Category: Great Danes

False Pregnancy Dog Issues: The Silent, Deadly and Normal Female Dog Killer
False pregnancy dog issues can not only be annoying, but they are very dangerous and can cause major problem- even death.

If you’re a dog owner, then you may have heard of false pregnancy. This is a condition that can occur in female dogs who have not been spayed. False pregnancy can cause the dog to exhibit many of the same symptoms as pregnant dogs, including lactation and nesting behavior. In this blog post, we will discuss what causes false pregnancy in dogs, how to spot the symptoms, and how to treat it.

SHOULD YOU SPAY YOUR DOG?

FALSE PREGNANCY DOG ISSUES: WHAT IS A FALSE PREGNANCY?

False pregnancies occur in female dogs who have not been spayed (intact female dog). (READ MORE)This is because they still have their ovaries and uterus, which can produce eggs and allow for implantation. However, in a false pregnancy, the eggs are not fertilized and there is no fetus present.

Despite this, the dog’s body will go through many of the same changes as if she were pregnant. This is because the hormones associated with pregnancy (estrogen and progesterone) are still present in her system. These hormones can cause the dog to exhibit many of the same symptoms as a pregnant dog, even though she is not actually carrying puppies.

PREGNANCY IN DOGS

Most female dogs should not get pregnant, despite producing puppies being a natural and healthy thing for a female dog.

Backyard breeding of an unspayed female dog who has not been health tested for genetic issues like hips, heart, eyes, or more can cause puppies to be born with congenital defects. These defects can range from mild (like a cleft palate) to severe (like heart abnormalities). They can also be expensive to treat and cause short life spans.

WHY IS OFA HEALTH TESTING IMPORTANT?
BAD BREEDERS

Additionally, pregnancy and childbirth are risky for the mother dog. Some risks include infection, uterine rupture, retained placenta, and more. For these reasons, it is best to spay your female dog before she comes into heat (usually around six months of age but varies by breed as large breed dogs should not be spayed until age 24 months). This will also help to prevent false pregnancy.

UNSPAYED DOGS AND RISKS

Unspayed female dogs face risks that other female dogs do not face such as pyometra, mastitis, and mammary cancer. (LEARN MORE ABOUT SPAYS HERE)

PYOMETRA

Female dogs that are not spayed have a high risk of developing pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus. This can be a life-threatening condition for dogs and often requires emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus.

MASTITIS

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands that can occur during false pregnancy or lactation. This can cause the dog to produce milk even if she is not pregnant, and can be very painful for her. If left untreated, mastitis can lead to sepsis (a potentially fatal condition caused by infection).

BREAST CANCER

Unspayed female dogs also have an increased risk of developing mammary gland tumors, which is Cancer of the mammary gland. This is a type of cancer that affects the mammary glands and can be fatal if left untreated. Pet owners who notice mammary gland enlargement should take note of the physical signs, their dog’s symptoms, and take a vet visit for a blood test and medical treatment.

SYMPTOMS OF FALSE PREGNANCY IN DOGS

False pregnancy can cause the dog to exhibit many of the same symptoms as dogs who are experiencing an actual, true pregnancy. Signs of false pregnancy can vary from dog to dog.

False pregnancy symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
1. Nesting behavior (preparing a “nest” for her puppies)
2. Trying to carry around soft toys
3. Increased appetite
4. Lactation (milk production)
5. Abdominal enlargement
6. Mothering behavior towards other animals or inanimate objects
7. Mammary glands swollen
8. Hormonal changes
9. Behavioral changes
10. Vaginal discharge
11. Some dogs lose weight and some experience weight gain
In mild cases of false pregnancy, a dog may only exhibit one or two of these symptoms. In more severe cases, a dog may exhibit most or all of these symptoms. If your dog is showing any signs of false pregnancy, it is best to take her to the vet for an examination.

Additional supportive exercise, enrichment, engaging toys and activities will help to keep your dog’s mind off of their hormone surge. Here are some ideas:

Socialization Activities For Great Danes
Can Great Danes Swim?
Should I Go to the Dog Park?
Going on an Adventure with Your Dog
Is the Dog Park a Good Idea?

CORRELATION BETWEEN A FALSE PREGNANCY AND HEAT CYCLE

A heat cycle is when a female dog is in “heat” or able to mate and produce puppies. The average heat cycle lasts about three weeks, with the first week being the time when the female is most fertile. Having an estrus cycle is a normal part of a female dog’s life. Some dogs will go into heat every few months- while most is breed dependent.

Why Should Puppies Stay with their Litter Until 8 Weeks?
Best Training Treats for Great Dane Puppies

A false pregnancy can occur any time after a heat cycle has ended. This means that a false pregnancy can happen even if the dog was not actually mated during her heat cycle.

Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to false pregnancy than others. These include:
1. Dogs who have had a previous false pregnancy
2. Small breed dogs
3. Dogs who have not been spayed (SPAY INFO)
4. Dogs with irregular heat cycles
5. Dogs who have experienced a traumatic event (such as the loss of a litter of puppies) Dogs who have been bred multiple times
Off Color and Designer Great Danes
Bad Breeders
Scam Breeders: What to Look For
Breeders: Shady Business
Should I Choose a Breeder or Rescue?
Choosing a Dog From a Show Breeder
What Makes a Breeder Good?
What is a backyard breeder? The AKC has 1000’s.
What is OFA Health Testing?

WILL A PSEUDO PREGNANCY IN DOGS CAUSE THEM TO PRODUCE MILK?

Producing milk seems like an unusual thing when your pup is not actually pregnant. However, producing milk is actually a somewhat common on the list of clinical signs of a false pregnancy.

WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS PRODUCING MILK

Although it is common knowledge that ‘milking’ a lactating breast will cause the hormones to prepare more milk, it is not recommended to ‘leave the milk’ inside of the dogs.

MAMMARY GLAND DEVELOPMENT

During puberty of a pregnant dog, the hormone levels are rapidly changing, causing an increase in estrogen and progesterone. These high hormone levels stimulate the development of milk-producing cells in the mammary glands.

Many people simply do nothing to help their pup experience these hormone changes- and that CAN be okay. However, there are also risks involved with doing nothing to get the milk out of the mammary gland.

MASTITIS RISKS

During a false pregnancy, the hormonal changes are already present and too much milk could cause the dog’s mammary glands to become engorged, which could lead to mastitis. If your dog is lactating, it is best to express only enough milk to relieve the discomfort and then discontinue milking.

So, yes, by milking your dog, you will create more milk production. But, in doing so for a few weeks you will also be preventing swollen mammary glands and infection which can be life threatening to a dog producing milk.

By gradually ‘weaning’ the milking, you will also help to ‘dry up’ the milk production by decreasing the amount of times your dog’s mammary glands are stimulated.

PYOMETRA

Pyometra is a uterine infection that can occur in dogs who have not been spayed. This infection can happen at any age but is most common in older, unspayed female dogs.

A dog with pyometra will often show signs of a false pregnancy, including:
1. Abdominal enlargement
2. Increased appetite
3. Increased urination
4. Nesting behavior
5. Restlessness
6. Vaginal discharge
7. Weight gain or loss (Weight gain) (Dog won’t eat)
Severe Pyometra will have bloody discharge and a fever. If your dog is showing any of these signs or if your dog appears physically ill, it is important to take her to the vet immediately as Pyometra can be life-threatening.

HOW TO HELP A DOG GO THROUGH A FALSE PREGNANCY

If your dog is going through a false pregnancy, there are some things that you can do to help her through it.

First, it is important to understand that a false pregnancy is USUALLY not dangerous to your dog and does not require treatment. However, it can be VERY dangerous- even life threatening.

However, if your dog is exhibiting signs of a false pregnancy, it is best to take her to the vet for an examination. This will help rule out any other possible causes of her symptoms and ensure that she is healthy, not facing any potential womb infections, and examine whether your dog is truly not pregnant.

Once you have ruled out any other possible causes of her physical changes, there are some things that you can do to help your dog through a false pregnancy:
1. Provide her with a safe place to nest (Big Barker is our favorite bed)
2. Give her extra attention and love
3. Make sure she is getting enough exercise and mental engagement (Here are some ideas)
4. Do not allow her to mate
5. Feed her a high-quality diet (Our favorites here)
6. Talk to your vet about physical activity
ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR DOG- CLICK HERE
NEED HELP WITH WHAT TO FEED YOUR DOG? CLICK HERE
THE BEST TOYS- CLICK HERE

If your dog is going through a false pregnancy, the most important thing that you can do is to be there for her. Show her extra attention and love, make sure she is getting enough exercise, and provide her with a safe place to nest. By doing these things, you will help your dog through this difficult time.

CHECK OUT THE BIG BARKER BED- WHICH IS THE BEST BED FOR LARGE BREEDS:

False pregnancy in dogs is relatively common, but unfortunately can be very dangerous. If you have a dog experiencing clinical signs of false pregnancies, you should monitor them closely.

FALSE PREGNANCIES AND GETTING YOUR DOG SPAYED TOO YOUNG

It is important that your dog be allowed to produce hormones.

Depending on their breed, hormones prepare the dog’s body for more than just pregnancy.

Male dogs rely on testosterone for their health, while female dogs rely on progesterone and other reproductive hormones for theirs.

Progesterone has been linked to bone health, heart health, and a healthy immune system in dogs. Testosterone is important for male dog’s libido, muscle development, and red blood cell production.

Both hormones are proven to be a beneficial and crucial aspect in the joint development of dogs. Below you can see images of breeds, with comparison of pediatric spay development and the same dog who was allowed to develop normally.

Arthritis in Great Danes
Laser Therapy for Joint Pain
How to Help a Dog with a Broken Leg
Wobblers Syndrome: Everything You Need to Know
Using CBD for My Dog’s Pain

HOW TO PREVENT FUTURE FALSE PREGNANCIES

Once your dog has had a Phantom Pregnancy, it is possible that they might have another one. Phantom Pregnancy in dogs is caused by a hormonal imbalance and unfortunately, there is no way to prevent future episodes.

The best way to prevent future false pregnancies is to have your dog spayed at the right time. Spaying your dog will remove her ovaries and uterus, which will eliminate the possibility of her ever having another false pregnancy.

Not only will spaying your dog prevent future false pregnancies, but, when done at the right time for your breed, it will also help to keep her healthy. Spaying your dog will reduce her risk of developing certain types of cancer and other health problems.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON FALSE PREGNANCY IN DOGS

False pregnancy in dogs is a relatively common condition that can be caused by a hormonal imbalance.

If your dog is exhibiting signs of false pregnancy, it is important to take her to the vet for an examination. This will help rule out any other possible causes of her symptoms and ensure that she is healthy.

Once you have ruled out any other possible causes of her physical changes, there are some things that you can do to help your dog through a false pregnancy:
1. Provide her with a safe place to nest
2. Give her extra attention and love
3. Make sure she is getting enough exercise
4. Do not allow her to mate
5. Feed her a high-quality diet
6. Do not spay during false pregnancy
7. Talk to your vet about physical activity
If your dog is going through a false pregnancy, the most important thing that you can do is to be there for her. Show her extra attention and love, make sure she is getting enough exercise, and provide her with a safe place to nest. By doing these things, you will help your dog through this difficult time.

False pregnancy in dogs is relatively common, but unfortunately can be very dangerous. If you have a dog experiencing clinical signs of a phantom pregnancy, you should monitor them closely and consult with your veterinarian.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?

Join our growing Facebook group!

HELLO DANES ON FACEBOOK
July 27, 2022

10 Dog Road Trip Essentials for a Safe and Fun Journey

What dog road trip essentials are you going to grab for your next adventure with your pet? Long car rides can be hard for dogs. Spending hours in the car can be uncomfortable, stressful, and even boring for dogs.

But, if you have the right things to stay organized on a long road trip, your dogs will stay happy for the entire trip. The following items are tested and true: guaranteed to keep your dog comfortable and make your trip successful.

All of my personal favorites are on this list- get ready to buckle down!

DOG ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

Taking a pet friendly vacation is no easy task, but pet travel essentials make it easier to travel with your furry friend. If you don’t like leaving your dog home for long periods and you’d rather adventure together with your pet, you will need to get organized and well stocked on a few things that will help your pup succeed on a long trip.

In this ultimate guide, we will cover the following items:

COLLAPSIBLE BOWLS: FOOD AND WATER BOWLS

The last thing that pet parents should worry about with pet travel is how to conveniently feed their dogs.

Both you and your dog need a way to comfortably enjoy food while also cutting back on the mess.

Some pet parents like these traditional pet travel bowls for their pup, which are easy to store and clean:

My favorite travel / vacation food and water dispenser for dogs, however, is the Pupflask. The pupflask was a HUGE win for me and my dog while we traveled across the country because its:

Large
Sanitary
Affordable
Can be used for both food and water

You just take the cap off of the water bottle and can fill the lid with either food OR water. It worked GREAT!

SHOP HERE:

Going on a road trip? Be sure to read our guide.

COLLARS AND LEASHES

Dogs, obviously, always need a leash and collar, but travel raises extra concerns about bringing along a leash and a collar for your pet.

Why is Leash Training Dogs So Dang Hard? 8 Things I Learned About Leash Training

Some spooked or anxious dogs are more prone to running away, and it is the last thing any pet parent wants for their pets to get lost in an unknown city or while they are on vacation. So, for that reason it is always recommended to pack an extra leash and extra collar for your dogs just incase you leave home one of them or lose one.

71X1hQMPuWL. AC SL1500 — Ruffwear Chain Reaction

71LrbQbZVL. AC SL1279 — If it Barks Martingale Collar

71zoqYxivL. AC SL1500 — Dazzber Martingale Collar

PET TRAVEL LEASH

This pet travel leash is an awesome idea to keep on hand for your dog. You may not want to use it at all times, but with how tiny it is its a great option to keep in the car without taking up too much space.

DOG ANXIOUS IN CAR?

The best part is that it easily attaches to your dogs existing collar, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of another leash. It’s also super reflective so if you are out late walking your dog or find yourself in an emergency situation, this leash will help others spot you and your pet easily.

SHOP HERE:

Training a Dog on a Leash

5 Leash Training Tips

Sit Means Sit Leash Dog Training Review

How to Teach Recall (Coming off Leash)

Off Leash and Out of Control Dogs

How to Best Help a Dog on Leash

The Best Leashes for Dogs

TRAVEL COLLAR WITH ID TAGS AND GPS

It is obviously always important to keep tags on your dog at all times, but even moreso if you’re going on a road trip, I find it important to have them tagged and GPS’d.

