Category: Great Danes

9 of the Best Tips to Having a Trained Great Danes
Having trained Great Danes is something every Great Dane owner wants to accomplish.

Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)

Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)

There’s something about a Great Dane that just makes you fall in love. They are gentle giants, and make perfect pets for families with children. They are also one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.

However, a Great Dane requires major obedience training. With proper basic training from an early age, socialization, and positive reinforcement, you can train your Great Dane to use the behavior that you desire.

Trained Great Danes require everyday life training sessions

In this blog post, we will discuss 9 simple tips to incorporate in your dog training with your Great Danes that will make you love them even more!

Then, we will discuss how you can start training your Great Dane with these basic tips that any owner can incorporate with their large breed dog from a young age.

Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.

One: Teach Your Great Dane Basic Potty Training Skills

House training your new Great Dane puppy is an essential skill for any dog owner. The good news is that working to potty train your pup is relatively easy, and it’s a great way to bond with your new Great Dane.

Create a Designated Area that your Great Dane Puppy can Potty

The first step is to create a designated potty area; this can be either inside or outside, depending on your preferences.

Great Dane Puppies Potty Frequently

Once you have a potty area, you’ll need to take your new puppy there frequently, preferably after each meal. When your Great Dane puppy does his business in the potty area, be sure to praise him lavishly; this will help him understand that he’s doing what you want him to do.

Ear Infection? No Problem

Overnight Pottying for Your Great Dane Puppy

The rule of thumb for any Great Dane puppy is that they can hold their bladder for one hour per month of age. So, a three-month-old Great Dane puppy can hold it for three hours overnight. So, if you have a new Great Dane dog, plan to let them out throughout the night in order to help them be successful.

Have Patience with Training Your Great Dane Puppy Potty Training

Finally, keep in mind that accidents will happen; if your pup has an accident indoors, simply clean it up and do not ‘punish’ puppies for having accidents in the house. Getting angry at your puppy for going potty in the house is not the best method to teaching them. A new Great Dane puppy needs to be shown this basic command before it knows right from wrong. Additionally, your Great Dane puppy often does not have control over its bladder.

Two: Using a Crate: Positive Training with your Great Dane

Using a crate is an effective way to train your Great Dane and establish obedience.

Crate training should be used in conjunction with positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, as the primary training method.

How to crate train a Great Dane: click here

Why does Crate Training Help Great Danes?

Crate training will help your puppy or adult Great Dane learn how to stay in one place and follow commands from the owner.

Crate training is also a good way to teach your Great Dane how to be quiet when required, such as during crate rest periods. When choosing to crate train a Great Dane, dog owners help their Great Dane to learn how to take a break.

Stress, Anxiety and Overall Behavior with Great Dane Training and Crates

Dogs that are crate trained tend to be less stressed and more obedient overall, which makes for a happier owner-dog relationship. Proper crate training takes time and patience, but the rewards are well worth it for both you and your dog.

Three: Working on Great Dane Training to Stop the Constant Barking

Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, from excitement and fear to hunger and boredom. While some level of barking is perfectly normal, excessive barking can be frustrating for both dog and owner.

Do Great Danes Shed?

Great Dane Training and Barking

Great Danes can be prone to excessive barking, but with patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to stop the constant yapping. As with all training, it’s important to start with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come.

Need a Great Dane T Shirt?

Understanding Why Your Great Dane is Barking

Before you train a Great Dane to stop barking, you have to understand why they are demonstrating this behavior in the first place.

Your Great Dane could be barking for a variety of reasons:
1. To get your attention: If your Great Dane is barking and you immediately give them what they want (e.g., attention, food, water, etc.), they will quickly learn that this is an effective way to get what they want from you.
2. To alert you of something: If your Great Dane is barking and there’s truly something worthy of your attention (e.g., someone at the door, another dog in the yard, etc.), they may just be trying to tell you that something is going on.
3. Out of boredom or loneliness: If your Great Dane is left alone for long periods of time with nothing to do, they may bark out of boredom or loneliness.
4. Because they are anxious: If your Great Dane is anxious or fearful of something (e.g., loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, etc.), they may bark as a way to try and calm themselves down.
5. As an expression of excitement: If your Great Dane is excited about something (e.g., going for a walk, seeing you after being away, etc.), they may bark as a way to show their excitement.
6. Because they have not gotten enough exercise: A dog that is not given enough exercise is often the type that will bark out of boredom or frustration.
If your Great Dane is barking excessively, it’s important to figure out why they are doing this so you can address the underlying issue. Once you know why your dog is barking, you can begin working on Great Dane training to stop the bark.

Training Dogs to Stop Barking

Once your Great Dane has a good understanding of these commands, you can begin working on specific behaviors, like barking.

Five: Training your Great Dane to Walk on Leash

Leash training your Great Dane can be a bit of challenge, as they are a strong dog breed. However, with patience and consistency, you can train your dog to walk calmly on a leash.

Viper 15ft Training Lead

Leather Dog Leash

Leather Slip Leash

It Takes Practice to Leash Train Your Great Dane

Introduce your dog or puppy to collar and leash time.

Start out by letting him wear a harness or collar for short periods in your house while you play with him. Make sure to give lots of treats; this will help form an association between wearing those things because it means food (and fun!) Waste no energy training without rewarding results!

Use a ‘Marker Word’ to Tell Your Dog Which Behavior You Like

To get your puppy excited and eager to learn commands related to the leash, teach him a marker word. You can choose any word, like ‘YES’ or other.

Once you say the word, offer treats when he looks at you or turns his head in response. Repeat this process several times until it becomes routine for both of you – just be sure not make any loud noises during training so that distractions don’t arise unexpectedly later on down the road.

It is best to begin training all commands inside, rather than outside. Your dog will face many distractions outside, such as other dogs, people, and noises.

You want your dog to be focused on you during training sessions so he can learn the commands quickly and easily. Once he masters the commands inside, you can begin taking him outside for short leash walks around the block.

Train Your Dog to Walk Towards you with the Marker Word and a Reward / Treat

Once your dog learns identify that the marker word signifies something positive (a treat), you can begin to practice getting your dog to walk towards you. Start in a room with little distraction to help your puppy learn what it means when you call him. Offer treats and praise as he gets used walking towards you on command. By using the leash around his neck, use the marker word and apply small pressure on you puppies neck. When they begin to walk towards you- be sure to heavily reward positive obedience with praise and a treat!

Heading Outside with Your New Dog or Puppy

When you take your new pup outside for his first training, it’s important that they know it is not socialization time. If you have other pets, be sure to prioritize one-on-one time with this specific dog, rather than bringing along all of your dogs.

Make sure the environment is welcoming and calming so he has no reason to be scared or anxious on this exciting step towards positivity in your dog’s behavior!

Fish Oil

Dasuquin

Green Lipped Mussel

Probiotic Max, 2lb

Start by taking short walks while noting any distractions such as things which seem interesting enough (but not too much)to lunge towards; if these occur keep moving away slowly until they forget about what distracted them originally – then reward accordingly with a marker word and a treat.

If you notice that your dog seems to lose attention on you when he sees other dogs, direct his attention back towards you and reward him when he gives you eye contact. Great Danes are a giant breed dog and their sheer size along is enough to need to make sure that they do not pull, lunge, or otherwise strain.

Then, during a training session, walk with your dog at your side while rewarding them for calm behavior. If they start to pull on the leash, stop walking and wait for them to settle down before continuing. With time and practice, your dog will learn that walking calmly on a leash is rewarded, and pulling is not.

Finally, remember to be patient and consistent with your training – Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a well behaved dog.

Seven: Introducing your Great Dane to Other Pets or Other Dogs

One of the most important things you can do when you first get your Great Dane is to properly socialize him. This does not necessarily mean introducing him to as many different people, places, and animals as possible, but can be.

You should start socialization training when your puppy is between seven and eight weeks old. The earlier you start, the better.

The best way to socialize a dog is to bring them around chaotic environments but do not force or even allow interactions.

Puppy vs. Adult Food

Puppy Socialization

Best Toys for Puppies

Parking lots are great ways to ‘socialize’ your dog. Think of it as people watching.

Take your dog with you on normal life trips to a friends house or sit outside of a busy shop and let your dog hear new sounds. Be weary of letting everybody pet your dog. Getting pet by strangers can tell your dog that they are the center of the attention and chaos, when we actually just want them to exist within the chaos.

Additionally, sometimes dogs can get anxiety when being pet by random people and we want to set them up for success in being pet later in life. Therefore, choose wisely when you let others pet your puppy.

Socialization is important, but over-socialization is a real thing and can create a dog that is fearful of new environments or situations.

A well socialized dog is not afraid of new things, but is okay with them. He should be able to take anything new in stride and not be phased by it. If you find your dog is getting frequent exposure to noises, smells and new things, they will be set up to not be fearful in the future.

Eight: Choosing a Puppy Class or Training Program

One of the best things you can do for your new puppy is sign up for a puppy program or training program.

A good puppy class will teach your pup basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, come and down.

5 Common mistakes you may be making when Training Your Great Dane

Puppy classes also provide an opportunity for socialization, which is critical during the first year.

You do not, however want to sign up for just any class. Be careful to select a trainer who is certified to award the Good Citizen Canine certificate to your dog.

You can usually find a balanced trainer who will work your dog through the Good Citizen Canine program on the AKC site.

Classes at places like Petsmart we do not recommend as their training method typically does not align with ours and sometimes they have inexperienced trainers.

Nine: Using Treats to Your Advantage in the House

Treats are an all-time favorite with any dog breed. Use healthy and delicious snacks to incentivize your giant breed to demonstrate positive behavior and learn, simple commands or other commands. Training Great Danes can be tough, but using a reward system helps tremendously.

When you are working to train your Dane, make sure to keep treats with you at all times.

As soon as your dog demonstrates a behavior that you like, give him a treat immediately. This will help him understand that he is being rewarded for going to the demonstrated act.

Below are some of our favorite treats to use for Great Danes or any other dog breed.

Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

In Conclusion

Great Danes are amazing dogs that will provide you with a lifetime of companionship. By following the tips above, you can be sure to set your Dane up for success.

Do you have any other tips for training Great Danes? Share them in the comments below!
April 15, 2022
7 Deadly Risks: Fat Great Danes Face Serious Health Risks
Overweight and fat Great Danes face serious health risks to their longevity and life.

Don’t Mistake Your Great Dane ‘Filling Out’ For Getting Fat!

Did you know that Great Danes are one of the breeds of dog that are most commonly overweight? A dog’s weight creates MANY issues.

An overweight Great Dane faces so many medical problems, in fact, that it can lower their entire lifespan.

Fat Great Danes Face Serious Health Risks: Even Early Death

Believe it or not, even science says so. A study conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital found that the lifespan of overweight dogs was 2.5 years shorter on average than their peers who maintained a completely normal weight / muscle mass.

“The correlation between being overweight and reduced lifespan was seen in all 12 breeds, although the magnitude of the reduction differed, ranging from five months for male German Shepherd Dogs to 2 1/2 years for male Yorkshire Terriers.”

This is a serious health risk for these dogs, and can lead to a number of health problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the health risks associated with obesity in Great Danes, and what you can do to help keep your dog healthy and fit.

Great Dane Puppies, Food Intake, and Keeping the Perfect Weight

Congratulations on your new Great Dane puppy!

Starting now, the first thing you should know as a pet owner is that within a blink of an eye, Great Dane puppies turn into a full grown adult Great Dane. Because they grow SO FAST, it is absolutely crucial that you monitor your puppy Great Dane’s growth.

Check out our Great Dane growth chart here.

Does excess weight matter with my puppy?

Too much weight gain absolutely matters with your adorable, squishy Great Dane puppy. While your puppy is active and energetic, it is the very time to set them up for proper growth to minimize future health issues.

Adding too much quick weight gain and unnecessary gained weight adds extreme pressure onto your puppies joints. Large dogs grow rapidly when they are less than 2 years old. If a puppy gains too much weight, it can put strain on their joints and lead to health problems later in life. Below you will see a Great Dane growth chart, but please remember NOT ALL puppies will fit into this chart:
- IDEAL
- OK
- NEVER
- MAYBE
IDEAL: Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [THIS FORMULA] provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).

MODERATELY ACCEPTABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth of puppies and maintenance of adult dogs, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb or more as an adult).

NOT ACCEPTABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs.

QUESTIONABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Feeding the right quantity of food and keep track of your Great Danes ribs

The best way to ensure a healthy weight is to feed your puppy a high-quality dog food that is designed for their stage of life. Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, so they should be fed a food that is high in protein and fat.

You can also talk to your vet about how much your puppy should eat each day and what the healthy weight ranges are for Great Danes.

Gentle Giants Dog Food Review

Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)

Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)

Monitor every growth spurt with large breed dogs

Watch your puppies food intake closely and be sure to keep them on an appropriate amount of food. If you choose to ‘free feed’, it is best to measure a day’s worth of food out in the morning, so that you always know how much they are eating.

Be sure to research which puppy food you would like to give, and do your research EARLY- as it is best for your dog’s health NOT to switch foods often, if at all. If you are looking for our puppy food resources, you can find them here:

Puppy vs. Adult Food

Puppy Socialization

Best Toys for Puppies

Knuckling in a growing Great Dane puppy

When your giant breed puppy experiences a large period of growth, watch their joints closely. Knuckling is a huge issue in Great Danes and can be related to feeding the wrong puppy food, giving too many calories or the wrong calories, switching pet food too many times, slippery floors, weak feet, leg muscles or hip bones, etc. If you wonder if your Great Dane is knuckling, be sure to check out some resources here:

IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?

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

KNUCKLING RESOURCES

The ‘Rib Check’ in a Great Dane

A Great Dane’s ribs shouldn’t be hidden by too much flesh. You should be able to see the ribs of your Great Dane easily as well as feel them with your fingers and palm of your hand. If you can’t, your dog may be overweight and could benefit from weight loss.

