My dog snapped at my child for seemingly no reason!!! Help!!
If you have a family dog that has been around young kids it’s entire life, but suddenly showed dangerous behavior around your own human children, you’re probably feeling very scared and confused. It’s a natural reaction to want to figure out what caused the dog to lash out, and how to prevent it from happening again in the future.
MY DOG SNAPPED AT MY CHILD AND NORMALLY IS NOT AN AGGRESSIVE DOG
Dog bites and canine aggression should not be taken lightly. If your dog’s behavior showed any indication of danger towards a child’s safety, a resolution should be a huge priority.
Dogs and children CAN safely interact, but when a dog bites children, growls at children or shows dog aggression towards human child- something is definitely off.
Many family members have reported that their dog has suddenly ‘snapped’ and reacted or bitten a young age child without previously showing any signs of being an aggressive dog.
However, it is important to note that a dogs behavior is portrayed very differently than a humans. Warning signs of dog bites come in slight and progressive changes in a dogs body language and energy.
These changes are often misinterpreted or even ignored by dog guardians- until an incident happens and the dog is labeled an aggressive dog.
For this reason, it is so important to recognize the warning signs in a dog’s behavior far before a dog bite occurs.
Fearful dogs are unpredictable dogs. So, it is beneficial to any dog owner to know the signs of an anxious dog and watch for them in their own dog. Dog body language communicates loudly and clearly, it is just necessary for us to look closely.
Signs of stress can be warning signs of coming aggression towards others in dogs. It is important not to wait until a dog is growling or showing teeth to provide them with an opportunity to leave the situation. Often, by the time a dog is displaying these more obvious signs of aggression, they have already reached their breaking point.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN AGGRESSIVE DOG AND CHILDREN?
Living in the same house with a dangerous behavior problem and kids can be a dangerous situation.
If your dog has shown aggression toward your own children, it is possible that they could do it again.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AN AGGRESSIVE DOG?
An aggressive dog will:
Break skin with their teeth
Growl or snap when someone comes near them while they are eating
Growl or snap when someone tries to take something away from them
Growl, lunge or snap at people or other animals when on a leash
Bite people or other animals without provocation
If your dog snapped at child unprovoked, it is an extremely serious situation that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.
It is important to always consult with a certified professional dog trainer regarding your individual dog.
IS RESOURCE GUARDING THE SAME THING AS AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR?
Your dogs behavior is ultimately up to you to categorize. You know the safety levels in which you feel comfortable.
If your dog is showing possessive aggression, it means that they are showing aggression towards yourself or family members when you attempt to take something away from them that they consider to be valuable.
This could be a toy, food, bone, or even just your attention.
So, if you have a dog that is snapping at your kids when they try to take away their toy- this would be an act of resource guarding and could be categorized as aggressive behavior.
Some levels of resource guarding can be completely trained with behavior modification techniques, crate training, muzzle training and teaching children the proper way in which to interact with the dog.
Other severities of possessive aggression might lead to aggressive behavior which could be a dangerous behavior problem and harmful for family members or kids.
Instead, they travel on a ‘ladder’ of communication, and do not stop traveling this ladder until their problem is solved or their owner is listening to their needs.
They will also be able to discuss options as to whether it is wise to keep your dog, rehome them, or provide behavior euthanasia, depending on the situation that you and your family members have experienced.
WHAT TO DO WHEN A DOG BITES A CHILD
If your dog has bitten your child- you should take immediate action.
If you are seeing any signs of aggression in your dog, it is important to consult with a certified professional dog behavior consultant who can help you create a behavior modification plan that is tailored specifically for your dog.
The sooner you address the problem, the better chance you have of preventing it from escalating into something more serious.
By remaining in tune with your individual dog and its needs, you can help prevent aggressive behavior before it starts.
The West Paw Toppl Dog Toy is used for engagement and enrichment for dogs- but is it worth it?
DO WEST PAW TOPPL INTERACTIVE TOYS KEEP DOGS ENTERTAINED?
Do West Paw Toppl interactive toys keep dogs entertained? That’s a puzzle. But we chew on the question and come up with this: it depends on the dog. Some dogs will go for anything that’s new, and others need to be coaxed with a treat. But all pups will eventually get bored with the same old toy, which is why it’s important to have a variety of puzzle, chew and treat toys on hand.
For my dogs, the answer is yes. Let’s dive into why and how.
I started to feel like I was spending all of this time making them Kong’s for my OWN ENGAGEMENT! The engagement activity was digging it all out in the sink just to get the Kong clean. It REALLY stinks to spend time, money and effort to fill up food puzzles for your dogs, just to spend 20 minutes then rinsing it all out– I felt like groundhogs day.
There were times when the food got stuck in the hole of the toy, and they were unable to get it out, leaving the Kong at risk of mold and mildew.
My dogs are bright! But they are NOT prey drive/driven by food/working dog breeds.
Food puzzles had become a big source of frustration for us. They were just maybe too lazy to use a Kong. I decided that the Kong was not for us anymore. It was just TOO MUCH WORK for me and NOT ENOUGH FULFILLMENT for them.
That is when I decided to try the West Paw Toppl, even though I was hesitant.
WHAT SIZES DO THE WEST PAW TOPPL COME IN?
The two sizes of the West Paw Toppl come in small, large and extra large. The three sizes are sold separately.
But, honestly no matter what size dog you have, the price for the two sizes are about the same (give or take a few bucks) and the large can be used for a small dog. Just simply put the Toppl back in the freezer after a few minutes and reuse later.
If you have bigger dogs, definitely go for the Large size. The large toppl toy is not necessarily a ‘big’ dog toy, but its big enough for them to eat out of, which is my FAVORITE part about it
The biggest complaint I have with the Kong is that the hole at the top was too small for my giant breeds to eat from. They’d get bored, the stuff got stuck, they’d stop eating, it would get gross.. You get the point.
Getting the large sizes in the toppl treat allowed my pet to enjoy the toy almost immediately. It did take them some time to understand the toppl treat, but DEFINITELY not as long as it took them with any other food toy (which was nearly never- ha).
WEST PAW TOPPL FOR SMALLER DOGS
If you have a smaller dog, you can get the smaller toy.
The toppl comes in the small and large size. However, I do believe you can use the large toppl for small dogs.
The topple treat toy has a more appropriate shape than other chew toys meant for filling up, in my opinion which allows their tongue to get in easier and allows for zero waste.
Just take the treat toy and fill it with either your dog’s favorite food, snack, some wet kibble, or canned food and then freeze.
They like other treat dispensing toys and similar items, but with the Kong they seemed to get bored and not be able to get the items out. The hole seemed too small and ultimately just created more work for me.
Because of the way the toppl treat toy is made with the wide opening, they are able to more easily interact with both the small and large toppls. It seems more species appropriate than having them stick their tongue in such a small spot.
As an added bonus, the small and large toppls seem MUCH easier to clean. With others, I always worried that mold and grossness was going to start growing on the inside. But with these ones the hole is wide enough that I can clearly make sure that they are thoroughly cleaned aftewards.
CAN YOU USE THE WEST PAW TOPPL FOR FEEDING MEALS?
Absolutely! These are the only toys I use to regularly give my pups their meals.
I use wet food and mix it with water, stick it in the freezer and later let them enjoy!
You may not have a beautiful meal like you see on the internet, but who cares! Mine are never pretty- but they are delicious and healthy.
Something cool that is sold separately than the toppl treat are these adorable little additions for the clever dogs. If your dog is able to figure out how to use the toy immediately, you can make the job harder by adding this to the inner ridges and challenging them.
Typically, I just use the West Paw toppl for mealtimes, but you can also use it for healthy treats.
Just fill up the toy with anything you’d like! Then, add bone broth or water to be able to freeze it all together before you feed (freezing will make it last much longer when you feed it!)
Ideas for things to add in:
Cottage Cheese
Apple Sauce
Slices of Granny smith apple (My dogs LOVE Granny Smith apples for some reason!)
