dog has developed a habit of nosing the lid open to get to the water, add a child lock! You can get one on Amazon HERE for less than $10.

    When your dog is drinking clean, fresh, safe water, they are much cleaner and nicer to snuggle with, too. I don’t know about you, but knowing that many people let their dogs drink from the toilet at will has completely stopped me from EVER accepting snuggles and kisses from dogs I don’t know.

    The AVMA, AKC, VCA Pet hospitals, and many manufacturers of toilet bowl cleaners discourage pet owners from allowing their pets to drink from the toilet.

    Enough said.

  • Great Dane Frenchie Mix Puppies

    Great Dane Frenchie Mix Puppies

    Have we got a story for you! Accidental breedings are never ethical, and it’s never right to intentionally breed a Great Dane and a Frenchie together. However, these Great Dane Frenchie mix puppies are a special case, and you’re not going to believe how this happened!

    This story involves a grand champion Great Dane and a French Bulldog. The puppies look like miniature Scooby Doo dogs!

    It’s important to share this story but we need to make it clear that these are NOT images that we took. You can view the originals from Neet Great Danes HERE.

    https://www.facebook.com/neetgreatdanes/posts/1913767848975397

    Great Dane Frenchie Pups Accident Timeline

    Neet Danes is a show breeder with multiple AKC champion dogs in their pedigree. This is a highly ethical breeder with gorgeous, healthy dogs.

    As a matter of fact, because of their involvement in dog shows, dog sports, OFA health testing, the GDCA, the AKC, and Great Dane rescue (they have helped rescue over 500 dogs), Neet Danes is a perfect example of an exceptional breeder who should be celebrated.

    Imagine their surprise when a highly anticipated litter of potential Champion puppies didn’t grow the same way that normal Great Dane puppies do…

    How does something like this happen? This story is shocking and actually devastating, but Neet Danes has truly made lemonade out of lemons.

    Here is what happened: A few years ago Neet Danes contracted the “Canine Semen Center” to store semen from one of their highly awarded Grand Champion studs, ISOH GCH Neet’s Baby Face AOM CAX BCAT CGCA CGCU TKN RATI.

    Screen Shot 2023 01 18 at 1.06.37 PM
    (Image source HERE) Image shared only for educational purposes.

    Cool Bred Canine, Frozen in Time, & the Canine Semen Center

    The Canine Semen Center has been known by a few names over the years, and as of this writing they are still in business. The company is owned and operated by Sherian Evans & Linda Peterson.

    It is not unusual for breeders to collect and store semen from dogs. This is a common practice that aids in diversifying the gene pool.

    Neet Danes learned after the fact that the owners of this company store the semen in their own personal garage. I’m not sure what the common practice is here, but this feels like a red flag. ?

    Unfortunately, somewhere along the way there was a major, major mixup.

    Instead of being inseminated with Neet’s Baby Face semen, the breeders dam was inseminated with, you guessed it, the semen collected from a French Bulldog.

    This mixup resulted in Great Dane Frenchie mix puppies, and over $30K in veterinary bills. Not to mention, this mistake could have been devastating for all of the dogs involved.

    Neet Danes shares the story and all of the information on their Facebook page, embedded below:

    https://www.facebook.com/neetgreatdanes/posts/1913036169048565

    What do Great Dane Frenchie Pups Look Like?

    Fortunately the champion lineage of these puppies showed up in a big way, and they look very much like miniature Great Danes.

    Note, do not breed or purposefully seek out this mix. The puppies may be cute, but to do this intentionally would be incredibly unethical.

    The breeder became extra suspicious when the puppies began to develop a crooked bite. However, even at the time that the puppies ears were cropped, they still looked like Great Danes!

    Two weeks after having their ears cropped, the puppies started to fall behind on the growth chart, and show other signs that they were not, in fact, purebred Great Danes.

    This could have turned out much, much worse. French Bulldogs are subject to numerous health problems that could have caused the puppies, and the families who own them, absolute heartbreak.

    Neet Danes, being the ethical breeder that they are, placed a heavy focus on finding exceptional families for the Great Dane Frenchie pups that were accidentally bred.

    https://www.facebook.com/neetgreatdanes/posts/1913767848975397

    What is Next for Neet Danes?

    Of course, as cute as these puppies are, this is absolutely tragic.

    Not only was it a wasted breeding that contributed nothing to the health of their breeding program, the Dam was put through a pregnancy and whelping situation that should have never happened.

    The worst part is that as of this writing, the Canine Semen Center has done absolutely nothing to help Neet Danes out.

    The storage facility claims to be frantically DNA testing their stock to sort out the mistake and find Neet’s Baby Face’s semen (which is still missing, by the way).

    They have done absolutely nothing to compensate Neet Danes.

    Not only did Neet Danes end up with the wrong puppies, the semen collected from their Grand Champion stud is gone. That may seem like a small thing, but when you dedicate years of your life to curating an exceptional pedigree of dogs with outstanding health, structure, and temperaments, this is a huge loss.

    https://www.facebook.com/neetgreatdanes/posts/1831936893825160

    Please support Neet Danes by liking and following their content! At this point, the only thing they can do, potentially, is sue for damages.

    Spreading the word can help ensure that other breeders do not use the Canine Semen Center (or whatever other name they rebrand to) in the future.

    At Hello Danes we support Neet Danes in any capacity here, and are happy to use our platform to make sure this never happens to another dog or breeder again…

    If you want more amazing content on this topic, please follow one of our favorite creators on Tik Tok, @TheGreatDaneScientist and see her recent post on this topic below. Remember to like, follow, and comment!

    https://www.tiktok.com/@thegreatdanescientist/video/7189876721846570286
  • Male Versus Female Great Dane Puppy, 5 Things to Consider

    Male Versus Female Great Dane Puppy, 5 Things to Consider

    If you are ready to bring a new Great Dane into your home, you may be trying to sort out if buying a boy or a girl will be the better choice for you. I’m going to deep dive into this topic, and help you make the ultimate decision: Male versus Female Great Dane puppy.

