Do Great Danes shed? If you have a Great Dane, you may already know the answer!
Great Danes are BIG dogs and with big dogs usually comes BIG amounts of hair!
If you thought you were getting a short-haired, no-mess dog, think again!
Let’s dive in to the way that Great Danes shed, and how you can resolve the mess.
Do Great Danes Shed?
To begin, this is a question that many people have when they are considering getting this breed of dog. The answer is not quite as straightforward as you might think.
In this blog post, we will first discuss the various factors that determine whether or not a Great Dane will shed. Next, we will provide tips on how to reduce shedding in this breed of dog.
Great Danes, Shedding, Dog Brushes and More
Dog hair and dog brushes! Great Dane’s skin and… more hair!
Having a Great Dane with skin, coat, or shedding issues can be frustrating.
Owners don’t have to allow their Great Dane to live with the pain of chronic itch or the mess of shedding.
There are solutions!
Great Dane’s Skin and Coat
To begin, Great Danes shed a different amount. To start, Great Danes skin could be a contributing factor for whether they shed a lot or not. Consequently, if a Dane has itchy skin, they may shed more than one who doesn’t.
This is because flaky skin can cause the hair to fall out more easily.
Similarly, Great Danes who have allergies may also suffer from skin irritation, which can lead to excessive shedding.
If you notice that your dog’s ears are red or they have lost their shiny coat, their shedding may be a skin issue.
The quality of your Great Danes skin and coat impacts the dog hairs that fall out. A healthy Great Dane’s skin should be pink in color and free of any bumps, scabs, or other abnormalities.
Their coat should be shiny and free of irritation and redness. Naturally, a Great Dane with healthy skin and coat will shed less than one with unhealthy skin and coat. If your Great Dane dog’s coat has loose hairs, you should consider examining their skin.
Note: a high quality brush will not pull the hairs out of a Great Danes short coat. Most importantly, it allows the already dead skin to fall away and the natural oils distributed at the same time.
Likewise, Bristle brushes are also appropriate to use for healthy elimination of dog’s hairs. More on other rubber brushes later.
The third factor that determines whether or not a Great Dane will shed is the amount of time they spend outdoors.
Consequently, Great Danes who spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun and fresh air will shed less than those who spend most of their time indoors. In other words, when dogs lack vitamins from the sun, their hair will fall out.
If you find your home covered in Great Dane slobber and pet dog hair, you’ve come to the right spot. Next, let’s discuss other contributing factors as to what Great Dane owners may need to know about loose hair and their furry friend.
Dog Brushes and Grooming Tools: What is the best brush?
Unlike other items, there are so many brushes for Great Danes. There are ones with natural bristles, stainless steel bristles, bristle brush, a curry comb, or a slicker brush. It is overwhelming to determine what are the best brushes for Great Danes.
The truth is when Great Danes shed it is crucial to find a dog brush that works for all sensitive skin, short haired dogs, and eliminates loose hairs. We put the brushes to the test for Great Dane shedding. Next, we will discuss the slicker brush, rubber brushes, a popular JW Pet Bristle Brush, a Pin Brush, and what makes the best brush for your Great Dane dog.
The Furminator curry comb is great for removing dust and loose hair from your Great Danes coat. Because the brush has molded rubber teeth that stimulate natural oil production to promote healthy coats, it will feel secure in hand as well be comfortable on their skin.
This Furminator brush follows the natural contours of your pet’s head and body while it helps remove mats, tangles or loose hair. It features two brushes: one that works best on long-coated dogs with pins made from nylon bristles for tough messes; another side contains medium length furs.
This one is appropriate to use on a Great Danes short hair in most cases. The rubber brush bristles are soft enough not harm delicate skin but still provide leverage when removing dirt and loose hairs.
Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves collect loose fur and hair from your pet, for an easy grooming experience. Some find the hand glove easier to use than rubber brushes.
The soft rubber tips cover the palms of both hands in order to gently undo tangles while lifting dirt away.
They’re suitable regardless if you have long coats or short ones! Every purchase comes with one glove per hand. Mr. Peanuts Hand Gloves are one of our favorites. It is on our list for best dog brushes for Great Danes short hair.
The JW Pet Brush is a fantastic tool to have in your Great Dane dog brush arsenal. In fact, it is very durable and has an ergonomic design that prevents slipping. Also, the bristles on this brush are soft enough to not damage their delicate short coat. However, the bristles are firm enough to keep hair smooth while removing dead hair/clumping dirt particles during daily grooming sessions. As a result, it works great for short hair like a Great Danes. However, this brush is not suitable for a double coat.
Next, The Slicker Brush is perfect for use on all types of coats, from short to long.
Since it has fine wire bristles, it is great for Great Dane brushing on short haired dogs. For this reason it is great for use on sensitive skinned animals like horses or cats because the bristles are not too harsh! So if you have other dog breeds or animals, this may be an especially great option.
The De Shedding Brush Glove is a five finger design that has bristles on the fingers and round tips at palm of glove. This allows for versatility in removing dirt from short haired dogs along with removing their dead hair. It should be noted that it also keeps your hands clean from oils!
Best of all, many Great Danes also prefer the glove to remove loose hairs as it feels like a massage!
Does skin contribute to Great Dane excessive shedding?
While all dogs shed to some extent, some short haired dog’s are known for their excessive shedding. Unfortunately, Great Danes can be one of these breeds.
Many owners wonder if there is anything they can do to reduce the mess about the amount of hair their Great Danes shed.
Skin and Shedding Continued…
One factor that may contribute to Great Dane excessive shedding is the quality of the dog’s skin. Dry, flaky skin leads to excess shedding. This happens because the dead skin cells fall off with the hair. If your Great Dane’s skin appears dry or irritated, talk to your veterinarian about ways to improve skin health.
Medicated Shampoo
In some cases, simply increasing the frequency of baths or using a medicated shampoo can help to reduce shedding. In other cases, underlying health conditions cause the dryness and will need to be checked out by a veterinarian.
Does Diet Contribute to Short Haired Dogs Shedding?
Does Diet Contribute to Shedding?
Next, diet may contribute to excessive shedding in short haired dogs. Undoubtedly, dogs that are not getting enough nutrients in their diet shed more than those that are well-nourished. In particular, omega-fatty acids have been shown to play a role in healthy skin and coat.
Below are a few of our favorite items for a Great Dane dog’s coat:
Fish Oil
UsingFish Oil: One of the best ways to provide your dog with omega-fatty acids is through fish oil. Fish oil supplements come in liquid or capsule form and go on top of your dog’s food.
Oatmeal Shampoo: Oatmeal shampoo can be beneficial for dogs with dry skin. Look for a shampoo that contains oatmeal as one of the first few ingredients. You can also make your own Oatmeal Shampoo by following this recipe by the AKC.
Recipe for Oatmeal Shampoo:
You will need the following ingredients: 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal, 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1 quart of warm water.
The Purpose of Oatmeal Shampoo Baths
This oatmeal dog shampoo is perfect for shedding Great Danes. Best of all, it will hydrate and nourish your pup’s fur while cleaning him thoroughly, so he can be happy in no time! You will use some oats (ground up into flour), baking soda and warm water. Then, follow these instructions to make the most amazing smelling self-care product ever: Homemade Oatmeal Shampoo.
Using Conditioner
Conditioner: Conditioner can help to add moisture to the skin and coat and reduce shedding. Use a conditioner that is for dogs. Avoid any meant for human use.
As you know, a healthy coat is essential for any dog, but it is especially important for Great Danes. In order to keep their coats healthy, Great Danes need regular brushing and bathing. Since brushing helps to remove dead hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat, it is a must!
Air Drying Your Great Dane
It is important to note, the best time to brush is after the dog has been bathed and allowed to air dry. Also, bathing should be done only when necessary, as over-washing can strip away natural oils and leave the skin feeling dry and irritated. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your Great Dane’s skin healthy.
Natural oils and Loose Hair
Dogs are infamous for their loose hair, and Great Danes are no exception. In fact, the loose hair of a Great Dane can be a real nuisance, particularly when it comes to brushing and grooming.
Is Loose Hair a Positive?
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the loose hair serves an important purpose: it helps to protect the dog’s skin from drying out.
Since the oils in a Great Dane’s coat help to keep the hair in place, and the loose hair helps to trap those oils, keeping the skin healthy and hydrated is crucial. Without the loose hair, the dog’s skin would be much more susceptible to dryness and irritation. So while it may be annoying to deal with, the loose hair is actually a good thing!
Dry skin
Dry skin is a common problem for many dog owners, but it can be especially troublesome for those with short-haired breeds. Great Danes are particularly prone to dry skin, due to their large size and lack of protective fur. The best way to combat dry skin in Great Danes is to increase the amount of fatty acids in their diet. Fatty acids help to moisturize the skin and promote healthy cell growth.
They can be found in certain foods, such as fish and flaxseed oil, or they can be taken as supplements. In addition, regular baths with a mild shampoo can help to hydrate the skin and remove any dead cells or dirt that could be exacerbating the problem.
Can you Reduce Great Danes Shedding?
First, as anyone who has ever owned a Great Dane knows, these gentle giants are notorious shedders. To begin, their thick coats can seem to produce an endless supply of hair, which can quickly become a nuisance.
Tips to Reduce Shedding:
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce Great Dane shedding.
Regular Baths
First, be sure to give them regular baths and brush them with a sturdy dog brush designed for Great Danes. This will help to remove any loose hair and reduce the amount of hair they shed on a daily basis.
High Quality Food
Second, feed them a high-quality dog food that is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. This type of food helps to promote a healthy coat, which in turn will lead to less shedding.
Frequent Brushing
Finally, make sure to brush your Great Dane regularly. As you know with short haired dogs, regular brushing helps to remove any loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout their coat.
By following these simple tips, you can help reduce Great Dane shedding and keep your home looking clean and tidy.
How often should you brush your Great Danes?
Any pet owner knows that shed hair is simply a fact of life. But for those with Great Danes, dealing with shed hair can be especially challenging. Great Dane’s can be prone to skin irritation, which often means more hair. Great Danes thick coats quickly fill up a brush. As a result, many Great Dane owners find themselves wondering how often they should be brushing their dog.
The Answer
The answer, of course, depends on a number of factors. For instance, if your dog is shedding more than usual, you may need to brush them more frequently. On the other hand, if they’re shed less hair than normal, you can get away with brushing them less often. In general, however, it’s best to brush your Great Dane at least once a week.
Getting a good brush can help to eliminate dead hairs and help their short hair stay healthy. If your Great Dane sheds, know that other dog breeds do as well.
Short Haired Dog vs. Long Haired Dogs
Deciding between a short haired dog and a long haired dog is no easy task. Both types of dog breeds have their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. For instance, double-coated breeds are known for being higher-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
Allergy Sufferers
Additionally, these same dogs can shed massive amounts of fur, which can be a problem for allergy sufferers. The best dog brushes for Great Dane’s fur is going to be different than for those with long hair or a double coat.
Differences in Brush Styles Based on Need
Also, long haired dogs like the Shih Tzu require high quality brushes and regular grooming sessions to prevent mats and tangles from forming. However, these same dogs often don’t shed as much as their double-coated counterparts.
Ultimately, the best type of dog for you will depend on your own capacity to handle pet’s fur, and if your dog will be brushed regularly. in the end, all breeds whether they are dogs with double coats / thick coat, massive dogs / Great Danes, or other short haired breeds, they are going to shed to an extent.
In conclusion:
The short answer is, yes Great Danes do shed. But with the proper care and grooming, you can help reduce the amount of hair they shed on a daily basis. By following these simple tips, you can keep your home clean and tidy, and your Great Dane happy and healthy.
What is your opinion?
Do you have any tips for reducing Great Dane shedding? Share them in the comments below!
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Great Danes, be sure to check out our other blog posts. We cover a wide range of topics, from training and exercise tips, to breed history and interesting facts.
Happy tails!
Do you have any tips for reducing Great Dane shedding?
Looking for a Great Dane feeding chart with some awesome food information? Curious about the best foods for Great Danes, and what dog food to raise your Dane puppy on?