Conduct the Rib Test

To check if your great dane is at a healthy weight, place your hands on their rib cage, just behind the last rib bone. You should be able to feel their ribs without too much pressure. If you can’t, your dog may be overweight.

The last thing you want is for your dog to become too fat! If I can’t see any ribs then try lowering food intake by 5% until body leans out and you are able to feel the ribs of your Great Dane, which implies a more healthy weight.

Why Did My Great Dane Gain Weight Suddenly?

Dog’s go through many different phases of life and there could be many reasons why your Great Dane suddenly put on weight.

Can CBD Help Dogs?

Spay / Neuter

Spaying and Neutering dogs will cause them to gain quickly. This is because when you Spay or Neuter a dog, their metabolism slows down and they no longer need as many calories as they did before the surgery. You should consider waiting to spay / neuter your Great Dane until they are matured at around age 24 months to allow them to maintain a healthy weight and experience each hormonal life stage necessary for a large dog.

Can early spay or neuter hurt your dog? Check out our blog here.

Lactation

Nursing mothers will also gain weight quickly as their bodies prepare for motherhood. This is normal and healthy, but once the puppies are weaned, the mother’s weight should level out.

Old Age

As dogs age, their metabolism slows down and they become less active. This can cause them to gain weight even if they are eating the same amount of food as they did when they were younger. If your senior dog has unexpected weight gain, consider joint-friendly activities like swimming.

How long do Great Danes live? Read more here.

Inactivity

If your dog is not getting enough exercise, they may start to gain weight. Dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, and sometimes more if they are a high energy Great Dane. There are low impact exercises and activities that are great for a big dog like a Great Dane. Going about their day-to-day without activity even just for a week or two can cause weight gain in a Great Dane.

Check out our blog about whether or not you should go running with your Great Dane:

Running with your Great Dane

Health Conditions

There are some health conditions that can cause dogs to gain weight suddenly. These include Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. If you think your dog may be sick, please take them to the vet for a checkup. Digestive issues can also cause dogs to gain weight, lose weight or have unexplained fluctuation. Worm infestation can cause your dog to have an inability to absorb nutrients.

IS LIFE’S ABUNDANCE FOOD GOOD FOR GREAT DANES?

Obesity in Great Danes

Obesity is a serious health concern for dogs of all breeds, but it is especially dangerous for giant breeds like the Great Dane. Obese dogs are at risk for joint problems, respiratory difficulties, diabetes, and other health issues.

How to Help Your Adult Great Dane With Weight Loss

If you have determined that your dog needs to lose weight, do not worry, as there are manageable methods that you can use to help your Great Dane slim down.

Tip 1: Examine What Dog Food Your Great Dane is Eating

One of the best ways to help your Great Dane lose weight is to examine the nutrition label of their dog food.

You should be looking at the calorie content and the amount of fat in the food. Great Danes need special food to keep them healthy. The right kind of cuisine will ensure that your Great Dane’s weight remains stable, his joints don’t GET worse and he grows into an adult who has strong structures with no fractures or problems growing bones! Ingredients actually DO matter when caring for our furry friends properly…

Click here for what we believe the best food is to feed your dog.

Tip 2: Choose What Treats Your Dog Eats Wisely

One of the easiest ways to help your dog lose weight is to cut back on the number of treats you give them. This doesn’t mean you have to stop giving them treats altogether, but you should limit their treat intake to only a certain amount, and also the RIGHT kind.

The Olly Backcountry treat pouch for Great Danes

The Olly smaller treat pouch

Not all dog treats are created the same. Some dog treats are packed with way more protein and fat than others, and should actually be considered apart of their diet. Otherwise with their meals they are already getting enough food, but then you add more.

Choosing a healthy diet also means choosing what treats you provide. For your convenience, we put together some of our favorite treats here:

Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

Tip 3: Speak to a Licensed Veterinarian

Most dogs who are fed a healthy diet, the right amount of calories and getting adequate exercise, will have slightly visible ribs and muscle development.

If you notice that your Great Dane seems overweight compared to other dogs, it is time to speak to your veterinarian and get medical advice to make sure there is not an underlying condition.

Your veterinarian can help you develop a weight-loss plan tailored to your dog’s individual needs that will help them slim down in a healthy way. This may include changes to their diet and/or exercise routine. By seeking pet medical advice you are making sure to get the best plan.

Viper 15ft Training Lead

Leather Dog Leash

Leather Slip Leash

Tip 4: “My Dog is Too Skinny”

Something we hear very often when speaking to Great Dane owners is that they have a concern for their skinny Great Dane.

Don’t get me wrong, some families DO have an underweight Great Dane.

But, typically, those with a Skinny Great Dane, are those with pre existing conditions, medical ailments, or even parasites etc.

Are Great Danes Supposed to be Skinny?

The reason that this is an important topic is because pet obesity has become very… ‘normal’. When we go to the dog park, we generally see many overweight pups. Everywhere we go- pet parents are struggling to keep their dog at a healthy weight.

The truth is- if you have a skinny Great Dane- you PROBABLY have a ‘Healthy Weight’ Great Dane. Here are some example photos:

An Underweight Great Dane

A Healthy Weight Great Dane

An Overweight Great Dane

We have seen A LOT of Great Danes, and we have seen VERY FEW, that we could say ‘Your Great Dane is too skinny’.

But, REALLY… My Great Dane is TOO THIN!

If you truly believe that your Great Dane is too thin, we have a few suggestions. However, this site does not constitute ‘bulking up’ your Great Dane, just because you want them to be bigger. You should examine both your female and male Great Dane thoroughly, seek veterinary medicine and advice, and understand the ramifications on their joints and health before intentionally causing them to gain weight. It is much easier to gain weight than it is to lose weight. Now, for the suggestions:

Good Quality Canned Food and Raw Toppers

Providing a raw topper or good quality canned food will increase your dog’s calories, without having to feed them more kibble. This is a great way to help your dog add weight, without over doing it. For your convenience, here are some raw healthy toppers:

Raw Grass-Fed Beef

Surf & Turf

Turkey

Add Healthy Fats and Oils

You can also add healthy fats and oils to your dog’s diet. This is a great way to increase the calories they are taking in, without adding too much volume. Below we will link our favorite fish oils.

Our favorite Fish Oil for Great Danes: Health and Shine Salmon and Krill and Omega-3 Fish Oil. Use code HELLODANES10 for 10% off.

Feed Smaller Meals, and Feed More Often

You can also try feeding your dog more meals, more often throughout the day, with less food. This will help them feel fuller, without overeating.

Satin Balls

You can make your own satin balls, or purchase them. This is a high-calorie food that can help your dog gain weight.

Final Thoughts: Keep a Healthy Weight and Encourage Weight Gain with Caution

Keeping your Great Dane thin is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. It is our responsibility to make sure they stay at a healthy weight, so that they can enjoy their lives to the fullest.

Remember, it is easier to make a dog obese, than it is to make them lose weight. So please use caution when following any of the above suggestions and seek your veterinarian any time you have an issue that might constitute pet medical advice.

We hope you enjoyed this article. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. We would be happy to help!

READ MORE:

The 2 Sided Debate: Great Dane Ear Cropping
April 14, 2022

Dog Food: Puppy Large Breed vs. Adult for Great Danes

There is a big debate going on in the world of big dogs. People are very confused about whether they should feed their Great Dane puppy food or adult food! Large breed dogs such as Great Danes need specific nutrition that is designed for their explosive growth, size, and needs. I’m going to clear this up today with a research-backed discussion, so you know what to feed YOUR big puppy!

In the world of Great Danes, there is a lot of misinformation about nutrition. Everybody has an opinion.

It used to be said that you should always feed a Great Dane puppy an ‘adult’ kibble.

The truth? A dog’s diet should change depending on its life stage!

Spoiler alert: Science has allowed dog food manufacturers to change and update their formulations. This means that finally, large-breed puppy formulas are now ideal for Great Dane puppies!

So today we are talking about the importance of large-breed puppy food for Great Dane puppies.

We are going to discuss the difference between puppy formula and adult dog food. We will also talk about what type of diet is best for large-breed adult dogs and Great Dane puppies!

BEST DOG FOOD PUPPY LARGE BREED FOR GREAT DANES

Large breed puppies such as Great Danes are prone to a number of growth disorders that can be caused or worsened by an incorrect diet.

Knuckling is a common developmental orthopedic disease that causes the puppy’s legs to ‘bow out. Other growth disorders include panosteitis, HOD, and hip or elbow dysplasia.

Choosing the right large breed dog food for a Great Dane puppy is extremely important. Smaller breeds don’t have the same requirements, so if you are new to Great Danes it’s time to research!

We believe that puppy foods are ideal for growing Great Dane puppies! Many large breed puppy foods are formulated with the growth of large dogs in mind and are appropriate for their brain, eye, joint, bone, and muscle development.

Important note:
Dog food manufacturers consider Great Danes to be ‘large breed’ dogs.
We know they are ‘gentle giants’, but for the purposes of science, let’s stick with ‘large’!

The most important factor to consider when choosing pet food for a large breed (such as a Great Dane) is the calcium and phosphorus ratios.

Calcium should be at or below 1.4%

Phosphorus should be slightly below calcium.

An example of an ideal calcium-phosphorus ratio to see on a bag of large breed dog foods is:

Calcium (Ca) (Min) 1.1%

Phosphorus (P) (Min) 0.9%

A properly balanced diet for large breed dogs will have a high-quality protein source (including meat and meat meals), omega fatty acids, probiotics, and balanced fat and carbohydrates to keep your puppy at a healthy weight.

NOTE:

Food with perfect calcium/phosphorus ratios can still cause growth problems!

The correct balance of amino acids, protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins is extremely important, too.

The special nutritional needs of Great Dane puppies have been addressed by dog food companies that have dedicated a lot of time, money, and effort to testing, research, and formulations.

In other words, the advice of ‘no puppy food ever’ for Great Dane puppies is now considered dated and inaccurate, especially when you are considering science-backed kibbles such as Purina Pro Plan that are heavily researched and tested.

Pet owners are not necessarily experts in nutrition, so it’s helpful to know that the dog food company you choose is extremely thoughtful, thorough, researched, up-to-date and diligent with your dog’s health.

We recommend choosing a large breed puppy dog food that is formulated by a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist, from a company that has invested heavily in canine nutrition and health research.

Ideally, the kibble you choose is also clean with quality ingredients from known sources.

134938850 695281657811797 8111659047787088021 n — Image credit: Dear Danes

AAFCO GUIDELINES FOR DOG FOODS

The dog food you choose for your Great Dane puppy should have one of the following AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements on the label.

These statements will help you make a more educated choice about the actual balance and nutrition behind the large breed formulas being compared.

Some minor variations in these statements are normal. Click any button on the left to see the AAFCO statement associated with each option for your Great Dane puppy.

IDEAL
OK
NEVER
MAYBE

IDEAL: Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [THIS FORMULA] provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).

MODERATELY ACCEPTABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth of puppies and maintenance of adult dogs, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb or more as an adult).

NOT ACCEPTABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs.

QUESTIONABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

The following foods meet our guidelines for growing Great Dane puppies:

IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?

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

KNUCKLING RESOURCES

BENEFITS OF LARGE BREED PUPPY DOG FOOD FOR GREAT DANE PUPPIES

Large breed dogs require specific nutrition that they will not get from small breed dog food.

A good quality diet for a Great Dane puppy will have been specifically formulated with large breeds in mind.

Healthy bones, healthy joints, healthy skin, and reducing the risk of growth disorders such as hip dysplasia and knuckling are just some of the considerations put into puppy kibble formulation.

Nutrition + research for large breed dog food

Puppy formulas from companies that are actively researching big dog nutrition and growth are most likely to have the correct balance of nutrients, proteins, fats, carbs, calcium, phosphorus, and amino acids for Great Dane puppies.

What do veterinarians say about large breeds + nutrition?

The veterinary community agrees! Large breed puppy dog foods are the best choice for growing giant breeds.

Food formulated for Great Dane puppies has a slightly higher protein level and a more appropriate balance of fat and carbs than adult dog food. Not to mention the correct ratios of vitamin d, fatty acids, amino acids and probiotics.

knuckling 16 — A puppy that is knuckling from being fed an incorrect diet.

WHEN SHOULD A PUPPY TRANSITION TO AN ADULT FORMULA?

When deciding what age to transition your big dogs’ diet from a puppy to adult formula, keep in mind that large breeds don’t reach maturity until they are around 18-24 months of age.

While small breed dogs become adults much faster, large breeds are slow to mature and require a lot of time, excellent nutrition, and slow growth to reach peak health as an adult.

Large breed dog food for puppies is formulated to promote slow and healthy growth in big dogs.

Age ranges + food formulas

A scientifically formulated canine diet will actually indicate the recommended age range for their foods. If the food company you have chosen understands their product, they can also tell you (through customer service).

For example, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed food for puppies is food formulated to be fed to large breeds for the first 2 years of life! Other formulas are different and the nutrition is based on breed size and age.

Fish oils, probiotics and the correct balance of nutrition slow down the growth rate and contribute to energy levels, bone development and healthy skin.

These things matter a lot to a big dog, especially before large breeds fully mature! If you are surprised by all of this, keep in mind that small breed dogs mature so much faster, and that’s ok!

Do not rush or force the growth of your puppy.
Having the ‘biggest dog’ can mean having the unhealthiest dog!

WHAT IS THE BEST FOOD FOR GIANT BREED DOGS?

When looking for a large breed food, make sure that meat or meat meals are listed in the first ingredients. Probiotics and omega fatty acids are also important.

You may notice ‘vitamin d’, riboflavin, biotin, and other important nutrients added as well. These necessary vitamins and minerals contribute to a balanced diet, although they may make the ingredient list look long!

A dog food (puppy large breed) that is ideal for your growing Great Dane will typically say ‘Large Breed Puppy Food’ on the label.