I have also found that using the wet food along with some kibble or dry treats works great too! The toppl treat dispensing toy is great for mental engagement and enrichment, especially if you dog is prone to anxiety or boredom. You can use it as a puzzle toy by filling it with their favorite treats
IS THE WEST PAW TOPPL DISHWASHER SAFE?
I have washed my West Paw toppl nearly 10 times and it is completely dishwasher safe!
The company states that you should use only the top rack dishwasher shelf in order to make sure it does not melt.
After dinner, I typically rinse it out to get any leftover gunk out, then stick it in the dishwasher. So yes, it is definitely dishwasher safe.
The only negative I have with the West Paw toppl treat dispensing toy is that it does not come in many different colors.
I wish there were more color options to choose from because right now it is only available in three colors- tangerine, neon green and aqua blue. I have one of each of these colors, but the primary color that I love is the aqua blue. But- keep in mind our dogs see colors in different ways than we do anyways- so the colors don’t bug them!
ARE THE WEST PAW TOPPL DOG TREAT TOYS CHEW PROOF?
I do not believe that the West Paw Toppl is chew proof.
However, you should consider that this is not a chew toy.
If your dog loves to chew things, you should monitor them while they eat their meal for your dog’s safety.
Moderate chewers could probably get away with it if they are just chewing it while they’re eating but direct chewing on the toy would likely damage it and could even cause an obstruction should they swallow it.
ARE THE WEST PAW TOPPL DOG CHEW TOYS SAFE?
Most animals love to eat but dog owners should monitor their dogs while they do so!
I do believe that the West Paw toppl is a more appropriate shape for animals not to get their tongues stuck inside while they are eating.
The material is also non toxic.
I have had zero concerns with my Great Dane’s safety while they use the items. My two suggestions would be:
Always monitor your animals while they are eating for your dog’s safety
Always read the labels of any items you include in their meals
Just take canned food, stuff it in there, fill the rest with water, mix it together, and then add a few treats on top!
Done…..
Easy right?
Don’t forget to freeze.
DEHYDRATED RAW OR REGULAR RAW WITH TREATS
You get the point… Do the same exact thing as above but with dehydrated raw or standard raw food!
I like to crumple up some dehydrated raw or balanced wet raw (We love Raws Paws) and then pour water over top of it. Sometimes I’ll add some veggies on top, then freeze.
If you feed kibble- do the same exact thing but with kibble!
It really does not get easier than that!
WEST PAW’S PUZZLE TOY IS A GAME CHANGER
The West Paw Topple is one of the only toys that my dogs will successfully be able to eat their meal from.
If you’re looking for dog toys for them to play with, this probably isnt the right one for you.
But if you’re looking for a top rack dishwasher safe treat toy that you can use to keep your pup entertained, they’ll take to the toy immediately, it’ll bust their boredom, and can be used with both a senior dog or puppy, then you should definitely purchase.
Why is my puppy being aggressive? If you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something more than puppy play, you should trust your gut.
Helping a puppy overcome dog aggression is much easier with young puppies, so the quicker you address the behavior, the sooner you can prevent and stop puppy aggression!
First, it is important to identify if the puppy growling and puppy nipping you are seeing is, in fact, normal puppy play or dog aggression.
WHY IS MY PUPPY BEING AGGRESSIVE?
Well, ARE YOU SURE your puppy is ACTUALLY showing signs of aggression? Dog owners usually know their dogs very well, but take a step back for just a moment and evaluate if your puppy is being an aggressive dog or just demonstrating what could be normal behavior for very young puppies.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL PUPPY’S BEHAVIOR LOOK LIKE
Puppy play is ROUGH! Puppy nipping, puppy bites, and puppy growling is all apart of growing up.
Normal puppy behavior sometimes LOOKS like aggressive behavior, so it is crucial to know the difference between what aggressive puppies do vs. what rough play may look like.
Puppy aggression is characterized by more than just puppy barking. Aggressive barking is an issue and should be treated seriously, especially in a young family dog.
Many puppy parents do not realize that growling, in and of itself, is actually a VERY healthy way for a puppy to act.
There should be a difference in your dog’s behavior from a playful growl during rough play vs. aggressive puppy growling which may come across as more threatening.
Signs of an aggressive puppy growl may be if the growling is paired with a stiff body, hackles raised, ears flattened against the head, and/or a direct stare.
MY PUPPY REACTS WHEN I TAKE ITS FOOD OR TREATS AWAY
You finally brought home your cute puppy anticipating a well behaved dog, brought out their brand new food bowl and dinner, only to have your puppy lunge because they were upset that you were touching it!
It can be defeating to pet owners to see their puppy’s body language stiffen up when they get out the dog treats, fun toy, or food bowl.
Food aggression is a very common issue. Do NOT take away the dog food or punish your dog when they show signs of aggression nearby food or resources!
Canine aggression only gets worse when the owner threatens to remove the item that was causing the bad behavior in the first place. This habit can make the dog feel like they need to protect their resources from you, the family, or other dogs.
Puppy aggression can be a normal part of development OR it can be a sign of something more serious.
Identifying dog aggression is essential for helping your puppy overcome this behavior.
MY PUPPY BITES EVERYTHING IN ITS SIGHT
Puppy biting is NORMAL! Puppy teeth are very sharp and if you are a puppy owner you will have to help your pup learn to use those new puppy teeth for productive things.
Puppy biting does not equate to puppy aggression. However, if your puppy was not raised with a litter/mom to teach them bite inhibition, their puppy biting habit will likely be much worse.
If you are having troubles with your puppy biting, there are many ways to help them overcome this undesirable behavior.
WHAT ARE AGGRESSIVE PUPPY SIGNS?
An aggressive dog will show signs of aggression that their owners should not take lightly as if they are not dealt with when they are young they will continue into them being aggressive adult dogs.
Remember, not all of these signs lead to aggressive puppy behavior, which is why it is so important to examine your specific dog as an individual. For example, many puppies will go through a biting phase during teething and this does not necessarily mean they are an aggressive puppy.
It is only when you see multiple signs of aggression in your puppy that you should start to worry and take steps to correct the behavior.
A professional dog trainer can identify a puppy’s inappropriate behavior and determine what behavior modification might be necessary.
Should your puppy exhibit aggressive behavior around other puppies, other dogs, or children, you should work on strong obedience training and socialization skills that will both protect them AND the other dogs/kids.
Correcting a puppy’s inappropriate behavior is absolutely possible.
If you notice your puppy aggressively behave, begin by using positive reinforcement to build confidence in their obedience training.
Many times, aggressive behavior (especially in an aggressive puppy) is linked to a lack of obedience training and confidence which can lead to fear aggression.
Fear aggression is when a dog is rooted in fear of people, loud noises, other dogs or something else that causes them to show aggressive behaviors.
Dog owners might view their dog’s aggression as mean or vicious, but the dog is simply trying to protect themselves from what they perceive as a threat.
Identifying and correcting fear aggression in puppies is essential for helping your puppy feel safe and secure. If you are concerned about your puppy’s safety or the safety of others, seek professional help from a certified dog behaviorist or professional trainer.
Using positive reinforcement is crucial with any dog that is showing aggressive behavior. Take immediate and appropriate action if you think your pup is afraid of something to the point of demonstrating aggressive behavior. Most dogs will respond hugely to positive reinforcement training. When needed, seek the help of a dog trainer to help with your dog’s aggressive behavior.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN A PUPPY GROWLS AT ITS OWNER?
Dogs growl for a variety of reasons and it does not always mean they are aggressive dogs.
Growling can also be a sign of fear or anxiety in dogs. If your puppy is growling at you, it is important to take note of the circumstances and what may have led up to the growling.
A dog can also growl when they are in pain. Maybe someone touches them in the wrong spot and it hurts them. Dogs have no other way of communicating but using their voice, so a growl could be a sign that your dog is in discomfort.