I personally use the following tags and GPS on my dogs:

APPLE AIRTAG (for GPS)
APPLE AIRTAG ID’S (For attaching the Airtag to the collar)
SILLICONE ID TAG FOR DOGS (For phone number etc)

SHOP ALL THREE PRODUCTS HERE:

PET FIRST AID KIT

It’s easy to get caught up in the great outdoors. You and your pup are getting some fresh air and before you know it your dog has sliced its foot, gotten stung by a bee, or started having acid reflux.

DOES YOUR FIRST AID KIT INCLUDE THESE ITEMS?

Antibiotic ointment or spray (for cuts and scrapes)
Bandages, gauze, and wraps of various sizes
Cotton balls or swabs
Tweezers (to remove ticks or splinters)
Simethicone (for anti bloat situations)
Scissors
Adhesive fabric and plastic bandages
Antiseptic towelettes
Burn cream packets
Pain killers for worst case scenarios
Gauze roll and pads
Wound closures
Cold pack

Sometimes it’s easier to just buy a kit and keep it in your car or backpack (if hiking) so that you know you may have all the essentials.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS FIRST AID KIT IS FOR HUMANS, SO THE ADVIL AND IBUPROFEN INSIDE IS TOXIC TO DOGS! (READ MORE ABOUT IBUPROFEN TOXICITY HERE)

Here is the one I keep in my car:

DOG POOP BAGS AND GROOMING SUPPLIES:

Poop bags are one of the most important things you can pack for a nice and relaxing trip with your dog.

You want to make sure that your dog can take potty breaks throughout all of its dog travel and cleaning up after your dog is so important.

Potty Training Tips

How to Potty Train a Puppy

Potty Training in an Apartment

The Hardest Parts about Potty Training

Here are some affordable dog bags from Amazon:

CAR SEAT COVER AND SEAT BELT

Dog hair, dirt, and muddy paws are just a part of life when you have a dog.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE FROM SMELLING LIKE A DOG
DO BIG DOGS SHED?
IS PLAYING IN THE MUD AND DIRT ACTUALLY HEALTHY?

But if you’re trying to keep your car clean (or at least presentable), seat covers are an absolute must. I have three large dogs, so I need something that will protect my seats.

CARGO LINER FOR YOUR DOG FOR THE BACK SEAT

A cargo liner is another great way to keep your car clean when traveling with your dog. It’s basically a giant sheet of plastic that you put down in the back of your SUV or hatchback to protect the area from dirt, hair, and water.

I have this one and it’s been a lifesaver:

BIG BARKER SUV BED

The Big Barker SUV bed is on the top of my packing list because my dogs love it and love being comfortable and secure in the car. If your dog gets at all anxious in the car, they will love being secure in the Big Barker bed, which provides them with some safety and security from falling or rolling around in the back seat.

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE BIG BARKER ACTUALLY HELPS ARTHRITIS PAIN?
11 WAYS TO SOLVE CAR ANXIETY
CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA

Best of all, the Big Barker bed is orthopedic for your dog, so you can know that it will actually help your pet feel better if they have Arthritis or Hip Dysplasia.

SHOP FOR BIG BARKER BEDS BELOW:

Click here to shop for SUV Big Barker beds.

TREATS AND BONES

If your pet is anything like mine, they probably get bored pretty easily. Dogs are meant to be engaged mentally, just like humans. If you have an active dog, especially, you’re going to want to intentionally think through some treats and bones that are clean, healthy and sanitary for both your whole family and your dog. Bully Sticks are a great option as they are safe and longlasting.

11 THINGS TO DO WITH A BORED DOG
BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR THE HOUSE
THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR DOG IN THE SUMMER HEAT

MY FAVORITE TREATS: (SEE ALL THE BEST TRAINING TREATS HERE)

Great Dane Puppy Treats — Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

rabbit product shot 0e868327e6c3f164e800cbe07820bc8d — Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

MY FAVORITE BONES:

Raws Paws Jumbo Bully Sticks

CLEANING SUPPLIES FOR PET MESSES

Let’s face it, pets are very messy, so make it a priority to add cleaning items on your pet travel essentials list. It will make everyone more comfortable and happy to feel clean and sanitary on the trip, including your pet!

DID YOU KNOW THAT DIRT IS GOOD FOR YOUR DOG? (JUST NOT IN YOUR CAR!)

PET WIPES

Try to opt for pet wipes instead of paper towels as it’ll be nice to be able to use something that is wet to wipe up messes.

Be careful not to use Clorox wipes or anything with chemicals in them that can cause your dog toxicity.

My personal favorite are here:

MUDBUSTER FOR CLEAN PAWS

If you’re on the road with your dog, you do not want them to be climbing back into your car with muddy paws.

That is one of the reasons we love the MUDBUSTER, which is a tool used to keep dog paws clean.

You will just need this item, and some clean water.

FOOD ON THE GO

Feeding a dog is hard enough without being on the road. Opting for easy food is an absolute must when traveling with dogs.

The positive is that there are options to easily feed your dogs on the go, like dehydrated foods where you just have to add water.

Our favorite is, of course, Dr. Harveys! Here is a great blend of Dehydrated raw beef that you can add water to, which makes travel healthy while also convenient:

If you plan to stay somewhere for an extended period of time, be sure to pack your dog’s supplements so that their digestion doesn’t get altered while you are gone.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR BIG DOGS
HOW TO GIVE A DOG A PILL

PAPERWORK: UP TO DATE VACCINATION RECORDS, UPDATED ID TAGS, VETERINARIAN CELL PHONE NUMBER, PET FRIENDLY HOTELS AND MORE

Lastly, it is easy to forget the ‘boring’ items such as vaccination records, ID tags, important cellphone numbers and a list of pet friendly places/people you may need.

Always keep vaccination records on hand because you never know when you may need them.
Don’t leave your home or town without updated ID tags.
Bring along not only your own Veterinarian’s phone number, but do some research for local veterinarians offices and Emergency Clinics in whichever town you are heading to.
Do your due diligence ahead of time to find pet friendly hotels to stay at.

Now that you know what to pack for your dog on a road trip, you can hit the open road with confidence! Just remember to bring plenty of food and water, stop often for potty breaks, and never leave your pet in the car alone. With a little planning, you and your furry friend will have the time of your lives

READ MORE:

ALL ABOUT PUPPIES

DOES YOUR DOG FART ALOT?

WALKING A DOG- THE CHALLENGES AND BLESSINGS

HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG IF THEY ARE BORED

July 25, 2022

The Most Popular Big Dog Names: Unique Names for Your Giant Dog

Big dog names can be hard to choose. You want a dog name that is strong enough to match their big personality, but docile enough that fits in to the ‘gentle giant‘ persona that many large dog breeds have.

If you have a new big dog, you’ve come to the right place for big dog names.

READ MORE BIG DOG TOPICS HERE:

BIG DOG MYTHS: WHATS TRUE AND WHATS NOT?

BIG BARKER BED: IS IT WORTH IT?

THE BEST BIG FRIENDLY BREEDS!

ARE BIG DROOPY EYES A CONCERN?

POPULAR BIG DOG NAMES

Your pup should have a big name for a big dogs!

If you have a big pup, you might be wondering what some popular big dog names are. Luckily, we have a few ideas to get you started.

CONSIDER NAMING YOUR BIG DOG AFTER A FAMOUS LANDMARK OR CITY

First, consider naming your dog after a big city or famous landmark. New York, London, and Paris are all great options.

TRADITIONAL BIG DOG NAMES ARE POPULAR

Alternatively, you could go for a more traditional name like Duke or Duchess. Other traditional and popular names for a dog could include Max, Molly, or Zeus.

CHOOSING BIG DOG NAMES THAT ARE NAMES OF OTHER ANIMALS

For something unique, you could also try naming your dog after a big animal, like an elephant or grizzly bear. These big dog names can reflect our dog well especially if our big dog looks like a bear with lots of fur!

Whichever route you choose, make sure to pick a name that reflects your big dog’s personality and individuality. After all, they’re the ones who will be wearing it for life!

FICTIONAL CHARACTERS AND THE PERFECT NAME

Sometimes, using names from popular movies or books make the perfect dog name.

Some popular names could be King Kong, Clifford (the Big Red Dog), Chuck Norris, or even Godzilla.

NAME YOUR DOG AFTER YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE

Some people like to name their dog after their favorite movies. Here are some ideas:

The Hunger Games: Katniss, Primrose, Gale, Haymitch Harry Potter: Sirius, Lupin, Tonks, Harry
The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn, Gimli, Frodo, Legolas
Harry Potter: Sirius, Lupin, Tonks, Harry

BONUS: NAMES FOR BIG BLACK DOGS

Here are some ideas if you have a big black dog: Midnight, Onyx, Raven, Ebony.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on finding the perfect big dog name for your new pup and want to take the celebrity or movie theme.

READ MORE BIG DOG TOPICS HERE:

CHECKLIST FOR NEW, BIG PUPPIES

BRINGING HOME A NEW BLACK PUPPY

SHOULD YOUR BIG PUPPY BE ON ADULT OR PUPPY FOOD?

E COLLAR TRAINING A BIG PUPPY

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR BIG PUPPY PEES

A PERFECT GREEK NAME FOR YOUR BIG DOG

A big dog can rock big, strong dog names. What better names for big dogs than those of Greek Gods or Goddesses?

Consider naming your big dog after one of these deities:

Apollo
Ares
Athena
Zeus
Nike

Picking a name for your big dog doesn’t have to be difficult. Just think about what some of your favorite things are and go from there. With so many great options out there, you’re sure to find the perfect big dog name.

UNIQUE BIG DOG NAMES

Maybe you are looking for unique names for big dogs. Dog names sometimes start to all sound the same when you are at the dog park and every single dog is named similarly.

However, names for big dogs can be very fun and unique! Here are some fun, different and unique ideas for giant breed dogs:

Tiny
Biscuit
Goliath
Beefcake
Butterbean
Thumbelina
Turbo
T-Rex
Atlas
Tank
Jupiter
Ziggy
Stardust
Bam-Bam

Whatever you choose, make sure it is a name that you are comfortable yelling in the dog park!

There are so many great options for big dog names. The most important thing is to choose a name that you and your pup will love.

MALE BIG DOG NAMES

Did you just bring home a male puppy? If so, you’re in the market for male big dog names.

Here are some manly dog names for a puppy or for adult dogs if you recently adopted!

Hercules
Tyson
Bruno
Champ
Thor
Rocky
Rambo
Logan
Bruce Wayne

These are all great ideas for tough dog names. Choose the one that best fits your pup’s personality!

READ MORE BIG DOG TOPICS HERE:

7 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BIG DOG’S FEET

IS THE E COLLAR A POSITIVE FOR BIG DOGS?

CBD FOR BIG DOGS

THE BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERNS FOR BIG DOGS

5 TYPES OF DOGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO TO THE DOG PARK

FEMALE BIG DOG NAMES

Female dog names can be tough to find but dog owners have come up with some amazing ideas.

If you are looking for a feminine name for your female dog, maybe consider the following ideas:

Persy
Ginger
Princess
Bambi
Buttercup
Ducky
Belle

This is just a small sampling of some great ideas for female big dog names. Consider your pup’s personality when choosing the perfect name.

Maybe your female dog is not so much of a ‘feminine’ or ‘girlie’ type, and you want a more traditional female name for her. Here are some of our favorite big dog names for our tomboy oversized pups:

Blaze
Sammy
Ryann
George
Billy
Harley

These are all great ideas for big dog names, regardless of your pup’s personality type. Choose the name that you love best. If you love dogs- you will have an abundance of ideas.

GENTLE GIANTS: GENTLE DOG NAMES FOR BIG DOGS

If you’ve been around a big dog, you will know that your dog’s temperament will make any name a perfect fit. Finding a good name for dogs is hard, but knowing that whatever name you choose is going to match is really important.

Since big dogs have such a silly and sweet personality, it leaves you with excellent options and inspiration for names. Here are some great names for your sweet pup:

Honey
Scooby
Scooby Doo
Axle
Jacobi
Rhea
Rosco
Marley
Pickle

FUNNY DOG NAMES

Bringing a giant dog or Great Dane into the family DEFINITELY requires a sense of humor! So, maybe you are looking for some funny names! Well, the world does not lack in the amount of funny big dog names out there. Here are some of the best funny names for Great Danes or other big dogs:

Biscuit
Butterbean
Goliath
Tiny
Thumbelina
Shark
Ziggy
Stardust
Bam-Bam
Butter-Ball
Pancake

If you are looking for a good chuckle, these are some of the best funny names for big dogs. Feel free to use any of them!

CUTE DOG NAME IDEAS

You just added a new family member into your life! It is one of the best feelings, and you are feeling extra sappy and ‘cutesy’.

If you brought home a new breed get ready for your world to be extra fun and covered in dog hair! There may not be a whole ton of rest in your future, but there are definitely lots of adorable dog names in your future!

Here’s some ideas:

Hailey
Sammy
Betty
Suzie
Benny
Rio
Doug
Piper
Sugar
Moose

LARGE DOG NAMES IN PERSONALITY AND SOUND

For a big dog, you need big dog names. Dogs like a Great Dane need a pup name that matches it in big dog size.

So, what are some big dog names that are also super cute?

Hunter
Courage
Boomer
Titan
King
Maximus
Prince
Grizzly
Lion
Duke

These are all great ideas for big dog names that also sound super tough. If you are looking for a name to make your pup feel extra special- choose one of these!

READ MORE BIG DOG TOPICS HERE:

HOW TO WALK A BIG DOG ON A LEASH

LEASH TRAINING A BIG DOG

STEPS TO GET A BIG DOG LEASH BEHAVED

THE BEST LEASHES FOR BIG DOGS

12 THINGS ABOUT LEASHES YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING

WHY IS LEASH TRAINING SO HARD?

FINDING DOG NAMES FOR A LARGE BREED IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

Different languages offer an entire new selection of dog names! If you speak Spanish natively, look for names in French. If your native language is Italian, look for some fun ideas or inspiration in Spanish.

SPANISH NAMES FOR DOGS

Here are some great ideas for Spanish names for dogs:

Abril- April
Luna- Moon
Princesa- Princess
Dulce- Sweet
Amor- Love

USE A LATIN NAME IN ORIGIN FOR YOUR DOG

If you are looking for a name with some Latin flare, consider using a Latin origin name. This can be a great way to give your new pup a name that is unique and different.

Here are some ideas for female dog names with a Latin origin:

Aurora- meaning ‘dawn’ in Latin
Bella- meaning ‘beautiful’ in Latin
Celia- meaning ‘heavenly’ in Latin
Dalia- meaning ‘flowering’ in Latin
Elvira- meaning ‘white’ or ‘blond’ in Latin
Fiona- meaning ‘fair’ or ‘white’ in Latin

Going through different languages to find more ideas and inspiration for your dog’s name can be a fun activity or game for your family. Enjoy the process!