In some brands, a comparable large breed food for adult dogs may be acceptable (in lieu of a puppy formula).
Talk to your veterinarian and read the AAFCO statement on the label before making a purchase.

A senior dog may benefit from a transition to senior dog foods, which will be labeled accordingly and may offer additional support for the kidneys, heart, joints, energy levels, and weight.

If you have a small breed dog in your house, we recommend feeding a comparable small breed dog food if possible.

Small breeds, like giants, have unique nutritional needs, and taking advantage of modern advances in science and nutrition is better for everybody!

DO LARGE BREED DOGS HAVE TO EAT LARGE BREED FOOD?

Large breed adult dogs can technically be fed any ‘all-life stages’ food however they greatly benefit from large breed food that is formulated specifically for them.

A pet’s health is often tied to their nutrition, so choosing the right pet food formula matters. A large breed dog needs more joint support than a small breed dog, and large breed dog food offers the correct balance of nutrients and supplements for their orthopedic needs.

Adult Great Dane health problems

A dog’s risk of developing arthritis increases as they age.
Many Great Danes also gain weight once they have been spayed or neutered.
Keeping your Great Dane at a healthy weight is a key element in increasing their lifespan and reducing their risk of painful joint problems!

These are just some of the reasons why choosing a large breed dog formula for the correct life stage (puppy vs. adult) is so important: the correct formulation for each life stage will help maintain appropriate growth, overall weight and joint health.

Unfortunately, not all dog food brands are created equal, and it can be difficult to know which one is best for your pet.

The nutritional needs of a Great Dane puppy are different than the needs of an adult. It is so important to choose an appropriate, large breed, science-backed food formulated by credentialed professionals!

Here are some great adult options for your Great Dane, once maturity is reached:

WHAT FOOD DO GREAT DANE BREEDERS USE?

The American Kennel Club supports breeders and recommends that dog owners speak with their veterinarian when choosing a food for their large and giant breed dogs.

Some breeders will recommend ‘Life’s Abundance’. You can read our blog post here on why we don’t consider this an appropriate, safe, ethical, or quality food.

IS LIFE’S ABUNDANCE FOOD GOOD FOR GREAT DANES?

The majority of breeders with the top show dogs in the world feed and recommend Purina Pro Plan formulas. Contrary to popular belief, Purina is not a low-quality food. It’s highly tested, extensively researched, and formulated by veterinary nutritionists.

While ‘sweet potatoes’ and ‘whole grain brown rice’ may sound healthy, the truth is that they are both carbs which may throw the nutrition and balance off!

Kidney disease, heart disease, allergies, weight gain or weight loss are just some of the problems with feeding a poorly balanced or incorrectly formulated food. This is especially true for senior dogs who need as much support as possible to maintain robust health.

We believe that this is why it is so important to not make purchase decisions just on the ingredients list of the food.

224516 MAIN. AC SS348 V1627494700 — Fish Oil

73770 MAIN. AC SS348 V1624307000 — Dasuquin

71gslr2F4lL. AC SL1500 — Green Lipped Mussel

Dog Food: Puppy Large Breed vs. Adult for Great Danes 92 — Probiotic Max, 2lb

WHAT IS THE TRUTH ABOUT DOG FOOD LABELS?

Dog food labels can be exceptionally confusing to dog owners. When you are in the pet stores searching for adult food or a puppy formula for your Great Dane, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of dog food ingredients and analysis.

However, it’s also important to recognize that as a dog owner, you likely aren’t a nutritionist with a veterinary degree and advanced certifications (and probably don’t know anybody who is, either).
Sales reps and staff at dog food stores generally lack reputable knowledge and education about nutrition as well.

Reading the ingredients and analysis label can only give you a tiny picture of the information needed to make a decision about which large breed food to choose for your Great Dane!

Look at science, then look at marketing

Look beyond the marketing of the brand. The claims of ‘robust health’, ‘human grade ingredients’, ‘no recalls’ and ‘all natural’ are all there to make you buy the food.

This list below from the WSAVA is a helpful guideline for choosing dog food!

You’d be surprised how many pet food brands do NOT meet these guidelines, despite being marketed as ‘high quality’, ‘natural’, and ‘family owned’.

(This information is helpful for owners of small breeds, too!)

Treat training pouches for training your Great Dane!

81u5iNHUmoL. AC SL1500 — The Olly Backcountry treat pouch for Great Danes

81hGlwPwITL. AC SL1500 — The Olly smaller treat pouch

THE BEST LARGE BREED DOG FOOD FOR ADULT GREAT DANES

Unlike large breed puppies, an adult large breed dog is not growing and has different nutritional and support needs.

Adult formulas in general tend to be a lower calorie food with different vitamins, minerals and slightly different protein-fat-carb-fatty acids balance.

We recommend choosing large breed kibbles that, as above, are scientifically formulated and backed.

Your dog’s diet should be complete and fully balanced for their life stage. Keep toppers to a minimum (10% of less of the overall intake) to avoid creating picky dogs or causing your dog foods to become unbalanced.

Natural dog food for Great Danes

If you are looking for a more ‘natural’ option for your large breed puppies or adult dogs, Just Food For Dogs makes an excellent topper. Fiber and fresh foods can also help reduce the risk that your large breed dog will develop bloat!

A well balanced raw meat diet may also be appropriate for large breed dogs.

This option is worth looking into for dog owners that are willing to do diligent research and have the time and freezer space for it.

Large breed dogs that suffer from allergies and intolerances may thrive on a balanced raw diet; talk to your veterinarian!

IMPORTANT FDA ALERT ABOUT GRAIN-FREE KIBBLE AND HEART DISEASE IN GREAT DANES

FDA officials are investigating possible links to diets for dog heart diseases. DCM is a devastating and often silent disease that many large breed dogs, including Great Danes are prone too.

It is believed that poorly formulated and untested foods may be a contributing factor in dogs developing this heart condition, which often presents as sudden death before any symptoms are seen.

Suspect dog food ingredients

Some suspect ingredients in lower quality, untested large and giant breed kibbles include peas, lentils, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and garbanzo beans. When choosing your dog’s food, these ingredients are worth noting and asking a veterinarian about.

Dog nutrition can be complicated, especially when manufacturers must put as much nutrition as possible into a user-friendly baked and extruded kibble product!

DACVN & The Credentialed Veterinary Nutritionist

For information about veterinary nutritionists and the advanced degrees and certifications available to veterinarians to advance their knowledge of food and formulations, check out these links below:

American College of Veterinary Nutrition: www.acvn.org
Pet Nutrition Alliance: www.petnutritionalliance.org
Petfoodology: www.petfoodology.org

Companies that do not have a board-certified veterinary nutritionist employed to formulate their large breed dog food kibbles are treading in dangerous water.
Regardless of your stance on the grain-free vs. DCM debate, that’s an important take-away for anybody trying to choose a healthy kibble diet for their big dog or smaller dogs, too!

Please visit this link if you want more information and to find out if your pet’s food is putting them at risk.

GRAIN FREE FOR GREAT DANES – THE GREAT DEBATE

GREAT DANE FEEDING CHART

Looking for more information on how much to feed a Great Dane puppy? Is free feeding or scheduled feeding a better choice?

Read our famous ‘Ultimate Great Dane Feeding Chart’ post and learn more about choosing a kibble, how much to feed, raw meat diets, home-cooked diets, and more.

Age	Timing	Amount
Puppies under 12 weeks	3x/day	2-4 cups/day
Puppies 12-24 weeks old	3x/day	3-6 cups/day
Puppies 24 + weeks (6 months) or older	2x/day	5-10 cups/day
Puppies 12-18 months	2x/day	6-12 cups/day
Adults 18+ Months	2x/day	4-8 cups/day

These values are averages. Your pet may need more or less. Always talk to your veterinarian and use the manufacturer’s feeding chart as a guideline.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

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Join our growing Facebook group!

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April 14, 2022

Great Dane Dry Skin: 4 Causes and 4 Treatments
Great Dane Dry Skin- a topic that many people struggle with. The winter months can be harsh on our skin, and the same is true for our Great Danes and other dogs. In this blog post, we will discuss how to keep your Great Dane healthy, reduce itchy skin, and help treat skin problems such as yeast or extreme or secondary skin infections.

The cold weather can cause dryness, cracking, and even infection if not treated properly. Likewise, some dog breeds struggle with secondary infections in the summer for alternative reasons. Keep reading for tips on how to protect your dog from the elements!

Great Dane Dry Skin: Common Signs of Normal Skin vs. One with Health Concerns

It’s easy to tell when our dog is having a bad day. They might be a little off their food, have less energy or be grumpy. However, it’s not always so easy to tell when our dog is having a skin concern. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of normal, well adjusted skin vs. one with health concerns in dogs.

Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)

Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)

What does healthy skin look like in Great Danes?

Some common things to look for in normal skin include a thick coat, no hair loss, a shiny coat and overall good health. In a healthy dog, their coat will not experience hair loss. Your Gentle Giant will have thick and clear of any skin infection.

What does unhealthy skin look like in Great Danes?

On the other hand, some signs of coat and skin health concerns include excessive shedding, bald spots, dry or flaky skin and clinical signs of allergies. You may notice that your Great Dane has scaly patches. If they experience hair loss, they might have trouble when trying to regrow hair.

Ear Infection? No Problem

Speak to your veterinarian for treatment

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it’s important to take them to see a veterinarian for advice. You can also treat some of these issues at home. Some Great Dane skin ailments are easily treated at home, but some will be more difficult and can get worse if left untreated.

Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.

Causes of Skin Diseases in Your Great Dane

Skin issues in Great Danes can be caused by a number of factors, including infections from bacteria, diseases, secondary infections, and skin conditions.

One: Bacterial Infections and How they Impact Your Great Dane

Bacterial infections are one of the most common cause of skin ailments in Great Danes. Great Danes typically get an infection from bacteria from dirty water or something else that was contaminated.

What happens if my dog has a skin infection from bacteria?

Your Great Dane may require hospitalization and IV fluids to combat infections. Blood tests are used for monitoring the success and overall health of your Great Dane. The methods in which your vet chooses to treat your Great Dane’s skin can include antibiotics or other medications prescribed.

The Best Toys For Great Danes

The Best Toys for Great Danes

The treatment itself will depend on the bacteria in question. If the bacteria is not harmful it can still weaken your Great Dane’s immune systems so they get sicker than usual when infected – this means there will be more signs like vomiting etc. Typically, at least one major symptom might appear alongside the dogs issue, which is diarrhea.

What issues do skin infections cause when caused by bacteria?

Secondary infections can also develop from the bacteria that cause the initial infection. Skin conditions, such as dryness, itchiness, redness or infections, can also lead to the development of more chronic problems. The best way to prevent conditions in Great Danes is to keep their skin clean after playing in dirty water, and free of any irritants or contaminants.

Raw Grass-Fed Beef

Surf & Turf

Turkey

Two: Food Allergies in Great Danes Can Cause Infection

Food allergies are one of the most common skin problems in Great Danes. The symptoms of food allergies can include irritation, hair loss, dry coat, and hot spots. While many people assume that food allergies are caused by an intolerance to certain ingredients, the reality is that food allergies are often caused by an imbalance of nutrients.

‘True’ Great Dane Food \ Allergies

Photo Credit to Tina Schneider

Photo Credit to Tina Seigel

Photo Credit to Hellen (Picture of sweet Dakota!)

Does Your Great Dane Lack Important Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids?

Alternatively, if you think your Great Dane lacks nutrients, you will want to add supplements to their diet. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids can lead to dry area and inflammation. As a result, it’s important to choose a food that is rich in nutrients and fatty acids and free from allergens. When it comes to Great Dane’s skin care, essential fatty acids and fish oil is essential for maintaining a healthy coat. These nutrients help to protect the hair follicles from damage and keep them hydrated. In addition, fatty acids from fish oil help to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy coat on your dog, preventing further hair loss or irritation.

Our favorite Fish Oil for Great Danes: Health and Shine Salmon and Krill and Omega-3 Fish Oil. Use code HELLODANES10 for 10% off.

Medicated Shampoo for Grass Allergy

If you notice allergies and hair loss on your Great Dane, and think it is due to a grass allergy, you can use a medicated shampoo to help sooth the irritation. Quite a lot of dogs are allergic to grass. Therefore, if your Great Dane gets hot spots from playing in the grass, you can use a shampoo that has specific medication for hair loss.

Note: Many veterinarians suggest not using essential oils or tea tree oil on your dog. Instead, try a shampoo based in aloe vera or oatmeal as it is much safer for dogs.

Three: Yeast Issues in Dogs are a Huge Issue

For dog owners, there are few things more frustrating than dealing with a yeast infection. Not only are they highly contagious, but they can also be extremely difficult to get rid of. You will want to do a skin scraping procedure of your Great Dane. Otherwise, it can be difficult to know if you are actually dealing with yeast.

Treatment Options for a Dog with Yeast

The good news is that there are a number of treatment options available. Medicated shampoos and topical creams can help to kill the yeast on your Great Dane and prevent further growth.

Supplements for Yeast on Dogs

Additionally, supplements and homeopathic remedies can be used to support the immune system and promote healing. In some extreme cases, such as Demodex mange, treatment may need to be continued for several months in order to completely eliminate the infection. However, with patience and persistence, most dogs can be successfully treated for yeast infections.

Diet for Yeast in Dogs

Finally, diet plays a key role in preventing and treating yeast infections. Dogs with yeast infections should be fed a diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates. In addition, probiotics can help to restore the natural balance of good bacteria in the gut, which can help to prevent yeast overgrowth. Choose a food that works in correspondence to battle their yeast, even if it is just temporary.

Four: Your Great Dane’s Immune System Could Create Health Problems

As a pet owner, you may be concerned about your dog’s ability to fight off common issues. After all, a strong defense mechanism is essential for good health.

Does your Great Dane have a Low Immune System?

Unfortunately, some dogs are born with a low immune system, which can lead to health problems later in life. Great Danes are meant to be working dogs with strong survival skills. However, backyard breeding and poor breeding overall has increased the chances for your Great Dane to struggle with common ailments.