If you are concerned about your puppy’s growling, it is best to seek professional help from a certified dog behaviorist or professional dog trainer. They can help you identify the root cause of the growling and work on a training plan to correct the behavior.
Many pet owners who have experienced fighting dogs wonder how to stop two dogs from hurting one another or if there is a safe way of separating fighting dogs.
Dog fights may arise for a variety of reasons including territorial disputes, resource guarding, or simply because one dog is feeling threatened by another.
However, even to the best dog owner and most well-behaved dog, preventing dog fights can still be near to impossible.
HOW TO STOP MY DOGS FROM FIGHTING
Most dogs will bicker with other dogs at least at some point in their life. One dog communicating with another dog is very different than a full on dog fight.
Dogs communicate by using noises, growls, snarls, and even body language that we might not always understand or be able to see visually.
Not all dogs fully understand how to communicate with other dogs, and sometimes a dog fight can escalate quicker than others.
Fighting dogs can be one of the scariest situations! Two dogs who are fighting don’t have much else on their minds other than the other dog.
It can be dangerous to separate fighting dogs, so it is important to get educated, practice behavior modification and monitor rough play between multiple dogs.
WHY DOGS FIGHT
Dog fights can happen for a variety of reasons, just like you may fight with a coworker, family member or friend for a variety of reasons.
Sometimes, when there are two or more dogs in the same house, living as family dogs with the same family, things can go wrong. But, that does not mean that two dogs or even more than two dogs cannot live in harmony together.
There are several different situations where dogs who live in the same house may start fighting with each other.
Other times, one dog just simply works better as a single family dog, however most dogs tend to enjoy having companions to spend their lives with.
The best way to set up a multiple dog household is to make sure that before you get a new dog, you trust the dogs that currently live in your home. Getting new dogs involved while you have a current outstanding more aggressive dog is never a good idea and can lead to dogs fighting.
MANAGING A YOUNGER DOG WHO IS ANNOYING AN OLDER DOG
If you have an older dog and you want to bring home a puppy- rest assured it can still happen!
Puppies can be extremely annoying to older dogs. Not all dogs like puppy energy, puppy play or want to share their toys and resources with a new puppy.
The best way to manage a younger dog who is annoying an older dog is to provide breaks to each dog individually so that your dog does not begin to resent the puppy.
USING A CRATE
Using a crate for both dogs (or at minimum the young dog) will help keep the dogs separated and provide a break for your current dog to relax and get some much needed puppy-free time.
Many dogs will begin to resent a new dog coming in to their house if they suddenly do not get any alone time with their owner. Household dogs should be treated as individuals and given separate time to walk with you, as their owner.
SEPARATE ROOMS
Providing separate rooms for household dogs can allow both dogs to continue to grow in confidence. Separate the dogs BEFORE they begin showing signs of anxiety. A confident dog is one who can remain separated from the other dog without showing separation anxiety.
Plus, when you separate the dogs you not only provide each of them a break, but can ultimately create a more confident dog.
WHY DO MY DOGS KEEP FIGHTING
If you are continuing to have fighting dogs in your household, you need to be more vigilant to separate the dogs, be proactive in dog training, and work with a veterinary behaviorist.
MEALTIMES
Always separate dogs during mealtimes. Family dogs may get along all the time, but can develop food aggression if they eat their meals, bones, treats or snacks around the other dogs in the house.
Perhaps you should separate the dogs proactively for all of their mealtimes.
FIGHTING DOGS NEED DOG TRAINING
If you are experiencing your dogs fighting often, please seek a certified professional dog trainer. Practice obedience training, keep your dogs leashed and safe!
Avoid the ‘pack leader’ training method, as usually a dog who is already demonstrating the ability to fight has underlying anxiety.
A great place to start is with an animal behaviorist who can help you to determine if your dogs are capable of living in the same household and if you will be able to help your dogs coexist.
CAN MY DOGS LIVE TOGETHER AFTER FIGHTING?
Family dogs who have fought usually can continue to live in the same house- but it will take time, training, and vigilance on your part.
If you have one dog who regularly is the more aggressive dog, consider whether they are happy living in a multi dog home. Dogs fight because they are trying to communicate their feelings.
Aggressive dogs are not the only dogs who get into dog fights.
IS IT NORMAL FOR TWO DOGS TO LIVE TOGETHER TO FIGHT?
Sometimes, dogs fight! Just because dogs fight does not mean you have an aggressive dog.
Inter-dog aggression is different from fighting and occurs when a dog is selectively aggressive to other dogs and not people.
If you have a dog who is growling, snapping, demonstrating aggressive behavior, or biting other dogs- seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist.
Dogs who are fighting should not be left unsupervised and should always be monitored or separated.
If you have an older dog or multiple dogs of the same sex, take extra precautions to prevent your dogs from beginning to fight in the first place. It is very difficult to separate fighting dogs and the best way to stop a fight is to prevent your dog from starting one in the first place!
HOW DO I STOP MY DOG ATTACKING OTHER DOGS OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE
Sometimes, a dog can develop aggression to other things outside of the house.
Common reasons that dogs fight outside of the house might include:
SOCIALIZATION SKILLS LACK IN THE DOG
Lack of socialization: Dogs who do not have regular opportunities to meet other dogs and people can be more prone to fighting. Be sure to socialize your dog early and often!
THE DOG IS ANXIOUS
Anxiety: Dogs who are anxious or fearful can be more likely to lash out and fight. Be sure to consult with a certified dog behaviorist to help your dog overcome their anxiety. Demonstrate calm behavior to the dog, avoid stressful places like the dog park, and help build confidence with the dog by doing socializing activities. A stressed dog is not a happy dog!
Territorial aggression: Dogs who are territorial can be more likely to fight with other dogs who they perceive as a threat to their territory. Be sure to keep your dog leashed and under control when outside to prevent them from fighting.
POSSESSIVE AGGRESSION
Possessive aggression: Dogs who are possessive of their food, toys, or people can be more likely to fight with another dog. Be sure to keep your dog’s food and toys away from other dogs and only give them to your dog when they are calm and relaxed.
If your dog is attacking other dogs outside of the house, please seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or
HOW TO BREAK UP A DOG FIGHT
Breaking up a dog fight is dangerous. It really can cause a lot of harm when humans intervene in the midst of one dog attaching another dog. Additionally, often times a dog fight might appear dangerous, but really will not end up in any serious injury.
If you must break up a dog fight, here are some tips:
DO NOT use your hands or feet to break up the fight. You can get seriously injured.
DO use a loud, high-pitched noise to startle the dogs and interrupt the fight.
DO use water (hose, faucet, etc) to break up one dog from attacking the other dog.
DO use a physical object to block the dogs from each other or to separate them.
DO NOT throw things at the dogs, as this can further agitate one dog into further attacking the other dog.
After the fight has been broken up, take the dogs to separate areas to calm down.
If the dogs have any injuries at all, they should be taken to the vet immediately, as a dog bite has major bacteria in them. If you, the human, has a bite / wound mark, you should seek a doctor as well as you can get infected quickly from dog bacteria getting into your open wound.
DOGS ARE COMPLICATED
Dogs are complicated. Female dogs are complicated! Male dogs are complicated! All dogs are complex beings with their own emotions, needs, and wants.
Dogs fight for a variety of reasons. Dog fights can be nerve wracking and scary.
But, dogs learn quickly and with proper guidance from their owner, socialization and training skills, confidence building, and a little bit of time…a dog can overcome their fears, anxieties, and aggressions.
Do you love Great Danes? If so, you’re going to love this post! We’ve collected a bunch of beautiful photos of Great Danes for your viewing pleasure. These dogs are absolutely stunning, and we hope you enjoy looking at these pictures as much as we enjoyed putting them together.