PICKING THE PERFECT NAME FOR YOUR PET

When you’ve finally decided on the perfect puppy, it’s time to start thinking about what to name them. It’s a big responsibility, after all, this is the name they will have for their entire life!

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a name for your new pet:

Avoid names that sound like commands – This can be confusing for your pet and make training more difficult. For example, the name “Boo” might make them think you’re telling them to go away.
Make sure the name is short – Long names can be difficult for a pet to learn.
Picking a name that ends in a hard consonant sound may help your pet respond better to their name.
Avoid names that are too similar to other members of your family or common words around the house. This can again, be confusing for your puppy.
Have fun with it! Don’t take the process too seriously. After all, your pet is a fun addition to your family.

Have you decided on a name yet? Share it with us in the comments!

DEPLORABLE DOG TRAINING – SIT HAPPENS, LLC

BIG PUPPY FOOD- WHICH ONE IS BEST?

GREAT DANE GROWTH CHART

GREAT DANE PUPPY SOCIALIZATION

GREAT DANES AND KIDS- ARE THEY GOOD TOGETHER?

HALO DOG COLLAR REVIEW

HOW TO HELP A BIG DOG WITH A BROKEN LEG

GREAT DANE PUPPIES- 10 ACTION STEPS

IBUPROFEN POISONING IN DOGS

THE WORLDS TALLEST DOG

July 21, 2022

Dog Pills: The Best Way to Feed Your Dog that 1 Gross Pill
Dog pills are SUCH a pain. Your dog needs them for their health, but they’re just so hard to get down their throat! And then you always have to worry about whether or not they actually ate the pill or if it’s just sitting in their food bowl.

Pet owners can agree on one thing, giving a dog a pill is not easy. You’ve done everything from hide dog pills in your dog’s mouth to giving your dog’s pills in something tasty, but your dog’s nose always seems to scout out the pill.

Giving a dog a pill is tough, but giving pills to a dog doesn’t have to be impossible.

Here are some solutions that many pet owners have found helpful in helping their dog happily eat their medication.

DOG PILLS: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT OUR DOGS CONSUME THEIR MEDICINE?

Dogs need medicine at various times throughout their life for many different reasons. Some pills are for daily medication such as vitamins or supplements, while others are for more serious conditions that require antibiotics or other treatments. No matter what the reason is that your dog needs a pill, it is important that they consume the entire pill so that their body gets the full dosage of medication required.

DAILY VITAMINS PER YOUR VET’S INSTRUCTIONS

There are a few reasons why a dog might need medicine. The most common reason is for daily vitamins or supplements. Dogs, just like people, can be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. For example, many dogs are lacking in zinc which can lead to skin problems. Zinc pills are a great way to ensure that your pup is getting the nutrition they need!

ONGOING MEDICATIONS FOR CERTAIN CONDITIONS YOUR DOG MAY HAVE

Other times, your dog might need medication for a more serious condition. This could be anything from an infection to cancer. In these cases, it is even more important that your dog takes the entire pill so that their body can fight off the illness.

No matter what the reason is for your dog needing medication, it is essential that they consume the entire pill. Otherwise, their body will not be able to get the full dosage of medicine required and their condition may not improve.

There are a few different ways that you can give your dog a pill so that they consume the entire thing.

HIDE IT IN THEIR FOOD

One way to give your dog a pill is to hide it in their food. This method works best for dogs that are food motivated and will eat anything you put in front of them.

Simply take their regular food and mix the pill into it. Make sure that the pill is fully mixed in and not just sitting on top of the food. Once the pill is mixed in, give it to your dog and let them eat as usual.

This method works best with wet food or canned food but you can also use it with dry food. Just add a little bit of water or broth to the food so that the pill will mix in easily.

HIDE IT IN A TREAT

Another way to give your dog a pill is to hide it in a treat. This method works best for dogs that are treat motivated and love getting a special snack.

There are a few different ways that you can do this. You can either buy treats that already have a hole in the center or you can make your own. To make your own, simply take a regular treat and use a knife or your fingers to create a small hole in the center.

Once you have a hole, insert the pill into the treat and give it to your dog. They will be so focused on getting the treat that they won’t even notice the pill!

FIND OUR FAVORITE TREATS HERE:

Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

WRAP IT IN BACON, CHEESE, OR PEANUT BUTTER

If your dog is extra food motivated, you can try wrapping the pill in bacon, cheese or peanut butter. This method works best for dogs that will do anything for a delicious treat!

To do this, simply take a strip of bacon or a spoonful of peanut butter and wrap it around the pill. Make sure that the pill is fully covered so that your dog doesn’t realize there is anything inside.

Once the pill is wrapped, give it to your dog and let them enjoy their special treat!

SOME PEANUT BUTTERS ARE NOT DOG FRIENDLY! STAY SAFE AND USE THIS PEANUT BUTTER THAT IS SPECIFICALLY MADE FOR DOGS!

USING A MEDICATION PASTE TO HIDE THE PILL

If you don’t have any of these items on hand for your pet, you can use this formula from PET MD, which is a ‘PILL PASTE’. Gently rub the medication on your fingers and then using the paste, smear the medication.

Now, the medication tastes just like cheese and bacon treats instead of medication! Now, place the pill inside of your dog’s upper jaw or lower jaw. Sometimes, when placed in a dog’s lower jaw, they will be able to spit it out more easily. So, work with your pet on where to hide the pill.

GET THE PILL PASTE HERE ON AMAZON

PILL POCKETS

There are also a variety of commercial products on the market that make giving pills to dogs easier. Pill pockets are one of the most popular options.

Pill pockets are small, soft treats that have a pocket in the center. (SHOP HERE) You simply insert the pill into the pocket and give it to your dog. They will never even know there was a pill inside if you have tasty pill pockets!

GET YOUR OWN PILL POCKETS BY CLICKING THIS LINK OR CLICKING THE PICTURE BELOW.

GIVE IT WITH A SYRINGE OR PILL GIVER

If you are having trouble getting your dog to take a pill even if you are hiding pills in tasty things, you can also try using a syringe or pill giver.

To use a syringe, simply fill it with water and insert the pill. Then, hold your dog’s mouth open and squirt the water into their mouth. Make sure that they swallow the entire thing!

A pill giver is a small, handheld tool that is designed to help you give your dog a pill. To use it, simply insert the pill into the end and then place it at the back of your dog’s throat. Push the plunger down so that the pill goes into their mouth and then let them swallow.

SHOP BELOW FOR AN AFFORDABLE PILL SYRINGE FOR YOUR PET ON AMAZON.

USING HUMAN FOOD FOR DOG MEDICATIONS

Using foods like dairy products, a hot dog, cream cheese, ground beef, peanut butter, regular cheese, or ice cream is also an effective way to give your dog a pill.

Simply take the food item and insert the pill into it. You can hand feed your dog the food directly into their mouth to make sure that they get not only the taste of the cheese but also the medications in their mouth. The different flavors will make the pills taste the actual foods and your dog will swallow the real pill much easier.

Certain foods are safe for most dogs, but be careful of other foods that may not be safe.

SAFE FOOD FOR DOGS TO TAKE PILLS WITH
1. DAIRY PRODUCTS IN MODERATION
2. CHEDDAR CHEESE
3. MOZZARELLA CHEESE
4. YOGURT, AND SOUR CREAM CREAM
5. GROUND BEEF
6. HOT DOGS IN MODERATION
7. ICE CREAM IN MODERATION (NO XYLITOL)
8. NUT BUTTERS LIKE PEANUT BUTTER AND ALMOND BUTTER
When giving your dog pills, always put safety first. Make sure that the pill is the appropriate size and dose for your dog. You should also make sure that you are using human food items that are safe for dogs to eat. If you have any concerns, speak with your Veterinarian!

SOME HUMAN FOOD SHOULD NOT BE ADDED TO YOUR DOG’S FOOD

Some foods are not beneficial for your dogs to eat, and can even be dangerous to hide pills inside of due to their toxicity to your pet.
1. GRAPES
2. RAISINS
3. AVOCADOS
4. CHOCOLATE
5. MACADAMIA NUTS
6. XYLITOL S WEETENER
7. ONIONS
8. GARLIC
While there are a lot of human food items that you can use, you want to be careful what you give a dog. Stick with safe foods to for a dog to take like cream cheese, cheese, or actual dog treats. If you are ever in question, speak with your Veterinary Clinic, or use a treat like the one below that is formulated especially for your pet.

FUN WAYS TO GIVE YOUR DOG ORAL MEDICATIONS

There are fun ways to hide pills for your dog. Medications can be hard to give a dog. Why not make it fun?

These ‘Medi Crunch’ Dog treats taste like peanut butter but they have a little pocket where pills can fit. They are so easy for dogs to take, and dogs can eat them in one bite.

The simplicity of allowing dogs to swallow this cute little tasty treat in one bite allows the medications to stay safely inside the treats.

SHOP HERE FOR THESE ADORABLE LITTLE TREATS:

GIVING A PET LIQUID MEDICATIONS

Certain medications come in liquid form. If your veterinarian has prescribed your pet a liquid form of medication, it is more difficult to use treats to encourage swallowing.

Instead, you can use your dog’s tongue to your advantage!

Pet parents can drip the liquid directly onto their dog’s tongue. If their pet gives a fuss about the taste, use a smelly and tasty dairy product or canned dog food to mix up the liquid into something more delicious.

Our favorite canned food is linked below:

Try not to give either capsule, solid, or liquid pills on an empty stomach, as it could cause your pup to feel sick.

Always speak with your veterinarian about any side affects your pup is feeling from any medication that they are taking. If they are feeling any adverse reactions, your vet may be able to prescribe other forms of the medicine.

Additionally, never allow your pup to eat human medication without the advice of a veterinarian. Some treatments that are safe for humans are toxic to our dogs. It is ALWAYS safest to consult with a Veterinarian before making drastic choices for our pups.

Hopefully you enjoyed these tips on getting your pup to eat their pill and stay as healthy as they possibly can. Using treats, foods, and even fun little gadgets can make the process of giving your pup their medication a lot easier on both you and them. Do you have any tips or tricks that help when giving your pup pills? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading.

READ MORE:
July 20, 2022

Male Great Dane Weight: How Much Do Male Great Danes Weigh?

Have you ever wondered about male Great Dane weight, how much an adult Great Dane will weigh, the average weight of a male Great Dane, or what a healthy weight for large breed dogs is?

If you have, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing male Great Dane weight and all things related to it.

The average weight of a full-grown male Great Dane is 120 to 200 pounds. However, there are some individuals that may weigh more or less than this. Generally speaking, the larger the dog, the heavier they will be.

shutterstock 381790639 1 — Great Dane on gray background

When it comes to large breed dogs like the Great Dane, their weight can vary greatly based on their height and build. A taller dog with a leaner build is going to weigh less than a shorter, stockier dog.

MALE GREAT DANE WEIGHT IN GIANT BREED DOGS

Healthy weight for large breed dogs is often determined by their body condition score (BCS). This is a scoring system that ranges from one to nine, with one being too thin and nine being obese.

A healthy weight for a male Great Dane would be somewhere in the middle of these two extremes, around a four or five on the BCS scale. If your dog is at either end of the spectrum, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about ways to help them reach and maintain a healthy weight, which can impact the lifespan tremendously.

HOW LONG DO GREAT DANES LIVE?
HOW TO STOP OVERFEEDING YOUR GREAT DANES

DETERMINING FACTORS IN SIZE OF A GIANT BREED DOG

The average weight of a Great Dane depends on sex, height, age and build.

GREAT DANE BREED SIZE DEPENDS ON GENDER

There are a few things that will affect the average weight of a Great Dane. The first is sex. Males are typically going to be larger than a female Great Dane dog.

Males can grow, on average, to be about two to three inches taller than female dogs and can weigh anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds more. This is a significant difference and something you need to take into account when considering the average weight of your dog.

GREAT DANE ADULT FEMALE WEIGHT: The average weight for giant breeds who are male is 120 to 200 pounds.
GREAT DANE ADULT MALE WEIGHT: The average weight for an adult female Great Dane is 100 to 130 pounds. This is a 20 to 30-pound difference from the males of the breed.

Female dogs are going to be shorter and have a smaller frame than their male counterparts. Female dogs are also going to be much shorter than males.

HEIGHT OF GREAT DANES DETERMINES DANE GROWTH AND WEIGHT

Another factor that will affect the average weight of your Gentle Giants is their height.

The taller the dog, the heavier they are going to be. This is because they have more mass and more bones.

A Great Dane that is two feet tall is going to weigh more than a Great Dane that is only one foot tall. This is why it is important to know the average weight of your dog so you can be sure they are at a healthy weight.

THE AGE / WEIGHT CORRELATION OF GREAT DANES

The last factor that will affect the average weight of a Great Dane is their age. A puppy is going to weigh less than an adult dog. This is because they are still growing and haven’t reached their full size yet. An adult dog is going to be at their full size and weight.

Great Danes typically reach their adult height at about 24 months old because their growth plates remain open until 2 years.

However, all throughout the puppy stage and into both male and female adulthood (24 month+) giant dogs will continue to fill out and have ‘Great Dane growth spurts’.

GENETIC BUILD OF A GREAT DANE

Every giant dog has a genetic predisposition that they get from their parents. This will affect the size, weight, and build of your dog.

If you have a male dog breed that is from a smaller line of dogs, he is going to be smaller than a male dog breed that is from a larger line of dogs. This is something you need to take into account when considering the average weight of your dog.

Backyard breeding has majorly impacted the giant dog breed. Backyard breeders advertise Great Dane dogs as ‘EURO’, claiming that they will sell you a Great Dane puppy that is ‘thicker’ and ‘bigger’ than the average. The word ‘Euro’ is a major red flag.

EUROPEAN GREAT DANES AND HEALTH PROBLEMS

WHAT IS A EURO GREAT DANE?

Learn about the EURO Dane ↗

The breed standard for all Great Dane puppies, whether they originate in Europe or America, is strikingly similar.

THE AMERICAN GREAT DANE BREED STANDARD

Here, on the Great Dane Club of America, you can view the Great Dane breed standard in America. The American Kennel Club and the National Breed Club outline in detail what a Great Dane is supposed to look like and act like. These standards of a Great Dane dog are built to help the Great Dane live the longest life it can live.

GREAT DANE LIFESPAN

Below is an image of the Great Dane dog breed standard in America for both Sire and Bitch (male and female Great Dane). READ MORE ABOUT AMERICAN GREAT DANES HERE.

EUROPEAN GREAT DANES BREED STANDARD

Oddly enough, the standard for a Great Dane puppy and adult in America and Europe, looks strikingly similar.

See below for a photo of the breed standard for Great Danes in Europe.

EUROPEAN GREAT DANES AND GENETIC HEALTH PROBLEMS

Backyard breeders are are having a major, negative impact on Great Danes, and other dogs. Breed standard is getting lost, and it is causing MAJOR issues.