    Which one is right for you?

    male versus female great dane puppy

    Male Versus Female Great Dane Puppy Size

    We’re going to over a few key differences between male and female Danes, including size, temperament, and what to expect.

    As a general rule, male Great Danes are actually significantly bigger, beefier, and taller than the girls are with huge feet, broad chests, and giant heads.

    When you are considering a Great Dane puppy, you have to take this into account. Some people prefer a bigger dog, others would like a pet that isn’t going to take up so much room in the car!

    It’s important to note, however, that although females are generally more petite, they are still very strong giant breed dogs.

    Diligent training, proper nutrition, joint care, and the higher costs associated with big dogs (including grooming, bedding, and veterinary care) will still be at play.

    Male Great Danes can be up to 36″ at the shoulder and 180 lbs, while female Great Danes can be up to 34″ at the shoulder and up to 140 lbs. Some petite Great Danes can be as small as 100 lbs and 32″ at the shoulder.

    Before you purchase or adopt ANY giant breed dog, do your research. One of the biggest reasons that people surrender Great Danes to rescue is that they are surprised how big their cute puppy got.

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    Male vs. Female Great Dane Personalities

    The written standard for Great Danes calls for a courageous and friendly dog.

    They should never be timid, fearful, or aggressive as these traits make them unstable and a danger to themselves and others.

    A well-bred Great Dane will make a great family dog, no matter if it’s male or female!

    Female Great Danes tend to be more independent, while male Great Danes tend to be more clingy.

    While there are exceptions to every rule, there is a general trend here. Female Great Danes are more likely to have a mature, independent attitude while males tend to be giant babies who worship the ground you walk on.

    Both will be affectionate and loving, but it’s well known in the Great Dane community that males will be more likely to suffocate you with affection.

    If that’s your jam, get a male! If you like a good balance, get a female. Then keep your fingers crossed because every Dane is different and you don’t know what you’re going to get until they are fully mature.

    Both dogs should be family and people oriented, either way. Great Danes can also be great with kids!

    Make sure you choose an ethical breeder with a long history of stable, well-built dogs.

    instagram.com/deardanes
    www.instagram.com/deardanes

    Reproductive Hormones, Spay & Neuter

    Some of the biggest differences between male and female Great Danes are related to their sexual hormones and reproductive system. When you are bringing a giant breed dog into your home, everything about this is exaggerated.

    If you don’t like the nitty gritty, skip this section, but I believe it’s one of the most important.

    Keep in mind that the current recommendation is that giant breed dogs should not be spayed or neutered until 18-24 months of age.

    Let’s jump in.

    Male Great Danes have large balls. This is alarming to people, and some people are even grossed out by it (especially as they love to scoot back and sit on your lap!).

    They also tend to release smegma (a cheesy substance) and random drips, which show up on the hard floors of your home after a few days of not mopping.

    If a female dog of any type or size is nearby and in heat, your intact male may absolutely lose his mind trying to get to her. This requires diligence, strict management, and patience. He may even lose weight, shred walls, mark in your home, and jump fences.

    Lastly, intact males don’t always get along well with other intact males. Poor breeding can lead to dogs who don’t handle their testosterone well and develop bad behaviors such as marking and aggression. Talk to your veterinarian and a highly qualified dog trainer.

    Don’t let these things scare you, though! A well-trained male Great Dane with a good temperament will be friendly and social whether they are intact or not. Don’t believe me? Just attend a dog show and see tons of intact male Danes in the same place, all well-behaved and calm.

    male vs. female great dane

    Female Great Danes will experience a heat cycle every 6-12 months on average, starting around 8 months of age. This cycle lasts and 2-3 weeks, and when she ovulates during this cycle she is HIGHLY susceptible to becoming pregnant.

    It’s important to note that while ovulation is the time when a dog is most susceptible to pregnancy, sperm can live for up to a week in the reproductive tract and thus, diligent steps must be taken to prevent mating during the entirety of the heat cycle.

    A heat cycle can be messy as the dog will bleed for the entirety of this time. All of their reproductive organs will swell, and in some cases, the female may even experience a false pregnancy.

    Some females may also become cranky, whiny, and will even mark in the house.

    It is highly unethical to breed a dog without full OFA health testing and proof that the dog has good structure and a stable temperament. Accidental pregnancies are avoidable but all to common.

    Having an intact giant breed dog is a huge responsibility. Literally.

    To handle a female Great Dane while in heat, we recommend size XL reusable dog diapers, lined with period pads or disposable dog diapers.

    PRO TIP: It is smart to introduce a Great Dane puppy to these items before they experience their first heat cycle! Consider putting them on your puppy as early as 2-3 months of age, just to practice.

    This way they are used to it and not bothered by the diaper when the time comes!

    Great Danes

    Male vs. Female Great Dane Lifespan

    In general, because male Great Danes are larger, they are also more susceptible to problems with their joints and their heart that can lead to a shorter lifespan. Statistically speaking, males are also more likely to experience bloat.

    Aggression, stress, and fear in both males and females can shorten their lifespan, making it that much more important to choose a diligent and dedicated breeder.

    No matter which you choose, it’s important to focus on up to date training, nutrition, socialization, and health practices. We share a lot of this information on our blog and in our online community!

    www.hellodanes.com 2 1

    Should I Get Two Great Dane Puppies at the Same Time?

    Many people can’t decide between a male and female puppy, or fall in love with two pups from the same litter, however, this practice is not recommended.

    Littermate syndrome is when two dogs who were raised together become co-dependent on each other. This relationship can cause major training issues, as well as aggression that can only be cured by fully separating the dogs from each other for life.