What Should Be Done to Give Your Great Dane the Ability to Fight off Illness?

There are steps you can take to help your dog build a strong and functioning body that can fight off health issues.
1. For example, amino acids and vitamin E are essential for a healthy and functioning system.
2. You can also provide your dog with a high-quality food / diet and plenty of exercise.
3. Make sure to provide fresh, clean water.
4. Avoid putting your Great Dane in extremely stressful situations that might give them anxiety. (If you are going to be working with them on overcoming that stressful situation, be sure to prepare them ahead of time with the tools they need to overcome them. Great Danes should NOT be an anxious dog breed, but many are being overly bred and have become more anxious compared to other dog breeds. Check out our puppy socialization guide here.
5. Mental stimulation will keep your Great Dane engaged and happy and help to avoid mental dullness or them getting bored.
6. Encourage your Great Dane to play regularly, socialize them with good peers, and
By taking these steps, you can help help your dog’s immune system get stronger and give them a better chance at keeping dry or itchy problems at bay as well as fighting off any infection.

Four: Weather Plays a Role on Your Great Dane and their Hair

Your Great Dane’s hair is is very dependent on the weather. It’s important to understand that hair is not just for looks, but it also serves an important function in regulating body temperature. However, hair can also be susceptible to specific problems depending on the weather.

How does Summer Impact Skin Allergies and Hair?

For example, too much sun can cause dryness and irritation as well as sunburn. If you have a white or Harlequin Great Dane, you will need to use a dog-friendly sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Specifically the head of white dogs is very prone to being sunburned.

If you have a black dane, blue dane, or merle dane, they are less prone to being sunburned, however can still experience dry skin and skin allergies in the summer.

Does the Winter Months Affect a Great Dane and Make them More Dry?

In the winter or spring months, it’s important to keep your dog’s hair dry to avoid yeast infections. Because moisture getting stuck in their hair can harbor yeast, be sure to dry them thoroughly after playing in the snow or rain.

What are the best remedies for a large breed dog with skin allergies?

There are a few things you can do to help your Great Dane with dry or irritable itches including regular grooming care, supplements, pain management, and

One: Regularly Grooming your Great Dane will Help

Keeping up with brushing your Great Dane’s skin and coat, keeping moisture and reducing shedding will help them feel less itchy and irritable. Regularly groom your dog and bathe them in warm water using a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo.

Do Great Danes Shed?

Be Careful with their Head and Ears: a Yeast Warning

When you are bathing them, make sure to take extra care with their head, as to avoid excessive water getting into their ears. Lingering water in their ears can cause yeast to grow inside of their ears. Great Danes have short hair and should be brushed with an appropriate brush. This will help to remove any allergens that might be stuck in their fur.

See the 5″ Original Sleek EZ Great Dane Brush on Amazon

Two: Provide Supplements that are Suitable for your Large Breed Dog

11 Best Dog Foods for Great Danes

Puppies require a different diet than adult Danes. We will share some of our favorite puppy foods below.

Lastly, speak to a veterinarian whom you trust about medications that are helpful for your dog and those that might not be. For us, we have seen many stories of tick prevention medications that pet owners give their dogs for fleas and ticks causing issues with giant breed dogs. There are enough warnings / stories to at least be weary.

Three: Sooth your Dane’s Irritation with At-Home Remedies

If your dog is having pain, irritation or itching from an abundance of reasons, there are things you can do at home to help sooth their pain. Be sure to watch the below video for some wonderful suggestions.

Aloe, Coconut Oil, and other Products for Shiny Skin and Coat

Knowing products that are helpful is important. You will learn them as you go and as you experience unique and different issues with your pup. Here are a few helpful ones we have seen work with other dogs.

Aloe Vera

Aloe can be a great topical to keep on hand for your dog if they are itching, irritated or inflammed. You can either grow your own aloe or buy it at the store. Use aloe by breaking off a leaf and applying the gel directly to your dog’s body where you notice the most redness or irritation. You can also add aloe to their shampoo or make an aloe spray by adding water and spraying it on their coat.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has become increasingly popular in recent years for humans and animals alike. It can be used to sooth and moisturize dry and itchy bodies, hot spots, minor wounds and more. You only need a small amount since coconut oil goes a long way. Coconut oil can also be ingested safely- so giving your pup a small amount daily can help as it has anti inflammatory properties.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Another great at home remedy is apple cider vinegar. This can be used in a spray bottle or added to your dog’s bath water. It helps with hot spots, itchy skin, and bug bites.

One thing to keep in mind is that you should always test a small patch of skin before applying any new product to your dog’s body.

Ear Issues

If your Great Dane is experiencing redness, irritation, pain or itching in their ears, do not hesitate to use the product called Xymox. It is a ‘God-send’ for Great Dane owners, providing immediate soothing relief and long-lasting results inside the ears.

Xymox is our absolute FAVORITE cleanser if your Great Dane has yeast or inflammation in its ears.

Hot Spot Relief

A hot spot is an area of your dog’s body that is red, inflamed and painful. They can be caused by allergies, insect bites, poor grooming, and more.

If your dog has a hot spot, you will want to monitor it closely. If it begins to ooze yellow or green, you need to get to the vet right away as they can become infected very easily. In the meantime, you can sooth the area with a cool compress or a topical at-home remedy to help the area become back to normal.

Can CBD Help Dogs?

Colloidal Oatmeal Baths

One way to sooth your dog from itching or dryness is by giving them a colloidal oatmeal bath. You can purchase pre-made mixes or make your own by grinding oats into a powder. Next, you will use colloidal silver, being cautious of which brand you choose. Add the powder of oatmeal and a small amount of the colloidal silver to lukewarm water and let your dog soak for about 15 minutes.

Yeast Relief

If you have a Great Dane with yeasty issues, consider making a few changes to their routine.
1. You must ensure that they remain dry. If they play in water, they need to be thoroughly dried.
2. Consider using the Yeasty Beasty Protocol from Adored Beast. (DEARDANES15 for 15% off)
3. Consider examining their dog food. Many yeast allergens stem from food allergies, specifically grains. Eliminating grains temporarily can help to starve the yeast.
4. Don’t forget to clean their bedding and crates often. Bacteria and yeast can live in fabric and spread easily.
5. Wash all of their toys, leashes, and collars in hot water frequently as well.
Use CODE: DEARDANES15 for 15% off on all Adored Beast items

Four: Consider an Elimination Diet

If you’ve tried everything and your Dane is still struggling with dryness and itchiness- it may be time to consider an elimination diet.

An elimination diet is when you remove all potential allergens from their diet and then slowly reintroduce them one at a time. This allows you to pinpoint which ingredient is causing the issue.

You will want to work with your vet to make sure you are doing this correctly and safely. They can help you to figure out which food is best to use as your base diet and how to slowly add things back in.

Elimination diets can be time-consuming, but they are often worth it in the end.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many things you can do to help sooth your Great Dane’s dry and itchy body. Try a few of these at-home remedies and see which works best for your pup. If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to be working, speak with your vet about other options that might be more intensive.

Dryness, irritation, redness and inflammation can be frustrating for both you and your dog, but with a little trial and error- you’ll find something that works!

Do you have any tips for helping Great Dane experiencing dryness or irritation? Share them in the comments below!
April 14, 2022
Blue Great Danes – Facts, Photos, and Care
Meet the delightful Blue Great Danes – a charming variation of the already lovable breed! These big-hearted giants steal the show with their stunning solid blue coats, ranging from deep steel blue to a lighter, enchanting shade.

But it’s not just about the looks; these gentle giants are all about spreading joy and warmth. With their friendly disposition, expressive eyes, and lovable features, Blue Great Danes become instant family favorites.

Their imposing yet graceful presence adds a touch of magic to any home, making them not just beautiful companions but also the cuddliest friends you could wish for.

All About Blue Great Danes

Blue Great Danes are large dogs that have stunning steel blue coats. A blue Great Dane puppy may start with a lighter blue and darken as they age.

Pure Blue Great Danes are produced by two blue parents. While some breeders intentionally mix the dilute blue coat pattern into other color families (such as harlequin and fawn), blue is it’s own color family and does best that way!

According to the GDCA breed standard, Blue Great Danes “shall be a pure steel blue.

White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable. The desired alert, intelligent expression is projected through the correctly placed, almond-shaped, dark eyes. In Blue Great Danes, a somewhat lighter eye is permissible.

In other words, blue Great Dane dogs should have a lively and intelligent expression and a completely solid steel blue coat with no white markings.

That doesn’t mean that a blue Great Dane with white markings or extremely dark brown eyes is ‘bad’, it just means that they don’t meet the written standard. Genetic variances will happen.

Each dog’s coat is unique to them!

Are Blue Danes Really Blue?

The undertones of their blue coat color (resulting from a dilution gene) appear blue to the human eye. Some people will call the blue Great Dane ‘grey’!

Blue Danes are gorgeous!

Dane breeders often describe the coat color as a deep steel blue, while others will say it’s more of a steely silver blue.

We have seen the blue Great Dane coat color appearing in a range of tones from charcoal to grey; it really depends on the dog’s individual genetics.

A deep steely blue is a preferred tone for Blue Great Danes.

Other coat colors in the Great Dane Breed standard include:
1. Black (Black Great Danes)
2. Mantle (Mantle Great Danes)
3. Harlequin (Harlequin Great Danes)
4. Merle
5. Fawn (FAWN GREAT DANES)
6. Brindle (BRINDLE GREAT DANES)
7. Blue (Blue Great Danes)
Off-standard colors include Double Merle Great Danes, which are White Great Danes with predisposed health conditions.

Read more about the colors of Great Danes here.

What to Feed a Blue Great Dane Puppy

Nourishing a Blue Great Dane puppy requires a thoughtful approach to support their growth and overall well-being. These gentle giants have unique dietary needs, especially during their crucial developmental stages.

A properly formulated large-breed puppy food that addresses their specific requirements is essential. Look for formulations with controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus to promote healthy bone development without causing rapid growth, which can be associated with skeletal issues.

Adequate protein is crucial for muscle development, and essential fatty acids contribute to coat health.

Regular, scheduled feeding times and portion control are vital to prevent overfeeding, considering their predisposition to certain health concerns. As with any dog, access to fresh water is paramount.

Consulting with a veterinarian is instrumental in tailoring a nutrition plan that aligns with the individual needs of the Blue Great Dane puppy, ensuring a strong foundation for a healthy and happy life.

We recommend the following science-backed foods for Great Dane puppies:
- 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.

Blue Great Danes Color Genetics

The stunning blue-grey coat of a Great Dane is the result of fascinating color genetics.

The blue coloration is a dilution of the black coat pigment caused by a specific gene known as the Blue gene. In Great Danes, this gene is denoted by the symbol “d.”

When a Blue Great Dane inherits one copy of the dilute blue gene from each parent, it can result in the striking steel blue shade that defines this variant.

Breeders need to be mindful of potential health implications associated with coat color genetics, such as the increased risk of skin sensitivities or deafness in some blue-coated dogs. Understanding these genetic nuances not only contributes to the aesthetic diversity of the breed but also aids responsible breeding practices to ensure the overall health and well-being of Blue Great Danes.

The blue dilute gene in Great Danes is used by off-color breeders to produce “lilac” or “blue harlequin” named dogs.

Blue Great Danes Temperament & Personality

Like all Great Danes, blue puppies should be confident, friendly, and courageous!

(Don’t believe us? Check out the written standard for a Blue Great Dane here).

Well-bred Great Danes from ethical breeders are truly ‘gentle giants’. They make amazing family pets for people who don’t mind the size (and the drool)!

Blue Great Danes, like all Danes, should get along well with other dogs and make wonderful companions for those willing to put the time into training and socialization.

Blue Great Danes used to be used to hunt wild boar!

Their enormous size and confident personalities made them well-suited for this job. Through years of selective breeding, the Great Dane Breed has come to be known as extremely gentle. Most Great Danes these days are perfectly content to be with their families and on a cozy bed.

Great Danes are the biggest lap dog you can own. They love to sit on top of people and receive affection. A Great Dane is a large dog that requires special consideration for their orthopedic and internal health. Be prepared to do some research before purchasing one.

This doesn’t mean that they are lazy, though. Great Danes love to run, play and explore. They require daily enrichment and exercise to stay in great shape.

We believe that people who are breeding blue Great Danes should be highly focused on health, structure, and the development of the classic, robust, loving Great Dane personality.

If you are interested in purchasing a Great Dane puppy from an ethical and reputable breeder, we highly recommend searching the breeder registry at www.gdca.org.

Can Blue Great Danes Be Shown?

Solid Blue is the only dilute coat color accepted by the GDCA as a standard for Great Danes.

While the coat color itself doesn’t disqualify Blue Great Danes from being shown, breed standards typically emphasize other factors such as overall conformation, temperament, and adherence to breed-specific characteristics.

The American Kennel Club (AKC), for example, recognizes Blue as an acceptable color for Great Danes. However, the dog must still meet all other breed standards. It’s important to note that some kennel clubs or breed organizations may have slightly different standards, so it’s advisable to check the specific regulations of the organization hosting the dog show.

In general, responsible breeding practices and adherence to breed standards are prioritized in dog shows to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs. If a Blue Great Dane meets these criteria, it can certainly participate and compete in conformation events, showcasing the beauty and characteristics of the breed beyond just coat color.

Standard vs. Off-Standard Colors in Great Danes

The American Kennel Club does not make the rules on which colors are accepted for Great Danes; this is determined by the breed’s parent club (in the case of Danes in the U.S., it’s the GDCA).

There are many ‘off-standard’ versions of coat colors showing up in Great Danes, including ‘lilac harlequin’, ‘blue harlequin’, and ‘lilac merle’. These colors often come from the dilute and recessive genes of the blue Great Dane.

The practice of breeding for these colors is controversial and at times, undeniably unethical.