This is the ULTIMATE everything you need to know about feeding Great Danes blog post. We’re going to cover the following topics:
The best food for Great Dane Puppies
Whether adult food or puppy food is best for Great Dane puppies
How to choose food for Great Danes
How to prevent knuckling and other orthopedic disorders
Why nutrition is SO important for Great Danes, especially those under the age of 2!
PRO TIP: This post is huge. Use the table of contents to navigate.
Let’s dig in!
Why is Nutrition SO Important for Great Danes?
Great Danes are a giant breed dog that has sensitive needs when it comes to their bone, joint, muscle, brain, and heart health.
These are not dogs who can survive well on unbalanced or poorly formulated dog foods. As puppies, rapid growth demands exact amounts of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and zinc.
Many orthopedic growth disorders in Great Danes are a result of feeding too much calcium, or feeding too much food overall. The results are devastating and may not be apparent until the dog is older and suffering with their mobility and health.
Researchers have theorized that too much or too little calcium fed to large & giant breed puppies may contribute to increasing their risk for diseases such as brittle bones, Wobblers and Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) as adults.
Choosing food for a Great Dane puppy is important, but it’s also very simple when you learn what to look for and how to look past common dog food marketing tactics.
Great Dane Puppy Food & Nutrition
Great Dane Puppies are massive dogs that need a specific diet to ensure they grow at a healthy rate. As mentioned above, Giant breeds are not like other dogs, it’s important to know how to choose the right food.
Before we dig in, it’s important to understand that excess calcium and overfeeding are #1 culprits behind a range of orthopedic growth problems seen in Great Dane puppies.
Because giant breed puppies grow so quickly, the wrong nutrition can be devastating and cause a lifetime of orthopedic problems.
We aren’t trying to scare you here, but this is important. Don’t worry, we’re going to share information with you below on what food to choose!
Here are some of the (often lifetime) health complications associated with feeding the wrong food to Great Dane Puppies:
When choosing food for a Great Dane puppy, we recommend the following guidelines:
Grain-inclusive
1.2% or less calcium
Phosphorus close behind
1.1 to 1 or 1.2 to 1 CA/PH ratio, no more than 1.3 : 1 if necessary
3.5g or less calcium per 1000kCal
Large or giant breed PUPPY formula OR an appropriately formulated All Life Stages type
AAFCO statement “Including the growth of large 70+ lb as adult dogs”
A healthy, correctly balanced diet can help prevent devastating orthopedic growth disorders (such as knuckling, panosteitis, HOD, or Dysplasia) and will help make sure that your Great Dane puppy is receiving the nutrition it needs to thrive.
To save you some time, here is our popular list of appropriate veterinary recommended Great Dane puppy foods.
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.
Should Great Dane Puppies Have Adult or Puppy Food?
You may have heard that Great Dane puppies should ONLY have adult food. This information is outdated and potentially dangerous (it’s 2023).
Great Dane puppies should be fed a well-formulated large or giant breed PUPPY or All Life Stages food that was designed specifically to support the slow, even growth of large and giant breed dogs.
That advice to feed adult foods is based on anecdotal evidence and is NOT supported by science.
Most top Great Dane breeders, Board-certified Veterinary Nutritionists, researchers from Cornell, Tufts, and CSU, and the solid majority of practicing veterinarians recommend feeding large or giant breed puppy food to giant breed puppies.
There are a handful of people who are still telling giant breed owners to feed low-protein adult foods. These people include dog owners, a few practicing veterinarians who have not done any continuing education on the topic, and some breeders (many of whom are actually unethical in their other practices, having skipped full OFA health testing or breeding dogs out of standard).
A few old school highly ethical preservation breeders still feed adult food, and this is understandable. They remember the days when we did NOT have safe options in puppy food, and trusting the new standard of practice is a huge leap of faith.
Why Should Great Dane Puppies Have Puppy Food?
Many adult dog foods lack the nutrition that Great Dane puppies need for muscle development, brain health, tendons, and bones.
Lacking this nutrition, puppies may actually eat too many calories and receive too much calcium, two things that are major risk factors for developmental skeletal disorders in giant breed dogs.
We believe that this is a major reason why we see so many teenaged Great Danes who are hopelessly lanky and boney, and many adult Danes who fall apart well before their time.
They are starved for nutrition to support their growth!
Dane puppies will overeat to compensate and then also suffer from chronic loose stools, which are a direct result of overeating. People blame the loose stools on chicken or grain allergies, not realizing that the solution is literally right in front of them.
Science and nutrition in dog food have changed drastically. “Adult food only” is tragically dated advice.
Keep in mind, however, that some puppy foods are DANGEROUS for Great Dane puppies to eat. A traditional high-calorie, high-fat puppy food for smaller dogs is not appropriate.
What are the Top Foods for a Great Dane Puppy?
The brand of food you choose matters here, though.
Many brands do NOT have qualified people formulating their foods. They do not participate in research, feeding trials, or truly comprehensive quality control testing. As a result, their puppy formulas may not be reliably correct to support slow growth.
A lot of brands are manufactured in facilities that the company doesn’t even own, spit out from machines that made a different brand the day before.
This is why you will not find brands such as Victor, Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo, Diamond, Fromm, Orijen, Earthborn, Whole Hearted, Health Extension, Annamaet, or 4Health on our list. None of them can check every single box when it comes to ethics and dedication to formulation, research, and manufacturing.
The food MUST be correctly balanced as follows:
Formulated by an on-staff veterinary nutritionist or somebody with a PhD in Animal Nutrition
Has meat meals or meat by-product meals within the first ingredients (will result in a higher meat content than ‘fresh deboned meat’
Amino acids correctly balanced and bioavailable, ideally from meat based sources
Balanced calcium and phosphorus ratios (IMPORTANT!)
Balanced protein, fat, and carbohydrate levels
Correct amount of vitamin D, Zinc, and other important nutrients
Includes grains such as wheat, oats, rice, or corn
Ideally manufactured in owned facilities
Formula should have ideally undergone feeding trials and lab testing
To best fit those needs, we recommend a large or giant breed PUPPY food from Pro Plan, Eukanuba, Hill’s, or Royal Canin (the only brands that spend millions of dollars each year investing in feeding trials, board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and peer-reviewed research).
You can use the search tool at the Giant Dog Food Projectas well, to compare brands head to head.
If you have any questions about what kind of dog food is best for your Great Dane Puppy to eat, read our blog post HERE or continue below (we’ve included recommendations for our favorites):
Most Dane pups will need to eat between 3 and 12 cups of large breed puppy food each day. The actual amount depends on their activity level and the food you choose! We outline more of this below.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is a non-profit organization that provides common-sense recommendations. WSAVA does not endorse or recommend any specific brand of food, and their scientific efforts go far beyond nutrition into every aspect of small animal health.
Any food brand can donate to and support the WSAVA, however, only a few do.
Surprisingly, many kibble manufacturers do not meet thefollowing common-sense guidelines:
The company employs a DACVN/board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist or PhD in Animal Nutrition, and that person is there to formulate and test the diets.
They utilize AAFCO feeding trials to prove their formulation, especially the one you want to feed, in real life (not just on paper).
The company participates in scientific research and contributes to common peer-reviewed studies.
They own and operate their own facilities (no co-packing) and have strict supply chain protocols, sourcing ethics, sourcing protocols and quality control.
The food has a nutrition adequacy statement from AAFCO, ideally indicating that the food was substantiated in feeding trails.
Call your food company and ask these questions. Look past their marketing department and get real answers from them about their practices.
Tread cautiously with the places you receive nutrition information from. Many dog owners, influencers and “pet nutritionists” are spreading dangerous misinformation.
For more helpful information about canine nutrition and manufacturer practices, search for your brand at the Pet Nutrition Alliance! They’ve established a database that answers important and relevant questions for each company that you might choose from.
You can also visit the Tufts University Petfoodology Blog for information about corn, by-products, DCM, and other nutrition-related topics.
Pet Vet Corner on Facebook has a fantastic nutrition file (search for the group and join).
When your Great Dane is 18-24 months old, it’s time to transition to an adult formula. Ideally, the transition should happen no sooner than 24 months but can happen after 18 months if early spay/neuter was elected.
Remember, puppy foods are higher in calories, fat, and protein and may be too rich for mature adult dogs or those that have been spayed/neutered. Great Danes are not fully mature until age 2.5-3 years.
Click below to see our favorite adult foods for Great Danes:
Most quality Great Dane food will indicate a rough estimate based on age or weight, which is a good baseline for determining how much food daily will be required.
Your Great Dane puppy is going to eat a lot of food! New Great Dane owners may be alarmed at the intake but shouldn’t be.
It’s important to note, however, that orthopedic growth disorders can be triggered by overfeeding, even if the food is correctly balanced! Monitor your dog’s intake and don’t let them gorge on food.
Lean is best! It is normal to see some ribs on Great Dane puppies.
While it’s true that too much kibble can actually cause a Great Dane puppy to experience gastrointestinal distress (and loose stools), too little kibble can hamper energy as well as good muscle and bone development.
Healthy Body Condition in Great Dane Puppies
It is normal for Great Dane puppies to have a little rib showing!
As long as they are bright, active, curious, and energetic, they are doing great.A Great Dane Puppy should never be overfed to encourage fast and explosive growth!
Too much nutrition, overfeeding, and too many calories can lead to knuckling, HOD, Panosteitis, and poor overall structure, no matter what formula or food brand you choose.
When looking at a Great Dane feeding chart to determine roughly how much to offer your 12-week-old Great Dane puppy, it’s important to remember that the information is simply a guideline. Good feeding practices involve intuition and close monitoring!
If you have any questions about how much food to feed your Great Dane puppy, please consult your veterinarian, read the feeding chart on your kibble bag, and reference our Great Dane feeding chart below.
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.
How to Feed a Great Dane Puppy
When it comes to Great Dane puppies, how you feed them is just as important as what you feed them.
Puppies have small stomachs and need to eat several small meals throughout the day, rather than one large meal. They will also need frequent potty breaks as their digestive systems are still very immature.
We recommend that your Great Dane eats from a using stainless steel bowl. These are easy to sanitize and can help prevent puppy acne!
Frequent smaller meals can help prevent bloat, a potentially deadly condition that can occur in large and giant breeds.
To avoid creating a ‘picky eater’, do not start adding toppers as a form of bribery!
For puppies under 3-5 months of age, we recommend a loose free feeding schedule where you put food down 3x/day but leave in the bowl what they don’t finish, so they can graze. Don’t overfeed.
After 5 months of age, offer food 3x/day and pick the bowl up. Pup will learn to finish what is offered.
Around 7-10 months of age, many Danes need less food. People sometimes believe this means their dog has become picky. That’s not true! Just feed less.
Using Kibble for Training
Another way to feed your Great Dane is to offer their pre-rationed kibble and healthy balanced toppers as training treats!
Keep them in a treat pouch (this is our favorite one) and use them throughout the day to reward your dog for doing things that you like.
Engaging with you, sitting, laying down, and coming when called are great ways to encourage positive behaviors!
Resting before & after meals has never been shown to prevent bloat. As a matter of fact, most dogs who experience bloat do so while resting and on an empty stomach. It’s ok for your puppy to have training rewards while playing with you!
Science in Dog Food
After years of diligent research, I’ve personally come to realize that the answer to dog food had been in front of me all along.
The unfortunate truth is that many dog food brands are spending more money on marketing than they are on formulating their foods, researching how nutrition affects the body, and contributing to peer-reviewed science that addresses giant breed growth, cancer, wobblers, heart disease, and more.
That marketing is designed to mislead us. For example, ingredient splitting is a common practice of certain brands. Ingredient splitting is completely legal and can make dog food look like an organic meat feast when the truth is that it’s nothing more than meat-flavored peas.
Fresh deboned meats, for example, are roughly 70% water. Pair that with ingredient splitting and a formulation that came from a computer (not a veterinary nutritionist), and well…you’re often paying a premium price for fancy marketing.