    This is not to say that you can’t ever successfully raise two puppies together at the same time, but for the vast majority of owners it’s not the most ideal choice. It’s important to note that ethical and responsible breeders will only sell multiple puppies at once to experienced homes that participate in training, dog shows, and dog sports.

    The practice of upselling new owners to purchase a second puppy is a backyard breeding practice, no matter how ‘nice’ the breeder seems.

    If you choose to bring home two puppies at the same time, here are some tips:

    • If you choose one male and one female, plan to send the male to another home each time the female is in heat, no exceptions. Accidental pregnancies are not cool, especially between siblings! Plus, this is very stressful to the male and he will be happier and safer elsewhere.
    • If you choose two males or two females, talk to a dog trainer about same-sex aggression and learn how to prevent it
    • Talk to a dog trainer for tips to prevent littermate syndrome, including taking the puppies to separate training classes, socializing and training them independently, feeding them in different places, and developing a personal relationship with each individually.

  • How to Tell If Your Great Dane Loves You

    How to Tell If Your Great Dane Loves You

    When your Great Dane loves you it’s the best feeling in the world! I don’t know about you, but I cannot get enough of their affection. Great Danes are a friendly, loving breed that are very human-focused.

    Here are 5 ways to tell if your Great Dane loves you!

    Great Dane loves you

    Your Great Dane will Lean on You

    Great Danes are famous for leaning!

    It’s actually one of the ways that they show affection. They also learn pretty early on that leaning results in getting pet, and they love that.

    When your Great Dane leans on you, they are showing you that they love you!

    Brace yourself, though! These large and powerful dogs are gentle but can push pretty hard on you. If your Great Dane leans too much, teach them to stop by calmly saying “enough” and throwing a treat away from you for them to grab.

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    Great Danes Think They are Lap Dogs!

    Another sign of love and affection from your Great Dane is when they sit on you.

    Great Danes honestly do not know, understand, or care how big they are. If you are sitting down, and your Great Dane starts scooting backwards towards you, prepare for landing.

    A full grown male Great Dane can weigh 140-180 pounds!

    Most Great Danes figure out that while they cannot get their whole body onto your lap, they CAN get their rear-end situated there. Of course, we don’t blame them for trying to fit their whole body on your lap. In that case, prepare to be crushed!

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    Great Danes Will Follow You Everywhere

    Let’s put it this way. Great Danes are nosy. They like to “help”, and they like to know where you are at all times.

    Consider this a major sign of affection!

    You haven’t lived until you’ve had a massive dog open the bathroom door, walk in, shut the door behind them, and then sit on your lap to make sure you’re ok.

    Need to get up and grab a drink from the fridge?

    Dane.

    Did you leave your phone in the bedroom and want to go grab it?

    Dane.

    Are you heading into the small laundry room with a large basket of clothes?

    DANE.

    A Great Dane that wakes up from a solid nap to follow you into the bathroom is a Dane that loves you!

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    Great Danes Paws, Everywhere

    When a Great Dane wants to show affection or get your attention, they will use their giant paws.

    Expect to be touched, pawed at, whacked, or even knocked over by your Great Dane.

    In general, Great Danes tend to be ‘handsy’ and will put their paws all over you given the chance. Keep those nails short so you don’t get scratched up, and if this is a behavior you don’t like, teach your dog to “shake” on command.

    By replacing an impulse behavior with a commanded one, you’ll have more control over the situation (and getting slammed in the face).

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    Your Great Dane Will Be Happy to See You!

    If your Great Dane loves you, don’t be surprised by their wild affection when you come home after even just 20 minutes!

    Great Danes love it when you come home!

    Of course, a dog that jumps and tackles you is painful and potentially even dangerous, so it’s important to teach good skills.

    Use impulse control games to teach your pup that they can receive attention from you when they settle down, but not a moment before.

    www.hellodanes.com 2 1
  • Is My Great Dane Well-Bred?

    Is My Great Dane Well-Bred?

    Great Danes are incredible dogs, and they are not for everybody. Is your Great Dane well-bred?

    There is a stark difference between dogs that are well bred (ethically bred) and dogs that were bred for profit. If a Great Dane is well bred, they are less likely to suffer from common disorders such as orthopedic problems, heart disease, bad temperaments, and even bloat.

    Genetics play a role in everything from how a dog is built to how they interact with the world.

    This article is not to say that ‘poorly bred’ Great Danes are bad and ‘well bred’ Great Danes are good. It’s simply meant to be an educational comparison.

    The fact of the matter is that we have a serious problem in the world of Danes. For every breeder focused on health, structure, and temperament, there are tons of Great Dane breeders who are pairing dogs for no other reason other than fun and profit.

    Ear Cropping Great Danes
    Ear Cropping Great Danes

    Well-Bred Great Danes Come From Dedicated Breeders

    No matter what a Great Dane ends up looking like in the end, one of the key elements of being well-bred is that a dog comes from an ethical, dedicated breeder.

    Here are some basics that a breeder should meet to qualify as ‘ethical’.

    Lifetime support of every puppy they ever bred; this includes being willing to take dogs back into their home at any time, for any reason, and never dumping a dog on a rescue or shelter.

    • Breeding for health, temperament, and the written breed standard
    • Knowledgeable about sound Great Dane structure & movement
    • Willing to seek out a 3rd party opinion about the dogs they are breeding, including working with a well-respected mentor, attending AKC dog shows, taking conformation handling and obedience training classes, or by collaborating with the local Great Dane breeding club

    Full health testing of both parents, no exceptions. These tests include OFA Hips, heart, eyes, and thyroid. The results of these tests must be available for you to view at www.ofa.org

    • Exceptionally picky when choosing homes for the dogs they breed
    • Keeps puppies until 8 or 10 weeks of age
    • Never breeds dogs under the age of 2, especially if they aren’t fully OFA health tested

    An ethical breeder will never breed a dog that is aggressive, anxious, fearful, or that has bloat, heart disease, blood clotting disorders, or other known genetic health problems in the pedigree.