LEARN ABOUT THE BREED STANDARD HERE. ITS REALLY FUN 🙂

Backyard breeders are trying to sell Great Danes as ‘EURO‘ Great Danes, advertising them as ‘bigger’ Great Dane dogs. A Great Dane puppy should not be sold as a ‘EUROPEAN‘ Great Dane puppy unless it has proven lineage that traces back to Europe.

The word ‘EURO‘ is a major red flag and is often used by backyard breeders to sell Great Dane puppies that have not been health tested or cleared of genetic defects.

RED FLAGS FOR BREEDERS

Backyard breeding has caused an increase in congenital and hereditary health problems in Great Danes, and other dogs. Some of these health problems include:

Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Cardiac defects
Autoimmune disease
Degenerative myelopathy
Cancer
Obesity and Overweight Great Danes
Eye issues including Entropion and Ectropion
Shorter Lifespans

HIP DYSPLASIA IN GREAT DANES
OSTEOSARCOMA IN GREAT DANES
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BAD BREEDER

The best way to avoid getting a sick Great Dane puppy is to do your research, and buy from a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you with health clearances for the parents of your Great Dane puppy.

WHAT MAKES A BREEDER GOOD?
WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR?

You can also visit the OFA website (offa.org) to look up health clearances for specific dogs.

When looking for a Great Dane puppy, avoid backyard breeders, and do not buy a Great Dane puppy that is being advertised as a ‘EURO’ Great Dane.

WHAT IS OFA HEALTH TESTING?

OBESITY IN GREAT DANES

One of the biggest problems in the Great Dane breed is obesity.

130479238 3909610185724275 1078472556990510126 n — An Underweight Great Dane

Overweight Great Danes struggle from SO many issues, including a shorter life span.

There is NO competition for who’s Great Dane is biggest! The leaner, skinnier Great Danes are the HEALTHIEST, and least likely to develop conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis, cancer, bloat, and others.

OVERWEIGHT GREAT DANES
ARTHRITIS IN GREAT DANES
A BIG DROOPY PROBLEM
EURO GREAT DANES- IS IT REALLY A BREED OR IS IT JUST FAT?
WHAT DOES EURO MEAN?
CAN GREAT DANE PUPPIES BLOAT?

TO AVOID GETTING AN OBESE GREAT DANE

The best way to avoid getting an obese Great Dane is to feed them a high quality, breed appropriate diet, do not OVERFEED your Great Dane, make sure they are getting proper Great Dane growth, and to make sure they get plenty of exercise.

HOW MUCH DOES A GREAT DANE PUPPY WEIGH?

A Great Dane puppy is usually born weighing between two and four pounds.

Great Dane puppies grow at different rates, however the top most important thing to note is that the slower a Great Dane puppy grows, the better.

Fast growth in a Great Dane puppy causes many problems, including but not limited to:

HOD
Panosteitis
Knuckling
Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Arthritis
Joint problems
Bone problems
Bad conformation/body pain

DOES HIP DYSPLASIA IMPACT GREAT DANES?
ARE HEALTH TESTED GREAT DANES HEALTHIER?

MANAGING GREAT DANE GROWTH IS CRITICAL

Great Dane growth is one of the most important things during the critical first 12 months, and entire first 24 months. A Great Dane puppy has growth spurts all the way up until 24 months of age, when its growth plates will close. You can generally tell the health of a Great Dane and its growth by looking at its feet.

HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR PUPPIES FEET

KNUCKLING IN GREAT DANES (PUPPIES)

IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?

Check out our science-based and constantly growing knuckling resource page.

KNUCKLING RESOURCES

Knuckling is one of the most important things that can impact Great Dane growth. Unfortunately, when a puppy is between 0-24 months of age, their growth is extremely fragile.

EXAMINE A GREAT DANE AND ITS FEET

When pet parents do not monitor Great Dane and its growth very closely, their Great Dane dogs can have something happen called ‘Knuckling‘.

HOW TO PREVENT KNUCKLING

Knuckling occurs anytime between about 3 weeks to about 24 months of age. Knuckling happens when rapid growth occurs and a Great Dane’s growth plates have not closed yet.

SIGNS OF KNUCKLING IN GREAT DANES

Signs your Great Dane may be knuckling:

Front legs (or back, less commonly) appear to be ‘knuckling’ or ‘bending’ over
Flat feet, splayed feet, hare foot
Paw pads dragging on the ground
Elbow calluses/dragging
Hock sores/dragging
Arched back
Shifting weight from one side to the other often
Abnormal gait or walk
Painful movements, inability to hold their paws correctly

WHY DOES IT MATTER IF GREAT DANES KNUCKLE

The first 24 months of a Great Danes life are some of the most important. As the largest dog breed, Great Danes have a lot of growing to do- and they grow quickly.

When a Great Dane knuckles, it means that their bones are not growing correctly. This can lead to all sorts of problems later on in life. Severe knuckling in a Great Dane can even put too much pressure on a Great Danes bones, impacting the normal Great Dane growth and requiring surgery, permanent implants of metal into the bones, or even amputation.

GREAT DANE GROWTH CHART

It is important that no male Great Danes, or female Great Dane will fall perfectly into a Great Dane Growth Chart. (READ HERE)

VISIT THE ULTIMATE GREAT DANE PUPPY PAGE WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF RESOURCES YOU NEED BY CLICKING THIS LINK.

However, every Great Dane owner likes to have a Great Dane growth chart for their dog’s age so that they can see if their gentle giant is maturing according to the ‘average’ or ‘normal’.

GREAT DANE FEEDING CHART

Growth charts should be used as a guide for large dogs, and if your Great Dane doesn’t fall within the Great Dane growth chart, you shouldn’t panic. Instead, you should examine your Great Dane and its body condition, rather than trying to make them fit into a growth and weight chart. Remember, it is almost impossible for a Great Dane to be too small, but very easy for Great Danes to be too big/overweight.

To view and read more about the growth chart of a Great Dane, including a growth and weight chart for you to print, click here. For more information about feeding a Great Dane, including a feeding chart, click here.

GREAT DANE GROWTH CHART
GREAT DANE FEEDING CHART

If your Great Dane is not falling into the Growth Chart, you should not worry. A growth chart is only meant to be a guide, and there are many factors that can impact a Great Dane’s growth. For example, if your Great Dane is not growing as quickly as the growth chart says he should be, it could simply mean he will be a smaller than average size for his breed, which is perfectly normal.

Use the weight chart as a resource for your Great Dane dog, not a bible.

On the other hand, if your Great Dane is growing too quickly, it could be a sign of something more serious, like a rapid growth issue. No weight chart should outweigh the opinion of a Veterinarian. This is a disease that can occur in any large breed dog, and Great Danes are no exception. If you think your Great Dane may have a growth disease, please take him to the vet immediately.

Click below for resources, including a Weight Chart:

Birth	1-2 lbs
1 Week	2-3 lbs
2 Weeks	3-5 lbs
3 Weeks	4-7 lbs
1 Month	5-8 lbs
6 Weeks	10-20 lbs
2 Months	15-30 lbs
3 Months	25-45 lbs
4 Months	45-65 lbs
5 Months	60-85 lbs
6 Months	65 – 100 lbs
7 Months	70-110 lbs
8 Months	80-120 lbs
9 Months	85-125 lbs
1 Year	95-120 lbs
ADULT
Female	110-145lbs
Male	135-170lbs

GREAT DANE GROWTH CHART
IS MY GREAT DANE TOO SKINNY
FAT GREAT DANES
OVERWEIGHT GREAT DANES: ONE OF THE 7 DEADLY SINS OF OWNING A GREAT DANE DOG
WEIGHT CHART FOR A GREAT DANE DOG

HOW BIG IS A FEMALE GREAT DANE?

A female Great Dane will be about 23.0-30.0 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh about 110-200 pounds when full grown.

The average weight of a female Great Dane is about 150 pounds, but some can be as small as 110 pounds or as large as 200 pounds.

Female Great Danes, like males, should be kept at their smallest healthy weight in order to be in optimal adult shape.

Any excessive adult weight can put extra strain on their joints, causing issues such as arthritis and hip dysplasia as they grow into their adult weight.

Female Great Danes are also more prone to obesity than males, especially after spaying, so be sure to keep an eye on your female’s weight and don’t let her get too heavy.

WHEN TO SPAY A FEMALE GREAT DANE

WHAT TO FEED A GREAT DANE DOG

Feeding a Great Dane dog is one of the biggest priorities that a Great Dane owner should consider. A Great Dane dog requires specific dietary considerations during their typical growth phase (0-24 months) and their subsequent growth stages (24 months plus), as they are different than other breeds in the way that their bodies are formed, grow, and develop.

GREAT DANE PUPPY FOOD

A Great Dane puppy should be on a large breed puppy food, NOT just a regular puppy food. Great Dane growth is incredibly different than needs than small dogs. Large breed puppy formula will support the typical growth of a Great Dane and allow the growth stages to occur in a healthy, slow manner.

Puppy kibbles that we recommend for a growing Great Dane:

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy – any flavor!
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed puppy – TOP PICK, salmon-based
Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy (Great for active and sporting dogs)
Purina One Large Breed Puppy (Excellent budget option)
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog food (to age 12 months) – TOP PICK, PREMIUM OPTION
Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog food (8-24 months)
Purina Large Breed Puppy Chow

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

Resources for Great Dane feeding and Great Dane growth:

GREAT DANE PUPPY FOOD
THINGS YOU MUST KNOW TO FEED YOUR GREAT DANE
GREAT DANE BLOAT
SHOULD I FEED GRAIN FREE?
SHOULD I FEED ADULT OR PUPPY FORMULA?
MOST COMMON GREAT DANE HEALTH RISKS
GREAT DANE PUPPY FOOD
IS MY GREAT DANE KNUCKLING?
KNUCKLING AND GREAT DANE PUPPIES
THE BEST DIET FOR A GREAT DANE

PURCHASE HERE:

GREAT DANE TEMPERAMENT

When properly bred, a Great Dane should have a gentle nature and be an affectionate companion.

Unfortunately, bad breeding practices have led to some Great Danes being bred with aggressive tendencies.

WHAT IS A BAD BREEDER?

Great Dane temperament can be a difficult thing to predict, as it is not always clear what sort of temperament a particular dog will have until he or she is fully grown.

The best way to ensure that you are getting a Great Dane with a good temperament is to get your Great Dane from a reputable breeder who can guarantee that their dogs have been bred for good temperament.

Some things to look for in a Great Dane with a good temperament:

Even disposition
Calm around other animals and people, including children
Not easily excited or agitated
Gets along well with other dogs
Tolerant of daily things like nail trims, leash walks, vet visits, and car rides

DO GREAT DANES GET ALONG WITH KIDS?
ARE GREAT DANES AGGRESSIVE?
MY GREAT DANE IS AFRAID OF THE CAR
MY GREAT DANE IS AFRAID OF THE VET
HOW TO TRIM A GREAT DANE PUPPIES NAILS
THE BEST NAIL CLIPPERS FOR A GREAT DANE
WHY IS LEASH TRAINING SO DIFFICULT?

IS A GREAT DANE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MY FAMILY?

Adding any dog to your family is a commitment and responsibility. But, getting a Great Dane is an even bigger responsibility because of the size of a Great Dane, the cost of a Great Dane, and the health issues sometimes associated with a Great Dane.

If you are looking into adding a Great Dane to your family, here are some things that you should consider:

Can you afford a Great Dane?
Are you prepared to deal with potential health issues?
Do you have the time to commit to training and socializing a Great Dane puppy?
Do you have the patience to deal with a dog that may be difficult to potty train?
Do you have the space for a dog that may grow to be over 100 pounds?
Do you have another dog that can handle living with a Great Dane?
Are you prepared to deal with potential damage to your home caused by a large, rambunctious puppy?
Do you understand the grooming needs of a Great Dane?
Do you have the time to commit to walking a Great Dane every day?

If you are prepared to deal with all of these things, then a Great Dane may be the right choice for your family. But, if you are not sure that you can handle all of these things, then you may want to consider another breed of dog.

There are many wonderful breeds of dogs out there and each one has its own unique set of needs. Be sure to do your research before adding any dog to your family.

What other things should I consider before getting a Great Dane? Are there any other breeds that might be a better fit for my family?

The best way to find out if a Great Dane is the right breed for your family is to talk to other Great Dane owners and get their input. They can tell you what it is really like to live with a Great Dane and help you decide if this is the right breed for you.

With big Great Dane responsibility, comes HUGE Great Dane love.

July 19, 2022

Hypocalcemia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Hypocalcemia in dogs is a dangerous condition, however, it is treatable. Calcium helps with muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.

When a dog experiences hypocalcemia, it means that they have low levels of calcium in their blood.

This can cause a variety of dangerous symptoms, which we will discuss in this blog post. We will also talk about the causes of hypocalcemia in dogs and how it is treated.

Hypocalcemia in Dogs

A dog with hypocalcemia may have low energy levels.

Symptoms of Hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia in dogs is a dangerous condition that may begin with mild symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose, as many people associate low energy and stiffness with aging.

The symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs include:
- Weakness
- Low energy
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Poor coordination
- Stiffness
- Cramping or other pain
- Muscle tremors and twitches
- Convulsions
- Seizures
In severe cases, calcium deficiency can lead to death. If you notice any of these clinical signs in your dog, it is important to take them to the vet immediately.

My Great Dane Matilda suffered from life-threatening hypocalcemia caused by unbalanced boutique dog food. I’m sharing her story below!

Why do dogs need calcium?

Calcium is necessary to keep a dog’s bones and teeth healthy.

It is also essential for blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling. In large and giant breed dogs, having the correct calcium and phosphorus levels is necessary for bone development and growth.

Poor blood coagulation is another symptom of incorrect calcium in the blood and can lead to devastating issues during surgery. A full blood panel should always be done prior to even the most routine surgical intervention (including spaying or neutering).

Dogs get the majority of their calcium from their diet, and blood calcium levels are then regulated by the parathyroid glands. Sometimes things can go wrong and a dog may not be getting enough calcium, even if the parathyroid hormone levels are at an adequate level.

This can happen for a variety of reasons, including unbalanced nutrition, poor calcium absorption, or deficiencies following whelping.

A blood test is necessary to determine if low blood calcium levels are the culprit.

How do I know if my dog has low calcium?

A dog with low calcium may have low energy levels and may begin to act weak or uncoordinated.

Worsening symptoms include tremors, convulsions, and seizures that may eventually lead to death.

Low calcium in dogs is a life-threatening, but treatable condition. Calcium plays an important role in the overall health of your dog.

How is Hypocalcemia diagnosed?