You may be inclined to think that the ‘holistic’, ‘super premium’, ‘human grade’ choice at the pet store is the healthier option. Keep in mind that those are unregulated marketing terms with no legal definition.
You may be ‘grossed out’ by things such as ‘by-product meal’ or ‘meat meal’, but those ingredients are actually more nutritious and more species appropriate than deboned meat!
Many Great Dane owners rely on kibble brands from companies such as Fromm, Zignature, Nutro, Victor, Nulo, 4Health, Farmina, Solid Gold, Taste of the Wild, Life’s Abundance, Earthborn, Honest Kitchen, Canine Caviar, Acana, Orijen, Gentle Giants, Diamond Natural’s and Costco/Kirklands.
Search for your brand at the Pet Nutrition Alliance. See how they stack up against other brands that were asked a few simple questions. If they didn’t answer or refused to answer, find a different brand.
The brands we’ve listed in the paragraph above are NOT formulated by on-staff veterinary nutritionists, and we don’t recommend a single one of them.
Fromm is formulated by a chemical engineer.
Victor is formulated by a guy with a science degree and simple online certificate in ‘nutrition’.
Diamond (which makes Diamond, Costco, 4Health, Taste of the Wild, Nutra Nuggets, and others) is a giant co-packing company. They use a single off-site, marginally qualified consultant and a ‘proprietary formulation technology’ (a computer program or spreadsheet).
Midwestern pet foods (which makes Earthborn, Sportmix, Unrefined, Venture, and Wholesomes) is another giant company with no Veterinary Nutritionist on staff (not to mention repeated issues with aflatoxins and salmonella).
Unrefined is an excellent example of a ‘premium’ label that uses a lot of fancy marketing words and makes you think it’s a small, family-owned healthy option. It’s formulated, packed, and shipped along side several other Midwestern Pet Foods brands, each targeting different demographics.
These are huge companies, selling their products as ‘premium’, at a premium price point, and not a single bag of it is backed by legitimate feeding trials or peer reviewed research.
Identity Pet Foods ‘Understanding DCM’ (I don’t love that this small, upstart brand is anti-kibble, uses a co-packer, has no feeding trials, does not provide AAFCO statements, and does not staff a veterinary nutritionist as of 2022, but I do love what they are trying to do as a whole and this DCM article is ON POINT!)
Kibble Brands to Avoid
While there are many brands to avoid, these brands are absolutely on the ‘do not fly’ list. We’ve reviewed some of them below for your convenience.
Any food that is ‘vegan’, ‘plant based’ or ‘cricket based’ (NEW EXCEPTION: ROOT LAB may be acceptable)
Any food with 2 or more types or forms of PEAS, LENTILS, or LEGUMES listed in the ingredients. For example peas, dried peas, pea protein, pea fiber, pea flour, split peas, yellow peas, green peas, lentils, whole lentils, lentil fiber, etc.)
Any food that has a lot of peas, potatoes, legumes, garbanzo beans, beans, sweet potatoes, or chickpeas in general
Any one of the 300-400 new boutique food brands in the U.S. each year
What about Dog Food Advisor?
Many people turn to the ‘Dog Food Advisor’ blog to make decisions about what food to feed.
While that blog provides some interesting analysis about certain kibbles, it’s important to note that the blog is run by a dentist…NOT a Veterinarian or a Canine Nutritionist with any kind of legitimate, commonly accepted credentials. The blog is extremely profitable, as it is littered with affiliate links to purchase foods.
The rating system is made up, and has been changed to match current trends.
If you don’t trust your veterinarian because they are “not a nutritionist”, why are you trusting pet store employees, dog owners, the Dog Food Advisor, influencers, and people who obtained easy pay-for-purchase ‘pet nutritionist’ certificates on the internet?
If you are looking for a nutrition blog that uses science and actual research, not marketing and theories, visit PETFOODOLOGY! It’s run by Tufts University and has many helpful topics.
At Hello Danes, we follow, promote, and share the advice given by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Adult Great Dane Dog Food
Adult Great Danes still require dedication to their nutrition.
As an adult, your Great Dane will need a quality dog food that is rich in animal protein to maintain lean muscle mass.
The most appropriate meats that you want to see in the dry dog food you choose include meat meals and meat by-product meals. We recommend chicken, salmon, or beef.
Chicken allergies are wildly over-diagnosed by dog owners. Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes are NOT sensitive to chicken!
They are, however, sensitive to poor quality diets, environmental factors, overfeeding, and issues related to gut health that are resolved through other means.
Avoid lamb (it’s incredibly difficult for dog food manufacturers to work with, and may cause nutrient deficiencies) and exotic meats such as bison, cod, quail, kangaroo, or yak. Exotic meats are not well researched for small companion animals.
Meat meals of any type (including by-product meals) include a rendered form of whole prey. That means that the ingredient includes things such as meat, tissue, cartilage, bone, and organ.
While this may sound gross to you, these things are loved in parts of the world that don’t waste any part of an animal after slaughter. They are also the same things that make up a correctly balanced bowl of raw dog food: necks, feet, guts, skin, and fat.
Raw feeders know that dogs need and want by-products in their diet! They go straight for the organs, will crunch up the bones and love to chew up feet, necks and yes, eyeballs.
Choose a kibble formulated with your dog in mind, not your personal taste.
Transition to a comparable adult formula between 18-24 months.
Fiber, fresh foods, and canned foods have been shown in studies to reduce bloat risk!
The safest topper you can add to your dog’s food is a canned version of their kibble. This has been shown to reduce bloat risk, will be correctly balanced, is tasty, provides hydration, and will be free of salmonella and e.coli.
When offering puppies canned food, make sure you are choosing the large breed puppy version.
We love Olewo’ Carrots (rehydrated) which are great for your dog’s stomach and overall gut health. 1 TBSP of dried Olewo Carrots will make over a half cup of fresh carrots to mix in with the kibble you feed your Great Dane.
Olewo Carrots work BETTER than pumpkin and are easier to store, too!
We also like Dr. Harvey’s for easy, healthy fiber & fresh food toppers!
While some of these are technically made to be served as a whole meal with raw meat, they actually make a great ‘topper’ (less than 4-10% of all intake) for kibble and well-balanced raw diets.
Rehydrate a scoop or two of this with water! Dogs love it and the bag lasts a long time, too.
Can Great Danes have Grain-Free Food?
Grain-inclusive kibble formulas are best for Great Dane, as they are less likely to be filled with peas, potatoes, legumes, and pea protein that can throw off the balance of important amino acids.
These amino acids, including taurine, are necessary for heart health. Many grain-free food options are nothing more than meat-flavored peas.
Many dogs have been diagnosed with DCM (heart failure) caused by grain-free foods and foods of all types that were not formulated by veterinary nutritionists.
We recommend the addition of fish oil and Dasaquin or Green Lipped mussel, especially if your kibble food does not include these supplements in the ingredients list.
A quality science-backed food with meat meal or meat by-product meal (such as Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult) will contain joint support!
Big dogs benefit from the addition of these, and probiotics for their health.
Home-cooked diets are rarely healthy and can be exceedingly difficult to get right.
Balance It is a great website for determining if you are formulating your home-cooked diet for your Great Dane correctly. Test your recipe over there!
We haven’t found a dog food recipe on Pinterest yet that was balanced correctly.
You’ll likely find that the very common homemade Great Dane food diet consisting of ground meat, rice, and veggies is horribly deficient. Even recipes created by influencers and veterinarians (such as the famous ‘pup loaf’ by holistic influencer Judy Morgan) is dangerous.
I plugged Dr. Judy Morgan’s pup loaf recipe into Balance It, and the system could NOT resolve the recipe as-is (meaning, it’s unbalanced). It also indicated that the recipe could result in dangerous levels of vitamin D!
What your Great Dane eats will affect their health, and unfortunately, most home cooks have little to no credible background in canine nutrition!
An unbalanced home-cooked diet may be missing key nutrients, proteins, and amino acids that are necessary for a long and robust life.
Great Dane dogs are particularly susceptible to health issues of the heart and bones; an incorrectly formulated home-cooked diet for a Great Dane can be exceptionally dangerous.
Many veterinarians say that brittle bones are a very common complication associated with clients who make their dogs food at home.
One study found that nearly all of the 200 recipes they tested had nutrient deficiencies. (READ THAT STUDY HERE).
That’s not to say that it cannot be done! As a matter of fact, with the help of a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist and the website listed above (Balance It) you can take full control over what your dog eats.
If you want to offer food that is similar to a home-cooked diet, we recommend looking into Just Food For Dogs.
This fresh food option for Great Danes is a professionally formulated alternative to DIY. The jury is out on if it fully and truly meets the WSAVA guidelines above. However, it is a tested food with a respectable staff of formulators behind it.
There is nothing wrong with kibble. Don’t feel pressured or guilted into spending large amounts of money on ‘fresh’ or ‘holistic’ options.
Just Food For Dogs can be used as the entire diet, or as an outstanding fresh-food topper that dogs LOVE. It is VERY expensive.
For young dogs, we recommend the chicken and white rice or fish and sweet potato flavor only. As of this writing, they are the only ones formulated correctly for the growth of large or giant breed dogs.
Free Feeding Great Danes
Many pet lovers who offer kibble wish to free-feed their Great Danes.
Contrary to popular belief, resting after meals is not a reliable preventative for bloat in Great Danes! That’s great news for people who do not mind when their Great Danes eat and would prefer allowing them to graze.
The only difference is that instead of scheduling meals, you will offer food around meal times and leave the bowl down for your dog to graze.
Free-feeding can result in obesity. Talk to your veterinarian.
We recommend feeding 2-3 meals/day.
How to Reduce Bloat Risk
Always encourage slow eating! Fast eating, scarfing, gulping, and guarding are key predictors of bloat risk.
As a matter of fact, we believe that slow eating is a much more reliable way to reduce bloat risk in giant breed dogs than large, quickly-eaten meals followed by rest.
Studies show that bloat most often happens 2-3 hours after meals and often while resting or in the middle of the night!
Stop stressing every time your Dane eats food! Bloat is related to genetics: pedigree, temperament & gut health.
Our Great Dane feeding chart (below) still applies when choosing to free feed a Great Dane. Adult food requirements will be different than they will be for a 12 or even 18 week old Great Dane.
Resource Guarding & Picky Eaters
One important thing to note when choosing a free Great Dane feeding ‘schedule’ is that it will be inappropriate for some dogs. Great Danes that scarf food, guard food, stress about food, nitpick food, or obsess about it will require diligent training and management.
For those dogs, we recommend 2-3 meals each day, fed in a stress-free environment, and offered in a slow feeder bowl or food puzzle to manage intake and reduce scarfing (which can increase bloat risk and contribute to an unfortunately short life span).
Picky eaters benefit from scheduled mealtimes, not more enticing toppers or yet another change to the food offered!
Many pet parents are unsure of how much to feed a Great Dane or their Great Dane puppy. The condition of your Great Dane is the best indicator of how much food you should (or should not) be feeding.
If your Great Dane or Great Dane puppy is at a healthy weight, you are likely feeding the appropriate amount. Adult Great Danes should be on large or giant breed adult or senior formula.
Use the food chart as your guide.
You can see roughly how much to feed your Great Dane by looking at the back of your bag of dog food. As above, a Great Dane puppy may need to eat more than an adult Great Dane.
If your dog is overweight or obese, you will need to reduce your dog’s food intake and make sure they don’t get too many calories from their food, wet food, treats, or toppers.
If your dog is underweight, you may need to add more food and closely monitor food intake.
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.
The easiest way to check your dog’s body condition is to use the Body Condition Score. This nine-point system is based on how easily you can feel your dog’s ribs and whether or not there is an obvious waist.
For the Great Dane breed, you want to see a defined waist, a tuck in the abdomen, and good muscle development. Great Dane dogs should be lean and fit, never heavy or slow.
In general, a female Great Dane will be smaller, and a male Great Dane will have more substance. ‘Euro’ is a marketing term and not actually a reason for a dog to be heavy, chunk or overweight.
If you are unsure of your dog’s body condition, please consult your veterinarian.