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    Well-Bred vs. Not Well-Bred Great Danes

    Coming from a good pedigree and an exceptional breeder who cares about the pedigree is a solid step in the right direction.

    Unfortunately, some breeders are so flippant about their breeding practices that the puppies they produce don’t look like Great Danes at all.

    If you’ve googled this and are wondering if your Great Dane is well-bred or not, we’re going to dig into this with some photos!

    Keep in mind that even in well-bred litters, only a few puppies will be ‘show quality’ (stellar examples of the breed). All puppies are pets, whether they are show-quality or not.

    Puppies who aren’t right for the show ring will still be well-bred, however! Very few puppies are exactly perfect. Some, however, are much further off of the target than others.

    It’s impossible to judge how well bred a puppy is just by looking at an image. Rather than focusing on what ‘well-bred’ looks like, let’s take a look at the opposite. What do dogs who are not well-bred look like?

    The dogs in this gallery below are cute, but do not meet the written standard for Great Danes:

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    Great Dane Faults

    A fault is a trait that a dog has which goes against the recommendations outlined in the written standard.

    Here is a list of faults seen in the dogs above. Again, this is not a beauty contest! It’s simply about making sure that Great Danes are built correctly so they can live long, healthy lives and look like…well…Great Danes!

    How many faults can you spot?

    • Flat feet
    • Long nails
    • Ears that come from the top of the head or that stick out (cute, but makes them look mixed breed)
    • Ears that are long and droopy (cute! But makes them look like hounds)
    • Extremely droopy jowls
    • Droopy eyes with redness and haw showing
    • Steep croup
    • Narrow hips
    • Roached back
    • Apple shaped/dome head
    • Lack of overall substance
    • Heavy and stocky
    • Cathedral chest or flat chest
    • Abused & neglected

    Unfortunately, many of the dogs in the gallery above will be mistaken for other breeds if met on the street. They may be loved family pets, but they are not well-bred.

    Many people will consider the differences in the dogs above to be related to “Euro” vs. “American” breedings, however those terms are nothing more than marketing from breeders who want to sell puppies. Read more about “EURO vs. American” here.

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    What Does a Well-Bred Great Dane Look Like?

    A well-bred Great Dane who comes from an exceptional breeder will be a solid, muscular dog that moves with grace and long forward strides. They will not be stocky, nor will they appear boney and small.

    They have a large head that is chiseled and full of regal expression, whether the ears are cropped or not.

    Their front and rear limbs will be built correctly, ensuring that they can comfortably hold their own weight up for years to come. They will have nice tight feet, short nails, and a glossy coat.

    The chest should be broad and muscular, not flat or weak.

    When they move and stand, they are comfortable keeping their head and neck up (not drooping down, which is a sign of discomfort), and they are not heavy or lumbering.

    Well-bred Great Danes are friendly and courageous.
    They should never be fearful, timid, or aggressive.

    You can read the original Great Dane standard (in the U.S., which is nearly identical to the Canadian and European version) HERE.

    When a Great Dane is built correctly from the ground up, they are less likely to suffer from painful orthopedic problems that cause them a lifetime of issues with movement.

    Notice in the overlay below that the Great Dane in the image:

    • Has an oversized, mastiff-like blocky head
    • Droopy jowls
    • He is unable to hold his head up correctly
    • His hips are higher than his shoulders
    • The top line is sloping up towards the hips, not gracefully down to them
    • He has an exceptionally steep croup with his tail placed very low
    • His rear legs lack angulation, as do the front
    • While the front angulation appears to match the overlay, it’s only because the dog is standing incorrectly
    Great dane well-bred

    Structural Faults in Great Danes

    Structural problems are arguably the most important reason to choose ethical breeders.

    Dogs carry roughly 60% of their weight on the front limbs; for an average 140 lb male, that’s 84 lbs of weight on the chest, shoulders, and front paws!

    It is unfair, shall I say borderline abusive for Great Dane breeders to continue breeding dogs who have significant faults in the way that they are built. Yet, some of the most popular breeders, those who are friendly and have nice websites, are to blame.

    Take the dog below as an example. This chocolate harlequin Great Dane is being bred by a local, very popular breeder. I believe that as of this writing, she is on her 2nd breeding.

    Notice that she has absolutely no chest and no angles; her front arms are so far forward on her ribcage that she has a ‘cathedral’.

    This weight on her front assembly is affecting her front paws, which are flat from struggling to hold herself up. Her rear legs might as well be made of wood; they are stick straight. As a whole this poor dog lacks substance and her rear feet are some of the worst I’ve ever seen.

    She is an AKC registered Great Dane.

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    AKC Papers are Meaningless

    Here is a fun fact for you.

    A dog can have AKC papers, or be from an “AKC Registered” breeder, and still be poorly bred.

    Putting two dogs with an AKC pedigree together is not enough to ensure the health and longevity of this breed that we love.

    If you want to get involved, help us spread the word! The breeder registry at www.gdca.org is a great place to dig through exceptional Great Dane breeders.

    Here is an example of an incredible stud who has passed full OFA screenings and received multiple titles because of how well he adheres to the breed standard: https://vandelftdanes.wixsite.com/mysite/quill

    For more photos of well-bred Great Danes, here are some links to a few favorites:

    Grateful Danes

    Daynakin Great Danes

    Van Delft Great Danes

    • Find ethical breeders on social media and like, comment, and follow them
    • Learn how to spot the difference between an ethical breeder and a ‘nice’ breeder with unethical practices
    • Attend dog shows, meet breeders, and involve yourself in the preservation side of Great Dane breeding. It’s fun and shows are usually free to attend and watch as a spectator!
    • For your next Great Dane, choose adoption or get on the list for well-bred dog
  • Great Dane Surgery & What to Ask Your Veterinarian

    Great Dane Surgery & What to Ask Your Veterinarian

    Great Dane surgery can be expensive and scary. Many people are concerned about the risks of anesthesia for their Great Dane, and understandably so!