Following an examination, your veterinarian will likely perform a blood test. This test will look at total blood calcium levels, and some vets may also look at ionized calcium levels.

Ionized calcium is the form of calcium that is available to be used by the body and is a more accurate indicator of hypocalcemia.

Your veterinarian may also recommend additional tests, such as a urine test, to rule out other possible causes of your dog’s symptoms.

If your dog’s symptoms are caused by a low calcium level, the test results will show that. Normal total calcium levels should be around 8.4-11.8 mg/dl.

The veterinarian may also order additional blood work to look at Ionized calcium levels, which can further verify the diagnosis.

What causes Hypocalcemia in Dogs?

It is important to address the underlying cause of low blood calcium in dogs when treating it. For many dogs, addressing the root issue can resolve the problem.

Poisoning & Low Calcium in Dogs

Antifreeze poisoning is one of the most common causes of low calcium in dogs.

Anti-freeze contains a sweet-tasting chemical called ethylene glycol that can tempt dogs (and even some cats) to drink it.

Ethylene glycol intoxication can result in weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and fainting.

Even a small amount of anti-freeze can cause serious health problems, including kidney damage and low calcium.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested anti-freeze, see the emergency veterinarian immediately.

Parathyroid Gland Conditions Causing Low Calcium

The parathyroid glands monitor and adjust calcium levels in the blood. If these parathyroid glands are not functioning properly, it can cause low calcium levels in the blood.

Thyroid disorders have genetic roots, so it’s important to monitor parathyroid hormone levels in dogs that are prone to hypo or hypothyroidism.

Acute kidney failure (aka renal failure) and certain medications can also interfere with the parathyroid gland’s ability to regulate calcium levels.

A dog that has chronic renal failure should be strictly monitored.

Dog breeding and low calcium levels

After a bitch gives birth, she may have difficulty producing enough milk for her puppies. This can lead to calcium deficiencies in both the mother and the puppies.

Many breeders give their dogs oral calcium supplements during pregnancy and after whelping to prevent problems.

If you have a dog that recently whelped and is nursing, it is important to monitor its condition.

Consult with your veterinarian about supplementation and choosing a food with the correct dietary calcium levels to support breeding while maintaining appropriate levels of blood calcium.

How nutrition affects blood calcium in dogs

Nutrition plays a key role in calcium absorption and utilization in dogs.

A diet that is deficient in calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D can lead to hypocalcemia and low blood calcium on blood tests.

Even if the food was ‘formulated to meet AAFCO minimums’ and has an appropriate calcium level on paper, there could be underlying issues related to bioavailability and other micronutrients that can affect free total calcium levels in your dog.

An imbalance between these nutrients can occur if a dog is eating a commercial or homemade diet that is not properly balanced.

Incorrect vitamin D or phosphorus levels can cause nutritional deficiencies and dangerously low free calcium levels that greatly affect your dog’s health.

For this reason, we recommend avoiding boutique dog foods, which may not have adequate levels of balanced nutrients to fully support your dog’s overall health.

Boutique foods are from companies who:
- Do not have a full-time board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist formulating and testing the foods
- Do not participate in or contribute to peer-reviewed research
- Will often only document their nutrition levels on paper; rarely if ever in ongoing feeding tests and appropriate testing
Common boutique brands include Fromm, Victor, 4Health, Diamond, Nutro, Nulo, Taste of the Wild, Solid Gold, Instinct, and many, many others who spend more money on marketing than on nutrition science.

Boutique dog food brands are often heavily marketed as “high quality”, “holistic”, “human grade”, or “super-premium”.

Veterinarians across the world recommend that dog owners choose only research-backed foods from Purina, Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Eukanuba. These brands are the highest quality options that you can choose for your pet’s health.

(See Matilda’s story of hypocalcemia from “high quality” Nutro dog food below!)

Our Review of Life’s Abundance Dog Food

Ingredient Splitting in Dog Food: What You Should Know

Is Bloat in Dogs Preventable?

Acute Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis in dogs is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas.

The pancreas is an organ that produces enzymes that help the dog digest food. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, these digestive enzymes begin to attack and damage other organs and tissues, including the liver, lungs, and heart.

Pancreatitis can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Eating a high-fat diet
- Excess weight
- Certain medications
- Bacterial infections
Pancreatitis is also associated with inadequate calcium levels. When the pancreas is inflamed, it can’t do its job properly and calcium levels in the blood drop.

Pancreatitis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, and calcium deficiency is just one of many problems associated with it.

7 Deadly Health Risks of Obesity in Dogs

How do Deal with a Dog’s Upset Stomach

Great Dane Not Eating – What to Do

How is Dog Hypocalcemia Treated?

When a dog is diagnosed with low total calcium in the blood, the first thing that needs to be done is to find out the cause.

If the dog has an underlying health condition, like kidney disease, thyroid disorders, or pancreatitis, that needs to be treated.

If the low calcium level is due to a nutritional deficiency, then the diet needs to be corrected ASAP. Properly formulated diets do not require the use of a calcium supplement, so be sure to take your veterinarian’s advice on the best brands to feed your dog.

In most cases, oral calcium supplements or calcium-rich fluids are prescribed as well to help raise the calcium level.

The dog will need to take a calcium supplement for several weeks or months to correct the deficiency.

However, we do NOT recommend giving a dog any kind of added calcium without veterinary guidance, as too much calcium (hypercalcemia) can also be problematic.

In severe cases, where the dog is having seizures or other serious symptoms, calcium injections may be necessary to raise the total serum calcium level to within normal range.

For dogs with dangerously low calcium levels, it’s important to be aware of the fact that hospitalization and IV fluids may be necessary; plan accordingly, especially if you are breeding dogs.

Calcium supplementation in some form is often necessary to treat this condition. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s advice and not to stop the supplements or change the dosage without their guidance.

Low blood calcium is, as you’ll read below, a serious issue.

Matilda’s Story

Our Great Dane Matilda is an active, friendly, athletic dog. As she began to age, we noticed her slowing down. She became stiffer, more tired, and didn’t have the same energy as before.

For months, we chalked this up to her age.

I became alarmed, however, when she started showing worsening symptoms, including:
- Screaming in her sleep
- Not waking up from sleep
- Poor heat tolerance, panting and pale gums (associated with nutritional DCM)
- Reflux
- Bedwetting
- Extreme weakness
- Muscle twitching, tremors, and spasms
- Lethargy
After completing a thorough physical examination, our veterinarian chalked this up to her being a giant breed dog.

We assumed that she was just aging and that her joints and muscles hurt.

Our vet encouraged us to switch her from Nutro Dog Food to a Hill’s Science Diet joint support diet and to seek physical therapy for her muscles. She also ran blood work to look for other underlying diseases and talked to us about the possibility of seeing specialists for her joints, heart, and nutrition depending on the results of her blood work.

The next day, she called and said that Matilda’s calcium levels were critically low. She told us that she needed better food and nutritional supplements ASAP.

We were feeding Nutro Ultra and thought we’d been doing the best thing for her by choosing a more “holistic” and “natural” food brand.

Her thyroid gland was functioning correctly and there were no signs of acute kidney failure or poisoning, so those underlying causes were ruled out.

Boutique dog food was killing her. Not only did she not have adequate calcium levels, but it was also suspected that her heart was not as healthy as it could have been.

Nutritional DCM (heart failure) is caused by unbalanced and poorly formulated dog foods.

If your dog has low energy levels and is eating a boutique food diet, talk to your veterinarian. Do not write it off.

We put Matilda on Purina Pro Plan Large Breed. Her symptoms quickly improved and within months she had more energy, balance, strength, and joy than she did as a puppy!

What we thought was aging was actually a dangerous nutritional imbalance, caused by poorly formulated dog food.

Nutrition plays a KEY role in your dog’s health. Do not fall for boutique food marketing (they spend millions convincing you to buy their product): talk to your veterinarian about what diet they feed THEIR pets, and why.

Here is our list of recommended foods for large and giant breed dogs:
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Large Breed (Salmon based, chicken free)
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Shredded Chicken & Rice (Large Pieces & Chicken Shreds!)
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Weight Management (Get the weight off)
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Bright Mind Age 7+ (for Senior Great Danes)
- Purina Pro Plan Giant Breed (Hard to find, might be discontinued)
- Royal Canin Giant Breed (Amazing for dogs with chronic loose stools, TOP TIER)
- Eukanuba Large Breed (Great for active and sport dogs)
- Purina One Smart Blend Large Breed (Fantastic budget-friendly option)
- Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Beef & Rice
- Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Sport Beef & Bison
July 18, 2022
Are Great Danes Good with Kids?
Are you wondering if Great Danes are good with kids and babies?

They are MASSIVE dogs, but are they really gentle with children?

We believe that Great Danes make great pets for families with children, but you might want to learn a bit about this huge dog breed before committing.

They are gentle giants and love to play and cuddle, chase, run, zoomie, and…steal kids’ stuffies.

In this blog post, we will discuss the temperament of Great Danes and whether or not they are good with kids and babies.

We will also provide some tips on how to raise a Great Dane if you do decide to get one!

Are Great Danes Good with Kids and Babies?

Let’s dig in! We’ve included a helpful table of contents below:

All About Great Danes

If you are new to Great Danes, you might be wondering what they are all about.

This breed is loyal, loving, and protective of its family. Danes are an affectionate breed that is also very intelligent.

Many people believe Danes are couch potatoes. This is a myth! A lot of Great Danes are actually very active, athletic dogs. What they DO have, however, is an off-switch!

When they aren’t running and playing, they love to lounge and keep the couch (and your lap) warm.

Great Dane Temperament

You may have heard from others that Great Danes are timid, aggressive, shy, or scared of everything.

This is simply not true!

Great Danes are gentle giants who love nothing more than to cuddle with their humans. They are also playful and silly and will make you laugh on a daily basis.

The Great Dane is an intelligent, gentle, breed and they can be easy to train if you start young and help them understand proper behavior.

The written breed standard for Great Danes states that they should be “friendly and courageous’.

The truth is that a timid, aggressive, fearful or overly anxious Great Dane is not normal. We’re providing resources below on how to find a Great Dane that will be a great fit for your family!

How Long do Great Danes Live?

How do I Potty Train a Dane Puppy?

Rescue or Breeder? What’s best for me?

THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

Everything you need to know! ↗

Great Dane Size

Great Danes are the tallest of all dog breeds, and they are also one of the heaviest.

Males can weigh up to 175 pounds (79 kg) and females can weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kg).

Their height ranges from 28-34 inches (71-86 cm), with males being taller, averaging as tall as 37″ at the shoulder!

Because they are so big, it is important to work on obedience training so that your new Great Dane and your kids can interact safely. There is nothing worse than having a human-sized dog pull on the lead or jump on guests (or your kids)!

Danes are highly intelligent dogs that thrive on human interaction. Well-bred, well-socialized, and well-trained Great Danes generally love being around young children and will be calm, friendly, and tolerant.

We’ve included Dane puppy training tips below so that you can raise a good family dog that is loved by everybody in the house, including the young kids.

Don’t be afraid of their size, Great Danes truly are gentle giants.

How to teach a Great Dane to Walk on a Leash

The Best Toys for Great Danes

The Hardest Part About Potty Training Puppies

Finding a Great Dane for your Family

Finding the right dog for your family may take some time and effort on your part. It’s important that you do your research to find a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs and raises them in a loving home environment.

We’ve put together some tips on what to look for when choosing a Great Dane puppy that will be a good fit for your family.

Choosing an ethical breeder

If you are looking for a Great Dane puppy to add to your family, choosing the right breeder can mean the difference between an excellent family pet and a nightmare.

A well-bred Great Dane puppy will be confident, friendly, calm, mature, and easy to train.

A poorly-bred Great Dane puppy will be timid, nippy, destructive, anxious, and riddled with health problems.

Choose a breeder that meets the following criteria, with no exceptions:
- Full health testing of both parents, including heart, hips, eyes, and thyroid. Verify this at www.ofa.org (Pro Tip: MOST breeders will fail at this key point!)
- Keeps puppies with litter mates until 8-10 weeks of age and utilizes ENS and puppy culture to socialize them
- Has excellent parents who are beautifully structured and proven in dog shows, obedience/training, or therapy work
- Will support you and your puppy for the life of the dog
- Raises the puppies around other animals, children, etc. Not in a barn or on a tile floor with no interaction outside of that.
Choosing a rescue Dane

If you want to skip the puppy phase, consider adopting an adult Great Dane dog!

There are many great family dogs of all ages in need of homes, and reputable rescues will be focused on finding you the right fit.

When adopting a Dane, look for a rescue that:

Takes the time to get to know you and your family before placing a dog with you.

Has resources to educate you with modern information about owning, loving, and caring for Great Danes, including proper training techniques, nutrition and more.

Will support you and your dog for the life of the dog, including if things don’t work out for some reason.

Reasons why a Dog Rescue may Deny Your Application

Anxiety and stress in Great Danes – What you Need to Know

Kids & Great Danes

As long as you have done your research and chosen the right Great Dane for your family, you will have a beautiful, loving, loyal companion for life!

Here are some tips to help get your kids and your new dog off on the right foot:

Introduce them slowly: When you first bring your new dog home (especially a young puppy), do NOT overwhelm it!

Many people introduce their new pup to their excited, jumping, screaming, hovering young children that want to pick the puppy up.

If you want your puppy to LOVE the kids (and this interaction is the first one that they have with children), you’ve already made a massive mistake.

Introduce your new dog to your kids in a calm, positive manner.

Teaching kids to be responsible with dogs

Most kids love dogs, but they also don’t know how to safely interact with them.

Did you know that most dog bites are from unsupervised interactions between kids and a loved family pet?

www.stopthe77.com is a great resource for learning more about this.

We aren’t here to scare you, but you should know why this happens and how to prevent dog bites. Most Great Danes are exceptionally tolerant and gentle, however, they can still accidentally hurt a child.

Your children’s safety matters most.

It’s so important to teach your kids how to be safe around dogs, even if the dog is a family member. It’s also important to understand dog body language, so you can intervene before anything bad happens!

All about Great Danes & Kids Together

What to Feed a Great Dane Puppy

A Guide to Bringing your New Puppy Home

Here are some tips on keeping your kids safe around dogs:
- Teach your children to never sit on, lay on, or climb on your Great Dane. While this may be cute, it can be harmful to your dog and may result in growling, nipping, snapping, and even bites.
- Make sure your kids never take food, bones, or toys from the dog. They should not be playing in the food bowl or trying to pet your puppy while your dog is eating.
- Do not allow your kids to approach a dog that is sleeping, as a startled dog may respond aggressively.
- Encourage your children to maintain a calm presence around dogs. Squealing, screaming, and throwing things can make puppies see them as a threat, or as if they are other dogs to play with and tackle.
Did you know that the idea of ‘nanny dogs’ is a myth?