An Underweight Great Dane
A Healthy Weight Great Dane
An Overweight Great Dane
What if my Great Dane is Picky?
If your Great Dane or Great Dane puppy is turning their nose up at food, always address medical reasons first.
Most ‘picky’ dogs have either had enough and don’t actually need more kibble, or they have trained you to offer them different foods (they know you’ll give in)!
Remember, any Great Dane feeding chart that you find is a loose guideline, not a hard recommendation. If you really feel that your Great Dane is not eating enough, you must first start with a veterinary visit to rule out health problems.
You can also try enticing toppers such as raw egg, bone broth, Dr. Harvey’s (rehydrated), or canned foods; however, tread cautiously!
Bribing your dog to eat is a rabbit hole that you may not want to go down. Dogs will work for their food (training) and will not let themselves starve.
Giant breed puppies have big appetites and can eat up to 12 cups of food per day!
The cost of feeding a giant breed puppy will depend on the quality of food you choose and the size of your puppy.
On average, you can expect to spend $50-$100 per month on food for your giant breed puppy.
We also recommend supplements that can benefit the joints, increase gut health and reduce bloat risk.
Our favorite supplements for Great Dane owners to consider include:
Great Dane Feeding Chart
We recommend using this Great Dane Feeding Chart as a guide:
Fast-growing 12-week old Great Dane pups may actually eat more than adult Great Danes!
Because they tend to grow larger, a male Great Dane may also need more food than a female Great Dane. Great Danes in general have more complex nutritional needs than other breeds!
When considering exactly how much to feed a Great Dane, we recommend starting with the feeding chart on the back of the bag.
FEEDING GUIDELINES FOR GREAT DANES
This chart assumes you are feeding a quality kibble. Every kibble is different and some have more nutrition per cup than others. Some puppies receive more exercise or have a higher metabolism than others, too.
Remember that adding a lot of treats or toppers will change these ratios! These feeding guidelines are based on Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Formulas. Other kibbles and fresh foods may be different, and raw feeding will be by weight, not volume.
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.
Great Danes age 18-24 months +: switch to an adult formula and closely monitor body condition, especially after spay/neuter. We’ve linked to an important blog post on this topic below.
Does your Great Dane eat a lot? Leave a comment below! We’d love to know more about your Dane pup and the experience you’ve had with dog food.
We hope this Great Dane feeding chart has been helpful in determining how to best feed your pooch. As always, if you have any questions please consult your veterinarian.
Do you want to learn about the best toys for Great Danes? If you have a Great Dane, you know that they need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. In this blog post, we will discuss the best overall toys that will keep your pup entertained and help them stay fit!
Why are Danes big breeds? The Dane breed, along with the Mastiff, was originally developed for hunting wild boar. The “Pollo of Dogs” is regarded in some circles as the chillest and tallest (and we think best overall 😉 dog in the world and is known for its imposing appearance and imposing size.
The muscle builds of Great Danes have something that makes them attractive to many!
Great Danes are very energy tolerant and need walks and play. How many walks and activities he needs daily depends upon the exact temperament of your Great Dane.
Every Great Dane is very different. Great Danes playing.
Although Danes are relaxed, they thrive on exercise and play. Your adult Great Dane may need about 30 to 45 minutes of physical fitness daily, or significantly more.
Is your Great Dane struggling to walk on leash? We can help!
Do Great Danes Enjoy Toys?
Dog toys are designed to provide your dog with hours of fun and enrichment. But do Great Danes really enjoy playing with toys?
The answer may surprise you.
Great Danes are one of the best dog breeds when it comes to playing with toys. Not only do they love chew toys, but they also enjoy tugging games.
In fact, many Great Dane owners say that their dogs’ favorite activity is playing with their toys.
So if you’re looking for a dog breed that will enjoy playing with toys, a Great Dane is a great choice.
Personally, my Great Dane loves to play with her favorite toys including slobbery balls, tree branches, and treat dispensing engagement activities!
How to Keep My Great Dane Entertained?
Now that you know that Great Danes love playing with toys, how do you keep your Dane entertained?
One way is to provide them with a variety of different types of toys. It is also extremely beneficial to provide your pooch with things they ARE allowed to chew on like treats and chews.
Otherwise, your puppy can get destructive, and you may misinterpret that behavior for aggression. One good example is bully sticks which are long lasting for even aggressive chewers.
We love these Bully Bones which are a safe alternative to rawhide if you’ve got a big chewer:
This will keep them interested and engaged in playtime. Another way is to make sure that you play with your dog regularly.
Playing with regular puzzles, providing mental stimulation and allowing brain work along with exercise are great ways to get your Dane moving and having fun.
And finally, make sure that you provide plenty of opportunities for them to exercise. A tired Dane is a happy Dane!
What to Look For in Toys for Great Danes:
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
Although their personalities are well known for being kind to others, it is not surprising for the Danes to be hard on toys. When selecting the best dog toys you need one that is durable and fun.
Great Danes are one of the biggest breeds of dogs, and they love to play – especially with their toys. But what should you look for when choosing the best toys for your Great Dane?
Great Danes are Big Dogs
First, it’s important to choose toys that are larger than average, as Great Danes are much bigger than most other dog breeds. Second, look for toys that are durable and can stand up to rough play, as Great Danes tend to play rough.
And finally, if you have a puppy, look for toys that are specifically designed for puppies – they’ll be smaller and more manageable for your little one. With these things in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect toys for your Great Dane.
Large Toys are the Best Dog Toys for your Great Dane:
Great Danes are gentle giants, and as such, they need dane-friendly toys that can withstand their size and strength. Great Dane toys will be large, just like them!
Small Toys: Small toys are too small for Great Danes and can pose a choking hazard; therefore, it is essential to pick the toy that is the right size. Small sized items will not be the best toys for Great Danes.
Large Toys: Large toys are the best dog toys for Great Danes because they can safely play with them without risking injury. With large toys, you don’t risk them ingesting the toy or getting an obstruction. Look for large toys for Great Danes that will fit their bodies and mouths.
Toys that Encourage Your Great Dane to Stay Active
Secondly, Great Danes have a lot of energy and need to burn off excess energy through exercise. Not all big dogs are couch potatoes!
Therefore, large toys that require them to use their limbs and minds are ideal. Not every single dog toy has to be a traditional ball or game of fetch, either. A great example might be a chew toy, which is great for dog’s teeth and keeps them busy / active at the same time.
The best toys for Great Danes are those that help them stay active and also keep them doing low-impact activities for their joints.
Socialization Toys for Great Danes
Getting your giant dog moving with the perfect toy is easier than you think! Likewise, Great Danes are social creatures and love to play with other dogs and humans.
Since your Great Dane puppy loves to move and play, make sure their new toy encourages activity. Some of the most fun toys for Great Danes are ones that you can play with them! Therefore, large toys that they can share with their canine companions are ideal.
Soccer Ball Toys for Great Danes
For example, soccer balls often are a Great Dane’s favorite toy. Make sure the toy soccer ball is not a soft plush one. Your Gentle Giant will not be so gentle with a fun game of using that plush toy as a chew toy!
Durability is of Utmost Importance with Toys for Great Danes
When it comes to picking toys for Great Danes, durability is important. Your Great Dane has sharp teeth that can quickly destroy soft toys. When picking out toys for Great Danes, choose tough ones that will not break easily.
Elk Antlers: Elk antlers are a good option for chew toys because they are resilient and long lasting. However, elk antlers are also very expensive. Other chew toys may not be as expensive, but also may not last as long for a Great Dane.
Shop Elk Antlers Here. These textured dog antler bones are strong and durable.
Rubber Chew Toys for Great Danes: Likewise, hard rubber chew toys are durable, but sometimes not as much fun for your dog to chew on as a soft plush toy or stuffed animals. It is so important for your pup’s mouth to have a variety of textures.
Rope toys for Great Danes: Rubber Toys are a good option for tug-of-war games that won’t impact their neck/back/spine, but are also easily destroyed if your dog is a chewer.
Fetch Toys for Great Danes: Although many dogs love to fetch, we do NOT recommend playing fetch as there have been studies done that fetch actually harms the joints of large dogs. Avoid any dog toys that may turn into a fetch toy. Not all toys need to be used for fetch. For example, a toy ball or tennis ball can be used as a chew toy instead of fetch toy.
Kong Toys for Great Danes:Kong toys are some of the most popular dog toys on the market. They are made from durable rubber and can be filled with treats or food to keep your dog entertained for hours. You can sit back and watch your Great Dane play while you get other things marked off your to do list!
Great Dane Puppies Need Different Toys than an Adult Great Dane
Great Dane puppies need different toys than an adult Great Dane. This is because they are in a different stage of development and have different needs.
Puppies are constantly growing and their teeth are changing. Toys for Great Danes will vary depending on the stage of life they are in.
Best Great Dane Toys for Puppies
Puppies need toys that are safe for their teeth and that will not fall apart easily. Canine teeth in puppies are sharp, but will fall out prematurely if they chew on the wrong dog toy.
The average dog toy may not be appropriate for your puppy Great Dane. You need an abundance of chew toys. However, also being cautious of your new dog’s teeth and dental health.
Adults, on the other hand, have fully developed teeth and can handle more durable toys.
They also tend to be less active than puppies, so they don’t need as many toys. Consider a treat dispensing toy or interactive toy for your older Great Dane.
Your older Great Dane’s teeth are grown in, so they do not need as many chew toys.
Rather, encourage mental enrichment with a dispensing dog toy, puzzle toy or hide and seek toy. These provide mental stimulation and help to satisfy their boredom.
Both Adult Great Dane and Puppy Great Dane Toys Have One Thing in Common:
All Great Danes benefit from having a few key toys, such as chew toys, squeaky toys, and Kongs. Your Great Dane of ALL ages will love to play with Great Dane toys. After all, dogs love to have fun and most dogs love having their very own dog toy.
Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!) Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)
Ultimately, you’ll need to decide what type of chew toy is the best dog toy for your Great Dane based on their chewing habits and your budget.
The 5 Best Great Dane Toys
1. Stuffed Toys
The Kong Cozies Plush Toy
The Kong Cozies Plush Toy: If you’re looking for some plush toys that will keep your Great Dane entertained, Kong Cozies are a great option.
These stuffed plush toys are made with a durable fabric that can withstand rough play, and they come in a variety of sizes to suit any dog.
They also have a built-in squeaker that will keep your pet entertained for hours.
However, Kong Cozies are not suitable for all dogs. Some may find the plush toys too flimsy to really enjoy playing with, and others may prefer more traditional stuffed toys. But if you’re looking for durable plush toys that your dog is sure to love, Kong Cozies are worth considering.
Snuggle Puppies are an amazing and convenient way to keep your pup calm if they have anxiety or fear of a crate. The Snuggle Puppy helps with separation anxiety because it has a heartbeat inside of it.
Many dog parents report that the sensation of a ‘mothers heartbeat’ helps calm their pup down. Just be careful if your dog is a shredder, as the ‘heart’ could be a choking hazard. However, when used appropriately, this toy can be a great help in raising a little one.
They come in adorable colors and you can even get one to match your new pup.
With their large size and powerful jaws, Great Danes can be tough on toys. That’s why it’s important to choose the best Great Dane toys that can withstand some abuse.
The Kong Classic Dog Toy is a popular choice for many pet parents because it’s made of durable rubber that can stand up to vigorous chewing.
Likewise, the Kong Classic Dog Toy can be stuffed with peanut butter or pureed fruit for a tasty treat.
Make sure to freeze the Kong before giving it to your Great Dane. Not only does it make a great dog toy, it also gives dog parents some free time while their Great Dane relaxes!
Farmhounds Rawhide Giant Beef Bone is a sun-dried, all-natural rawhide bone that’s perfect for your Great Dane.
It is not recommended by veterinary advice to give dogs rawhide with glue or chemicals.
However, the Farmhounds rawhide is completely safe as it has no chemicals OR glue. It’s long-lasting and provides hours of chewing fun.
Your pup will even eat less real wood sticks when they have this bone as a chew toy. Use this link for $20 off your purchase. Make sure to reach out to your veterinarian so that they can provide veterinary advice on unsafe use of store-purchased rawhide.