What is a Blue Harlequin Great Dane

Blue Harlequin Great Danes have a white base coat with blue torn patches. They are extremely popular, however, that unique and rare coat color is not accepted in GDCA, FCI, or Canadian written standards for the breed.

They can, however, be registered by the AKC.

The written standard for all dog breeds defines the function, form, and look of each individual breed. The colors in each breed (including blue) are often chosen for a reason.

While some colors could be added in the future, breeders have to first prove that those new colors occur naturally in the breed, that the color will strengthen the gene pool, and that the puppies are consistently healthy and robust examples of the written standard.

The recessive Blue gene that causes the deep steel blue color is desirable to breeders that are focused heavily on creating ‘unique’ and ‘designer’ off-standard colors in Great Danes.

These Dane breeders have been known to mix dogs of all colors (including fawn, mantle, merle, and harlequin) with Blue Great Danes to achieve new and interesting colored markings.

What is a Blue Merle Great Dane?

The merle gene (seen most often in the merle or harlequin Great Dane) paired with blue Dane will often create unusual coat patterns such as that seen on a blue Harlequin Great Dane or ‘blue merle’ Great Dane’.

This practice is considered somewhat unethical in the world of breeding Great Danes. It happens similarly in other dog breeds, however, and unique colors remain popular.

Dog owners should ask many questions before choosing a breeder for their Great Dane puppy and verify the pedigrees and health testing results (heart, hips, eyes, thyroid) of the dogs being bred.

Where to Buy a Blue Great Dane Puppy

When you are looking to purchase a Great Dane puppy, health and structure should be considered before color.

A Great Dane is a large dog and if they are bred only with designer colors or profits in mind, their structure and temperaments may suffer as a result. Since the Great Dane is predisposed to many health issues, it is crucial to do your due diligence.

With any Great Dane puppy you find from any Great Dane breeder, verify the pedigree AND the health testing results of both parents. Good breeders will have heart, hip, eye and thyroid panels to share with you.

Solid pure steel blue Great Dane puppies will be a great place to start if you want a striking and beautiful coat color.

We recommend searching the Great Dane breeder database at gdca.org when looking for Great Dane puppies.

Are Blue Great Danes Rare?

The blue Great Dane may seem rare, but they really are not.

A blue Great Dane may easily be confused with a Weimaraner, especially as a puppy! Because of this, and because many people don’t know the difference between a blue Great Dane and a silver or grey one (hint, they are the same), they may be viewed as rare.

It can be difficult to find an ethical and reputable Blue Great Dane breeder, as many breeders that fully test and frequent dog shows have focused primarily on the popular Harlequin/Black/Mantle or Fawn/Brindle lines instead of blue.

It’s not impossible, however, to find a blue Great Dane puppy from an excellent breeder. We recommend searching the Great Dane breeder registry at GDCA.org (U.S.) or Canada.

Do Blue Great Danes Have More Health Problems?

Ask 10 people this question and you will receive 10 different answers!

If you have a blue Great Dane that is experiencing health problems, chat with your vet.

Health problems are not necessarily related as much to coat color as they are to genetics, the food you choose, and the environment you create for your dog.

The Blue Great Dane’s lifespan should be no shorter or different than that of any other healthy Great Dane! The food you choose to feed makes a huge difference!

Blue Great Dane Health Problems

The average Great Dane is susceptible to a list of genetic health problems, including allergies, heart problems, and hip dysplasia, (which can happen to a Great Dane with any coat color).

These health problems are passed along in the pedigree and depending on the breeder you choose, could be a real problem for your Great Dane.

Always keep an eye on your Great Danes’ body condition and don’t make assumptions that their health problems are purely related to markings. It’s just not always the case.

The blue gene that they carry should not cause any additional health problems, however, color dilution alopecia (CDA) is a problem in other breeds that come in the lilac or blue coat color. It has also been seen in Great Danes!

Blue Great Dane Color Dilution Alopecia

Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) causes hair loss, thinning, bald patches, and itchy skin. The exact cause is not well understood, however, it is easily managed.

It is important to note that CDA does NOT affect all blue Great Danes.

Blue Great Danes may be susceptible to this disease, however, so check in with your veterinarian if you see any sign of it.

Signs include itching, dry patches, hair thinning, and hair loss.

A blue Great Dane puppy may begin to show signs of CDA at around 6 months of age, but it can happen at any time in their lives.

This is one reason why intentionally mixing the blue gene into otherwise strong color genetics to create diluted designer colors is often seen as problematic.

If a blue Dane that is prone to this disease is introduced into an otherwise strong and robust color family, it may create a long line of undesirable recessive traits that are difficult for breeders to address.

We’ve linked to a VCA article below with more information on CDA in Blue Great Danes:

COLOR DILUTION ALOPECIA INFORMATION

Blue Great Dane Lifespan

Blue Great Danes can live an average of 7-10 years. For more information on the lifespan of Great Danes in general, check out our blog post below!

Bloat, hip dysplasia, wobblers, arthritis, and heart problems are some of the major reasons why some Great Danes don’t live as long. All of those disorders have ties back to genetics!

Always be diligent when choosing your breeder, for this reason. A well-bred blue Great Dane puppy should be hefty, vibrant, curious, and have excellent eyes, hips, feet, and structure.

Search the GDCA.org Breeder Directory below! Good breeders tend to have terrible websites; don’t be alarmed. They are spending more time on their dogs than they are on their marketing:

GDCA BREEDER DIRECTORY – FIND A GREAT DANE PUPPY

Blue Great Dane Breeders

The best blue great Dane puppy breeders are focused first on health and temperament. Blue Great Dane puppies from a reputable and ethical breeder will be healthy, vibrant, and full of life!

Blue puppies can happen anytime two parents who carry the recessive blue gene are bred. This can mean that pure steel blue puppies may come, most commonly, from the following pairings:
1. Blue + Blue
2. Blue + Black
3. Blue + Harlequin (HARLEQUIN GREAT DANES)
The blue offspring from any of these pairings will be born with floppy ears and a pale bluish color that will change slightly as the puppy matures.

Our favorite Blue Dane Breeders

We recommend:

https://www.azulenedanes.com/

http://www.caeruleusdanes.com/

http://www.cheshiregreatdanes.com/

http://www.creekdanes.com/

http://www.eiodanes.com

https://www.enzodane.com/

https://www.oceanbluedanes.com/

There are many Blue Great Danes sitting in rescues, waiting for the right home! Don’t be afraid to bring a rescue dog into your family.
Adopt OR shop, responsibly!

FYI: The Great Dane Breeder Scam

Looking for a Great Dane puppy? Make sure you read our blog post on the Great Dane breeder scam before you start contacting breeders!

Scammers often create fake online profiles or websites, offering purebred Great Dane puppies at attractive prices. Victims, eager to welcome a new furry family member, may pay deposits or the full amount upfront, only to discover that the promised puppy never existed.

These scams not only result in financial loss but also inflict emotional distress on individuals seeking a genuine and reputable breeder. To avoid falling victim to such scams, potential buyers should thoroughly research breeders, ask for references, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

Can a Blue Dane be Bred to a Harlequin Dane?

A blue Great Dane + harlequin Great Dane pairing can result in the ‘blue harlequin Great Dane’ which is a white dog with torn blue patches instead of torn black ones.

This dog will look similar to a harlequin Great Dane, but that blue dilution factor will have reduced the pigment in each spot to grey.

The blue harlequin Great Dane is not considered to have an ‘acceptable’ color in the written breed standard.

Many breeders will tell you that it is unethical to deliberately introduce the dilute gene into an already complicated genetic situation. Others will do it because the pursuit of diluted and interesting colors (including shades of ‘lilac’) is popular.

Some breeders may happen upon a Blue Harlequin in a litter because a recessive merle gene is running around in their pedigree.

We do not encourage the practice of purposefully seeking out off-standard colors, however, many of these colors do occur in the breed! For more information on off-standard colors, read here.

We believe that you should love the Great Dane in front of you!

Color Families in Great Danes

Keeping color families pure helps Great Dane breeders keep tabs on their pedigrees and not make mistakes or be surprised when recessive genes show up.

Color families also help maintain the breed standard, so that a Great Dane always looks like a Great Dane.

A merle+merle pairing can cause the white coat or merlequin double-merle puppies that are often deaf or blind. (Note: a blue Harlequin Great Dane, on the other hand, likely won’t have those problems).

Color families in Danes typically mean that a breeder will ‘stay’ in a lane when it comes to the colors they breed.

The color families in Great Danes are outlined roughly, as follows:
1. Harlequin – Merle – Black – Mantle
2. Mantle – Black
3. Black + Blue
4. Blue + Blue
5. Fawn – Brindle – Black
April 12, 2022
7 Unique Dog Ear Infection Treatment Ideas: Which One Is Right for Your Great Dane?
Which dog ear infection treatment is right for you? If your dog is constantly scratching his ears, it might be because he has an ear infection. Ear infections in dogs ear canals are a common problem, and can be caused by allergies, parasites, or yeast overgrowth. If your dog’s ears are infected, you will need to treat the infection with a medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

There are many different types of medications and treatments available for treating dog ear infections, so how do you know which one is right for your dog? In this blog post, we will discuss 7 different treatment options and their pros and cons!

Photo Credit to Hellen (Picture of sweet Dakota!)

Photo Credit to Tina Schneider

How can I tell if my Great Dane has an ear infection and which dog ear infection treatment is needed?

Your dog may have trouble hearing or keeping up with what’s going on around them, even though they seem fine.

This is because the infected area of their outer canal becomes inflamed and swollen. The swelling makes it difficult for fluid to escape from those cells.

Additionally, liquid can block pores inside this passageway during activities such as bathing, grooming or ear cleaning.

Looking for the right E Collar? We’ve got you!

Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of an ear infection include excessive head shaking, scratching, and redness or swelling of the ear.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action in healing your Great Dane’s ears. If their ears are left untreated, the infection can worsen and lead to other health problems.

Find your own engagement toy here

My Great Dane has an ear infection, what should I do?

If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, it’s important to take them to the vet for a professional diagnosis. Ear infections are common in dogs, and can be caused by a variety of factors including allergies, bacteria, and ear mites. While some ear infections can clear up on their own, others may require medication or surgery. In most cases, ear infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter ear drops.

Following your veterinarians instructions

However, it’s important to follow your vet’s instructions and not use drops for more than a week without checking in first. For dogs with chronic or severe infections, your vet may recommend special shampoos, ear cleaners, or oral antibiotics. If you’re concerned about your dog’s ear infection, be sure to keep your dog’s ear clean.

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What are some common causes of ear infections in Great Danes?

Common causes of ear infections in Great Danes and other dogs include allergies, foreign bodies in the ear, and bacterial or fungal infections. Ear infections are a common problem in Great Danes and dogs. There are several different ear diseases that can affect these dogs, and environmental allergies are also a common trigger.

Disorders and other causes of chronic ear infections

In addition, endocrine disorders can sometimes produce ear infections as a side effect. Great Danes also produce a lot of earwax, which can contribute to the development of ear infections. Treatment for ear infections typically involves the use of antibiotics or anti-fungal medications. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to clear the infection.

Got puppies? We’re here for you!

Recurring Infections

If your Great Dane has recurrent ear infection, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to find the best way to manage them and prevent recurrent ear infections. This may include medication, diet changes, or other treatments.

Allergies and Food Intolerances

Many Great Danes are allergic to grains or some proteins which can cause them to develop ear infections. It would be beneficial to conduct a diet elimination trial to test, with the help of your veterinarian, if your Great Dane’s ear infections are related to diet.

Great Dane Skin Issues

The Great Dane breed has a higher chance of developing food intolerances than some other canine breeds. Frequently, adverse reactions to food appear in the dog as chronic skin inflammations. These skin conditions cause severe itching, so if your Great Dane is excessively scratching, rubbing, itching, or biting any areas on his body that show evidence of skin allergies, a food allergy may be the culprit behind your dog’s discomfort.

Photo Credit to Tina Schneider

Photo Credit to Tina Schneider

Foreign Body

If there is a foreign body in the ear, it will need to be removed by a veterinarian. Resistant infections, or severe bacterial and fungal infections are often treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications. In chronic cases or autoimmune diseases you may need to visit your veterinary hospital for a professional ear cleaning.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYoaghZL9Z7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

How Can I Treat my Great Dane or other dog’s ear infections?

Many dog owners are familiar with the frustrating and often painful problem of ear infections in their pet. Great Danes are especially prone to ear infections, due to the shape of their ears. However, there are several things that owners can do to help prevent and treat these infections. We are going to discuss 11 tips to that serve as appropriate treatment for ear disease.

One: Cotton swabs to preventing dog ear infection IS NOT SAFE

First, cotton swabs should never be used to clean a dog’s ears. The cotton balls can push wax and debris further into the ear. Dog ear infections can be caused by yeast, bacteria, or a combination of both. Severe cases of ear infections in dogs can lead to hearing loss, and the infection can be very painful. While there are a number of ways to treat ear infections, using cotton swabs is not one of them. Cotton swabs can actually push wax and debris further into the ear, causing the infection to worsen.

Two: Ear wash for dog ear infection

Use a wash designed specifically for dogs. This can be found at most pet stores.

Why does my dog need its ears cleaned?

Dogs ear canal is relatively long and narrow, which makes it difficult for air to circulate and prevents ear wax from draining properly. This can create an ideal environment for bacteria and ear mites to thrive. In addition, dogs often put their heads down in dirty or contaminated water, increasing their risk of infections.

Which wash should I use?

While there are a variety of ear washes on the market, it is important to choose one that is specifically for dogs. Human washes can be too harsh for a dog’s delicate ear canal and may cause further irritation. Dog washes, on the other hand, are formulated to gently cleanse.

Secondly, be sure to check your Dane regularly for any wax build-up or debris. If you see anything, gently remove it with one of our recommended washes. Use a gentle cleaner made specifically for Great Danes. Our favorite cleanser is called Zymox, and it has great results.