    A quick glance around any of the Great Dane social groups on Facebook and it’s easy to spot yet another devastating story of a Great Dane that didn’t survive a routine surgical procedure.

    In response to this problem, the Great Dane Club of America has released some helpful guidelines and information to consider when your dog has to be put under anesthesia for any reason.

    We will share this information below, and show you how to keep your Great Dane safe during surgery.

    (This post contains images of healthy Great Danes under anesthesia.)

    Why is Surgery Risky for Great Danes

    Large and giant breed dogs can be prone to surgical complications including:

    • DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy), which causes blood clotting issues
    • Heart failure
    • Shock
    • Hypothermia (becoming too cold)
    • Anesthesia drug overdose, which can lead to seizures & vomiting


    It is important to note that every dog has a different risk factor. Many Great Danes successfully undergo surgery all the time, however, and it’s important to not be fearful of quality veterinary care .

    As a general rule, dogs with existing health problems (including Dilated Cardiomyopathy/DCM or Von Willebrand) or obesity are at a much higher risk of developing complications than others.

    In addition to those factors, Great Danes are giant breed dogs who take up a lot of space in the veterinary office and surgical suite. In some places, they may actually be too large for the surgical equipment available, or may be too bulky for the staff to handle as carefully as possible.

    Great dane surgery

    What Surgeries do Great Danes Get? Great Dane Surgery types:

    Before we get into how to prevent surgical complications in your Great Dane, let’s talk about a few reasons why you may need to elect surgery for your dog.

    Here are just a few common reasons why your Great Dane may have surgery:

    In many cases, the benefits of surgery far outweigh the risks, especially when taking individual risk factors into account.

    We cannot emphasize this enough: overweight Great Danes and those who suffer from preventable health conditions such as nutritional DCM, abuse and neglect, or certain genetic disorders are at a much higher risk of complications during surgery.

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    Great Dane Club of America Surgical Guidelines

    The GDCA has outlined some evidence-based surgical guidelines for Great Dane owners. This information should be used in tandem with an honest discussion with your veterinarian prior to your dog undergoing surgery.

    It is so important to work with a veterinarian that you trust!

    The GDCA states (summary) that owners should consider the following:

    • Work with a veterinarian who is experienced in large & giant breed surgeries
    • Perform surgery only on healthy animals (barring emergencies, of course)
    • If elected, spay should be done about 3 months after the last season
    • The veterinarian should do a complete examination of the dog
    • An EKG should be performed to assess the health of the dog’s heart
    • Pre-surgical blood work is a must, and should include a CBC, Serum Chemistry Panel, and Blood Clotting Profile

    If all of those factors are met, and the choice to proceed with surgery is made, there are additional things to keep in mind:

    • The dog should fast overnight prior to surgery
    • During surgery, fluid IV therapy should be administered
    • Pulse oximetry, cardiac monitoring, and blood pressure monitoring
    • Propofol and Sevoflurane are considered the safest anesthetic agents
    • Ketamine, Valium, and isoflurane are more available, less expensive, and acceptable
    • Rompun, Acepromazine, and Thiopentals are not recommended
    • Adequate pain control and comfort measures to reduce stress are necessary

    During surgery, dogs are prone to becoming too cold and suffering from hypothermia. This can cause problems for the dogs heart and cardiovascular system, blood clotting/coagulation, recovery time, and may increase the risk of infection.

    Temperature monitoring, warmed IV fluids, blankets, heating pads, and even bubble wrap are recommended and necessary.

    We do not recommend that Great Danes undergo surgery at low cost clinics, if they can be avoided. Low cost clinics are an incredible resource especially for those on a budget; however, they may not have the time, staff, or tools needed to keep a Great Dane safe according to the GDCA recommendations.

    You can read (and print) the GDCA Surgical Recommendations HERE (click on “Surgical Guidelines for the Great Dane”). Share this information with your veterinarian.

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    When is a Great Dane too Old for Surgery?

    While age can slightly increase complications, it’s important to remember that “age is not a disease.” Many mature-aged Great Danes (age 5 and up) undergo surgery with no complications at all.

    As a matter of fact, in some cases, choosing surgery is the choice with less risk!

    A Prophylactic Dental Cleaning is a great example of a place where, for most dogs, the benefits of elective surgery far outweigh the risks.

    Many people are hesitant to have their veterinarian clean their dogs teeth under anesthesia, however, bad dental health can lead to a slew of health problems that can shorten lifespan. Not only that, but bad teeth can be exceptionally painful for your dog!

    Read here for why sedation-free dentistry is bad

    No matter what your dog’s age, talk to your veterinarian. Experienced professionals who understand how to safely perform anesthesia on large and giant breed dogs can put your mind at ease.

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    Great Dane Surgical Death Statistics

    Check out this quote from Mary Anne Zanetos, chairwoman of the GDCA Health Survey Committee:

    Most of the post-surgical deaths were seen in young, healthy dogs undergoing elective procedures.

    No wonder so many Great Dane owners struggle with the decision to put their dog through elective surgery! Many underlying conditions, including nutritional DCM and blood clotting disorders can be a factor for dogs who appear otherwise to be very healthy.