Photos of Great Danes
The Great Dane is one of the most beautiful of all pups. If you have a Great Dane dog you will know that they are a stunning view. Millions of people have captured their beauty on image and video while they explore off leash outdoors, play outside on a sunny day or just lounge around the house. Here we have a collection of some of the most beautiful photos of Great Dane dogs that we could find.
GREAT DANE IMAGES WHILE THEY EXPLORE
Here is a collection of portrait images of a Great Dane dog out doing what they do best: being in nature!
GREAT DANES STANDING
Great Danes are some of the most regal dogs, especially when they are standing in an image. Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds, standing nearly three feet tall at the shoulder. That’s taller than most human toddlers!
BLACK AND WHITE GREAT DANE
Black and white Great Danes are a popular dog choice.
They look great for the camera and the image and view is one you can’t beat!
WHITE GREAT DANE STARING
If you find a white Great Dane as striking as us, you may find these images of a White Great Dane staring and standing as beautiful as we do!
Purebred Great Danes might be the dog for your family. Make sure to research the different types of Great Danes before you make your final decision on what dog is right for you and your family.
Some breeders have mixed different Dane breeds to create a new look or have a dog with different colors.
The GDCA has a breeder registry that is easy to use with high quality, health tested Great Danes.
GREAT DANE PUPPY PICTURES
Puppies are adorable! Who doesn’t love an image of Great Dane puppies! If you don’t find this image absolutely adorable, we don’t know what you will!
GREAT DANES JUST BEING DOGS
A Great Dane is a dog that loves to learn, stay close to their owners and is great with kids. They are fun, goofy and will make you laugh. If you have ever had one of these gentle giants, you know they are some of the most fun and best dogs around.
Here are some images of Great Danes just being dogs and enjoying life!
FAMILY DOG GREAT DANE
A Great Dane can become a part of the family easily as they are known to be gentle, loving and affectionate dogs. If you are looking for a family dog, the Great Dane may be the right pup for your family.
Here is an image of the best dog around enjoying their family.
These dogs are not only beautiful, but they’re also gentle giants that make great family pets. If you’re looking for a new dog, and you want something that’s both beautiful and gentle, then you should definitely consider getting a black Great Dane.
If you aren’t great with your camera but are interested in images of your dog or your Great Dane, you can always search for great stock photos and images that are royalty free on websites such as Unsplash or Pexels. There are more stock photos to search for on these websites. Just choose to sort by ‘dog’ or ‘Great Dane’ and you will be surprised by the amazing videos or content that you can see! Make sure to check it out for more great stock photos and content.
All dogs have some health risks, and Great Danes are no exception. These are just a few of the things you can implement today to take the best precautions for your Great Dane and their health.
Do you have a Great Dane? Send us a photo and we may feature it in our next blog post! Until then, enjoy!
We hope you enjoyed this collection of Great Dane pictures! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help. Thanks for reading!
Have you ever heard of using CBD dog treats for joint pain? It is never fun watching your dog experience joint issues. I know firsthand how sad it is to watch your dog’s mobility decline as I, myself, have a Great Dane with hip / joint problems.
Joint care is important for a better quality of life for any dog and we as pet parents want to relieve pain in our large dogs so that they can live a healthy and happy life.
CAN YOU USE CBD DOG TREATS FOR JOINT PAIN?
When Gigi started having hip issues, I thought she was probably just going to have a joint sprain and that she’d be fine in a few days.
However, she kept having stiff joints and limping despite me being paranoid about her joint health for her entire life.
When I finally got her joint stiffness checked out, I had no idea that she would be diagnosed with a chronic joint function disease called Wobblers Syndrome.
Fast forward almost an entire year and Gigi and I have found what works and doesn’t work and what helps her overall health the best.
Throughout the year as we trial-and-errored different things for hip and joint health, I found out that using CBD joint supplements regularly helps give her the joint support that she needs to run and play like a ‘normal’ dog.
WHAT ARE HIP AND JOINT SUPPLEMENTS?
Hip and joint supplements are crucial for large dogs, but especially those with hip and joint problems like Gigi.
Some dog joint chews have ingredients like Glucosamine HCL, Chondroitin Sulfate, Organic Turmeric, Fish oil, or Green Lipped Mussel. Joint care chews for dogs are targeted to increase your dog’s mobility by supporting their joints and connective tissues.
USING CBD OIL FOR PAIN RELIEF
CBD oil for dogs is a supplement that I’ve only recently started using for Gigi’s hip and joint pain.
Choosing a joint supplement for your dog might depend on a few factors:
Joint care is very important for all dogs, regardless of preexisting hip or joint pain!
Canine Arthritis Management states that 80% of pets will develop Arthritis in their lifetime! This crazy statistic just shows how important it is that pet owners are proactive about their dog’s hip / joint health.
I began to give Gigi these CBD Dog Treats daily to make sure that she is getting the joint support that she needs to live a happy & pain-free life!
Fish oil can be an incredible source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes fish oil a popular ingredient in many supplements for people and pets alike. Dogs love fish oil and it not only makes a great hip / joint support, but serves as an excellent food topper as well!
When you are looking for CBD hip chews for dogs, you should make the following considerations before feeding them to your pet:
PET FRIENDLY: Are the chews for dogs? Some human CBD hip / joint chews contain products that your pet shouldn’t eat.
MADE IN THE USA: Are the joint chews made in the USA? Quality sourcing should always be a consideration when looking to feed your pets any chews.
HEMP EXTRACT CHEWS: Choose a hip and joint chew that is sourced from hemp extract. Hemp hip and joint cbd soft chews will provide the best painrelief to your pet while not causing any psychoactive effects.
TOXIN FREE CHEWS: Pick a chew that is grain free and has no artificial flavors or colors.
FULL SPECTRUM CBD FOR DOGS: Always look for full spectrum cbd. It is extremely important for your dogs joint health and pain relief that the cbd hip product is full spectrum, not broad spectrum.
LAB TESTING: Never give your dogs any cbd hip and joint product that is not lab tested.
FDA MANUFACTURING AND COMPLIANCE: Find a company that makes CBD soft chews in an FDA manufacturing facility so that you can rest assured that your pets are in safe hands. Not all CBD oil products comply with the FDA.
IS IT SAFE TO GIVE DOGS CBD HIP / JOINT TREATS?
As long as you are following the above guidelines when looking for your hip / joint supplement of choice, it is completely safe to give your pup a soft chew, liquid dropper, or treat that has CBD in it.
As a matter of fact, some dog hip and joint companies make chews for dogs that have been shown to provide relief.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF HEMP TREATS FOR DOGS?
When I started using dog hip and joint treats for Gigi’s chronic hip / joint issues, I realized that the side effects were nonexistent for her, especially in comparison to the benefits.
All dogs will react differently, but when using a safe and tested soft chew, you can rest assured that your pup will not have any adverse side effects.
The most common side effect of CBD, in general, is drowsiness. However, this is not always the case and depends on the individual dog. If your pup does experience drowsiness, it is usually temporary and will wear off within a few hours.
UPSET STOMACH
Another side effect that has been reported is an upset stomach, but this is also not common. I have found with my own dogs that when I give them chews that are from less appropriate sources, not hemp-derived, or have fillers in them, they are more likely to experience an upset stomach.
You can tell that she is in less pain and has more mobility. I highly recommend giving your pup CBD-infused hip and joint soft chews, especially if they are experiencing any hip / joint pain at all.
DO CBD HIP TREATS HELP WITH PAIN?
Choosing the best joint supplement can feel overwhelming. There are so many joint chews, soft chews, hard / biscuit type treats and remedies out there for the health of our dogs.
But, sometimes doing too much is actually not necessary for our dogs.
If you have a pet who struggles with inflammation in their joints and needs to relax, or a high-strung pupper with separation anxiety, getting them started on the right joint chews could really help.
If you have a large breed dog, providing them with a hip and joint supplement is even more important.
This is because large breed dogs are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and ligament tears.