Use Xymox Ear Cleanser, NaturVet Ear Wash, or Zymox Ear Solution.

Four: If you notice symptoms, start early treatment to prevent infections

Next, if you notice symptoms, start early treatment to prevent ear infections in dogs.

Seeking Veterinarian opinions on dog ear infections

Next, if you notice an infection in your dog’s ears, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it from getting worse and entering their ear canals. First, if you think your dog may have an ear infection, take them to the vet as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis. Treatment is important to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more serious problems.

Diagnosis of ear infections in dogs

Once your dog has been diagnosed with an infection, there are a few things you can do at home to treat the infection and prevent it from coming back. Clean your dog’s ears regularly with a mild cleaner prescribed by your vet. Your vet may prescribe a topical medication that can help one or both ears. If your dog has black or yellowish discharge, they will likely prescribe anti inflammatory medications, as this could be a sign that the infection is in both the middle and inner ear.

Get our E Collar Guide Before It Runs Out!

Five: Allergies or foreign body in many dogs can cause an infections

It is important to rule out any underlying issues like allergies or foreign body.

Allergies can cause infections in dogs

If your dog has allergies, try to manage them with a credible allergy medication prescribed by your veterinarian. Allergies as an underlying cause can cause pain near the ear head and your dog’s skin will be itchy. The normal protective barrier of your dog’s skin will be inflamed and sometimes there can even be diseased tissue.

Foreign bodies cause chronic infections and severe or chronic cases of infection

If you think there might be a foreign body iSSUE, take them to the vet to have it checked out and removed if necessary. Foreign bodies in dogs ear canals could include:
1. Grass seeds: a grass seed can make its way into your dogs ear canal, causing inner ear infections.
2. Foxtails: Foxtails are another term for a unique grass seed that causes an inner ear infection and severe chronic disease if left in the dog’s ear canal for too long.
3. Sand: If you live nearby sand, this can impact both the outer ear canal as well as causing the middle ear to feel crusty/dirty.
4. Dirt: Dirt can enter the external ear canal and travel to the middle ear, causing ear infections in dogs.
5. Mites: Ear Mites can make their way into the canal and cause an infection. Keeping your dog’s ears clean can prevent mites from traveling into the ear canal, and ultimately prevent ear infections.
6. Excessive wax: If there is a lot of wax buildup, a veterinarian may need to suction it out. Excessive wax or the inability to produce earwax can both be painful for your dog.
Use clean and safe wipes made specifically for pets.

Six: Keep your dog’s ears dry and avoid excessive moisture

Many dog owners are unaware of the importance of keeping their pet’s ears dry and free from moisture. This is because the ears of dogs, especially those with floppy ears, are very susceptible to infection by moisture.

Beware of water

Excessive moisture is one of the most common factors to infection. When a dog’s ears become wet, it provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. This can lead to a painful infection. To avoid this, it is important to keep your dog’s skin dry. This means avoiding swimming or bathing without protection and keeping the hair around the face short. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent infections in dogs and keep your dog’s infection at bay.

Seven: Use home remedies for pain

In addition, there are a few things you can do at home to help your Great Dane feel better. One of the most important is to keep the ear clean and dry. Some of these home remedies include:
1. Use a warm compress to help ease the pain.
2. Trim any excess hair in order to keep the area as clean as possible.
3. Use coconut oil, which serves as a natural anti-inflammatory. Do not put coconut oil INTO the ear canal without veterinarian approval.
4. If you notice an infected ear, act as quickly as possible and seek treatment.
5. Use the appropriate medication to treat the diagnosis.
In Conclusion

In conclusion if you notice any irritating gunk or itchy skin, be sure to monitor. If it doesn’t improve or your dog is excessively scratching at their ears, make an appointment with the vet.

Your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics and/or ear drops to help clear up the infection. In extreme cases, your dog may need surgery to remove the infected tissue.

Prevention is always the best medicine, so be sure to keep your dog clean and dry to avoid any future infections. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re always here to help.

Happy tails!

READ MORE:

The Two-Sided Debate: Great Dane Ear Cropping
April 10, 2022
9 Important Factors to Consider About When to Spay a Great Dane
Wondering when to spay a Great Dane? Female Great Dane owners are often unsure to have their dog spayed and do not know when the right time is. It doesn’t help that there are so many opinions online, not to mention, many veterinarians approach this differently too!

There are a few things to consider before making the decision to spay your Great Dane.

When to Spay a Great Dane

Great Danes are giant breeds which can grow, on average to about 120-150 pounds. They are one of the tallest breeds of dogs and have a life expectancy of around 8-12 years.

There are many schools of thought about when to spay a Great Dane, but it is believed that in general, large and giant breed dogs may benefit from delaying the procedure until their joints are more mature.

Because most pets are spayed before their first heat cycle, choosing to delay comes with many considerations (accidental puppies being just one of them). Outside of accidental puppies, intact female Great Danes are more prone to mammary cancer and pyometra.

Some studies show that delayed spay (waiting until after age 1-2 in Great Danes):
- Can reduce the risk of osteosarcoma
- May reduce the risk of ACL/CCL tears
- Will likely result in a better structural outcome of the adult dog, which means stronger bones, better joints, and less chance of early onset arthritis
While these benefits of keeping a female Great Dane intact are still being studied, it’s important to note that there are many negatives, too. It’s important to speak with your veterinarian and balance the pros and cons of spaying your Great Dane.

What Does Spaying Your Great Dane Mean?

Making a decision to alter your female dog means that you complete the surgical removal process of her ovaries and uterus.

The benefits of spaying your Great Dane include:
- Reduced risk or even risk elimination of dangerous health conditions such as pyometra, mammary cancer, ovary cancer, and otherwise
- No heat cycles to deal with
- No accidental puppies
- No false pregnancies or milk production
- Often, calmer and more stable behavior
Making the decision on when to spay a Great Dane should not be taken lightly. You should consider researching the pros and cons on when to spay a Great Dane. In other pets and breeds of dogs, this is generally done when your dog is between the ages of four to six months, but can be done at any age.

Making the Decision on When to Spay a Great Dane

There are a few things to keep in mind before you make the decision on when to spay a Great Dane, or whether to spay at an early age or young age.

Many people will tell you that they ‘spayed their dog at 6 months’ and their dog was ‘fine’.

Keep in mind that ‘fine’ is a relative, unregulated term and everybody has a different definition for this term. Anecdotal stories should be taken with a grain of salt.

We recommend consulting with your veterinarian, who should have some continuing education on the topic. If you choose to keep your Dane intact until she’s older, it’s important to understand the risk factors that come with that decision.

Female Great Danes

A female Great Dane develops much differently than male Great Danes. In general, they tend to be smaller and not as muscular or masculine in their appearance.

Female dogs have sexual reproductive organs which are full of hormones. These hormones contribute to their growth and development and are present before spaying or neutering a dog. However, after spay or neuter, the hormones are removed.

This can impact their ability to grow in the way in which they were designed.

Risks or Considerations for Spaying Great Dane Dogs

There are other health considerations for female Great Danes and when to spay a Great Dane in general (and some of the same risks are relevant with neutered males). Here are some of the risks associated with early spay (prior to one year of age):

1. Hormone-Responsive Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a somewhat common health concern for female dogs that were spayed at a young age.

This can mean that they leak urine when they rest or sleep.

There are medications to treat this, and it is generally harmless (just messy).

2. Weight Gain

Another consideration is your dog gaining weight. It is not uncommon for your dog to put on a few pounds after being spayed. The main reason for this weight uptick is due to a decrease their metabolism.

To avoid this weight increase, it is important to keep up with a healthy diet and moderate exercise for your dog even after they have been spayed.

After spay or neuter, sometimes the energy level of your dog can slow, which makes it more difficult to keep the weight off. It is very important that you monitor food intake and activity levels, as excess weight can shorten lifespan by as much as 2 years.

There is only one person who knows your Great Dane and it’s best- and it’s you- so be sure to advocate for them whenever possible!

3. Cancer

Knowing when to spay a Great Dane is a very difficult decision. There are also some risks to keeping your dog in tact, and one of those can be certain types of cancer. Giants dogs are unfortunately more prone to certain types of cancer. One of those being mammary cancer, which is common in older female dogs that have not been spayed.

This type of cancer is almost nonexistent in dogs that have been spayed at an early age. Therefore, spaying your female dog at age 2 minimizes the risk of seeing this form of cancer significantly.

On the flip side, some studies show that osteosarcoma cancer is more common in pets that were spayed under the age of one.

Risks of Cancer in Getting or Not Getting Your Male Great Dane Neutered

Testicular cancer can be found in your Male Great Dane if they are not neutered. This is another form of cancer that can be easily prevented by getting your dog fixed early on. Testicular cancer is not as common as mammary cancer, but it is still something to keep in mind when making the decision of whether you want to keep your male Great Dane in tact or opt for the decision to neuter your male dog.

4. Unwanted Pregnancy with your Female Great Dane and Other Dogs

Of course, if you decide to not spay or neuter your dog there is always a risk for unwanted puppies.

Any time there are two dogs that are not the same gender together, as well as not fixed, you run the risk of having an unplanned pregnancy. Un-spayed and un-neutered dogs tend to gravitate towards one another and intact males will do almost anything to get to a female in heat.

Unplanned puppies are a massive burden on the shelter/rescue system, not to mention, a LOT of work. Pregnancy is a medical condition that comes with complications which can be devastating to the female dog. Breeding and unplanned pregnancies should never be taken lightly.

5. Behaviors of Dogs

Many people will state that there are different behaviors before and after the spay or neuter process. This is true, however, this should not be a primary reason to spay or neuter your dog. We have seen countless dog families rely on the spay or neuter to correct unwanted behavior or aggressive behavior. Unfortunately, spaying or neutering does not always serve as a ‘fix’ for any dog breed. You could see humping behavior prior to a spay/neuter and still continue to see that same bahavior after the procedure.

The best course of action is identifying the primary cause of the behavior and working with a professional to correct it. Spay or neuter may be part of a comprehensive behavioral treatment plan, but should never be anticipated as the “cure”.

6. Growth Plates

Other animals or dog breeds do not have the same types of concerns about their growth plates as Great Danes do. Great Danes are a dog who grows until they are over 24 months.

Their bones, ligaments, and tendons are all still growing and developing well into their adult years. If you were to spay or neuter your dog too early, it could lead to health issues with their growth plates closing too quickly. This also impacts their overall body, spine, or leg structure.

Another common concern with early spay or neuter of dogs is the impact it has on their feet or leg structure. This is, again, due to the hormones that are present before spaying or neutering which help with the growth and development of their bones, ligaments, and tendons.

7. Surgical Risk

Spaying or neutering Great Danes comes with the standard anesthetic or surgical risk that all surgeries come with.

Your Great Dane is so large that it sometimes has a harder time adjusting to anesthesia than other dogs. Always be sure to get routine blood testing prior to putting your female or male Great Dane under anesthesia. Speak to your vet about what blood panels they find necessary for your Great Dane to have taken. Without completing blood testing prior to your Great Dane being sedated, you run the risk of your Great Dane having blood clotting issues such as Hemophilia A, amongst others.

8. Pyometra

One common health conditions to consider for spaying or not spaying your dog is Pyometra. Pyometra is a life-threatening infection of the uterus that can occur in any un-spayed female dog.

For this reason, it is important to know the signs of this infection in female Great Danes, watch your individual dog closely, and monitor your Great Dane’s health during the duration of her remaining un spayed.

When pyometra happens, the uterus fills up with pus. In some cases, this can only be resolved with a delicate, expensive, and life-threatening surgery.

9. What is considered an early age to spay in Great Danes?

Most male and female dogs are considered to be full grown at around 12 months of age.

At this age they have completed most of their growth and development. However, most large dog breeds can take up to two years to reach their full adult size.

It is important to keep in mind that Great Danes mature slower than other dog breeds. Since other dogs grow quicker and are full grown at a younger age, Great Dane dog’s require longer time to allow their growth plates to fully develop. Spaying before 24 months is often considered ‘too young’ for Great Danes.

As the owner of a Great Dane, you are wondering about the best time to spay her. First, it’s important to understand the heat cycle and the clinical signs of estrus.

Photo Credit to Hellen at www.instagram.com/Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)

10. Female Great Dane and the Heat Cycle

What happens when the Great Dane dog goes into heat?

Generally, Great Danes come into heat twice a year, with each cycle lasting about three weeks. During this time, their bodies undergo a number of changes, including an increase in vaginal discharge and a swelling of the vulva.

Additionally, they may be more restless and vocal than usual. It is common for there to be changes in behavior and appetite during this time. They are susceptible to pregnancy for the entirety of this heat cycle, but especially on the day when they ovulate.

Should female Great Danes be spayed during their heat cycle?

We suggest waiting until your Great Dane is NOT in estrus (heat) to perform any surgical procedure.

During this time (heat cycle) female large breed dogs have an abundance of hormones. Your veterinarian will have insight into the best time to spay your female, based on the circumstances, their age, and their health.

Why is my Female Great Dane acting pregnant during her heat cycle?

Your female Great Dane has likely entered into a false pregnancy.

Do not spay your Great Dane while they are experiencing a false pregnancy or other health issues. Her nipples could fill up with milk, and Great Danes sometimes even carry around stuffed animals. Males tend to get antsy and sometimes there is excessive barking from the male counterparts.

During this 3-4 month time, you should not consider spaying your Great Dane. The only consideration for this would be that you have been given a pet health report from your veterinarian that your Great Dane is experiencing uterine infections, which is life threatening.

Why should I not spay my Great Dane during her heat cycle?

Your female Great Dane is extremely susceptible to bleeding out and other health problems during surgery if you choose to spay during her heat cycle. There is an excessive blood supply as well as raging hormones in your Great Dane. You should plan routine blood testing and ensure that you are planning your spay according to your Great Danes hormones.