While Great Danes are often gentle and loving with children, you still need to supervise when they are together.

‘Nanny Dogs’ is something of a marketing term, used to sell Great Danes (and other powerful breeds) to families with small children.

The bottom line is that all dogs are individuals. Some will be better with kids than others, and some will have zero patience for them.

It’s important that you do your research before getting any dog, especially if you have small children in the home!

Need ideas for healthy socialization?

Introducing a baby to a Great Dane

If you are bringing a baby home, it’s important to get your house (and your Great Dane) ready!

Make sure your Dane has a dedicated space to get away from loud noises (such as babies crying).

Put a plan in place to make sure that your dog receives enough exercise and enrichment during the first few weeks of having the baby home. You can hire a dog walker or ask a friend for help.

Before the baby comes home, play baby noises on your phone at low volume, and toss high-value treats on the ground.

Your dog will have a positive association with this sound by the time you bring the baby home!

When it comes time to introduce them to each other, keep your Great Dane on a leash and allow a quick sniff, then redirect, reward, and praise. Do not allow hovering, licking, pawing, or whining.

WHAT IS PUPPY CULTURE?

Is your breeder making confident puppies? ↗

Great Dane Puppy Training

It is important that you work on your puppy training from day one. Never let your new Great Dane practice behaviors that you don’t want to see when they weigh 140lbs!

This includes jumping, running away, chasing the kids, pulling on a leash, stealing, and counter surfing.

Remember that good training is 90% YES! If you are spending a lot of time shouting ‘NO’ or STOP’, think about how you can flip that around. Teach more YES behaviors.

Need a Great Dane T Shirt?

5 things all Great Dane puppies should know

We believe that for Great Danes and kids to coexist beautifully, it’s important the dog is taught a few key things. Great family pets are part genetics, part training. Unwanted behavior from large dogs can actually be dangerous!

A bored, under-enriched, poorly trained giant breed dog with pent-up energy will be difficult to live with, no matter what. So get out the treats and start working with your new pet.

We recommend teaching Great Danes from an early age, the following obedience commands:
- Down (so they don’t hover over and intimidate children)
- Leave it (so you can redirect them away from children, food, and toys)
- Off (so you can tell them to get OFF the couch of OFF your lap)
- Place (so they have a safe spot to go where they aren’t chasing your kids)
- Come (so they can be off-leash and enjoy family life with you)
The more time you can spend rewarding these behaviors, the more times your puppy will repeat them and respond enthusiastically to your commands.

This is how you create dependable dogs who love being with you and become incredible members of the family. It’s all about repetition, training, and positive socialization (check out our popular Great Dane socialization guide below).

5 Great Reasons to E-Collar Train your Great Dane

Canine Good Citizen Testing for Dane Puppies

5 Common Great Dane Puppy Training Mistakes

Crate Training for Great Danes

Crate training your Great Dane puppy means that your puppy will be given a safe, kid-free space and YOU will be given a safe, dog-free space, too!

Overtired puppies will chase, nip, and rough house with children. Positive crate training means that your puppy will have a place to be where everybody is calm and safe.

Not all dogs love the crate at first; we recommend starting slow and encouraging positive experiences in the crate. Never allow your new puppy to ‘cry it out’.

Truly calm dogs are secure and confident, not shut down and frustrated!

Do not let your puppy practice incorrect emotional behavior in the crate. Instead, take a step back and start with shorter, more rewards-focused training sessions.

The BEST Crates for Great Dane Puppies

Fast Potty Training Tips

How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy

Stop Puppy Biting

Great Dane puppy biting catches a lot of family members off guard.

They are so big and their mouths are so BIG!

The first thing to remember is that puppies bite. It is developmentally appropriate for them as they are teething and exploring the world with their mouths.

That being said, there are things we can do to help redirect this behavior:

Encourage your puppy to nap! Over-tired puppies tend to roughhouse and become inconsolably wild. See above where we talk about dog crate training; this is a major reason why!

Make sure your puppy is getting enough calm socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation throughout the day.

Provide your puppy with age-appropriate chew toys and bones. This will help redirect their need to mouth on you and your clothes.

Be consistent with rules and boundaries. Keep your puppy on a leash and redirect them away from puppy biting and playing rough.

Teach your children (and yourself) to cross your arms, sigh, turn your back, and WALK AWAY from a wild nippy Great Dane puppy!

The puppy will quickly learn that the biting game means nobody wants to play with them, and the behavior will go away.

How to Stop Great Dane Puppy Biting

Get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.

Teach your puppy to stop chasing kids

Great Danes make excellent family dogs but you have to get past the rough play stage.

While your kids play in the yard, you may find that your puppy wants to chase, nip and jump on them. A puppy must be taught how to behave properly in this situation, as large dogs like this can accidentally hurt children (without meaning to).

We recommend that you keep your puppy on a leash while they are outside during training. This will help you to control them and stop them from chasing after your kids.

You should then use LOTS of positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior!

Practice releasing your puppy to play with the kids gently. As soon as rough play starts, say ‘uh-oh’ and bring your pup back to your side on a leash. After a few repetitions, most Great Dane puppies are smart enough to understand the rules.

THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

Everything you need to know! ↗

Off-leash training for Great Danes

We recommend that all Great Danes be off-leash obedience trained.

Harnesses, collars, and long leashes can cause frustration or worse, orthopedic damage. A dog that is responsive off-leash will be safer on-leash, too! This kind of obedience will keep you, your kids, and your dogs safe.

When you E-Collar train your Great Dane puppy (don’t worry, it’s not a shock collar and we have TONS of resources for you) you won’t have to stress about the kids leaving a door or gate open.

Pulling on the leash, bolting out of doors, chasing after kids in the neighborhood, and jumping the fence will be a thing of the past!

Not to mention the fact that Great Dane dogs benefit greatly from being able to move and explore freely and naturally without physical restraint. 10/10, highly recommend.

Here are some additional resources on E-Collar training!

5 Reasons to E-Collar Train your Dog
6 E-Collar Training Myths BUSTED

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?

Join our growing Facebook group!

HELLO DANES ON FACEBOOK

READ MORE:

What is the best leash for Great Danes?
July 16, 2022
A Great Dane Chihuaha Mix? Foster Family Forms Forever Bond with 2 Tiny Chihuahas

A Great Dane Chihuaha Mix? Sort of- but only because family is made with love and not blood.

Great Danes may not be the designer dogs that a tiny Chihuahua is, but this Great Dane has put it upon herself to design the perfect life for her new puppy: two tiny female Chihuahua who was without a mother and needed breastfed.

Why was Birdie not spayed? Read more here about why her pet parent waited to spay her.

GREAT DANE CHIHUAHUA MIX: CAN THE TWO COMBINE TO FORM A MOTHER/DAUGHTER DUO?

Some may say that having a Chihuahua mix and bond with a Great Dane is a hard task, but not with Birdie, a two-year-old female Great Dane who was experiencing a ‘phantom pregnancy‘.

A false pregnancy, otherwise known as a phantom pregnancy, is a hormonal condition that can occur in both humans and animals. For Birdie, this meant that her body was going through the motions of pregnancy without actually carrying a litter. Only a handful of dogs will actually experience a false pregnancy, which can lead to some serious health concerns.

Although she wasn’t carrying any puppies of her own, Birdie’s milk came in and she began to lactate. This is what led her dog mom to take her to the vet to get some veterinary advice on the lactation and hormone issues.

HEALTH CONCERNS ASSOCIATED WITH A FALSE PREGNANCY IN DOG BREEDS

Since false pregnancies cause a Great Dane to lactate and can drag on for weeks, sometimes months, the risks can take a toll on the dog.

The risks of dogs experiencing a phantom pregnancy, although extremely rare, include :

-Dehydration

-Lethargy

-Weight loss

-Anemia

-Mastitis (infection of the boobs due to stagnant milk)

-In some cases, a false pregnancy can lead to pyometra, which is a life-threatening infection of the uterus.

When this gentle giant went to the vet, the veterinarians solution was surprising!

BIRDIES PRESCRIPTION TO BRING HOME THE SMALLEST DOG BREED

Dogs, like humans, will have hormones that need to be ‘flushed out’ of their system after pregnancy.

Since Birdie’s system was telling her she was pregnant, her veterinarian suggested that both the mother and Birdie foster two little Chihuahua puppies!

These female chihuahuas had JUST been left on the side of the road, and likely wouldn’t survive without a mother just like birdie. The vet recommended that both the Chihuahua puppies go home with Birdie and she could feed them and nurture them as her own dogs since she would never produce puppies on her own.

GREAT DANE CHIHUAHUA FAMILY: MOTHER AND BABIES

And so it happened- a Dane and a Chihuahua relationship had begun. Big dogs and small dogs don’t get along- you say?

Well, even though Froggy and Ducky were quite the huge personality, Birdie the gentle Great Dane was able to handle them.

The Chihuahua puppies were small pups- only 2.5 and 3 ounces, but you cannot underestimate Gentle Giants.

TWO BREEDS, ONE FAMILY

Despite the huge size difference, Birdie the female Great Dane became the best ‘stand in parent Chihuahua’ that she could ever be.

She began to nurse the puppies just like any other small dog would.

Froggy and Ducky were totally best friends, companion dogs to one another, and they utterly loved having a Great Dane as their mother.

A GREAT DANE AND A CHIHUAHUA: BIRDIE AND FROG AGAINST THE WORLD

Unfortunately, the life expectancy of a preemie Chihuahua puppy is not that long as they are underdeveloped.

If a massive Great Dane could heal this little Chihuahua with love, she would have survived.

However, even with the nutritious breast milk and occasional hand feed of the humans in the house, Ducky was unable to survive after day 10.

Now, it was just a Great Dane and a Chihuahua- Froggy and Birdie against the world.

DOG LOVERS EVERYWHERE ROOTING FOR BOTH THE GREAT DANE AND THE CHIHUAHUA

Over time, these two dogs grew into the hearts of many across the world.

Some people joked that Froggy was a Great Dane, or at least she was going to wake up one day and think she was a Great Dane.

Many people loved how Froggy the Chihuahua was being raised in a home with Great Danes.

Some people said that Froggy should be called a ‘Great Dane Chihuahua’ or that they were ‘Chi Dane Dane puppies’. The Great Dane / Chihuahua combination made its way into people’s day’s, brightening and putting a smile on anybody’s face who got to encounter these special dogs.

ONE SPECIAL GREAT DANE TAKING CARE OF ONE SPECIAL CHIHUAHUA

The Great Dane Chihuahua relationship kept evolving, breaking every dog stereotype known to man!

Who knew that Great Danes could be so utterly gentle and have such a motherly instinct.

This little female Chihuahua seemed to have landed the jackpot with her Great Dane mama.

‘Out of all dog breeds, this Chihuahua is luckiest to have found a Great Dane’, one commenter said.

“This is the cutest Chihuahua Great Dane mix ever”, another said!

WHAT IS NEXT FOR THIS GREAT DANE CHIHUAHUA DUO?

When Froggy is a bit bigger, she will continue to get healthier and get ready to find her forever home.

Her little short legs will carry her on many adventures. She might go to the dog park, she might go to the pet store, and she might go for a drive with her new family.

But, what we do know is that she will always remember Birdie as the dog who saved her life.

She will always remember Birdie as the dog who became her mother, and that is something that not all dogs can say.

A GREAT DANE CHIHUAHUA MIX

Although people have joked about Froggy being a Great Dane Chihuahua mix, Great Dane Chihuahua mixes are an unethical designer dog due to the size difference between a Great Dane and a Chihuahua.

A Great Dane Chihuahua mix (Chi Dane Dane) should not be bred. A Chihuahua mother should naturally mate with a male Chihuahua. Likewise, a female Great Dane should mate with a male Great Dane.

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION AND DESIGNER DOGS

Dog breeds are more and more inseminated for human pleasure. Artificial Insemination is not inherently a bad thing. A dog like a Great Dane might need inseminated even with another male Great Dane who might be bigger than her. Some male Great Danes are twice the size of a female Great Dane, and artificial insemination is the safer choice.

However, a dog the size of a Chihuahua should never breed with a dog the size of a Great Dane. The average person would consider this practice animal abuse as this ‘designer breed’ of Great Dane Chihuahua mixes is decreasing the life expectancy of dogs all around.

If someone is trying to sell you a ‘Great Dane Chihuahua’ as a ‘rare dog’ or ‘designer dog’, you should run! This dog will NOT be healthy. Most ‘Chi Dane Danes’ are just scam breeders trying to sell naive owners that they are getting a rare breed that nobody else can come by.

No matter what- the average lifespan of this dog with both a Great Dane and Chihuahua mated together will not be great.

Let us know what you think of the Birdie and Froggy duo!

READ MORE:
KEEP YOUR PUP HAPPY AND BUST THE BOREDOM
NEW PUPPY CHECKLIST
DO GREAT DANES LIKE TO SWIM?

FIND A GREAT DANE RESCUE

July 14, 2022
How to Stop Overfeeding Your Dog: 5 Tips & Tricks
Do you have a hard time knowing how much food to give your dog? Are you afraid of overfeeding them and making them obese? Or are you in the dark about how much food you really should be feeding your dog?

We are here to help. Chances are, you may actually be OVERFEEDING your dog!

Is your Great Dane struggling with pickiness and loose stools? Yeah, about that. We’ll cover it, too.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to use a scale to measure your dog’s food and make sure they are getting the right amount. This is an important step in ensuring their health and wellbeing.

Using a scale to measure your dog food can also save you money, resolve chronic loose stools, and put pickiness to bed, once and for all.

Read on, friends!

Stop Overfeeding Your Dog

Here is our table of contents. The headings are clickable for navigation!

Step One: Read the Kibble Bag…

Responsible dog food companies will give you grams per cup and kilocalories per cup measurements right on the bag.

Every food company will be different!

Brand KCALS/CUP Grams Per Cup
Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult 337 108
Pro Plan Large Breed Shredded Chicken 353 96

As you can see here, the actual weight of the food and the nutrition per cup can vary!

A cup of dog food is not the same as a cup of dog food from a different bag, in other words.

Pro Tip: this is a good reason to use the food chart on the back of the bag for reference, not necessarily generic Great Dane feeding charts!

Using a Scale to Measure Dog Food

As an avid baker and home cook, I know that weighing flour, sugar, and butter is the only way to create truly consistent and reliable results.

My famous chocolate chip cookie recipe (I wish I could share them with you through the screen, they are amazing) is all done on a kitchen scale.

170g of flour

150g of brown sugar

50g of white sugar

and so on.

Last week I was scooping massive amounts of kibble into bowls for my Danes and got an idea to weigh it out, instead.

What I found, shocked me.