Starting your large breed dog on a joint supplement early can actually help to prevent some of these problems from developing later in life.
WHAT FOODS HELP DOGS HIPS?
Sometimes, even though you give your pet chews for their joints, they may need an extra dietary boost of healthy foods that can increase their mobility.
Some seniors may have a harder time chewing than younger dogs. Joint soft chews are a great place to start for any senior who may have a harder time chewing.
Joint chews for dogs come in smaller pieces that are easy to chew and are packed with nutrients that can help to ease pain and improve mobility.
Gigi loves the gummies! She thinks I am giving her a treat or two, and has no idea that she is actually taking a supplement that is helping to ease her irritation.
The gummies are also great because they are easy to chew and Gigi doesn’t have any trouble digesting them.
I am so happy that I found a product that Gigi loves and that is helping her to feel her best!
It also makes me feel good knowing that just by giving her some delicious soft chews, I am helping to provide so many benefits.
The Great Dane personality is unlike any other dog! From a young age, a Great Dane puppy has dog breed characteristics that none other demonstrate!
Do you have a Great Dane? If so, you know that they are one of the most unique dog breeds out there. They are known for their giant size and sweet personalities. But what else do you need to know about them?
GREAT DANE PERSONALITY: WHAT DO GREAT DANE OWNERS NEED TO KNOW?
Giant breed dogs are often known for being “gentle giants.” But the Great Dane takes this to a whole new level! They are not only gentle, but also incredibly sweet, loving, and loyal. If you are thinking about getting a Great Dane, or already have one, here are ten things you need to know about their personality:
Great Dane temperament
Great Dane life span
Great Dane health problems
Are Great Danes good with young kids?
Getting large dogs from reputable breeders
Where were Great Dane dogs originally bred and what were they bred for?
Are Great Danes active?
What items are necessary for large and giant breeds?
Do Great Danes require a lot of management, training, and work?
GREAT DANE TEMPERAMENT
The Great Dane is a large and majestic breed of dog. Also known as the “gentle giant,” these dogs are calm, loving, and make great companion animals. Despite their large size, Great Danes are known for being gentle and good with children. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Great Dane temperament, from puppyhood to adulthood.
GREAT DANE PUPPY TEMPERAMENT
Great Dane puppies are notoriously cute and cuddly. They are also full of energy and mischief! It is important to begin training and socialization early with your Great Dane puppy, so that they grow up to be well-behaved adult dogs. Without proper training and socialization, your Great Dane puppy may become anxious or aggressive as they grow older.
ADULT DOG TEMPERAMENT
As adults, Great Danes are calm and gentle giants. They make great companion animals and are usually good with children. However, due to their large size, it is important to teach your children how to properly interact with your Great Dane. For example, they should not be allowed to jump on or pull the dog’s tail.
TRAINING AND SOCIALIZATION AS A GREAT DANE PUPPY
Getting a Great Dane is no different than other animals in that you must start your obedience training as soon as possible. Other dogs will grow much slower than your large breed puppy and adult Great Danes can be huge and overpowering. It is crucial to start your training before you have a 130+ lb adult Great Dane that you cannot control.
GREAT DANE RESCUE CAN IMPACT GREAT DANES TEMPERAMENT
Rescuing a Great Dane is always a positive and heartwarming story, but you should ask a lot of questions. Many giant dogs in rescue have endured trauma, been neglected, or worse. As a result, they may have issues with anxiety, aggression, or even PTSD. Be sure to do your research and ask the rescue organization lots of questions before you commit to adopting a Great Dane.
Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes are not naturally aggressive dogs. With proper training and socialization, they can be mellow and loving companion animals. However, without proper care, they may become anxious or even aggressive as adults. If you think your Great Dane is showing signs of aggression, it is important to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist for help.
ARE GREAT DANES GUARD DOGS?
Great Danes can make excellent guard dogs because of their large size and intimidating bark. However, in order for them to be effective guard dogs, they must be properly trained. Without proper training, a Great Dane may become scared or even aggressive when strangers come around.
The Great Dane is a large and majestic breed of dog that is known for having breed characteristics of being calm and gentle. With proper training and socialization from an early age, these dogs can make great companions for families with children. However, without proper care, they may become anxious or even aggressive as adults. If you think your Great Dane is showing signs of aggression, it is important to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist for help.
GREAT DANE LIFESPAN
If you are thinking about getting a Great Dane, or already have one, you might be wondering how long these gentle giants typically live. Unfortunately, due to their large size, Great Danes don’t have the longest lifespan compared to other breeds, but with responsible breeding and care, they can definitely enjoy a good quality of life. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the factors that influence a Great Dane’s lifespan as well as some tips on how to help your furry friend live a long and healthy life.
One of the main things that affects a Great Dane’s lifespan is responsible breeding. When breeders are not careful about health issues and genetic defects, it can shorten a dog’s lifespan quite dramatically. If you are thinking about getting a Great Dane, make sure to do your research on reputable breeders who can provide you with healthy puppies.
Once you’ve brought your puppy home, it’s important to take them to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations so that they can stay healthy and catch any problems early on.
Another factor that can influence a Great Dane’s lifespan is backyard breeding. This is when people bred their dogs without taking into consideration health or temperament issues. As a result, these dogs often have shorter lifespans and more health problems. If you have a Great Dane that was backyard bred, it’s important to be extra vigilant about their health and take them for regular vet check-ups. Even though they might not live as long as responsibly bred Great Danes, you can still help them enjoy a good quality of life by providing them with proper care.
Great Danes are also prone to certain health problems that can shorten their lifespan. Some of the most common health problems include hip dysplasia, heart disease, bloat, and cancer. While there is no guarantee that your dog will never experience any health problems, you can help them by feeding them a high-quality diet and making sure they get plenty of exercise. If you think your dog might be sick, it’s important to take them to the vet right away so that they can get the treatment they need.
Of course, the biggest factor in determining how long your Great Dane will live is the life you give them. If you provide them with plenty of love, proper nutrition, exercise, andvet care, they will enjoy a long and happy life. On the other hand, if you neglect their needs or abuse them, their lifespan will be shortened considerably. So if you want your furry friend to stick around for awhile, make sure to give them the best life possible!
There are many factors that go into determining your dog’s age and how long a Great Dane will live. From responsible breeding to adequate exercise and nutrition, there are many things YOU can do to help your furry friend enjoy a long and healthy life! The life span of a Great Dane can continue to grow as pet parents become more and more educated.
GREAT DANE HEALTH PROBLEMS
GREAT DANE HEALTH ISSUES
As a Great Dane owner, it’s important to be aware of the potential health problems that your dog may face. Great Danes are a giant breed, and as such, they are prone to some health issues that other dogs don’t have to worry about. Here are some of the most common health problems in Great Danes, and what you can do to help keep your dog healthy and happy.
HEALTH ISSUES IN FEMALE GREAT DANES
One of the most common health problems in female Great Danes is pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus. Pyometra can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Signs of pyometra include increased thirst, urination, and appetite; vomiting; diarrhea; and weight loss. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, take her to the vet immediately. Treatment for pyometra typically involves surgery to remove the infected uterus.
Great Danes are also susceptible to mammary tumors, which are tumors that develop in the mammary glands. Mammary tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous), but they can sometimes be malignant (cancerous). The best way to prevent mammary tumors is to get your dog spayed before she reaches sexual maturity (usually around 6 months old). If your dog does develop a mammary tumor, it will need to be removed surgically.
One of the most common health problems in male Great Danes is cardiomyopathy, which is a heart condition that can be both congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develops later in life). Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure and death if not treated promptly. Signs of cardiomyopathy include exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, fainting/collapsing, and an enlarged heart on x-ray. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, take him to the vet immediately for treatment.
Great Danes are also susceptible to testicular tumors, which are growths that develop on the testicles. Testicular tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous), but they can sometimes be malignant (cancerous). The best way to prevent testicular tumors is to have your dog neutered before he reaches sexual maturity (usually around 6 months old). If your dog does develop a testicular tumor, it will need to be removed surgically.