While all dogs are unique, Great Danes have some specific needs when it comes to toys.
They are large dogs with a lot of energy, so they need toys that can keep them entertained and engaged. Puzzle toys are a great option for Great Danes, as they can provide hours of fun and stimulation. Outward Hound’s Dog Puzzle is a great option for Great Danes.
It is made of durable materials and features a variety of shapes, colors, and textures to keep your dog interested.
If you’re looking for a great toy for your Great Dane, the Outward Hound Dog Puzzle is a great option to consider.
A few of our favorite Outward Hound Puzzles. (Blue/Orange Puzzle Here, Green/Teal Puzzle Here)
5. Planet Dog Snoops and Nooks Treat Dispensing Dog Toys
There are a lot of dog toys on the market, but not all of them are well-suited for Great Danes.
Some dog toys are simply too flimsy to stand up to the powerful jaws of a Great Dane, while others don’t offer enough of a challenge to keep these intelligent dogs entertained.
As you can see, whether it’s a tennis ball, plush toy, chew toy or puzzle toy, Great Danes love a good dog toy! The best toys for Great Danes is really in the eyes of the beholder: your unique and special Great Dane. Since you can’t ask your pooch which dog toy they think is the best Great Dane toy, we hope we did a great job of telling you which we like best!
Potty training a Great Dane puppy can seem daunting, but with these 11 simple steps, you’ll have your pup trained in no time! The most important thing to remember is to be consistent and patient.
Some puppies will take to potty training faster than others, so don’t get discouraged if your pup seems like it’s taking a little longer than expected. Just keep at it and soon enough they’ll be going outside like a pro!
1. Potty Training Great Dane Puppies Requires Establishing Routines
Great Dane potty training can be a bit tricky, however with these tips it will be a breeze! Great Dane’s are smart puppies but like all dogs, they should be taught where it is appropriate to go to the bathroom.
2. Regular Potty Breaks During Great Dane Potty Training
The first step in Great Dane potty training is establishing routines. Great Dane’s need to have regular potty breaks so that they know when it is time to go. Puppies usually need to go out every few hours, however as they get older they will be able to hold it for longer periods of time. During any and all Great Dane potty training days, use FREQUENT potty breaks to encourage your pup to use the bathroom. Remember that Great Dane potty training does not last forever!
3. Great Dane Potty Training Requires You to Figure Out a Schedule that Works Best
Additionally, it is important to remember that Great Danes are large dogs and will need more frequent potty breaks than smaller breeds. Altogether, establishing regular potty break routines is the first and most important step in potty training a Great Dane puppy.
Puppies typically pee RIGHT AWAY when they wake up in the morning. For that reason, you will want to be prepared to take them outside immediately when you/they wake up. During any and all days that you are working on Great Dane potty training, know that you may clean up accidents more so in the mornings.
As a rule of thumb for Great Dane potty training: your puppy will likely need to potty every hour per how many months old they are. So, if they are 8 weeks, they will need to potty every 2 hours (2 months).
4. Develop a Strong Crate Feeding Process During Great Dane Potty Training
Although the training process for a Great Dane puppy can be long and frustrating, crate training is a great place to start. Crate training helps puppies learn to control their bowels and bladders, as well as teaches them how to be calm in an environment where they may feel anxious. During the entire Great Dane potty training process, use the crate to encourage your puppy to stay dry and clean.
5. Develop a Strong Feeding Routine During Great Dane Potty Training
In order for crate training to be successful, it is important to develop a strong feeding process. Stop giving your puppies food late at night. It is my belief that puppies should always have access to fresh, clean water all the time. If your puppy is having a particularly hard time potty training overnight during the Great Dane potty training time, you can safely withhold water after dinner. Feeding in a safe crate will help form a designated area from a young age for your Great Dane to eat and sleep.
6. Feed at Consistent times and In the Same Spot During Potty Training
Most puppies will learn to hold their bladder for several hours if they are fed at consistent times throughout the day. Although food is the main motivator for most puppies, treats can also be used to reinforce good behavior. When training your puppy, make sure to feed them in their crate so that they associate the crate with positive experiences.
By developing positive training routines with your Great Dane surrounding the crate and meal-times, your Great Dane puppy will begin the potty training process on the right foot.
House training your Great Dane will take patience, praise, and plenty of routine. Anytime you take your Dane out of the house, be sure to put them on a leash. This will help keep them from running off and getting lost, as well as allowing you to better control when they stop to potty.
When they do indeed relieve themselves outside, be sure to lavish them with praise. This positive reinforcement will help them remember that going potty outside is the right thing to do. At bedtime, take your Dane out for one last potty break. This will help reduce the chances of them having an accident in their sleep. With a little time and patience, your Great Dane will be successfully house trained in no time.
7. Explore on Leash to Build Potty Training with your Great Dane
House training your Great Dane will take patience, praise, and plenty of routine.
Outdoor exploration with your new puppy should be full of play, pets and adventure. By spending more time outside, your Great Dane puppy is at less risk for pee accidents to happen in the wrong place. The less your Great Dane puppy has accidents in the house, the better!
7. How to Use Exploration to Get Your Great Dane Potty Trained
Great Dane puppies are full of life and adventure. They want to see the world and experience the fun. Take your dane for a walk as often as you can. Sit and watch as other dogs or people walk by! This exploration process can help your pup examine the world through their own eyes.
Stop frequently so that your pup can take frequent breaks to pee as needed. You will find that the more excited you are with their success, the more excited they will be!
Outdoor Safety While You Train a Great Dane
Anytime you take your Dane out of the house, be sure to put them on a leash. This will help keep them from running off and getting lost, as well as allowing you to better control when they stop to potty. When they do indeed relieve themselves outside, be sure to lavish them with excitement. This positive reinforcement will help them remember that going potty outside is the right thing to do.
8. Bedtime Routines When Trying to Potty Train
At bedtime, take your Dane out for one last potty break. This will help reduce the chances of them having an accident in their sleep. It takes time and patience, but with a little persistence your Great Dane will be successfully potty trained in no time!
Train a great dane, training, other breeds, dogs, likewise, as a result
9. Play Time is a Part of Teaching Your Dane to Potty Train
Great Danes are some of the smartest dogs out there. They can be potty trained to go outside like other breeds, but some of them (like all other breeds) require a little more patience and perseverance.
Playing Indoors
Your puppy is going to love to play! Setting up baby gates in your house can prevent them from having an accident inside while they are playing. Over-stimulated dogs tend to have accidents, so remember to have breaks in their indoor play sessions before accidents happen.
Bringing home a new pet is one of the most exciting things. Pet owners need to remember that they are not the only ones excited! Your puppy is full of new scents, new sights and new places to explore. In the early days you may not want to introduce them to new dogs due to their vaccination schedule. But, you can still practice socialization with outdoor training methods that will help your dog.
Fun Tips and tricks for Training Your Dog Outside:
Off-Leash Sniffing: Take your dog to a park , or a nature reserve. There, you can let them off their leash to explore and sniff around. Stop frequently so that your pup can take frequent breaks to pee as needed.
People-Watching: Sit in a parking lot with your puppy, and wait for people to walk by. Be sure to not allow people to pet or dote on your puppy as this will encourage overstimulation. It is best to ‘people watch’. This behavior teaches pups that they can be in the chaos but not apart of it.
Scavenger Hunts: Throw some kibble in the grass and let your puppy’s nose do the rest! You will soon have a good girl or a good boy who loves to search through the grass to find their yummy snacks.
Basic Commands: Practice basic commands with your puppy. Use the same language, voice commands or hand signals each time you’d like them to take care of business, always putting an emphasis on the positive!
10. Remember that Your Great Dane is still a Puppy Learning to Potty Train
When socializing with other dogs, remember that Great Danes are still awkward puppies. Even though they might look fully grown, they may not want to play too roughly just yet. As a result, it’s important to be patient and give your great dane time to warm up to other dogs. Once they get used to playing, they’ll have a blast – and you’ll be glad you took the time to properly socialize them.
11. Take Time Outs When Accidents Happen
Pets are a great addition to any family. They provide companionship, love, and endless hours of entertainment. But along with all the joy that comes with owning a pet, there is also the responsibility of potty training. For many pet owners, this process can be daunting and frustrating. But with a little patience and persistence, most pets can be successfully trained.
Use a crate for safe, healthy time outs with your puppy. Check out our list of favorites here.
Great Danes are no exception. Though they are large dogs, they can be successfully potty trained with the right approach. Here are some tips surrounding time-outs:
Accidents Happen
Accidents are going to happen with any dog. Your puppy is certainly no exception! In fact, it is best to begin potty training as soon as your dog arrives home. Initially, your dog will need to go out frequently – perhaps every hour or so. When you start potty training, it may be that your dog relieves itself in the wrong spot quite often. Acknowledging that house training is hard is an important part in the puppy process.
Taking Breaks When Accidents Happen
Even though you work to consistently train your Great Dane to pee outside, they will still pee inside of the house. When your dog has an accident, utilize the crate and sit them on their bed. Taking breaks is important. In fact, this shows your Great Dane that going potty inside is not okay, and they may lose out on play time if it happens again. Although it is hard to train a Great Dane, we know that this tip will help!
12. Mental Stimulation Matters
Mental stimulation is just as important as exercise when it comes to potty training your Great Dane.
You can provide mental stimulation through puzzles, brain games and other activities.
Puzzle Feeders
Currently, there are a number of different puzzle feeders on the market that are specifically designed for dogs. These games help to keep your dog’s mind active and engaged, which can be helpful in preventing accidents.
What Does Mental Stimulation Have to do with Potty Training?
In other words, by providing your dog with mental stimulation, you can help to reduce the chances of accidents happening in your home. Games that require your dog to use their nose or search for hidden treats are a great way to provide mental enrichment. There are a number of different options available, so take some time to explore what is currently on the market.
In Conclusion
There you have it – some tips for successfully potty training your Great Dane puppy. With a little patience and perseverance, you can have a house-trained dog in no time! Be sure to provide your pup with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, as well as consistent potty training, and they will soon be taking care of business like a pro.
Remember that taking your Great Dane out frequently is essential when potty training – even if they have already gone outside recently. When you see your dog begin to sniff around or circle, it’s time to head outdoors! And finally, be positive and patient when training your pup – accidents are bound to happen, but with time and effort, your Great Dane can be successfully potty trained.
Thank you for reading! We hope that you found this information helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And be sure to check back soon for more tips on training your beloved Great Dane!
If you are considering adding a Great Dane puppy to your family, there are a few things you should know. Great Danes are gentle giants and make wonderful pets, but they do require a lot of exercise and room to run.
In this blog post, we will discuss the temperament of Great Dane puppies as well as what you can expect in terms of care. We will also provide tips on how to train and socialize your Great Dane Puppies and discuss just how big your puppy might get.
For a list of our favorite training treats for Great Dane Puppies, click here.
Bringing Home Great Dane Puppies
Congratulations on your new Great Dane puppy! Great Dane puppies make wonderful pets, but they also require special care and training. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you welcome your new pup into the family.
1. Great Dane Puppies Need the Right Food and Exercise
First, remember that your puppy is still growing and will need plenty of food and exercise. Great Dane puppies are notorious eaters, so be sure to provide a high-quality diet and plenty of fresh water.
Most dogs also need a lot of exercise for the first two years so prepare for daily walks or play sessions. However, it’s important not to overdo it – too much activity can damage growing joints and bones.
Great Dane puppies require special care for their joints: don’t let them jump too much off of high surfaces like the couch. Also, it’s crucial to make sure Great Dane puppies do not run or play on slippery surfaces.
2. Socialization for Great Dane Puppies
Second, socialization is key. From an early age, expose your Great Dane puppy to as many new people, animals, and experiences as possible.
This will help them grow into confident, well-rounded adults. Attend puppy classes, visit different public settings, and take your pup on fun outings. Taking Great Dane puppies to dog parks early on is not the only (or best) way to socialize them.
You want to teach your pup to be surrounded by chaos, but not apart of it. For this reason, we love to see pet parents taking their Great Dane puppies to places like parking lots where they can sit back and people watch.