    Reducing complications in surgery for Great Danes requires a three-factor approach:

    1. Ensure through ethical breeding that genetic disorders such as heart disease and blood clotting problems are not passed on to future generations
    2. Use science-backed health, nutrition, and care practices so that the dog is as healthy as possible
    3. Working with an experienced veterinarian who is using evidence-based protocols in the care of giant breed dogs that are put under anesthesia

    Read HERE for why Grain-Free Dog Food Should NOT be Fed to Great Danes

    Purina Great Dane Update Surgical Guidelines for Great Danes

  • How to Make a Great Dane Live Longer

    How to Make a Great Dane Live Longer

    Unfortunately, Great Danes, like many larger dog breeds, have shorter lifespans compared to smaller breeds. In this blog, we’re going to explore the key factors that can contribute to helping your Great Dane live longer and have a healthier and more fulfilling life.

    From nutrition and exercise to healthcare and lifestyle choices, we’ll delve into the strategies and insights that can make a meaningful difference in prolonging your Great Dane’s life and ensuring you have many more years of joy and companionship together.

    How to Make a Great Dane Live Longer

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    Why Do Great Danes Have Short Life Spans?

    Before we can understand how to help our Great Dane dogs live longer, healthier lives we have to understand why Great Danes have short life spans in the first place.

    There are 6 main reasons that Danes lives tend to be cut short:

    • Orthopedic issues, including hip dysplasia
    • Being overweight
    • Bloat
    • Heart Disease (DCM)
    • Cancer
    • Genetics

    I placed genetics last on the list, because every single reason in the list before it can also be caused by genetics. That’s a big one, and speaks to the reasons why choosing an ethical breeder is so important.

    The good news here is that there are many things you can do to extend your Great Danes lifespan!

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    Observations about Great Danes that Live a Long Time

    A quick glance around social media and at dog shows, there are a few key things seen among Great Danes who live long, healthy lives.

    When we see an older (8 years +) Great Dane that is still going strong, we most often see some combination of the following:

    • A dog with good genetics, from proven pedigrees
    • Excellent body condition score; not overweight (this is really important)
    • Sound, stable temperament, free of fear, stress, and aggression
    • Excellent structure, feet, and angulation (which is genetic but also can be related to early puppy nutrition)
    • Trimmed nails & clean teeth
    • Well tempered dogs that received training and enrichment throughout life
    • Pet parents who trust their veterinarian, keep their dog active, and feed an appropriate diet

    Genetics play a huge role in temperament, overall structure, cancer risk, bloat risk, and heart disease. Of course, not all Great Danes are given exceptional genetics. Knowing that, there are still things that can be done to help your Great Dane live longer!

    What Health Tests do Great Danes Need Before Breeding?

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    Nutrition for Great Danes

    One of the easiest ways you can help extend your Great Danes life is to make sure they are getting the correct nutrition from day one.

    Feeding the wrong food to a puppy can result in a lifetime of orthopedic problems including hip dysplasia. Not only that, but certain foods have been proven in research to increase the risk of heart disease!

    Great Dane puppies should be fed a well-researched large or giant breed puppy food from a company who employs veterinary nutritionists, until age 2. This is the most current, science-backed recommendation available, which promotes proper bone growth, joint development, and structure.

    If you aren’t sure what brands or formulas to choose, our popular Great Dane Puppy Food post will get you started.

    For adult dogs over the age of 2, continue onto a grain-inclusive adult formula that contains a meat meal, and add balanced canned or fresh toppers. The addition of carefully selected wet foods can decrease the risk of bloat! If the toppers are unbalanced, do not allow them to exceed more than 10% of the daily intake of food.

    Here is our list of Great Dane foods that promote health, wellness, and longevity. These brands are commonly fed by veterinarians and to the top show and sport dogs, for a reason:

    For Adults:

    For Puppies:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

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    Heart Disease in Great Danes

    DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), AKA Heart Disease or congestive heart failure is one of the top reasons why Great Danes don’t live long. Many Danes with DCM will show very little signs and may suddenly collapse one day, or die while undergoing surgery.

    This horrible disease is primarily genetic. It is passed down through the pedigree.

    When purchasing a puppy from a breeder, verify that both parents received OFA heart echocardiograms. The results of those tests will be available at www.ofa.org and if it isn’t? Run. Your breeder is unethical and may be passing heart disease onto the puppies.

    DCM can also be caused by unbalanced dog food. This is commonly a problem with kibbles that contain a lot of peas, lentils, potatoes, chickpeas, and garbanzo beans, as well as any diet that is not correctly formulated in some way.

    Because Great Danes are already genetically prone to DCM, feeding a low-quality (commonly grain-free) diet effectively increases their risk of dying suddenly from heart disease.

    Read more about the DCM – Nutrition Link HERE

    Learn about DCM in Great Danes HERE

    Was the DCM and Grain-Free Foods Link Debunked? Read more HERE.

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    Active, Lean Great Danes Live Longer Lives

    Did you know that lean dogs with a healthy body condition score live, on average, 2 years longer than dogs that are overweight or obese?

    A healthy Great Dane is leaner than you might think and should be covered in muscle, not fat.

    Read more from the Purina Body Condition Scoring Guides HERE

    Great Danes should have a defined waist and may even show a few ribs. They should be graceful, powerful, and athletic. Not stocky, droopy, slow, or heavy.

    Excess weight on your Great Dane increases their risk of joint disorders and pain, heart disease, diabetes, and complications during anesthesia and surgery. An overweight dog that experiences a health emergency (such as bloat) is less likely to survive, too.

    Talk to your veterinarian about helping your dog lose weight and gain muscle!

    We recommend off-leash training for Great Danes so that they can move freely without potentially damaging physical restraints. Off-leash movement on soft, varied terrain helps build muscle and maintain fitness levels, and we can’t think of a more fun way to help your Great Dane live longer!

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    Bloat in Great Danes

    Bloat (also known as GDV or Gastric dilatation and volvulus, aka ‘bloat and torsion’) is an emergency that will affect 1-in-4 Great Danes on average. When bloat occurs, the stomach fills up with gas, fluid, or air and then may twist over itself (torsion). Torsion is both painful and deadly.