A Great Dane can be prone to some eye and cardiac issues such as cardiomyopathy, eye problems like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Cherry Eye. It’s important to get regular checkups if you have a giant dog.
Some problems in the Great Dane dog breed are genetic. If you are bringing a giant dog into your home, you should research the health problems that are specific to the breed, and talk to your veterinarian about what you can do to prevent or manage them. Then, make sure to invest time into finding a breeder that health tests their dogs to eliminate potential health issues from their lines.
HELP TO CREATE A HEALTHIER DOG
As a Great Dane owner, it’s important to be aware of the potential health problems that your dog may face. Great Danes are a giant breed and as such they are prone to some health issues that other dogs don’t have t worry about However by being informed and knowing what signs t look out for you can help ensure that your Great Dane lives a long healthy life Despite their size Great Danes are gentle giants full love And with proper care they make wonderful lifelong companions
ARE GREAT DANES GOOD WITH YOUNG KIDS?
Lots of people are looking for a big dog to join their family. A dog that will protect them, be a best friend and provide lots of love. But when you have young kids, it’s important to find a breed that will also do well with little ones.
BASIC OBEDIENCE COMMANDS AND SOCIALIZATION
It’s important to socialize your Great Dane early on so that they are comfortable around different types of people and situations. This will help them to be more relaxed and less likely to startle easily as they grow older. If you have friends or family members with young children, invite them over often so that your pup can get used to being around groups of kids and learn how to behave appropriately.
Crate training is a fantastic way to help keep your dog safe from kids or other dogs, strangers, visitors, or chaos in your home. Even though your Great Dane may have a gentle nature, they may be overwhelmed when a guest visits, and a crate is the best place for them when they are feeling stressed. Some Great Danes prefer sleeping in their crate as they find it a safe place!
GREAT DANES SHOULD BE RESPECTED BY KIDS AND VICE VERSA
Just like a Great Dane should always respect kids, you should teach any children interacting with your Great Dane to respect your Great Dane!
This means not being too loud or overwhelming with their energy around your dog, as well as not pulling on ears or tails, and always asking an adult before giving your dog a hug or a kiss. If kids learn to treat your Dane with respect, your Great Dane will love them just as much as they love any other family member!
Just like other breeds, the Great Dane needs training to become a well rounded dog. But because of their size, it’s important to start training early on and be consistent with it throughout their life. A dog trainer can help you with specific commands, as well as socialization and crate training.
As with any breed of dog, there are always going to be exceptions to the rule. So, even if a Great Dane comes from a long line of dogs who have been great with kids, there’s no guarantee that your dog will be the same way. That’s why it’s important to always supervise your pup around children—no matter what breed they are.
WHERE WERE GREAT DANE DOGS ORIGINALLY BRED AND WHAT WERE THEY BRED FOR?
Great Danes were originally bred in Germany during the Middle Ages. They were bred by German breeders to be breeding dogs and hunting dogs, and their large size was perfect for taking down large prey. Luckily for them, they were strong and fast: the perfect boar hounds. However, over time they became more popular as family pets and their hunting days were behind them.
Back then, they were also known as a German Mastiff and used to hung wild boar. Now they are not only no longer a German dog, but also no longer a hunting dog either.
With big mouths comes big, strong jaws. Invest in some toys that you may not be able to find at your local pet store, but will hold up for longer and suit your big dog better.
Training your Great Dane is the most important thing you can do! Invest in a dog trainer to help you with socialization, obedience, and crate training.
Great Dane personality traits can be difficult to handle if you’re not prepared, but with the proper training, your Great Dane will be a perfect family pet!
DO GREAT DANES REQUIRE A LOT OF MANAGEMENT, TRAINING, AND WORK?
Great Danes require a unique set of skills, knowledge and handling skills.
Unlike other dogs, the Great Dane is often more like raising a horse inside your house than a dog!
Their needs are different, their diet is different, their joints are different and therefore their exercise needs are different.
You’ll need to be prepared to invest a lot of time into management, training and work with your Great Dane, but it will be worth it when you see the amazing bond you form with your pup!
A dog stomach flip may sound like a harmless thing, when in reality it is actually deadly and an extreme emergency. Commonly referred to as bloat, this condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas, twists on itself and traps the gas inside. If not treated immediately, bloat can cause shock, organ damage and even death.
While any dog can develop bloat, there are certain breeds that are more susceptible such as Great Danes, Weimaraners, German Shepherds, and other bigger breed dogs or deep chested breeds.
WHY ARE DEEP CHESTED BREEDS SUCH HIGH RISK BREEDS FOR THIS LIFE THREATENING CONDITION?
Predisposed breeds typically are deep chested dogs, which means that they have a long torso and their stomach sits further back in their body. This anatomical difference is what contributes to the increased risk of bloat. Deep chested dogs are at a higher risk of bloat because their abdominal cavity is much larger compared to their chest cavity. This difference in size creates a space called the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), which is where the stomach and esophagus connect.
This anatomical difference is what allows the stomach to more easily flip over on itself or twist, which then traps gas inside and prevents it from being released, creating a life threatening disorder.
LARGE BREED DOGS AND STOMACH FLIPS
As previously mentioned, large breed dogs are more prone to developing bloat. This is due to their deep chest cavity.
While any size dog can develop bloat, large breed dogs are more at risk because they have a larger abdominal cavity. When the stomach fills with gas, it creates an enlarged stomach. The stomach pushes against the body wall, moving organs out of their normal position.
When bloat occurs, air pushes the stomach outward, causing stomach distension. The excessive air and distended abdomen causes stomach torsion, which means that the stomach twists on itself, trapping gas inside and cutting off blood flow / blood supply to the dog’s vital organs.
The first thing that pet owners need to know if they own giant breed dogs or large dogs who are able to bloat is about gastric dilatation volvulus.
Gastric dilatation volvulus is another way of saying that the stomach is filling up with gas. Gastric dilatation volvulus is just one portion of this condition, and is referred to as a ‘dog bloating’.
The stomach can fill with gas for many reasons, and unfortunately there are many myths surrounding the life threatening condition of gastric dilatation volvulus.
When a dog’s stomach fills with excessive air, it is called Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, and it can be as small of an issue as acid reflux. However, with an extreme bloated stomach, gastric dilatation volvulus can lead to a swollen stomach, bloated stomach, distended stomach and ultimately to gastric torsion.
WHAT ABOUT GASTRIC DILATATION OR TORSION IS MOST DEADLY?
The truth is, when dogs bloat, dogs die. However, the truth also is that they do not always die from the gastric dilatation itself. Typically, a dog’s life is at risk due to the blood supply being cut off in the affected dog when the stomach twists after the gastric dilatation volvulus and gastric torsion takes place.
REGARDLESS: A bloated stomach is a life threatening disease that requires immediate treatment. Even healthy dogs should be rushed to the vet immediately to be checked out and possibly treated surgically.
Pet owners should be aware of any developing GDV in their dogs, especially if they have dogs who are at high risk for developing this serious condition.
The signs of gastric dilation include:
A bloated, distended abdomen
Distended stomach
Stomach upset
Unsuccessful attempts to vomit
Vommiting white, foamy substance / vomit
Excessive drooling
Restlessness or pacing
Panting or increased respiratory rate
Pale gums
If you notice any of these signs in your dog or suspect bloat, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Gastric dilation can turn into a life threatening disorder in a matter of minutes. Pet owners do not have the time to monitor their dogs for a few hours in the event of bloat, but rather need to seek emergency treatment and possibly emergency surgery immediately.
TREATING BLOAT IN DOGS
If your dog is showing any signs of bloat, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately as this is a life-threatening condition.