3. How to Train Great Dane Puppies
Finally, training is essential for any dog, but especially for a large breed like the Great Dane puppy. Start with basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Manners are also important, so be sure to teach your puppy not to jump up on people or beg for food. With patience and consistency, you’ll have a well-behaved dog in no time.
Let’s dive in to some essential topics of what to expect with a Great Dane Puppy.
4. The First Week with Great Dane Puppies: Weekly Schedule
Bringing home a new puppy is always an exciting time, but it’s important to remember that puppies require a lot of care and attention. When you first bring your Great Dane puppy home, take some time to introduce them to their new surroundings. Show them where their bed is, where they can and can’t go in the house, and start to establish some basic rules.
It’s also important to begin socializing your puppy early on. Introduce them to other family members, including any pets you might have. The more exposure they have to different people and animals, the better.
Finally, one of the most important things you can do for your puppy is to develop a routine. Set regular mealtimes, potty breaks and playtimes, and stick to them as much as possible. This will help your puppy feel comfortable and secure in their new home.
Day 1: Day 1 with your new Great Dane puppy is sure to be full of surprises. For one thing, it is amazing how big they are! Great Danes are one of the largest breeds of dogs, and your puppy will likely weigh over 100 pounds when fully grown. He’ll also probably be very active, full of energy and ready to explore his new home. Be prepared for lots of chewing. Gentle giants love to chew on anything they can get their teeth on! – and provide plenty of chew toys to help redirect his chewing urges. You’ll also need to start socializing your puppy right away, introducing him to as many different people and animals as possible.
Day 2-4: On days 2-4 you will want to get your Great Dane puppy in to have a general check-up with their veterinarian. In order to get an appointment for your Great Dane puppy, you need to understand the expectations and find a reputable veterinarian. A great way to start is by asking around for referrals from dog-owners who have had great experiences with their own veterinarian. Once you have a list of potential vets, take the time to read online reviews. This will give you a better idea of what other pet-owners think of the vet and their staff. Once you have narrowed down your choices, call each vet to ask about their experience with Great Danes, but Great Dane puppies specifically. Find out what vaccination schedule they recommend and if they offer any discounts for new clients. Once you have found a vet that you are comfortable with, go ahead and schedule your puppy’s first appointment within the first 2-4 days of coming home.
Day 5-6:Pet Insurance is an absolute must for Great Dane puppies. As any dog owner knows, our furry friends come with a lot of responsibility- and a fair amount of expense. From food and toys to vaccinations and routine check-ups, there’s no shortage of ways to spend money on your pet. And for those who have chosen a Great Dane puppy, the costs can be even higher.
Great Danes Puppies are a popular breed, known for their large size and gentle nature. However, they are also prone to certain health problems, which can be expensive to treat. That’s why pet insurance is such an important consideration for anyone who is thinking of adding a Great Dane puppy to their family. By investing in a good policy, you can ensure that your dog will always have the care they need, no matter what.
Day 7: Congratulate yourself and your puppy on finishing your first 7 days home together. Getting a new puppy is often a lot of work. Your puppy is in a new environment, you have overcome the big day of bringing them to into your house, and you are on your way to providing them with a safe place to feel loved and welcomed. Have you fell in love with Great Dane puppies yet?
5. Training and Socialization: Basic Information for Great Dane Puppies
Even the most docile dog can benefit from training and socialization. The earlier these things are started, the better, as it will help your Great Dane puppy to grow into a well-adjusted adult.
Training helps your pup understand what the expectation is. It also provides them with essential obedience skills. Socialization, on the other hand, helps your Great Dane puppy to interact positively with other dogs and people. Be patient- Great Dane puppies take time to learn!
This is especially important for Great Dane puppies, as their size can sometimes be intimidating. By providing your pup with plenty of opportunities for positive experiences with other dogs and people, you can help them to develop into a confident and social adult.
While entering a new world, Great Danes need positive reinforcement in order to learn obedience commands and good behavior. With proper training, they are well-behaved dogs that are a joy to have around. Praise and treats are great ways to reward a Dane for good behavior, and will help them to understand what you expect from them. Be consistent with your commands, and remain patient while training your puppy.
6. Items to Buy for Great Dane Puppies
Plan ahead with your puppy to spend time on the leash, allow them time to play, and provide them with general obedience training. Prepare to invest in a dog trainer if this is your first Dane, as at times Great Danes do require much training.
Your pup will likely need a large crate to sleep in, and you will need to puppy proof your living area. It is also a good idea to create a routine that involves feeding time. You can utilize baby gates for eating time, or have them eat in their crate. Use lots of treats for them when they go potty and walk well on their leash! As you know, a Great Dane typically loves eating.
With time and patience, you will have a well-behaved pet that is a loyal companion.
7. The Best Dog Toys for Your Giant Breed Pup
As any Dane puppy owner’s knows, finding the right toy for your Great Dane can be a challenge. Not only do you want a toy that will keep your dog entertained, but you also want one that is safe and durable. If you’re in the market for a new toy for your Great Dane puppy, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, choose a toy that is the appropriate size for your Great Dane puppy. A toy that is too small can pose a choking hazard, while a toy that is too large can be difficult for your puppy to manipulate.
Second, consider the material of the toy. Some materials, such as latex, may not be safe for puppies to chew on. Finally, use a toy designed specifically for Great Dane puppies.
Here are some of our favorites for your Great Dane:
If you’re looking for a durable, tough, and long-lasting dog toy, Kong is a great option. Kongs are made of durable rubber that stand up to even the most powerful chewers. They’re also bouncy and fun for dogs to play with, making them a great option for interactive playtime. In addition, Kong dog toys are used as training tools because they are able to be filled with treats. This encourages Great Danes to keep playing with the toy even when there’s no one around to play with them. As a result, Kong toys can provide both mental and physical stimulation for your Great Dane Puppy.
Chew Proof:
For many dog owners, finding the right chew toy can be a real challenge – especially if you have a big dog with a hearty appetite. Great Danes are enthusiastic about chewing, and their powerful jaws can easily destroy most standard toys. Find a toy that is great for heavy chewers. There are a few things to look for in a good chew toy for Great Dane puppies. First, the toy should be made of durable materials that can withstand some serious chewing. Second, it should be large enough to keep your puppy occupied, but not so large that it becomes a choking hazard.
Snuggle Puppy:
If you’re looking for a toy that will make your Great Dane feel loved, a Snuggle Puppy might be just the thing. They are soft, cuddly toys that come with a “heartbeat” module that simulates the warmth and rhythmic breathing of a real dog. Great Danes are social creatures, and many owners find that their dog forms a strong bond with their Snuggle Puppy. The toy provides comfort and security, especially when your dog is left alone or in a new environment. Because they’re made from high-quality materials. These stuffed animals are built to last – which means you’ll get to enjoy watching your dog snuggle up to his new best friend for years to come.
Outward Hound Engagement Puzzles:
If you have a Great Dane puppy, you know that they are one of the most gentle giants around. However, despite their large size, they are often very loving and loyal companions. But because of their size, they can also be quite destructive if left unattended. That’s where Outward Hound engagement puzzles come in handy. These puzzles will keep your dog occupied and engaged. They help to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. One of the most popular options is the Outward Hound Fire Biterz squeaker toy, which is made from durable fire hose material and has a built-in squeaker to keep your dog entertained. Other great options include the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle Plush Dog Toy.
8. Collars for Great Dane Puppies
Great Danes also require some special care, particularly when it comes to choosing a collar. Because of their large size, Great Danes can easily pull a standard-sized collar off, so it’s important to choose one that is properly sized and securely fastened. Additionally, because Great Danes have such long necks, a traditional one can often cut into their skin, causing irritation.
Some of our favorites for Great Danes and other Giant Breed Dogs are:
E-collars: E-collars are a great way to combat behavioral problems with your Great Dane in the long run. Be prepared to spend a lot of time training your Great Dane on basic skills prior to introducing them to their e-collar. We have an abundance of information on this training mechanism on our site for your Great Dane, when you are ready.
A martingale is one great option for Great Danes as it is adjustable and designed to prevent slipping.
Quick Release: Using a quick release like this one is essential. Your Great Dane can get caught up in another pet’s neck if you choose the wrong style, and a quick release helps by creating safety.
Note: never leave your dog’s collar on them when they are unattended or in the house or crate by themselves. When training or with an accompanied adult, they can be worn safely.
9. Water Bowls that you Need for Great Dane Puppies
Any dog owner knows that providing their pet with fresh water is essential to their health.
But for large breeds like Great Danes, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a water bowl.
Secondly, Great Danes need a lot of water, so choose a bowl that is large enough to accommodate their needs. And finally, remember to clean the bowl regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
WATER BOWLS CAN CONTAIN BACTERIA
Here are a few ideas of the type of bowl you should use to feed and water your new pet. Remember: you chose the giant breed life!!
Prepare for a mess in your house! These spill proof mats are essential for collecting water, food and drool from your dane, especially if they are not eating and drinking in their crate.
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl – Slow Feeder Dog Bowl: Slow feeders can help your Great Dane puppy eat it’s dog food nice and slow. Food should be eaten slowly. Incorporate training to feed them at a slow pace so that you can best prevent bloat.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your Great Dane stays healthy and hydrated.
9. Useful Items for Cleaning up after Great Dane Puppies
Hard Wood Floors require different cleaning supplies. Be sure to keep all food and urine off of your wood floors. Here is a great item to help.
Crates can get nasty fast. With a large breed puppy comes a lot of pee, poop and other messes. Training your puppy to potty outside will help. However, you are going to need to prepare some cleaning supplies to help keep the crate clean in the meantime. Here is a great one.
Waste bags: You chose a breed that eats a lot of dog food and produces a lot of pee and poop. Get the waste bags that are bulk produced– you will need them!
10. Genetic Predispositions to Prepare for with Great Danes:
Before you bring a Great Dane home, it’s important to be aware of the potential health problems that can afflict them.
BLOAT
One of the most common is gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat. This condition occurs when the stomach twists on itself, preventing food and gas from escaping. GDV can be fatal if not treated immediately, so it’s important to be aware of the signs, which include restlessness, drooling, and pacing.
Great Dane’s are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint diseases. It is crucial to protect their joints from an early age. Make sure their current food supports their growth and keep them off of hard surfaces in order to avoid joint diseases.
Some Great Dane puppies and adults are prone to cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease.
WOBBLERS
Great Danes can be prone to Wobblers disease, which is a genetic and inherited disease that causes lameness and inability to walk. Speak with your breeder and discuss whether there are genes in the Great Dane’s lineage that may make you need to prepare for Wobblers.
Just like human babies, your Great Dane puppy needs to be potty trained. It’s important to start early, as puppies have very small bladders and need to go often. The best way to potty train a puppy is with positive reinforcement.
Whenever they go in the right spot, give them lots of praise and a treat. If they have an accident, just clean it up without making a fuss.
Baby Danes are also more likely to toilet in the same spot if it’s easy for them to get to.
Incorporate training daily to make sure their designated potty area is easily accessible and that there are no obstacles in their way.
If you have other dogs in your house, your new puppy may pick up on potty training quicker as Great Danes love to live a ‘pack life’. Additionally, it is possible that your breeder helped them with their potty training before you brought them home!
Puppies are growing at an accelerated rate and need different amounts of nutrients than adult. Their diet must contain the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to promote healthy development. Most importantly, it must be the correct ratio of calcium and phosphorus.
Many commercial, regular puppy kibble is not formulated to meet these nutritional needs. Not all brands are created equal.
For example, some brands use lower quality ingredients that might not be as easily digestible. Others add fillers or artificial ingredients that can cause digestive upset or other problems.
When choosing a kibble for your Great Dane pup, look for a high-quality product that uses quality ingredients. Avoid products with fillers or artificial ingredients, and opt for a formula that is easy to digest. You may also want to consult with your veterinarian to find the best food for your Great Dane puppy.