In conclusion

In conclusion, you need to make the best decision for your Great Dane dog . You need to factor in her health, your lifestyle, and whether or not you plan to breed her. Talk with your veterinarian about the best time to spay your Great Dane. Use this article as a guide to ask the right questions and make an informed decision.

There are risks of spaying your Great Dane dog and there are risks of letting her stay in-tact. We hope that by outlining those risks and benefits, it can help you to make the best decision possible.

READ MORE:

Miniature Great Danes: The ‘Pocket’ Versions of Great Danes
April 8, 2022
3 Fast Tips on How to Train Your Great Dane to Walk on a Leash
Danes are gentle giants, but they are also powerful dogs. If you’re not prepared for how much power and strength your Dane can put into pulling on the leash, it can be very dangerous. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to train your Great Dane to walk on a leash – without any danger of them getting loose or running away.

The Foundations of Leash Training Your Great Dane

Before you can know how to train your Great Dane to walk on a leash like a pro, you need to make sure they know basic obedience commands. This helpful guide will show you how to use positive reinforcement to get your dog walking by your side in no time!

Leash Training Basics for Great Danes

It’s important to train your Great Dane how to walk on a leash correctly from an early age. In this stage of training, you will work with your dog off-leash in your home or yard.

If you don’t have space for safe off-leash work, use a long leash and an ergonomic harness (we do not recommend using ‘Petsafe’ or ‘Easy Walk’ no-pull harnesses on Great Danes).

Practice until you can walk 10 steps or more between rewards. Add obstacles such as cones or balls, too, and practice walking around them together. Reward your dog for engaging with you while you practice!

Tip 1: How to Train Your Great Dane to Walk on Leash by Recognizing Common Problems

Recognize Common Problems: Know and recognize common behavior issues and tackle them from puppyhood. Here is a list of 7 essential dog obedience skills that all dogs and puppies should know.

Tip 2: How to Train Your Great Dane to Walk on Leash with Consistency

Be Consistent: We all know the importance of being consistent. If your family has a rule, be sure the rule stays the same all the time.

Tip 3: How to Train Your Great Dane to Walk on Leash Using Rewards

Give Rewards: One way to get your dog’s attention when he misbehaves at the hands is by giving rewards. You don’t have to scold or punish! Instead ask for what we’re looking for-a sit followed by delicious treats like food will do just fine in most cases.

Consider E-collar training to help build strong skills. Contrary to popular belief, E-collars are an ethical method to set your Great Dane up for success. Check out this guide for which e-collars are safe, and which are not.

5 Tips for Leash Training Your Great Dane

Get Control of Your Great Dane on a Leash

Dogs are easily distractible and pull on the leash while walking. However, with a few easy tricks, you can train your dog to focus on you.

Start off by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend walking together. When encountering a distraction, ask your dog to engage with you and continue moving.

Eye contact is very important when your Great Dane sees a distraction like a rabbit or squirrel.

Some tips for getting your Great Dane to give you eye contact are:
- Provide high quality treats, such as Freeze Dried Beef Liver. When a distraction arises, pull a treat to your eyes to become more important than the distraction.
- Avoid high intense situations. If your Great Dane pulls heavily on the leash while passing other dogs, be sure to cross the street before passing them. Do not put your Great Dane in situations that they might fail.
- Practice the ‘place’ command often. Teaching ‘Place‘ will allow you to command your Great Dane to sit or lay in a moment of chaos or distraction, when they may rather be pulling on their leash.
With consistent practice in different environments, you’ll have a well-behaved dog that walks perfectly beside you.

“Training your dog with positive reinforcement is the key to a happy, healthy relationship. Using a harness instead of a collar can help control pulling and make walking much easier.”

You Successfully Leash Trained Your Great Dane

You’ve successfully trained your Dane to walk on a leash!

It’s always important to be aware of any pain or discomfort your dog may be feeling, and to recognize any gradual changes in behavior.

Be sure to keep up the good work by continuing to monitor your dog for signs of falling back into old/negative leash behaviors and practice your leash skills regularly. Congratulations on being a responsible pet owner!
April 8, 2022
7 Amazing Uses of CBD for Dogs
Have you ever considered using CBD for dogs?

CBD for Dogs is becoming increasingly popular

If so, you’re not alone. CBD oil for dogs is becoming a popular treatment for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, and seizures. But is it safe and effective? In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of using CBD oil for dogs. We’ll also discuss how to choose a quality product and dosage.

What does CBD oil do for dogs?
1. Anxiety: CBD oil for dogs can be used to treat anxiety in dogs. separation, thunderstorms, car rides- any type of anxiety your dog may experience.
2. Cancer: CBD oil for dogs has been known to slow the growth of cancer cells and tumors. It is a great natural way to help your furry friend feel better and fight cancer cells.
3. Pain relief: CBD oil is a natural pain reliever. It can help with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and any other type of chronic pain your dog may be experiencing.
4. Inflammation: CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with allergies, hot spots, and any other type of inflammation.
5. Seizures: CBD oil has been known to help dogs who suffer from seizures. It is a great alternative to traditional seizure medication with far fewer side effects.
6. Appetite: CBD oil can help increase appetite in dogs who are struggling to eat due to illness or treatment such as chemotherapy.
7. Keeping calm: CBD oil can help dogs who are overly excited or nervous. It is a great way to keep your dog calm in stressful situations.
Do Vets Recommend CBD Oil for Dogs?

Yes, many veterinarians recommend CBD oil for dogs.

CBD oil is a great way to help your dog feel better and manage pain without the use of traditional medication.

It is important to speak with your veterinarian before giving your dog CBD oil. They will be able to help you determine the right dosage for your dog’s individual needs.

Now that you know all about CBD oil for dogs, it’s time to find the right product for your pet.

How to Choose CBD Oils for Dogs

To find the best pet CBD oil, we compared CBD products and CBD oil brands and products on several different things:
1. Hemp Source – We wanted a hemp-based company who uses natural-farming practices to make their CBD oils.
2. Natural Ingredients – We know the best CBD oil will come from a hemp plant and be natural and organic.
3. Full spectrum CBD– It is of utmost important that CBD oil for dogs is Full spectrum CBD oil, not broad spectrum CBD oil.
4. Lab Tested: High quality CBD products go through tests with independent third-parties. Additionally, great dog CBD oil brands will provide those lab results for pet owners.
5. FDA Manufacturing Facility: Dog CBD oil products comply with the FDA.
One of the Best CBD Oils for Dogs

After reading the list above and doing our research, we determined that one of the best CBD oils for dogs is Colorado Sun.

We will discuss more about their CBD Oil for dogs. Continue reading to get common questions answered and to see why we believe Colorado Sun ranks as one of the best CBD dog companies out there.

What is CBD?

CBD oil is gaining popularity among human and dog owners alike. First, what exactly is CBD oil? CBD, or cannabidiol, are found in cannabis plants. Unlike its more famous counterpart, THC, CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect.

Can CBD Oil for Dogs also be Human Grade?

The benefits of CBD are well known to those who have had relief from pain, anxiety or depression. What many don’t realize is that it can be extracted in an industrial hemp manner which delivers human-grade quality with no psychoactivity – meaning you feel great without any high! Human-grade CBD oil is extracted from industrial hemp. It has less than 0.3% THC.

This means that CBD is safe for human consumption and is able to treat a variety of conditions.

Why Do Pet Parents Use Dog CBD?

Dog owners are especially interested in CBD oil because it is an effective treatment for anxiety, pain, and seizures with few side effects. Not all CBD products are equal. Make sure to do your research before giving your pet any CBD products. Dog CBD, CBD pet treats, and full spectrum hemp oil provide many health benefits to your dog. However, pet owners must investigate the CBD brand before giving any form of dog CBD.

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Is CBD Oil Safe?

CBD oil for dogs is a popular natural remedy for a variety of diseases and conditions. The product called CBD is a compound found in the hemp plant.

While CBD oil is generally considered safe for humans, it is important to exercise caution when giving it to your dog, and especially puppies. This is because the CBD for dogs industry is still relatively new, and high-quality products can be difficult to find. Therefore, finding the correct CBD oil product and pet wellness company is crucial for ensuring quality CBD oil.

Look for Full Spectrum CBD Oils

Look for products that are organic and third-party tested to ensure potency and purity. Additionally, pet CBD oil should be full-spectrum CBD. Full spectrum hemp extract means that the CBD oil is an, “extract only derived from hemp. Hemp is the term for a cannabis plant with 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or less—not enough for mind-altering effects. In contrast, a CBD oil for dogs can be extracted from either hemp or marijuana. Marijuana is the term for cannabis plants with higher levels of THC. This is different from a CBD isolate product that will only contain a single cannabinoid: CBD”, Mind Body Green.

Some CBD Oils are Dangerous Depending on Where the CBD Oil is Grown

Even though CBD oil has many benefits for humans and dogs, there are dangers to ingesting cbd. When used safely and grown locally, CBD oil for dogs is used to help with anxiety, pain, inflammation, and even cancer.

Locally and Organically Grown CBD Oils and CBD Dog Treats

CBD Oils for dogs CAN be VERY beneficial. However, give your dog CBD oil that is locally and organically grown.

This is because CBD oil for dogs (hemp seed oil) that is not locally and organically grown may contain pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals that can be harmful to your health.

CBD oil for dogs that is not locally and organically grown may also increase the risk of your dog ingesting something that is poisonous. If you plan to utilize CBD oil for dogs, it should be locally and organically grown.

The best CBD oils for dogs will be from a CBD brand that offers a high-quality CBD oil which is locally and organically grown.

Questions to ask about CBD Oil for Dogs

If you have an anxious pet, or are concerned about your dog’s health, you are going to see an abundance of brands of CBD oil for dogs.

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@Mako.the.Dane

@mako.the.dane

The market does not lack in CBD pet products. Therefore, before you buy and offer dog CBD oil to your pet, ask yourself these important questions regarding CBD oil products:

Is the CBD Oil for Dogs Organic?

Choosing a dog CBD oil without additives is a smart decision because it ensures both your safety and the environment. The natural product from organic CBD oils for dogs are grown with sustainable practices. Therefore, you won’t worry about any additional chemicals or toxins being added in! Additionally, these types of farming help preserve land resources like water sources which are important for all living things on Earth to survive.

Can CBD be toxic to dogs?

Note: Beware of using human CBD products for your dog. Some human CBD products (even CBD hemp oil) contain ingredients such as grapes, raisins or chocolate for flavoring. If your dog has any allergies, be sure to read the CBD product carefully. Some companies, like Colorado Sun, offer a specific CBD pet tincture with a gluten-free option, or other allergy friendly choices.

What is Broad Spectrum CBD Oil?

Broad spectrum CBD oil for dogs is made with pure hemp oil and you can trust that the tincture contains JUST CBD, not other unnecessary ingredients.

What type of CBD is best for dogs?

Broad spectrum CBD oil is a type of CBD oil for dogs that includes all of the plant’s beneficial compounds, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This makes the cbd oil benefits more extreme than other CBD oil products (isolate), which only contains CBD. As a result, organic broad spectrum CBD oil is the best CBD oil for dogs. It’s safe, effective, and provides the most benefits.

Coconut Derived MCT Oil

Every CBD oil comes with a carrier oil. CBD products range from broad spectrum CBD to full spectrum CBD. The carrier oil in which your CBD product is in matters. Discuss with your CBD company if the CBD extract is in a coconut derived mct oil. We do not recommend using coconut as a carrier oil. This will cause diarrhea and stomach issues, as well as is not as affective of a product as a CBD derived from hemp. To reiterate, the best CBD oil is one that is full spectrum CBD oil with a hemp plant carrier oil.

Is the CBD Company Reliable and is the CBD Oil Effective?

There are a lot of CBD companies out there, and it can be hard to know which one to trust. When looking for a reliable CBD company, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for a company that uses high-quality CBD oil tincture or broad spectrum hemp oil. These products are more likely to be effective, as they contain a wider range of cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds. Second, make sure the company you choose has a good understanding of the endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating many important functions in the body. The CBD oils you give your dog work in correspondence with this system.

Does the CBD Brand Have Quality Customer Service?

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It could be important to you to receive free shipping or perks like a 1-3 day money back guarantee. If so, be sure to ask what the company’s policy is regarding this in correlation to their CBD oil for dogs. If the CBD oil does not work for your dog, you want to make sure they offer a certain day money back guarantee, so that you can ensure your money is safe when purchasing the CBD oil product.

Fun CBD Products and Oil for Dogs

Did you know that CBD oil is not the only way that a CBD brand can offer CBD oil for dogs? There are many ways for pets to ingest hemp oil. Here are some fun forms in which CBD dog products are made.

CBD Dog Treat

Some CBD brands will make CBD dog treats full of organic CBD oil. If your pet struggles to use liquid CBD oil for dogs, you will love using CBD treats. CBD treats are different from regular dog treats, because CBD treats contain CBD product. Look for a treat that contains the same ingredients as the CBD oil tincture.

What is the difference between a CBD Pet Tincture and CBD Treats?

The difference between a CBD Pet Tincture and CBD Treats is that the tincture will be in liquid form while the treats will be in the form of a biscuit, gummy or cookie. Give the tincture drops orally, and the treats as a snack. Look for a treat made with CBD for dogs. Likewise, make sure the treats contain full spectrum CBD oil.

Note: Beware of CBD oil products that contain essential oils. Some essential oils are harmful and can pose toxins to your pet, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

CBD Dosage for of CBD Oil for Dogs

When it comes to CBD oil for dogs, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The dosage of CBD oil will vary depending on the size and weight of your dog. You may need to start with a small dose and increase gradually as needed. Starting with a low dose of full spectrum CBD is the best choice with regards to CBD dosage. Speak with your veterinarian. Also, bring the CBD tincture with you to your dog’s next vet appointment. Your veterinarian may be able to speak with you about CBD oil for dogs and discuss the right CBD dosage for your unique pet.

Our Choice of Human Grade, Full Spectrum CBD

After concluding our research on which makes the best CBD oil, we have decided that one of our favorite Full Spectrum CBD oil companies is Colorado Sun.