There are several things that can be done to treat bloat in dogs. The treatment and surgical procedure will depend on whether or not your dog only has gastric dilatation (bloat: air in stomach) or if they have gastric torsion (if the dog’s stomach twists).
TREATMENT FOR GASTRIC TORSION
Sometimes, if the dog is brought to the vet immediately and the gastric dilatation is caught VERY QUICKLY, the dog will not need surgery. The veterinarian team can remove the air from the dog’s stomach without having to go in surgically. This is very rare, however, because typically a veterinarian will opt to perform the Gastropexy to prevent the risk of bloat from happening again.
TREATMENT FOR TORSION
If the stomach has already twisted, then the dog will need surgery to untwist the stomach and to put it back into place. This is a dangerous surgery with a high risk of complications and death, but if it is done quickly enough, the dog may be saved.
When the dog’s stomach fills up with air, it pushes the stomach wall against the abdominal wall. The excess movement and air will cause the stomach wall to begin twisting itself. The risk factors include decreased blood flow to vital organs. Your dog will go into shock and will die if the stomach is not untwisted and put back into place.
As the twisting continues and decreases blood flow, the stomach wall will die and the dog’s condition will continue to decline. If your dog is showing any signs of bloat, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as this is a life-threatening condition.
SURGERY TO PREVENT GDV
The best way to prevent gastric dilatation volvulus from happening is to have a surgery called prophylactic gastropexy. This is a surgical procedure where the stomach is tacked down to the abdominal wall to prevent it from being able to twist.
This surgery is often done at the same time as another stomach-related surgery, such as a spay or hernia surgery. It is a relatively simple procedure that can be done laparoscopically or through a small incision in the stomach. Breeds like Great Danes are encouraged to take preventative measures such as this surgery by professional veterinary surgeons.
The gastropexy surgery could help to prevent the need for prompt treatment due to an emergency bloat or twisted stomach situation.
Unfortunately, you cannot prevent bloat or torsion in big dogs completely. However, by avoiding the myths associated with a dog’s twisted stomach, knowing the risk factors and being proactive, dog owners can take their dog’s health into their own hands as best as possible.
There are several data-driven and proven risk factors for a dog bloating or getting a twisted stomach.
Knowing that genetics impacts bloat means that pet parents can indeed get bloat treated proactively by choosing wisely where they are purchasing their animals from, researching the genes and health risks of their chosen breed and not purchasing from backyard breeders with no health tests.
There are several things you can do to keep your dog’s gut healthy and strong, which in turn will help to reduce the risk of bloat. Avoiding processed foods, feeding a raw diet, adding probiotics and digestive enzymes to their food, and avoiding sudden changes in diet.
The digestive system is interconnected and it is no surprise that a strong and healthy gut leads to a strong and healthy stomach wall, which will be less likely to bloat or twist.
Anxiety is another big risk factor for bloat. Temperament begins with socialization training, confidence training and exposing your animal to different environments from a young age.
Dogs that are anxious are more likely to gulp their food, which leads to swallowing air and bloating. If you have an anxious dog, work with a professional trainer on how best to socialize and calm your pet.
There is much debate in the pet world about whether dry food or wet food is better for dogs. Some experts say that dry food leads to bloat because the kibble expands in their stomach when mixed with water.
Others say that it does not make a difference and that any type of food can cause bloat if the dog eats too fast or gulps their food.
The best way to avoid bloat is to feed your dog smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. This will help to prevent them from overeating and swallowing too much air.
Adding something like raw or canned food on top of water soaked kibble is the best way to expand your dog’s food outside of the stomach, to avoid it expanding inside of the stomach.
We Feed Raw provides complete mixes in a variety of proteins including Beef, Venison and Turkey.
Avoid foods with citric acid in the first three ingredients, as this will be a contributing factor to bloat.
Rapid eating is one of the most common risk factors for bloat. Dogs that eat too fast are more likely to gulp their food and swallow air, which leads to bloating.
There are several ways to slow down your dog’s eating. One is to purchase a slow feeder bowl, which will make it more difficult for your dog to eat their food quickly.
You can also try adding canned or raw food on top of their kibble, so that they have to eat around the wet food in order to get to their kibble. This will naturally slow them down. Find a raw food that is balanced and complete, like Raw Paws:
You can also try adding a little bit of water to their food, which will make it more difficult to eat quickly.
DOES A RAISED FOOD BOWL HELP TO PREVENT A TWISTED STOMACH?
There is an old wives tale that using a raised food bowl will help to prevent your dog from bloating.
More recent studies, actually, have shown that using a raised bowl to feed your dog actually increases the chances of them bloating / their stomach twisting.
Bloat and torsion, unfortunately, are a part of owning a big dog. The best thing that you can do is to know the signs, be prepared, and do your best to prevent it.
If your dog does start to show signs of bloat, seek prompt treatment from a veterinarian. Early intervention is key in these situations and can be the difference between life and death.
Gastropexy surgery is a procedure that tacks the dog’s stomach to the abdomen body wall. The gastropexy is a preventative procedure that veterinary surgeons perform on deep chested dogs affected with bloat and torsion risk.
I am a lover of giant breed dogs. Any other lovers out there know that these dog breeds are unique and probably know all about the increased risk factors of bloat. Here I will tell you about my experience with having the gastropexy performed on my Great Dane.
Do you have a dog that suffers from bloat? If so, you may be considering gastropexy surgical procedure. This is a procedure that can help keep your dog safe from bloat, and it’s something that more and more large dog owners are choosing to do.
WHAT IS A GASTROPEXY PREVENTATIVE SURGERY?
I had the gastropexy procedure performed on my healthy 2 year old female Great Dane. I opted to not have her spayed- but that’s another blog for another day.
Meet Birdie:
The gastropexy is commonly performed on dogs with a deep stomach with risk factors for bloat. Bloat happens when a dog’s stomach fills up with air. When a dogs stomach is filled with air, it moves from its normal position, pushes against the abdominal wall and twists. The twisting of the body wall of the stomach is called torsion. Torsion kills, and torsion kills FAST!!!
The gastropexy surgical procedure is used to prevent gastric dilatation. In other words, if your dogs stomach is sewn to the abdominal wall, when they bloat, their stomach will be unable to twist. Without the torsion/twisting, the blood flow will remain flowing, they will remain breathing, and you will have time to drive your dog to the emergency room to relieve the bloat.
DOES GASTROPEXY PREVENT BLOAT?
Unfortunately, gastropexy does not prevent your dog from bloating altogether. The abdominal cavity can STILL fill up with air. However, most dogs do not die from bloat itself. Instead, they die from torsion and require emergency surgery to fix the problem. (Read more)
Gastropexy will not prevent your dog from bloating, but it will give you time to get them surgery to remove the air from the stomach, prevent twisting and possibly save their life.
There are a few different types of ways that a veterinarian will perform gastropexy.
The two most common are the laparoscopic gastropexy and the traditional open method (prophylactic gastropexy).
Laparoscopic assisted gastropexy is a minimally invasive technique. This means that when performed laparoscopically, your dog will have a few small incisions as opposed to one large incision. The surgeon will then pass a small camera through one of the incisions to help guide them as they place the sutures. The laparoscopic assisted gastropexy leaves a smaller incision, but isn’t done by as many vets.
The open method is just that and is often called the prophylactic gastropexy. One large incision is made in the abdomen, and the stomach is tacked to the abdominal wall. Typically when done by a professional with experience, there are minimal complications with a prophylactic gastropexy.
There are also a few other ways of incorporating gastropexy such as:
The belt loop gastropexy: this is done in addition to a traditional spay. A small incision is made and the stomach is looped through and sutured to the body wall.
The trans-coelomic gastropexy: This is performed through a small incision in the abdomen and the stomach is sutured to the inside of the abdomen.
Circumcostal gastropexy: The circumcostal gastropexy is performed through an incision made along the lower ribs. The stomach is then sutured to the body wall below the last rib.