    Fixing this requires expensive emergency surgical treatment and many dogs (especially those with heart disease, obesity, blood clotting disorders, or other serious health issues) do not make it out alive.

    Don’t let these statistics scare you, however! There are things you can do to reduce the risk of bloat and torsion so that your Great Dane can live longer.

    FACT: Studies have shown that moderate exercise after meals might decrease the risk of bloat by as much as 50%! This goes against everything we’ve been taught. Read more HERE.

    Bloat is, as most things, primarily genetic. When choosing a breeder, verify that there is no history of bloat, poor gut health, or bad temperaments in the last several generations.

    Consider a gastropexy; this life-saving and simple procedure results in better outcomes for Danes that bloat.

    Feed a quality kibble that contains meat meal, and offer 2-3 small meals each day topped with some kind of balanced canned, fresh, or raw food. Encourage slow, stress free eating.

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    Orthopedic Disorders in Great Danes

    Another reason why Great Danes have short lifespans is because they suffer, unfortunately, from orthopedic disorders.

    Nutrition, especially in puppies, plays a huge role here but so do genetics and exercise.

    Great Danes nails should be trimmed at least twice each month. We recommend a Dremel tool. Overgrown nails lead to pain and joint damage.

    Wobblers disease is an unfortunately common disorder in Great Danes that leads to painful and debilitating mobility issues. Read more about wobblers HERE.

    IMGD, hip dysplasia, flat feet, and poor overall conformation also have genetic roots that must be addressed by thoughtful, careful breeding practices as well as appropriate movement and strength building.

    For dogs with structural and orthopedic issues, working with a canine physical therapist and a veterinarian is a must.

    Do not purchase puppies from breeders who are breeding dogs that don’t meet the written structural standard for Great Danes. These breeders are genetically perpetuating structural problems that debilitate Great Danes and shorten their life span.

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    Cancer in Great Danes

    Unfortunately, Great Danes are susceptible to certain types of cancer, including osteosarcoma.

    Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer that often appears suddenly and often requires amputation and treatment or euthanasia.

    There are many theories about what causes cancer in dogs (such as dog food or vaccines), however, these theories have never been proven or founded.

    It is understood, however, that cancer is primarily a genetic disorder.

    Some dogs are at higher risk than others; for example, early spay and neutering has been correlated in studies with an increased risk of osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors.

    Some researchers have also theorized, but not yet fully studied, that there may be a link between excess calcium intake and overfeeding in puppyhood to dogs that develop brittle bones and bone cancers later in life.

    We recommend keeping Great Danes intact until 18-24 months, if possible, and feeding an appropriate large or giant breed puppy food with well-controlled calcium levels to dogs under the age of 2. Never feed any food with more than 1.2% calcium.

    Excess calcium is damaging to bones during growth, and damaged bones are more prone to disorders such as arthritis, bone cancer, and wobblers disease.

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    Cost of Great Dane Ear Crop

    Help Your Great Dane Live Longer by Reducing Stress

    Stress and anxiety are not healthy for humans or dogs.

    Studies show that increased levels of cortisol and adrenaline can contribute to a shorter life span by weakening the immune system and causing problems with the heart, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems.

    Dogs that are chronically stressed are going to be more susceptible to health problems of all kinds.

    Here are some signs that your dog is stressed or anxious:

    • Pacing, whining, crying
    • Destructive behavior
    • Drooling, panting
    • Ears pinned, hunched body language
    • Timid or fearful behaviors
    • Growling, nipping, and aggression
    • Depression

    Reduce your dogs stress by making sure you offer plenty of exercise and enrichment. This may mean changing your routine and habits to alleviate boredom and get your dog doing more.

    Our E-Collar training guide is a popular resource for helping anxious Great Danes get safely off-leash and exploring the world.

    You can also reduce stress by using enrichment toys such as the West Paw Toppl Toy. Stuff it with soaked kibble or canned food and freeze before serving.

    Talk to your veterinarian about supplements and calming care for dogs that are stressed by fireworks and loud noises, too. This calming probiotic may be an excellent choice for your dog.

    Work with a modern, positive balanced dog trainer on confidence building and socialization. A scent work class may be just the ticket!

    Avoid outdated training techniques (alpha/dominance, Cesar Milan, ‘police dog training’, etc.) which use a lot of intimidation and stress to shut behaviors down.

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    Final Tips to Extend a Great Danes Lifespan

    Here are a few final tips.

    See your veterinarian, regularly. Complete a full blood panel every year so that developing health problems (such as thyroid disease, liver and kidney problems, or diabetes) can be addressed early.

    Before surgery, pay the extra money for a full exam, blood work, and health screening.

    Keep your dog up to date on flea and tick prevention. Reactions to preventatives are typically minor and happen much less often than the rate at which dogs catch nasty diseases from parasites; you do not want to put a Dane through heartworm treatment!

    Have your dogs teeth cleaned by a veterinarian. Nasty teeth lead to pain, infections, and heart damage.

    Make sure your dog always has clean, fresh water available from a clean bowl (wash daily or as often as possible).

  • Bloat in Great Danes Research & the Resting After Meals Myth

    Bloat in Great Danes Research & the Resting After Meals Myth

    Bloat in Great Danes is deadly. It’s painful, dangerous, and as many as 1-in-4 Great Danes are likely to experience it in their lifetime.

    For decades now, people have cited that resting after meals would prevent bloat from happening.

    The occurrence of bloat in large and giant breed dogs has increased dramatically in the last decades, despite ‘resting after meals’ being cited as the most common preventative.

    I mean, I hate to say this…but it’s pretty clear here that resting after meals is not working.

    Not only that, but research has emerged which indicates that moderate movement after meals may actually help prevent Great Danes from developing bloat!

    In other words, have people had this all wrong? Have we actually been increasing our dogs risk of bloat by diligently resting them after meals?