Regular Puppy Food
Regular puppy kibble is not suitable for growing large breeds. Large and giant breed puppies grow at an accelerated rate and need a different ratio of calcium to phosphorus. If the ratio is too high, it can cause joint problems later in life.
Additionally, large breeds need more calories than small breeds. Puppy kibble typically contains more calories than adult food. Find a food that’s specifically for large breeds.
There is a common debate nowadays on whether to feed ‘Adult’ or ‘Puppy’ kibble. The truth is, it does not matter which one you go with, as long as it is correctly formulated. Many Large Breed Puppy kibbles are correctly made for growth, as are large breed adult plans.
Adult Great Dane Large Breed Food
The best foods for Large Breeds are formulated specifically to meet their nutritional needs and maintain healthy growth. We recommend feeding a kibble that has meat or meal as the first ingredient, which can help reduce risk of bloat!
Dane puppies have special needs when it comes to their food. Some adult formulas will work, and some will not.
You can see the full list of foods we recommend for your pup. However if you notice any signs your pup isn’t thriving like loose stools or gas (which can both mean there might be an issue with digestion), consult your vet immediately!
Esther Buffered Esther C to Prevent HOD and Knuckling
Many people automatically assume that their dogs are healthy when in reality, they may be suffering from something like knuckling or HOD.
This is due to lack of vitamin C which can lead to other issues such as anxiety-inducing situations becoming more stressful and painful for the dog! If you want your pup’s quality life preserved then give them an Ester C supplement ASAP – we recommend starting with 1000mg daily intake before increasing amounts until desired result.
We have an additional blog post with more information about Ester C supplements here.
13. Tips for Successfully Adding a Great Dane Puppy to Your Family
As you can see, puppies are a lot of work but they are also incredibly rewarding pets. They need plenty of exercise and room to run, so make sure to play in a big yard or take your pup on long walks. In addition, be sure to start training and socializing your puppy as early as possible. This will help him grow into a well-adjusted adult dog. If you have any questions about caring for a Great Dane puppy, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help!
Can you use laser therapy for your dog’s pain? The answer to that question is a resounding “yes!” Laser therapy is a pain-free, noninvasive treatment. Lasers are used to treat a variety of painful conditions in dogs.
Some of the most common conditions that laser therapy can help with include hip dysplasia, arthritis, injuries/ACL tears/knee pain, elbow osteoarthritis, ear infections, and wounds/hot spots/burns. Is your dog in pain? Be sure to continue reading if you’re interested in learning how to use laser therapy for your dog’s pain.
Many veterinarians are now using laser therapy to help their patients find relief from pain, and the results are often astounding. Has your dog encouraged you to consider using laser therapy for your dog’s pain? If you’re looking for an alternative treatment option for your dog’s pain, be sure to ask your veterinarian about laser therapy.
To begin, if you’re considering laser therapy for your dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Before you begin using laser therapy for your dog’s pain, make sure to get educated and informed.
First, you need to find a laser therapy system that is safe to use at home.
Second, laser therapy is not a miracle cure-all and will not work for every dog.
Third, laser therapy requires multiple sessions, not just one.
Fourth, laser therapy for your dog’s pain will take patience and time.
Lastly, laser therapy is relatively new, so there may not be as much research available available depending on the laser you choose.
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before starting any laser therapy. Your vet will help you determine if laser therapy system you are using is the right option of laser therapy for for your dog’s pain.
Additionally, we will discuss a safe and reliable laser therapy device and the results that have come from it. When choosing a laser, it is of utmost importance that it not only is a system of laser therapy for your dog’s pain, but one that is safe as well.
So, does laser therapy help dogs pain? Absolutely! If you’re looking for an alternative way to help your dog find relief from pain, keep reading! Technology and science has shown that it is a good choice to use laser therapy for your dog’s pain!
Watch the Technology Behind B Cure ILLT Laser Vet Here to see how to incorporate laser therapy for your dog’s pain
Cold Laser Therapy for Your Dog’s Pain
Cold Laser Therapy is also called Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). To begin, Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a treatment that uses low-intensity lasers to improve the health of cells in the body. ILLT is helpful in treating a variety of conditions in humans and animals alike. ILLT Laser Therapy can help significantly with your dog’s pain. You should consider LLLT Laser Therapy for your dog’s pain.
Laser therapy works by using light energy to stimulate cells and promote healing. The light energy penetrates the tissue and the cells absorbs it. Next, this absorption process triggers a series of events. This leads to the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
ATP is the energy that cells need to function properly. Also, it helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. In addition, laser therapy also helps to increase circulation and reduce your dog’s pain.
Research shows that the B-Cure Laser Vet eases back pain in dogs. ILLT gives cells more energy and helps them do their job. Additionally, ILLT regenerates damaged cells and heals injuries.
What is B-Cure Laser Vet Therapy and Can it Help Your Dog’s Pain?
B-Cure Laser Vet therapy is a popular alternative treatment for many different conditions, such as pain and inflammation. B-Cure Laser Vet uses laser light in the range of 1 – 1000 microwatts (MW).
This low level illumination has several benefits on living tissue because it does not cause damage while targeting specific areas with photochemical effects instead thermal ones like heat application would do. In other words, your dog can get relief without experiencing any side affects!
Additionally, the B-Cure Laser Vet is safe to use at home. The B-Cure Laser Vet treats muscle spasms and pain without the need for protective goggles. Furthermore, you are not taking any risks at burning your dog’s skin.
The Benefits of Laser Vet Therapy for Your Dog
Increased Collagen– One of the benefits of laser therapy is that it helps to increase collagen production. Collagen is a protein found in the skin and connective tissues. It helps to give skin its elasticity and strength. LLLT increases collagen by stimulating fibroblasts, which are the cells that produce collagen.
Reduced Inflammation– One of the most common benefits of laser therapy is that it helps to reduce inflammation. This can be helpful in treating a variety of conditions such as arthritis, injuries, and hot spots.
Increased Circulation– Another benefit of laser therapy is that it helps to increase circulation. This increased circulation can help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Better Blood flow– One of the benefits of laser therapy is that it helps to improve blood flow. This improved blood flow can help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Reduced Pain– One of the most common reasons why people choose laser therapy is because it can help to reduce pain. Laser therapy can be helpful in treating a variety of conditions such as arthritis, injuries, and hot spots.
Improved Healing– One of the benefits of laser therapy is that it can help to improve healing time. This is because laser therapy helps to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
Watch Veterinarian Dr. Kane explain the impact of the B-Cure Laser Therapy Vet on pain and inflammation.
How to Use a Laser Therapy Device at Home
In order to determine the best way to use your Laser device, you need to identify the cause of your dog’s pain.
If your dog is experiencing pain from arthritis, you will want to focus the laser on the affected joints. Injury and surgery recovery will merit a different area of focus. Let’s dive into some of the common uses for laser therapy.
Always consult with a veterinarian if to see if laser therapy can help for your dog’s pain.
Your Dog’s Pain: Arthritis
Arthritis affects over 20% of all dogs in the United States. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness. The most common form of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis.
There are a few things that you can do to help your dog find relief from arthritis pain:
Weight Management: One of the best things that you can do for your dog is to help them maintain a healthy weight. This will take pressure off of their joints and help to reduce pain.
Joint Supplements: Another thing that you can do is to give your dog joint supplements. These supplements can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Dasuqin is a veterinarian approved joint supplement for large dogs.
Exercise: Exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for dogs with arthritis. Exercise helps to increase circulation and reduce pain.
Laser Therapy: Laser therapy can also be helpful in treating arthritis pain. The best way to use laser therapy for arthritis is to focus the laser on the affected joints.
How to Use the B-Cure Laser Vet to Treat Your Dog’s Arthritis Pain
Symptoms of Arthritis
Slow to move/jump/run or hesitation to climb stairs
Difficulty keeping up with daily activity
Reluctant to play like they used to
Lameness in hind end
Looseness of joint
Bunny Hopping when running, instead of running normally
Loss of muscle mass/muscle degrading
Noticeable change in behavior/temperament
Agitation towards kids/other dogs/adults that used to be fine
Pain/irritation
Stiffness and soreness
Whining or whimpering
Reluctant to climb into or jump out of car
“B-Cure Laser Vet is an effective mode of treatment that helps treat inflammation, reduces pain and swelling.”
Treatment of Arthritis Pain Using Laser Therapy
If your dog has pain in its hips or back due to arthritis or hip dysplasia, begin by using 1.5-2 minutes of the Cold Laser Therapy on each spots that depict pain (hips, joints). You will gradually increase the treatment to up to 4 minutes.
It is best to repeat the laser treatment at least twice daily.
Treating ACL Tear / CCL Tear
If your dog has suffered an ACL tear or CCL tear, you know that the road to recovery can be long and painful. Laser therapy can help to speed up the healing process and reduce pain.
ACL Tears are one of the most common injuries in dogs. They occur when the ligament that stabilizes the knee is torn. This can happen due to trauma, exercise, or degenerative disease.
Symptoms of Knee Pain or ACL / CCL Tear
Location and severity of knee pain varies in accordance with the cause of the problem. Signs and symptoms that may accompany knee pain:
After an injury, you may notice your dog is weaker
Your dog loses stability or looks ‘wobbly’
Swelling in knee or leg
You hear a popping or cracking in the knee
Lack of ability to straighten their knee
Pain / lethargy with movement
Hesitancy to move up and down stairs or into car
CCL Tears are similar to ACL Tears, but they occur in the elbow instead of the knee.
The best way to use laser therapy for an ACL or CCL tear is to focus the laser on the affected area for 15-20 minutes per day.
Ear infections are one of the most common problems that dogs experience. Ear pain is caused by a variety of things. Some causes include allergies, bacteria, yeast, and foreign bodies. Ear infections can be very painful for your dog.
Have you noticed your dog shaking their head or scratching their ears? These are both signs that your dog may have an ear infection. Other signs include red, inflamed ears, a foul odor coming from the ears, and discharge.
Otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear and canal.
Dogs are commonly prone to it, since they have a flap that blocks air flow while their ears get warm due to insulating wax buildup which makes removal difficult without proper equipment from your vet such as an otoscope for inspection purposes.
The external surface area in animal’s versus human’s has made them more susceptible when compared with humans. However keeping your dog’s ears clean at home will help to prevent painful infections.
The ear is a very sensitive and delicate organ. Infections are caused by both bacterial or fungal origin. Additionally, small organisms such like mites that carry infection in their fur can creep into their ears.
A more serious case with pus inside your dog’s ears may indicate a more serious bacteria, which thrives when environmental conditions support its growth.
Most pet owners will sooner or later deal with ear infections in their pet’s ears.
Laser therapy is a great way to help your dog with pain. If you think your dog might be in pain, please consult with your veterinarian about using laser therapy.
There are many different types of laser systems and each one can be beneficial for certain issues. We hope this article has helped you learn more about how laser therapy can help your furry friend live a better life without pain.
If you are looking into a shock collar for Great Dane training, you’ve come to the right place!
We offer modern dog training advice and can help you decide if using a shock collar on your Great Dane is going to be helpful for fixing behavioral issues.
We are here to give you ideas and resources for E-Collar training, products, positive training, and more!
Read on for more information about shock collar training and Great Danes!
SHOCK COLLAR TRAINING and GREAT DANES
Many people search for shock collar training resources when they are at their ‘wit’s end’ with their dog.
Aggression, lunging, barking, pulling, digging in the trash and general stubborn nonsense are common reasons that otherwise well-meaning dog owners seek to use a shock collar on their dog!
We understand your frustrations, we hear you, and we are here to HELP!
At Hello Danes, we believe that shock collars are so 2001, and that E-Collars are the new, more effective and humane way to train Great Danes.
A properly used E-Collar can give your dog off-leash freedom and so much more.
Shock collars (especially inexpensive ones from Amazon, etc.) provide a sharp, startling shock or aversive vibration sensation that is designed specifically to hurt and punish. With shock collars, the dog is the subject of the training and may not be aware of how to avoid being shocked.
E-Collars (in particular, the only brand we stand behind, E-Collar Technologies) provide a blunt tingling stimulation that is designed to be a positive, tactile communication. With proper E-Collar use, the dog is a participant in training and knows how to make choices that turn that stimulation on and off.