Both my eyeball measurement and my cup-by-cup measurements resulted in significantly more food in the bowl for my dog than when I measured the food on a scale.

As in, I have been way overfeeding my dogs…and you probably are too!

The Experiment

I used two popular types of large/giant breed kibble for this.

Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Shredded Chicken

For each one, I documented the information from the food bag regarding how many grams were in a cup of the food, and how many kilocalories were in a cup as well.

I took two measurements of each food:

First: I scooped out a cup using a 1 cup measure, as most of us do, and I weighed it on a food scale.

Second: I used the scale to measure out exactly one cup of food by weight/grams (according to the data from the bag).

Then I compared the two results.

Royal Canin Giant Breed

This kibble has LARGE pieces!

According to the feeding chart on the bag, my 2-year-old moderately active Great Dane should have 5.5 cups of food each day.

The measuring cup with dog food shown above is measured out the way most of us tend to do it.
Scooped out and slightly full to make up for the airy space between kibbles.

Royal Canin says (on the bag) that the Giant Breed Adult food contains:

108G per 1 Cup. (Thus, 5.5 cups = 594g of food/day)

I scooped up a single cup of the nuggets the way that most of us tend to do it: a loose scoop with some pieces sticking out (because they are huge and left lots of air between pieces). I weighed them in an empty bowl on the scale.

The result? 130 grams. Not 108 grams, as a true cup of this should weigh.

Meaning that my single sloppy cup measure was adding 22 EXTRA grams of the food.

That was just one cup, not all 5. Now, it stands to reason that this is going to ADD UP quickly. ?

For a dog that should be eating 5.5 cups, that could mean roughly 120 extra grams of food PER DAY!

120 grams is a whole bonus extra cup of food, in other words. Which, considering that a cup is around 1/5th of the dog’s daily intake requirement, that’s a LOT.

Not only that, but over the course of the week, my dog would be receiving 7-8 additional cups of calorie-dense food that they likely don’t even need.

That is more than an entire day’s worth of nutrition added to their weekly diet.

8 days of food in 7 days. ??

Have you ever wondered why there are so many obese dogs? We’ve just found a major clue…

Is My Great Dane Fat?

The Best Foods For Great Danes

7 Deadly Health Risks for Overweight Dogs

An overweight Great Dane

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Shredded Chicken

For fun, I did this with a second food.

1 cup of Pro Plan Large Breed Shredded Chicken kibble should weigh 96 grams.

I used a measuring cup to pull a scoop out of the bag, taking care to not overfill it.

Then I weighed it on the scale and…don’t be surprised here, folks:

110 grams!

This means that every cup I scoop is receiving (average) 14 additional grams of the food.

For a dog that should receive 6 cups of Pro Plan, that could mean that they are being overfed by 84 grams each day.

Just like the Royal Canin, an 84-gram daily overage (almost a full cup of food) amounts to roughly 6-7 additional cups of food each week that the dog likely doesn’t actually need.

The Problems with Overfeeding Dogs

When we overfeed our dogs, we are not loving them. We are slowly killing them.

We are shortening their life spans, and making them more likely to suffer from a myriad of health problems, including:

Cancer

Heart Disease

High Blood Pressure

Arthritis & Joint Issues

Diabetes Mellitus & Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

‘Allergies’ and ongoing loose stools

I’ve outlined some common ones below!

Chronic Loose Stools

Chronic loose stools are a common symptom of overfeeding in Great Danes! When you provide too much nutrition or unbalanced nutrition, it literally goes straight through them.

A lot of people misdiagnose chronic loose stools as ‘food allergies’ or ‘chicken intolerance’, however, most of the time these are actually related to poor gut health, too much food switching, unbalanced boutique dog foods and you guessed it, overfeeding!

Veterinarians across the Country cite a massive increase in health problems in dogs, including loose stools, heart problems, and low energy that they attribute to the popularity of untested, poorly formulated boutique dog foods.

Choose a well-balanced large or giant breed kibble instead, measure the food, and stick with it.

I recommend the following formulas, which are heavily researched and thoroughly tested, for large and giant breed dogs:
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy – any flavor!
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed puppy – TOP PICK, salmon-based
- Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy (Great for active and sporting dogs)
- Purina One Large Breed Puppy (Excellent budget option)
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
- Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog food (to age 12 months) – TOP PICK, PREMIUM OPTION
- Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog food (8-24 months)
- Purina Large Breed Puppy Chow
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Large Breed (Salmon based, chicken free)
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Shredded Chicken & Rice (Large Pieces & Chicken Shreds!)
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Weight Management (Get the weight off)
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Bright Mind Age 7+ (for Senior Great Danes)
- Purina Pro Plan Giant Breed (Hard to find, might be discontinued)
- Royal Canin Giant Breed (Amazing for dogs with chronic loose stools, TOP TIER)
- Eukanuba Large Breed (Great for active and sport dogs)
- Purina One Smart Blend Large Breed (Fantastic budget-friendly option)
- Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Beef & Rice
- Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Sport Beef & Bison
Should I Feed My Great Dane Puppy or Adult Food?

Obesity in Dogs

Weight gain is common, especially following spay or neuter surgery (which causes your dog’s metabolism to decrease).

Allowing your dog to pack on the pounds can shorten its lifespan, on average, by about 2 years!

Being a stocky, oversized ‘Euro’ Great Dane is no excuse for being overweight and heavy, either.

Great Danes are a lean, muscular, athletic breed and it’s important, for their health and well-being, that we honor that.

We’ve included some dog weight loss tips below, as well as the following resources:

Is my Dog Filling Out or Getting Fat?

Should I feed Grain-Free Food?

The Health Risks of Obesity in Dogs

An active, healthy-weight dog

Over-nutrition and Growth Disorders

Growth disorders such as Pano (aka growing pains), HOD, flat feet, and knuckling are a direct result of over-nutrition, especially when feeding incorrect, unbalanced foods that have too much calcium or missing nutrients.

Great Dane puppies, especially young ones, require a LOT of food and for many reasons, we recommend feeding young dogs on a loose free-feeding schedule so that they aren’t underfed. However, as they mature, you should transition to a 2-3x/day feeding schedule.

You can learn more about this in our Ultimate Great Dane Feeding Chart post!

Feeding too much of the wrong thing can and will harm them.

We’ve included a list below of the only appropriate foods to feed a large or giant breed puppy, as well as some resources for understanding why those foods are highly recommended!

What are WSAVA Guidelines for Dog Food, and Do They Matter?

What is Ingredient Splitting in Dog Food?

Is Life’s Abundance a Good Food For My Dog?
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy – any flavor!
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed puppy – TOP PICK, salmon-based
- Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy (Great for active and sporting dogs)
- Purina One Large Breed Puppy (Excellent budget option)
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
- Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog food (to age 12 months) – TOP PICK, PREMIUM OPTION
- Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog food (8-24 months)
- Purina Large Breed Puppy Chow
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

Everything you need to know! ↗

Pickiness

Many Great Dane owners believe that their dogs have become picky because they are turning their noses up at their food.

These dogs are most often actually just FULL!

In the interest of getting them to eat more, people tend to switch foods and start adding toppers and other forms of nutritional bribery.

The dog learns that if they ignore their food, interesting and fun things come to them.

“Picky eating” is a bit of a popular myth that is literally caused by humans! It’s ok for a dog to not eat their entire meal.

Picky dogs are not usually picky, they are literally just training you to give them treats. Many picky dogs are actually overweight and need less food, not more!

A healthy dog will not let itself starve to death, and if it does? Switching foods isn’t going to help. That’s a dog that needs medical attention.

Bloat and Gut Health in Dogs

Is Gentle Giants a Good Dog Food?

‘Allergies’

Once a dog has been sent down the path of ‘picky eating’ where different kibble brands are changed often and treats and toppers are added to encourage eating, their gut health suffers.

Poor gut health also means being intolerant to the environment and yes, symptoms may then show up indicating that the dog has allergies.

These symptoms include loose stools, a dry coat, and itching.

Dogs with lighter coats may be more prone, and some dogs will continue to suffer from environmental allergies no matter what (just like humans). It’s important to set all dogs up for success!

Some allergies are legitimate and life-threatening to dogs. The ONLY way to diagnose these types of allergies in dogs is to complete a food-trial elimination diet with veterinary supervision.

Legitimately diagnosed food protein and grain allergies are extremely rare. It’s important to note that blood and saliva tests are inaccurate and often a waste of money.

Most dogs suffering from allergies are actually experiencing intolerance to environmental allergens, not food!

PRO TIP: Use a wet towel to gently wipe dander and pollen off your pup daily, and wash their feet to remove irritants.

Many health issues like this are made worse by constant food switching and the use of untested, poorly formulated boutique diets that lack the correct balance of micro-nutrients and amino acids.

Stop food switching to “find something that works”, measure the food, and let your dog’s gut health heal!

We highly recommend Olewo Carrots and Olewo Beets for added fiber and to soothe the tummy, in addition to Fortiflora or Probios Probiotics.

OLEWO CARROTS. See them on Amazon HERE.

Weight Loss Tips for Great Danes

If your dog needs to lose weight, there are things you can do!

Vet check? Check!

If you are concerned about your dog’s weight, it’s important to ask your veterinarian for advice!

Some dogs have weight problems because of thyroid issues or other medical conditions that can be easily managed with medication or a change in diet.

Be sure to rule out any possible underlying health issues, including heart problems and thyroid disease, before starting a weight loss plan for your dog.

Get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.

Change the diet

The one time we DO recommend a diet change is when you are not feeding quality food, and when your dog needs to lose weight. The following weight loss formula is recommended for at-home use:

Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula

Your veterinarian may also be able to prescribe a diet from Hill’s or Royal Canin that will help your pooch cut the calories. Royal Canin has put together an amazing healthy-weight resource page for dog owners:

https://www.royalcanin.com/us/dogs/products/weight

Measure the food on a scale so that you don’t overfeed!

Be aware of the fact that many boutique foods use ingredient splitting to make you believe their food is ‘meat first’, when the truth is you may be feeding your dog an expensive bag of ‘human grade peas’.

It’s no wonder so many dogs are overweight and struggling with low energy!

What is Ingredient Splitting?

DCM in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Tread cautiously with toppers

Toppers and treats can help your dog or they can hurt them.

Too many can lead to over-nutrition (and thus, obesity).

Some people say to add green beans or pumpkin to your dog’s bowl to offset some calories; while this can help your dog feel more full, it’s important to keep these toppers to 10% or less of the diet.

We recommend well-balanced raw food as a healthy, fresh-foods topper.

Raw Grass-Fed Beef

Surf & Turf

Turkey

Olewo Carrots, Olewo Beets, and Dr. Harvey’s are also fantastic choices for adding wholesome fibers to your dog’s diet; as above, keep these to 5-10% or less of the diet.

Pro Tip: A little goes a long way! If you are helping your dog lose weight, take it easy on the Dr. Harvey’s.

Get ready to move…naturally

An off-leash dog can burn up to 300 calories in an hour!

That’s a significant amount! We recommend off-leash training for all large and giant breed dogs, including Great Danes.

This will allow them to zip, zoom, run, spin, explore and gain enrichment and physical movement that they are not receiving on a leash, long-line, or in a harness.

With this kind of activity, your dog will be building muscle, shedding fat, and working its brain!

Many dogs will benefit greatly from receiving their exercise and enrichment this way, however, you must be smart about it.

Dogs that are extremely aggressive, fearful, timid, or wild need professional help with this, and you should never let your dog off-leash unless you can fully rely on them not to approach people and dogs uninvited.

E-Collar training and educated ownership is the best way to give your dog this freedom of movement outside of your fenced yard.

If this isn’t for you, it’s still important to get your dog moving! Talk to your veterinarian about physical therapy, including the use of water treadmills and pools to help your dog burn calories.

READ MORE:

Off-Color & ‘Designer Color’ Great Danes

Find a Great Dane Rescue
July 14, 2022

Can Great Dane Puppies Get Bloat? The Risks and Symptoms of GDV in Dogs

Can Great Dane puppies get bloat? Unfortunately, giant breed dogs, including puppies, are prone to developing bloat.

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), otherwise known as Canine Bloat, happens when the stomach fills with gas and twists.

This is a life-threatening condition that can kill a dog in a matter of hours if not treated immediately.

Here’s what you need to know about the risks and symptoms of GDV in dogs, so you can keep your pup safe.

CAN GREAT DANE PUPPIES GET BLOAT?

Unfortunately for Dane owners, Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) / Bloat, can happen at absolutely any age. Giant breeds experience bloat because they have deep chest cavities which can easily fill up with air, causing bloat. (Read more here)

The following image is from Thedogplace, and shows an example of how the stomach fills up with air when a dog is bloating. For more information from Thedogplace, click here.

When a giant breed dog’s chest fills up with air, this is when dogs bloat.

However, the ‘torsion’ or ‘twisting’ of the stomach, is when the dog is at high risk for death.

Bloat can happen in any age dog from a young dog to a senior, although it is more rare to see dogs bloat as puppies.

Gastropexy Surgery- Click Here to Read and Learn https://www.hellodanes.com/stomach-tacking-pros-and-cons-for-great-danes/

Affected dogs range from any age, but tend to be breed predisposed and have a family history of bloat.

DOG BREEDS THAT ARE MOST PRONE TO DEVELOP BLOAT

While any breed of dog can develop bloat, there are certain factors that make some dogs more prone to it.

Dogs with deep chests, like Great Danes, are at a higher risk because their anatomy makes them more likely to experience stomach torsion.

Other dog breeds that are prone to developing bloat are:

Irish Wolfhound
Borzois Gordon Setters
Newfoundlands
St. Bernards
Rottweilers
Great Pyrenees
Weimaraners
German Shepherds
Standard Poodles & other poodle mixes.

While any dog can get bloat, these are the breeds that are most at risk. If you have a giant breed dog like a Great Dane or a German Shepherd, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of GDV so you can get your pup to the vet immediately if they start to experience them.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF A BLOAT EVENT IN DOGS

The signs of a dog bloating can be mild to severe.

Great Dane owners should be WELL VERSED in knowing what bloat looks like so that they can catch it at the first, early sign.

With delayed treatment, death is a serious risk.

Pacing
Drooling
Foaming at the mouth
Restlessness or ‘unsettling’ in dog’s behavior
Unproductive vomiting (retching)
Exposed tummy (when lying down)
Distended, tight abdomen
Pain in the abdomen
Pale gums
Excessive drooling
Retching without vomiting
Lethargy

THE FIRST SIGN OF GREAT DANE BLOAT

The first sign that your dog may be bloating is an enlarged abdomen. You may also notice your dog pacing or restlessness.

The following image from Wiki is an example of the distended tummy of a Great Dane that is bloating.

A distended stomach in large breed dogs means that their stomach is ‘full’ and ‘hard’.