    Oh…dear.

    Before we dig in, if you need a refresher on what bloat is in dogs, read HERE.

    bloat in great danes

    Does Resting After Meals Prevent Dog Stomach Bloat?

    We’ve been reading journals and publications for a while, and it’s actually fascinating to learn that there is absolutely NO research or science (that we’ve found) proving that resting after meals prevents bloat.

    As a matter of fact, I have yet to find anything that shows that it could even reduce the risk of bloat.

    Of course, if you google this, there are 100’s of blogs and social media posts, even from veterinarians, who say that large and giant breed dogs should always rest after meals.

    But none of it is backed by science, research, or data.

    It’s all anecdotal. Speculation.

    The Great Dane community has eaten this up, too. Some people are so dedicated to resting their dogs that they do so for an entire hour before meals and two hours after.

    Imagine the heartbreak when their dog experiences deadly bloat and torsion despite the caution that had been taken.

    It happens more often than you might think…

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    Should Great Danes Rest After Meals?

    We’re going to take a scientific, although controversial approach to this and make a statement that may rattle everything you think you know about keeping Great Danes safe from GDV bloat and torsion.

    The practice of resting dogs after meals to prevent bloat is hopelessly outdated and may actually contribute to higher bloat risk.

    A 2013 study, done as part of ongoing bloat research, found something alarming and interesting.

    Dogs that received moderate exercise (for example a walk or playtime) after eating were less likely to suffer from bloat!

    This is the exact opposite of what we’ve all been told for decades.

    Combing through the 2,551 questionnaire responses, what the researchers found is that moderate physical activity after eating, including playing with other dogs or “running the fence,” appears to reduce the chance for developing bloat by almost half.

    Tufts University Your Dog

    Read that again.

    Moderate exercise, including running the fence and playing, may reduce the chances of bloat by 50%!!!

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    Does Exercise Cause Bloat in Dogs?

    It’s been said for years that dogs who exercise on a full tummy can get bloat and end up at the veterinarian in dire straits. As we can see from the research, this issue isn’t quite so cut and dry.

    To further back up our claim that resting after meals is outdated and even wildly inaccurate advice, I’m looking towards another study that was done by Tufts University. (Remember, we like science here, not anecdotes).

    Several popular theories regarding bloat were not substantiated during the study. There was no correlation of bloat risk to exercise before or after eating, as most dogs bloated in the middle of the night with an empty, gas-filled stomach.

    Tufts University Bloat Research

    In other words, not only have they found that moderate exercise after eating can potentially cut bloat risk in half, they found that movement has no correlation to bloat occurring.

    Food and movement are not the enemy that they’ve been made out to be!

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    Common Sense for Bloat in Great Danes Prevention

    This is not to say that you should feed your Great Dane a big fat meal and send them off-leash on a wild adventure.

    Humans don’t like hard exercise on a super full stomach, either. Doing this can also stretch the hepatogastric ligament, which over time might increase bloat risk as a whole.

    Great Danes should never be fed single large meals. Smaller, more frequent meals are healthier.

    So let’s use some common sense here when it comes to bloat prevention in Great Danes and other large or giant breed dogs.

    Feed a normal sized meal (we recommend 2-3 meals each day) and then let your dog be a dog.

    Because bloat risk is affected by many factors, I’ll outline some other (science-backed) risk reduction techniques below.

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    How to Prevent Bloat in Great Danes

    Prevention is a misnomer. You cannot prevent it from occurring. You can, however, drastically reduce the chance that your Great Dane has bloat or dies from it.

    Bloat in Great Danes are influenced by three major factors: genetics, temperament, and gut health.

    All Great Danes are at risk. However, Great Danes with the highest risk of getting (and dying from) bloat include Danes that:

    • Have a 1st degree relative that got bloat
    • Are timid, unsure, flighty, aggressive, nippy, anxious, or unstable
    • Have poor gut health, including chronic loose stools or IBD
    • Are fed only a dry-kibble diet and no fresh or canned foods
    • Are fed a low quality kibble diet that does not contain rendered meat meal
    • Have DCM and/or are fed a diet that contains a lot of peas, garbanzo beans, lentils, potatoes, or chickpeas (which increases their risk of DCM and dramatically lowers the chance of successful outcomes)
    • Are fed from raised bowls (above mid-chest height)
    • Are fed single, large meals
    • Eat their food quickly
    • Have not had a Gastropexy

    If you want to reduce the chance that your dog bloats, go down the high-risk check list above and remove as many factors as possible. We’ll outline more of this below.

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    Bloat GDV Risk Reduction

    Let’s dig into this a little further!

    It’s critically important when purchasing a Great Dane puppy from a breeder that your breeder can prove that the pedigree is free of bloat, DCM, and unstable temperaments.

    Use modern training and socialization methods to help your dog develop a stable, friendly, and confident temperament. Work with a trainer if your dog experiences anxiety, fearfulness, or shows aggression. Our popular Great Dane early socialization guide can help!

    Talk to your veterinarian to address issues with gut health. There are many things that cause chronic loose stools in Great Danes including poor quality food, unbalanced nutrition, low fiber diets, adult foods fed to puppies, overfeeding, health problems, and parasites.

    Feed a dry kibble that contains rendered meat meal and balanced protein, fat, carb, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D ratios.

    Do not feed grain-free or poorly researched kibble foods from brands with a small market share.

    Add balanced canned, fresh, or raw food toppers to the kibble, and feed 2-3 small, stress-free meals each day.

    Remember to keep toppers balanced. If they cannot be served as a fully nutritious meal, they are considered treats and should be less than 5% of overall intake.

    Lastly, consider a preventative Gastropexy for your Great Dane. This simple procedure can help keep the stomach from flipping (also called torsion) and save your dogs life if bloat were to occur. Statistics show much better outcomes for dogs who have had a Gastropexy.