Here are the top reasons we support Colorado Sun as a company with some of the best CBD oil:
1. Full spectrum CBD- unlike many broad spectrum CBD companies, Colorado Sun provides a high-quality full spectrum CBD hemp oil that provides dogs with results.
2. Safe and organic CBD oil for dogs- the full spectrum hemp extract is completely organic and safe for the central nervous system.
3. FDA Compliant- the manufacturing facility is FDA compliant. Pet parents do not need to worry about unsanitary conditions or sneaky ingredients in the hemp seed oil.
4. Hemp carrier oil in their CBD tincture– they do NOT use any mct coconut oil, eliminating any risk of stomach issues and irritation. Their products are gluten free and their CBD oil helps hundreds of dogs daily. No mct oil is present!
5. CBD products are locally grown and sustainable- No more risks of pesticides hiding in your CBD pet tinctures. The organic and domestic hemp is locally sourced.
6. Customer service- The company provides a 0 day money back guarantee. They completely stand by their CBD dog products and refund you instantly if pet owners are not satisfied.
What does CBD oil do for dogs?

CBD for Dogs: Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you learn about CBD oil for dogs and the many benefits it can provide. CBD oil is a safe, effective, and natural way to help your pet live a healthier life. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian before starting your dog on any type of CBD regimen in order to better understand CBD products and which is the best CBD oil for you and your pet.
April 7, 2022
Running with Your Great Dane
If you’re interested in running with your Great Dane, we’ve got the Ultimate Guide for you.

Do you love spending time outdoors running but don’t want to leave your Great Dane behind? Or maybe you’re just getting started training for a marathon and want to make sure your pup can keep up.

Alternatively, it’s possible you have heard of the dangers of Great Dane puppies growth plates. If that’s the case, you want to make sure the exercise and running you are doing with them is safe and within limits. Either way, this blog post is for you!

Age Matters When Running with Your Great Dane:

Great Danes are large and giant breed dogs who experience joint pain with excessive exercise. So, running with your Great Dane can be risky. But, physical activity is SO important for your Great Dane with a million times the pent up energy that you have!

Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout

Do you want to go running with your Great Dane? If so, lets talk about considering age with over running, exercising, health issues, and Great Dane exercise:

Running with Your Great Dane and Age Consideration:

If you’d like to eventually go running with your Great Dane, consider extremely early training and socialization. Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds and can grow to be over 100 pounds. You can eventually go running with your Great Dane, but you will need excellent socialization and leash skills.

Great Danes are a very active breed and need to be exercised regularly to stay healthy. Going running with your Great Dane is fun, but there are many factors to consider. When they are puppies, exercise is important. However, the type, frequency and duration of running with your Great Dane is dependent on your Great Danes age.

How Much Exercise Should a Great Dane Puppy Get?

Big dog breeds require enough exercise to maintain muscle mass, joint health and prevent obesity. Controversially, Great Dane owners recognize that in order to raise a healthy adult Great Dane, they must limit their puppies daily exercise. Going running with your Great Dane while they are growing puppies is NOT a good idea. However, there are many ways to eventually accomplish the task of going running with your Great Dane.

Free Play is Very Different than Going Running with Your Great Dane

Your Great Dane puppy should be allowed to free play as much as they want! This is natural exercise and is extremely benefit in helping avoid destructive behavior. Puppy Great Danes should get an abundance of mental exercise, socialization with other dogs, and ‘free play’ running off leash in a safe area. When Great Dane puppies are off leash and THEY control their daily exercise, there is truly no concern with them getting ‘too much exercise’. Spend time being couch potatoes and spend time exploring with your Great Dane. Always base their physical exercise on your Great Dane being in control- NOT you. How much exercise do THEY need and want? Going running with your Great Dane is your ultimate goal, but first help their joints grow healthy and strong.

Should You Avoid Going Running with your Great Dane who is growing?

You should avoid going running with your Great Dane who is still growing. Additionally, they should not be allowed to stair climb or jump off of furniture, as this can damage their joints. Giant dogs who are growing fast have growth plates. Growth plates do not close until they are 24 months, and damage to this portion of the dog’s joints can cause major issues with your dog breed. Going running with your Great Dane who is still growing could cause permanent damage.

AVOID: Stair Climbing as a Form of Great Dane Exercise

Climbing stairs frequently and quickly in young, growing puppies can cause irreparable joint damage. This is because as the puppies grow, their bones, growth plates, and ligaments are still developing. Repeated high impact activities such as stair climbing before your Great Dane’s growth plates have closed can cause these joints to be permanently damaged. While your Great Dane may seem like they are able to handle this type of strenuous activity, senior Great Danes will show the impact of these joint-heavy activities. Activities like climbing or jumping off of stairs, strenuous work-outs or going running with your Great Dane are to be avoided until they are fully grown.

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DO NOT: Playing Fetch is Not Appropriate for Many Dogs

Fetch is one of the hardest games for your dog to play in regards to its joints. Throwing a ball for your dog to fetch puts unnecessary stress on their ligaments, joints and spine. This is because when dogs retrieve balls, they tend to jump up and down which can damage the discs in their spine.

The Best Toys for Great Danes

Additionally, fetch causes your dog to stop and start their movements and body weight VERY quickly, which may be okay for hunting dogs or other breeds. But, for dogs predisposed to joint health issues, this game is a major red flag. Over exercising Great Danes in a game of fetch is unnecessary and damaging.

Click here to read an article about the dangers of Fetch.

SAY NO: Tug of War Games are Unhealthy to Big Dog Breeds

Dog owners of large dogs know that Great Danes can be predisposed to ‘large breed’ diseases that an other dog breed may not be. Some of these diseases include Arthritis, Hip Dysplasia, and Wobblers. When you play tug of war with your dog, the added stress and pressure placed on their spine and neck is unnecessary. Tug of war is a game that should be limited.

Alternative Options to Tug

Replace this with dog safe strengthening exercises such as swimming, free play / running and allowing your Great Dane to explore a variety of surfaces (gravel, mud, dirt, grass). Avoid any type of tug toy or other that will impact the spine during play time. If you’re planning on one day going running with your Great Dane, avoid joint-heavy activities such as tug.

Need help with puppy socialization? Click here!

UNNECCESSARY: Baby Gentle Giants Do Not Need Leashed Long Walks

Many Great Dane owners feel the need to walk their dog for miles each day. This is unnecessary as your puppy will get plenty of exercise from running and playing on their own accord. A long, leashed walk will only serve to strain their joints, putting them at risk for hip dysplasia when they become a full-grown Great Dane.

What Is a Positive and Healthy Exercise Routine for your Great Dane Puppy?

Your Great Dane puppy does not need to walk long distances, rather needs a gentle giant friend to run around with, puzzle toys / mental stimulation, and a simple regular exercise routine. Great Danes LOVE mental stimulation. Mental stimulation also serves as a substitution for long walks.

Training a Great Dane

Dog owners are more than happy to take their puppy to get physical exercise, short daily walks, and even visit a safe dog park.

Should I Take My Great Dane to the Dog Park?

Great Dane owners often visit a safe dog park with their puppies as a form of socialization. Many dog owners believe dog parks provide an opportunity for your puppy to meet and play with other dogs.

However, some (many) dog parks are actually not the best place to work with your Great Dane on their socialization skills.

5 Common mistakes you may be making when Training Your Great Dane

Why are Dog Parks Dangerous?

Not all dog parks are dangerous. Many dog parks have an abundance of open space, allowing dogs to run and play without feeling confined. Alternatively, some dog parks are in close space and make Great Danes feel confined and stressed.

Make sure the park is fully fenced in with separate areas for small and large dogs, has plenty of shade, water, and poop bags available. Look for a park that does not allow aggressive behavior or dogs without responsible owners.

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Alternative Options to Dog Parks

If you are not comfortable taking your Great Dane to dog parks, be sure to check-out our puppy socialization guide. In this guide, we provide many alternative and better suitable options for socializing your puppy.

It is important to remember that all dog owners are responsible for their own dog’s behavior, so always be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your Great Dane.

Other ideas may include:
1. Expose your dog to multiple textures. Your puppies feet are PACKED with muscles that do require physical activity to remain strong. Sand, mud, gravel, water, grass, and other various textures are INCREDIBLE resources to helping your dog’s fitness. Let your puppy dig, run, play and walk in these textures. Your puppies feet will be thankful!
2. Go swimming! Swimming is an excellent, low-impact exercise program for both your Great Dane puppy and your adult Great Dane.
3. Work on training. For every 20 minutes spent training, it is worth 2+ miles of run walk cadence! Imagine how tired and fulfilled your puppy dog will be if you focus on your dog’s intelligence with important skills like socialization, separation anxiety, and basic commands.
Coopers Treats Himalayan Yak Cheese Long Lasting Chews are a fantastic and healthy way to keep any Great Dane busy for hours.

Does Distance Matter?

Not only does how much exercise you give your Great Dane matter, but also the distance in which you run or walk with your Great Dane makes a difference as well. Your Great Dane might find it enough exercise to go on long walks (self-paced). But, once your Great Dane is full grown it could be appropriate to take them for a short jog.

Arthritis in Great Danes? Read here.

Every Dog Is Different

Keep in mind that not all dog breeds can tolerate the same distance of runs. It is important to seek out a licensed veterinarian and find their advice and opinion on if your Great Dane should be your jogging buddy.

Speak With Your Local Veterinarian

If your local veterinarian agrees, begin with a very short jog to see how your dog handles it. Then, work your way up to a bit more exercise. If you notice excessive panting or lethargy, discontinue running with your dog immediately, as these behaviors could constitute pet medical advice.

Frequency when Exercising and Running with Great Danes

You do not want to begin running with your Great Dane excessively. Your are going to need to work your way up to being able to go running with your Great Dane. Remember- a Great Dane CAN be given too much exercise, but only when the exercise is in your control and not in the control of the Great Dane.

Begin to go on long walks once or twice a week to examine if your Great Dane seems to tolerate the duration and frequency. Then, you increase in duration and frequency.

Surface of Terrain

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that your Great Dane has an entirely different preferences with regards to the surface of terrain than you do.

Mud, Dirt, and Other Soft Terrains for Your Great Dane

Sand, gravel, and dirt are ideal surfaces for your dog to run or walk on – no matter their size. These materials are soft and help ease joint pressure from walks and runs.

Similarly, mud is one of the best surfaces to take your Great Dane running or walking on. Mud is beneficial for your Great Dane because it helps keep their joints cool and lubricated, as well as easing the impact on their feet while they run.

Short distance walks and runs are best for your Great Dane. A long, leashed walk is only going to serve to wear down their joints and increase the risk of hip dysplasia or other large breed diseases when they become an adult.

Avoid Concrete and Pavement with Your Great Dane

Other surfaces, like cement or concrete cause your Great Dane joint pain or other problems.

So, avoid hard surfaces like concrete and pavement. Instead, look for soft terrain like grass or well-groomed dirt and mud trails. These surfaces are much easier on your dog’s joints, feet and muscles, and they provide a more enjoyable experience for both of you.

5 ways to strengthen your dog’s feet

However, even the best surfaces can’t completely protect your dog from injury. So, make sure to watch them closely and be prepared to adjust your route if necessary.

Check the Weather Before Your Jog

As any dog owner knows, different breeds of dogs have different tolerance levels for different weather conditions. For example, Great Danes are not known for being a relatively tolerant breed when it comes to hot weather. So, this means that they can tolerate hot surfaces such as pavement or sand. Products like Mushers which can be applied to the paw in order to protect them from the hot ground.

Do Great Danes Shed? Click here to see our favorite tools.

In fact, adult Great Danes joints are relatively fragile, which means that they also struggle on cold or slippery surfaces. As a result, they may need extra support in snowy or wet climates. Consider a weather jacket, such as an XL Rain Jacket or this Carhartt Winter Jacket for XL Dogs.

Nevertheless, Great Danes are generally a breed that can tolerate a wide range of weather conditions for short periods of times.

Does Dog Food Impact a Dog’s Fitness?

There is a lot of debate on the internet about whether or not dog food impacts how active a dog is. Some people believe that if you feed your dog a high-quality diet, they will be less likely to become overweight and lazy. Others think that feeding a dog commercial kibble or processed foods will make them gain weight and become inactive.

We have great resources for what to feed your Great Dane. Check it out here!

The truth is that there is no definitive answer to this question. Every dog is different, and will respond differently to different types of food.

What we can say for sure, however, is that a diet built for a Great Dane and their unique body type, health issues and breed will keep them healthy and fit. So, ensure that you feed them a quality diet that is appropriate for Great Danes size, health, joints, dental health, and growing rate.

Can Danes Go On Long Walks and Runs?

In conclusion, full grown Great Danes can go on short walks and runs, but should avoid long leashed walks. Free play, off leash play in a safe area, and activity allows your Great Dane to have their exercise within their own control, which keeps their daily exercise within THEIR control and not the owners demands.

Bored Great Dane? Check out our guide of favorite toys for Great Danes.

At times, some Danes go on long walks or runs

Yes, it is okay to take your healthy, adult Great Dane on occasional jogs. However, if you are looking for a marathon training partner, a Great Dane is not your best choice in breed.

Other times, the Great Dane is just not the best work-out partner

Too much of the wrong types of exercise will lead to an increase in joint issues and possible arthritis and hip pain. Not to mention, your Great Dane just simply will prefer daily walks to too much exercise on vigorous leashed runs.

In Conclusion

Great Danes are a breed that tolerates a wide range of weather conditions, but should be watched closely while running. Allow as much of their physical activity to be through free play and independent exercise. Strengthening exercises like varying terrains will help many dogs feet and general conformation develop! Feed your Great Dane a quality diet that is appropriate for their size, health, joints, dental health, and growing rate.

Enjoy!

Hope this helped you and your Great Dane develop an exercise program that works for your family. Have fun with your doggy squats. Oh, and human squats too!
April 5, 2022