The distended stomach is caused by air pushing against the abdominal wall. This air is extremely dangerous and will require emergency surgery to be removed. A distended stomach can cause something called Torsion, which is when the stomach begins to twist, possibly causing a lack of blood supply to vital organs.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get your dog to the vet immediately. The risk increases the longer your dog goes without getting the air relieved and Great Danes are at risk of a potentially deadly condition, especially without medical care.

OTHER SIGNS OF BLOAT IN GREAT DANES

Another very common sign of developing bloat in Great Danes is white, foamy drool.

Great Danes will often ‘try’ to vomit, but nothing will come up.

The reason for this white, foamy puke is because your dog is attempting to throw-up, but they are unable to do so, due to the torsion (or stomach flipping).

White, foamy puke should be an immediate red flag for any Great Dane owner and should be a ticket to the veterinarian immediately to receive medical intervention.

WHAT IS TORSION IN GREAT DANES?

Torsion in a Great Dane happens when the stomach twists, cutting off the dog’s blood supply.

Torsion is also known as GDV (gastric dilation and volvulus).

However, there is extreme confusion between ‘bloat’ and ‘torsion’. Bloat CAN happen without torsion (twisting) but torsion cannot happen without bloat.

Torsion puts your Great Dane at the highest risk for death.

IS BLOAT GOING TO KILL MY GREAT DANE?

Great Dane bloat is a life threatening condition that can cause death within hours if not treated immediately.

READ MORE BY CLICKING THE PICTURE BELOW:

Torsion usually occurs when the stomach is full of food and gas. The extra weight in the stomach causes it to twist, cutting off the blood supply to vital organs like the heart and lungs.

Torsion can also be caused by stress, exercise, or a genetic risk allele.

Because bloat and torsion have a genetic factor, it is absolutely crucial to choose wisely when you are choosing a Great Dane breeder.

Play Backyard Breeder Bingo to See If You are Using a Good Breeder

Check out Our Bad Breeder Hall of Shame

Ethical Great Dane Breeders are Proud of Their Dogs

Great Dane Breeder Red Flags to Watch Out For

How to Avoid Getting Scammed by a Breeder

Great Dane Breeder Scams & Shady Business

How to Choose a Great Dane Breeder Near Me

I Need a Pet, Not a Show Dog- Finding a Great Dane Breeder

Should I Choose a Breeder or a Rescue for a Great Dane?

What is a Backyard Breeder?

What Makes a Great Dane Breeder Good?

Great Danes are especially prone to torsion because of their deep chests and large stomachs.

When a dog’s stomach twists, it is an emergency situation and they must be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Treatment for GDV usually involves surgery to untwist the stomach and remove any gas or food that is present.

After surgery, your dog will need to be monitored closely for 24-48 hours to make sure they don’t experience any complications.

While bloat can be a scary condition, it is important to remember that it is treatable if caught early. The key is to be aware of the signs and symptoms so you can get your pup the help they need as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions about bloat or torsion in Great Danes, please feel free to reach out to us! We are always happy to help educate our Great Dane community.

TREATMENT FOR BLOAT IN DOGS

Once at the vet, they will start by doing a physical examination and working on stabilizing your dog. This may include giving them IV fluids and oxygen. On the xray, your vet will diagnose bloat.

The only way to treat your bloat in dogs is with bloat surgery, and the surgical procedure needs to happen quickly or there is an increased risk of health issues and even death.

Great Dane Health Issues

BLOAT SURGERY IN GREAT DANES

Bloat surgery in Great Danes happens by making an incision in the dog’s side and then untwisting the stomach. The vet will also put a tube down your dog’s throat to help remove any gas or food that is present in their stomach.

If bloat has not caused twisting of the stomach (torsion), the Veterinarian will treat bloat by decompressing the stomach with a needle or tube.

After surgery, your dog will need to be monitored closely for 24-48 hours to make sure they don’t experience any complications.

If you have any questions about bloat or torsion in Great Danes, please feel free to reach out to us! We are always happy to help educate our Great Dane community.

VISIT OUR BLOAT RESOURCES PAGE HERE

RELEASING AIR FROM THE BODY WALL IN THE STOMACH

When the stomach fills with air, the stomach wall leaves no room for blood flow to important and vital organs.

Surgery will be performed on your Great Dane to release the air that has built up in their stomach and to re-position the stomach if it has twisted.

After the surgery is completed, your dog will be brought into recovery where they will stay for 24-48 hours.

You will likely be given pain medication to take home with you for your dog, as this surgery can be very painful.

Do not administer medication at home without vet approval- as some can be toxic to your pet.

STOMACH TACK IN GREAT DANES TO PREVENT BLOAT

Preventing bloat is something that all dog owners want to be aware of. Knowing the risk factors for bloat is the best way to prevent bloat. However, there is also a surgery that can be done prior to a dog bloating that can help to somewhat ‘prevent bloat’.

GASTROPEXY SURGERY

Gastropexy surgery is a surgery that is conducted, usually at the time of desexing, where the stomach is tacked to the body wall. This prevents the stomach from being able to twist in the event of bloat and can be lifesaving.

While this surgery does not prevent bloat from happening, it can help to prevent torsion (twisting of the stomach) which is often fatal if not caught in time.

Image from VCA Animal Hospital

If you have any questions about gastropexy surgery or whether it is right for your dog, please speak to your veterinarian.

GASTROPEXY- PROS AND CONS

THE MYTH BEHIND GASTROPEXY SURGERY IN GREAT DANES

Many owners believe that if their dog has had a stomach tack, they are no longer at risk for their dogs bloating. This is not true.

Gastropexy surgery will help to prevent TORSION, but not the actual bloat from occuring.

This means that even if your dog has had a Gastropexy surgery, they are still at risk for bloating, especially if they have other risk factors.

There is a lifetime risk of bloat in dogs who have any contributing factor of the disease.

However, having a Gastropexy surgery CAN save their life- because it can prevent the stomach from twisting which will cut off blood flow to vital organs.

THE RISK FACTORS FOR DOGS BLOATING

The risk factors of dogs bloating are genetics, gut health and stress. Many myths and lies float around about why dogs bloat. However, it has been proven that more dogs bloat who are genetically predisposed, have weak or failing gut health, or are stressed / fearful dogs.

GUT HEALTH	WHAT IS THE BEST FOOD FOR A DOG’S GUT? BLOAT AND GUT HEALTH- THE COORELATION
FEAR/ANXIETY	11 WAYS TO HELP A DOG WITH ANXIETY HOW TO HELP A SCARED DOG OVERCOME THEIR FEAR FEAR AGGRESSION- THE RISKS AND OUTCOMES HELPING A PUPPY THROUGH FEAR STAGES HOW TO HELP AN ANXIOUS DOG
GENETICS	WHAT IS BACKYARD BREEDING? IS EMBARK A WORTHWHILE TEST FOR GENETIC MARKERS? WHAT IS OFA TESTING AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

GENETICS AND BLOAT

Genetics has been proven to contribute to bloat. There are risk alleles in genetic lines that show that if a grandparent, etc, has bloated, that the future dogs in the lineage are more likely to bloat as well.

If you are bringing home a Great Dane puppy, it is crucial that you check both the male and females pedigree and ask a lot of questions to the breeder about whether any dog in the lineage has bloated.

STRESS AND BLOAT

Stress is also a big risk factor for bloat. Dogs who are fearful or anxious are more likely to bloat than dogs who are confident and have no fear.

This is because when a dog is stressed, their body produces cortisol- which can contribute to an upset stomach and can cause the dog to bloat.

There are many ways to prevent stress in dogs- such as training, socialization, providing a calm environment, etc.

Resources below for your convenience:

10 Tips for Successfully Caring for Great Danes

How to Socialize a Great Dane Puppy

The Basics for Great Dane Training

How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy

Potty Training a Puppy in an Apartment: 9 Steps to a Solid Potty Schedule

Early Socialization for Great Dane Puppies Before and After 8 Weeks Old

Respect Training Tips: How to Train Your Puppy Great Dane

The Best Crates for a Great Dane: Crates that Fit 100 lb+ Dogs

The Hardest Parts About Potty Training a Great Dane: Tips and Tricks to Make it Easier

Why is Leash Training Dogs So Dang Hard? 8 Things I Learned About Leash Training

GUT HEALTH AND BLOAT

Gut health is also a big risk factor for bloat. Dogs who have weak gut health are more likely to bloat than dogs with strong gut health. (READ MORE HERE)

There are many ways to improve gut health in dogs- such as feeding a high quality diet, adding probiotics, etc.

MYTHS ABOUT BLOAT IN GREAT DANES AND OTHER BREEDS

Unfortunately, many myths are spread everyday about bloat and why it happens. The more myths that are spread, the further veterinary medicine gets from finding a cure for the disease.

MYTH 1: RAISED FEEDERS WILL HELP TO PREVENT BLOAT. Raised feeders are something that big dog owners LOVE to talk about! However, did you know that recent science/data actually says that they are INCREASING the rate of bloating dogs?

MYTH 2: FEEDING BEFORE OR AFTER EXERCISE IS GOING TO CAUSE BLOAT. If only it was this simple! Unfortunately, although fast eaters ARE more prone to bloating, allowing your dogs to run around before or after a meal is NOT a contributing factor to whether or not they are going to bloat!

MYTH 3: GASTROPEXY WILL PREVENT BLOAT. The truth is, Gastropexy will only PREVENT TORSION- which is when the stomach twists and cuts off blood flow to vital organs. Gastropexy will not prevent bloat from happening.

CAN GREAT DANE PUPPIES BLOAT?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Giant breeds of any age are susceptible to bloating and if you have a giant breed in your life you should know exactly what to look for.

Should your large breed dog exhibit symptoms of bloat, you should get them to the emergency veterinarian immediately for treatment.

Ear Cropping & Taping Cropped Ears on Great Danes
Great Dane Farts: The Funniest Collection of Photos and Videos on the Internet
The Best Collars for Great Danes
Blue Great Danes – Facts, Photos, and Care

July 13, 2022

Brand	KCALS/CUP	Grams Per Cup
Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult	337	108
Pro Plan Large Breed Shredded Chicken	353	96

Category: Great Danes

FALSE PREGNANCY DOG ISSUES: WHAT IS A FALSE PREGNANCY?

PREGNANCY IN DOGS

UNSPAYED DOGS AND RISKS

PYOMETRA

MASTITIS

BREAST CANCER

SYMPTOMS OF FALSE PREGNANCY IN DOGS

CORRELATION BETWEEN A FALSE PREGNANCY AND HEAT CYCLE

WILL A PSEUDO PREGNANCY IN DOGS CAUSE THEM TO PRODUCE MILK?

WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS PRODUCING MILK

MAMMARY GLAND DEVELOPMENT

MASTITIS RISKS

PYOMETRA

HOW TO HELP A DOG GO THROUGH A FALSE PREGNANCY

FALSE PREGNANCIES AND GETTING YOUR DOG SPAYED TOO YOUNG

HOW TO PREVENT FUTURE FALSE PREGNANCIES

FINAL THOUGHTS ON FALSE PREGNANCY IN DOGS

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

DOG ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

COLLAPSIBLE BOWLS: FOOD AND WATER BOWLS

COLLARS AND LEASHES

PET TRAVEL LEASH

TRAVEL COLLAR WITH ID TAGS AND GPS

PET FIRST AID KIT

DOES YOUR FIRST AID KIT INCLUDE THESE ITEMS?

DOG POOP BAGS AND GROOMING SUPPLIES:

CAR SEAT COVER AND SEAT BELT

CARGO LINER FOR YOUR DOG FOR THE BACK SEAT

BIG BARKER SUV BED

TREATS AND BONES

CLEANING SUPPLIES FOR PET MESSES

PET WIPES

MUDBUSTER FOR CLEAN PAWS

FOOD ON THE GO

PAPERWORK: UP TO DATE VACCINATION RECORDS, UPDATED ID TAGS, VETERINARIAN CELL PHONE NUMBER, PET FRIENDLY HOTELS AND MORE

POPULAR BIG DOG NAMES

CONSIDER NAMING YOUR BIG DOG AFTER A FAMOUS LANDMARK OR CITY

TRADITIONAL BIG DOG NAMES ARE POPULAR

CHOOSING BIG DOG NAMES THAT ARE NAMES OF OTHER ANIMALS

FICTIONAL CHARACTERS AND THE PERFECT NAME

NAME YOUR DOG AFTER YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE

BONUS: NAMES FOR BIG BLACK DOGS

A PERFECT GREEK NAME FOR YOUR BIG DOG

UNIQUE BIG DOG NAMES

MALE BIG DOG NAMES

FEMALE BIG DOG NAMES

GENTLE GIANTS: GENTLE DOG NAMES FOR BIG DOGS

FUNNY DOG NAMES

CUTE DOG NAME IDEAS

LARGE DOG NAMES IN PERSONALITY AND SOUND

FINDING DOG NAMES FOR A LARGE BREED IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

SPANISH NAMES FOR DOGS

USE A LATIN NAME IN ORIGIN FOR YOUR DOG

PICKING THE PERFECT NAME FOR YOUR PET

DOG PILLS: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT OUR DOGS CONSUME THEIR MEDICINE?

DAILY VITAMINS PER YOUR VET’S INSTRUCTIONS

ONGOING MEDICATIONS FOR CERTAIN CONDITIONS YOUR DOG MAY HAVE

HIDE IT IN THEIR FOOD

HIDE IT IN A TREAT

WRAP IT IN BACON, CHEESE, OR PEANUT BUTTER

USING A MEDICATION PASTE TO HIDE THE PILL

PILL POCKETS

GIVE IT WITH A SYRINGE OR PILL GIVER

USING HUMAN FOOD FOR DOG MEDICATIONS

SAFE FOOD FOR DOGS TO TAKE PILLS WITH

SOME HUMAN FOOD SHOULD NOT BE ADDED TO YOUR DOG’S FOOD

FUN WAYS TO GIVE YOUR DOG ORAL MEDICATIONS

GIVING A PET LIQUID MEDICATIONS

MALE GREAT DANE WEIGHT IN GIANT BREED DOGS

DETERMINING FACTORS IN SIZE OF A GIANT BREED DOG

GREAT DANE BREED SIZE DEPENDS ON GENDER

HEIGHT OF GREAT DANES DETERMINES DANE GROWTH AND WEIGHT

THE AGE / WEIGHT CORRELATION OF GREAT DANES

GENETIC BUILD OF A GREAT DANE

EUROPEAN GREAT DANES AND HEALTH PROBLEMS

WHAT IS A EURO GREAT DANE?

THE AMERICAN GREAT DANE BREED STANDARD

EUROPEAN GREAT DANES BREED STANDARD

EUROPEAN GREAT DANES AND GENETIC HEALTH PROBLEMS