THE INCISIONAL GASTROPEXY THAT I CHOSE FOR MY GREAT DANE
I chose to do a traditional surgery for my dog, Birdie. Great Danes are very much so a breed that is prone to bloating. They are large breeds and deep chested and I wanted to prevent gastric dilatation as well as torsion. In my opinion, others with large breed dogs should consider doing the same.
I didn’t feel the need to do a laparoscopic preventative gastropexy as I knew that the incision site would be small regardless and she is a healthy dog who was capable of recovering quickly. I felt confident having my vet have her eyes on my dog rather than not.
THE PROCESS FOR GETTING THE PREVENTATIVE GASTROPEXY DONE FOR MY DOG
Since sedation is pretty unhealthy for Great Danes, I decided to go ahead and schedule her a dental cleaning at the same time. (Other breeds extremely prone to gastric dilatation: German Shepherds, Basset Hounds, Standard Poodles, Mastiffs, Labs, Weims, Other Big/Large Dogs and Golden Retrievers.)
I spoke with my vet about everything in length. The gastropexy, large breed dogs, does gastropexy prevent GDV (NO), and what to do if I noticed any signs of her bloating in the future after her surgery.
Then, I dropped her off for surgery!
IS GASTRIC DILATATION VOLVULUS AN EMERGENCY SURGERY
Gastric dilatation in and of itself is an emergency that requires veterinary medicine intervention and very fast. If the gastric wall fills up with enough air, your dog can die!
However, the surgery that I did for Birdie was scheduled and was NOT an emergency! It was actually planned out to PREVENT the gastric dilatation volvulus from causing torsion which WOULD BE a medical emergency.
FIRST THING FOR GASTRIC DILATATION VOLVULUS SURGERY
First thing my vet did in incisional gastropexy was to sedate Birdie, clean her up really well, and make an incision about 3 inches big. Now, remember that Birdie was not being spayed. Dogs who also get spayed or neutered at the same time will have a longer incision than the one from a simple pexy surgery.
THE INCISION
The incision in the stomach is something that some pet owners are scared of. But, what you have to realize is that dogs are pretty resilient.
With some pre op bloodwork, I felt much better sedating her. It’s an incision that goes through muscle, so we do need pain medication for helping her recover as pain free as possible. But because the gastropexy reduces the chance that she will develop gdv, IT IS WORTH IT.
THE STOMACH BEING SEWN
I have to admit, when I imagined dogs going through this surgery, I thought that the ENTIRE stomach would be sewn onto the abdominal wall. But, after I saw the picture of the gastropexy itself, I was shocked. Just a TINY bit of the stomach is actually sewn!
The stomach wall is now being held on by about 12 stitches (6 on the inside and 6 on the outside).
LASER THERAPY
In order to help my pup recover best, my vet did laser therapy on her tummy and her incision. This will not only help her heal quicker from her prophylactic gastropexy, but it can help her gastrointestinal tract stay calm while she heals from having it irritated by stitches.
WAKING UP
It takes dogs awhile to wake up from general anesthesia. Birdie was tired the entire day while she rested at the hospital.
When I picked her up, she was still pretty sleepy. But, I know that I did the right thing by providing permanent adhesion of her stomach to the right abdominal wall which could save her life. Gastric dilation kills big dogs, and I want to do everything in my power to prevent that from happening.
SHES HOME
When your dog comes home, you want to feed them something light and small. You don’t want the stitches to pop open on the inside of her stomach. Your vet may send you home with a prescription diet, or just tell you to feed smaller meals for a few days.
Either way, you will want some sedatives like Trazadone and some pain meds like Gabapentin. They need to rest anywhere from 10-14 days, which can be a lot for an active dog like Birdie.
If we can continue to learn more about bloat and torsion and prevent recurrence of these dangers in our dogs, I know that the breed will continue to get better and better.
Have you ever wondered how to raise a confident dog? It’s no secret that a confident dog makes for a happy family.
Dogs who feel good about themselves are less likely to become anxious or aggressive, and are much more enjoyable to be around. If you’re looking for tips on how to raise a confident dog, look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to build your puppy’s self-esteem and help them become a confident member of your family.
And most of all, adult dogs don’t just become confident dogs overnight. A dog’s confidence is built throughout a puppy’s life from the moment you bring a new puppy home. Knowing the signs of stress can help you socialize your dog in a healthy way!
New dogs deserve early socialization, training sessions and exposure to scary things so that they can grow up to be a well socialized dog with a healthy emotional response to a new or scary thing.
A dog learns to be a confident puppy in a small window of time when they are very young. This window is often called the socialization window, and it is a crucial period of time to instill confidence, teach new skills, decrease stress, and help a dog identify what constitutes bad behavior.
A puppy should participate in early socialization so that as they age and experience life, they are not as easily frightened by new things. A confident dog is less likely to run away when something scares them.
A confident dog will be able to read ‘dog’ body language of other dogs as they grow up, foster healthy relationships with other dogs, and remain calm in stressful situations. Remember that some fear is normal in puppyhood, which is called puppy fear stages.
A dog’s confidence level can determine whether they are going to act out in a situation like walking along a busy street, bark at the neighbors dog as they walk past your front door, or have separation anxiety or not.
Dog body language is one way that owners can determine if their dog is feeling nervous and needs to build confidence, or if their dog is stressed. (Is my dog aggressive or nervous?)
If your dog is displaying any of these signs of stress, they may be viewing the moment as a scary situation. Fearful dogs can be unpredictable and building confidence with training is key. (Read about respect training)
TEACHING FOCUS TO BUILD CONFIDENCE
One way you can build confidence is to get your dog’s attention. Your puppy is experiencing new sights, smells, and sounds, and you want to make sure that they are listening to you.
You can do this by teaching your puppy basic obedience commands, but then beginning this obedience training with distraction.
For example, if your dog or puppy is generally distracted by your neighbor’s lawn, work on dog training nearby the lawn and begin teaching cues that promote your dog to learn the ‘look’ command so that your dog’s emotional response when they are in a distracting situation is to look to you for guidance.
The look command not only teaches focus but helps a puppy or fearful dog know that you are there to guide them.
CREATE YOUR OWN AGILITY COURSE
With puppy behavior comes a LOT of energy. A fearful dog is unpredictable and needs confidence builders.
Many dogs will be afraid of agility courses. Start somewhere like your own backyard or the same room that your dog eats or sleeps in.
Use cardboard boxes, blankets, or even your dog’s food dish to create an obstacle course by luring them in to new spots with their favorite treats. This will teach your puppy how to problem solve and work through their fear while they search for their favorite puppy treats.
Using puzzles as a delicious treat can be some of the best confidence builders. Not only do puzzles teach positive reinforcement, but it helps a dog learn to work hard for their reward.
Puzzles can help a fearful dog become more confident by teaching them to think through a problem and be rewarded with their favorite food.
Some of the best puzzles for a fearful dog and to teach positive reinforcement are the Kong Wobbler, Nina Ottosson’s line of dog puzzles, and the Toppl treat dispenser.
Dog training requires desensitization. For example, if your dog thinks that your neighbor is a scary person, you may need to help your puppy’s confidence by desensitizing them to that space, house, or person. This may not happen overnight but with patience you can help your dog overcome their fear.
Start walking daily past the neighbor’s house, but make sure to keep your distance. Desensitization does not mean throwing your dog into a situation and hoping that they are okay.
Allow your dog to realize that when you walked past, nothing bad happened. Continue this practice daily until your dog shows more confidence.
Next, teach games nearby their area of fear, practice basic commands, or even just stand near the person or place.
The goal is to get your dog used to being in close proximity without them feeling fear.
This practice is called counter conditioning and can be very helpful for a dog in fear.
Some trainers or classes can do more harm than good. At times, it is best to speak with a veterinary behaviorist to see if they have any recommendations for classes or trainers. It can be helpful to also speak with your breeder to discuss if your dog is genetically predisposed to anxiety.