WE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING
You may be reading this and thinking ‘no way, lady. My dog is LARGE and in CHARGE and I need a way to get his attention. An E-Collar isn’t going to cut it’.
Look, we get it! Having an out-of-control giant breed Great Dane is embarrassing and can result in injury, lawsuits and more. Training your Great Dane is extremely important!
Now imagine for a moment that your currently bratty Great Dane could have amazing off-leash obedience and recall, polite manners, the ability to ‘settle’ indoors (even when guests are over), and confidence (not fear, anxiety or instability).
BELOW I’ve written two training examples, so you can learn about the difference between shock collar training and E-Collar training for your Great Dane!
SHOCK COLLAR RECALL
The dog runs off and doesn’t listen when off leash.
The shock collar is used to punish the dog for ignoring the recall command.
The handler may repeat the sharp static shock or vibration until the dog comes back, often with poor body language (ears pinned, hunched, low to the ground).
The dog learns that running from the owner is scary and may, through this process learn to stay closer because they fear what happens if they don’t.
Additionally, the dog may learn to associate the shock or vibrate with the environment, lowering their confidence and increased anxiety and aggression (BLOAT RISK).
The dog is taught that the stimulation from the E-Collar (up to 1/2 mile away) means to come back.
They are enthusiastic about it, not fearful or hurt by it, and associate the stimulation with good things.
The stimulation feels like an ant crawling around, and the dog quickly learns that they can turn it off by running back to the handler.
Just like leash pressure or teasing a dog with a treat until they sit!
The E-Collar becomes a true wireless leash!
The dog learns that staying close and listening means good things, treats, praise and freedom. If they go too far, the E-Collar reminds them to turn and run back! They quickly learn boundaries and gain freedom; in dedicated hands, most dogs can easily be off-leash within weeks.
This is all done, reliably, with a gentle muscle stimulation that most humans cannot even feel.
Because the dog associates the stimulation with good things and has full control over the stimulation, the dog is an enthusiastic and willing participant. Treats, praise and play are also part of a proper E-Collar training program. Dogs that have fun training learn faster and develop stronger obedience skills!
WHICH DOG WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE?
So if you ask us if you should use a shock collar for Great Dane training, our answer will always be NO. Shock collars cause unnecessary stress and anxiety that can increase bloat risk, reduce confidence and cause worsened training problems. It’s just not worth it.
But if you are interested in using an E-Collar for Great Dane training? Let’s chat!
A properly used E-Collar is less aversive, less harmful and more effective than a long leash, no-pull harness, squirt bottle, verbal correction or head harness!
With some fun, simple positive training your E-Collar becomes a ‘wireless leash’, allowing you to effectively communicate with your dog (even your large stubborn one!) up to 1/2 mile away.
IMAGINE YOUR DOG:
Having insane amounts of enriching off-leash freedom (which results in better physical and mental condition, less stress and lower anxiety. All things that may reduce overall bloat risk and improve behavior).
Loose leash walking with calm confidence.
Being free from leash reactivity, an unfortunate result of the natural restriction and tension of the leash, collar or harness.
Dropping calmly to a down-stay while other dogs, children and people walk by.
Redirecting immediately away from dangerous and annoying behaviors such as fence jumping, running into the street and stealing cooked chicken bones from the counter; then running back to you with enthusiasm!
Calmly sitting on a ‘place’ while you greet guests or unload groceries.
WHEN NOT TO USE AN E-COLLAR
There are times and situations where the use of an E-Collar, and especially of a shock collar, is NOT appropriate. Seek the help of a professional trainer, and never use an electric collar of any kind to address the following behaviors:
Addressing dog-dog, dog-human or dog-child aggression
Puppy biting
Crate frustration and separation anxiety
Resource guarding
Leash reactivity/aggression
Fearful, timid or anxious behaviors, especially in rescue dogs that have not had time to decompress (3+ months)
Keep in mind that the majority of behavior problems are the result of boredom, frustration, anxiety, immaturity, poor socialization, pain or confusion. E-Collars are not appropriate for resolving those behaviors (including reactivity, aggression, puppy biting, resource guarding and destruction), but can be used as part of an entire training program centered around building confidence, skills and independence.
Remember, shock collars are an outdated tool. There are better, more humane and more effective ways to train dogs, and the E-Collar can help you.
Ready to get started with E-Collar training your Great Dane?
There’s a reason why Great Danes are called the “gentle giants.”
They are one of the most docile and loving dog breeds out there. But this doesn’t mean that they don’t need training. In fact, if you don’t train your Great Dane, you’re in for a world of trouble.
This hilarious Great Dane fail post will show you why it’s so important to train your Great Dane and what can happen if you don’t!
This week we saw this video (above). A huge blue Great Dane has escaped from his leash or gate and is on the run, terrorizing everyone in his path. He’s chasing people, bouncing around, and just being an all-around menace. The people in the video are TERRIFIED!
Great Danes are massive dogs. They can weigh nearly 200 pounds and stand over six feet tall when they’re fully grown. They’re also incredibly strong.
So when they’re not properly trained, they can be a real handful.
THIS DANE FAILS VIDEO IS HILARIOUS, OF COURSE
Sure, it’s funny to see a Great Dane running around and having a great time. But it’s not so funny when they start knocking things over, jumping on people, chasing people, or worse.
The people in the video were afraid of this dog, and that’s not fair. This dog could have easily been hurt or seriously hurt somebody in the process of what only looks like innocent fun.
It’s very clear that this dog has no reliable off-leash recall and is lacking an appropriate amount of physical and mental enrichment overall.
Did you know that a wagging tail does NOT always mean that a dog is friendly and well-intentioned? Wagging tails can mean all sorts of things, and play is just one of them.
Three well-behaved Great Danes in a ‘place’ command.
Find a good trainer: If you’re having trouble training your Great Dane yourself, it’s a good idea to find a professional trainer. We recommend finding a trainer that uses a lot of positive reinforcement and balanced training tools such as e-collars, martingale, long leashes, treats, clickers, and prong collars.
Raising a puppy can be a fun, joyous, and sometimes frustrating adventure. It’s important to avoid making common training mistakes when training Great Dane puppies.
If you’re not careful, you may end up with a giant disobedient dog that barks, pulls, and jumps on people! Don’t let their cute, snuggly little puppy bodies fool you; an untrained Great Dane is a dangerous animal and if you are reading this post, you probably need to start working on training yesterday.
In this blog post, we will discuss five common mistakes made when training Great Dane puppies (and how to avoid them). If you want to have a well-behaved dog, this is the place to be!
Mistakes Made When Training Great Dane Puppies
#1 – Waiting Too Long Before Training
One common mistake made when training Great Dane puppies is not starting early enough.
It’s important to begin training your puppy as soon as possible so that they can learn good habits from the start. If you wait too long to start training, your puppy may develop bad habits that will be difficult to break.
Don’t wait for training classes to start. Don’t wait until your puppy has had all of its shots. Don’t wait until bad habits have already set in!
If your breeder was reputable, he or she would have also established some early crate training, leash training, attention and bathroom habits.
Good training means using a lot of positive reinforcement to teach your puppy what behaviors are the most rewarding. By keeping your puppy close you can start teaching the basics such as:
Go potty
Sit
Down
Leave it
Wait (at doors)
These are all simple and easy to teach and will help minimize the bad behaviors from popping up later!
If you only train your puppy once in a while, they won’t learn as quickly or as effectively. It’s important to be consistent with training so that your puppy knows what is expected of them. Training doesn’t stop once your puppy has been through puppy classes!
Great Dane puppies benefit the most from 2-3 minute sessions, several times per day. It is also helpful to use a crate, gate, or leash to manage behavior (and keep your puppy from practicing the wrong thing!).
By establishing some boundaries and rules in your home (for example, NO running through doors!) you can maintain predictability and consistency for your dog which will pay off in the long run.
Use this time to teach the foundations of an off-leash heel, look at me, touch (my hand), sit, down and stay. These sessions should be fun, short and full of rewards!
Here are some of our favorite Great Dane puppy training treats (click to view):
Another common mistake is using too much force and punishment when training.
This can be counterproductive and cause your puppy to become scared or aggressive. It’s important to use positive reinforcement when training your puppy, such as praise and treats.
It is unfair to punish, scold, or correct a dog that doesn’t know what they should be doing instead.
We believe in balanced training (saying YES often and saying NO when appropriate) but we do not recommend using punitive, harsh, forceful, or aggressive training methods.
Spend more time saying ‘YES’ to your puppy than saying ‘NO’. If you find yourself constantly saying ‘NO’, your puppy needs more positive training, management and guidance from you.
#4 – Not Socializing Your Great Dane Puppy
A fourth common mistake is not socializing your puppy enough.
Socialization is important for Great Danes so that they can learn how to interact with other dogs and people. If you don’t socialize with your puppy, they may become shy or anxious around others.
Socialization means so much more than meeting people and dogs! It means taking your puppy to new places, exposing them to different sounds, sights, and tactile experiences while also teaching them how to behave in various situations.
Socialization means positive exposure to novel things. Flooding a puppy with rude people and dogs is not socialization. Having fun exploring new textures, sights, smells and sounds, is.
A harlequin Great Dane puppy exploring a new environment
#5 – Avoiding Professional Help
Finally, a fifth common mistake is not seeking professional help when needed. Many people think they don’t need to take classes or get professional help because they’ve had dogs their whole lives.
If you’re having trouble training your puppy, don’t be afraid to seek out the help of a professional trainer. They can give you valuable advice and guidance on how to train your puppy effectively. For puppies that are doing well, a professional trainer can provide guidance so that together you can achieve even better obedience and training than you thought possible!
Many times, a ‘stubborn’ puppy is actually just confused!
We recommend finding a highly experienced positive trainer who uses balanced training methods (positive reinforcement + appropriate and fair corrections).
We recommend that all Great Danes be trained to a Canine Good Citizen level or better. Sign up for classes beyond puppy 101 and keep going! Having a well-behaved, polite, well-socialized dog is a joy.
Have Fun Training Your Great Dane!
Avoiding these five common mistakes will help you to raise a well-behaved and obedient Great Dane puppy.
With patience and consistency, you can train your puppy to be a well-mannered, polite, calm dog that you can be proud of.
How many grapes can a dog eat before it becomes a toxic dose? Many people have heard that eating grapes is poisonous to dogs, but what does that mean for your new puppy? Have dogs eaten grapes without grape poisoning or kidney failure? In this blog post, we will explore if a single grape can make a dog sick and what pet owners need to know about grape toxicity.
How Many Grapes Can a Dog Eat Before It Is Toxic?
Dogs are known for being voracious eaters, and many people wonder about what to do if their dog was eating grapes.
What is true is that when a dog consumes grapes they are at risk of acute kidney failure, regardless of the amount of grapes that they eat. Therefore, if your dog ate grapes you should know that they are toxic to dogs. But, what your plan of treatment might be depends on a few factors.
What is the severe toxicity of grape poisoning in dogs?
This fruit is poisonous to dogs because of their toxicity which comes from cyanogenic glycoside.
The toxicity is caused by a compound called cyanogenic glycoside, which is found in the skin and seeds. This compound turns into cyanide when it is metabolized, and cyanide is poisonous to dogs. The severity of the toxicity depends on the size of the dog, the amount eaten, and the type of grape.
For example, raisins are more toxic because they are smaller and have a higher concentration of cyanogenic glycosides. So, not only are grapes poisonous, but keep in mind that there is raisin toxicity as well.
What happens when dogs ingest something toxic?
When a dog ingests this compound, it can cause problems with their metabolism and result in toxicity. There are studies which show that grapes result in poison for dogs, including Great Danes. It has also been proven that any amount can result in toxicity poisoning, even just one grape. Ingestion is something that usually requires immediate treatment.
Are all grapes toxic to dogs?
All grapes are toxic to dogs, no matter if they are fresh grapes from a fruit bowl, dried grapes, or even grape juice. Are raisins poisonous as well? The answer is yes. Raisins are poisonous as well. How many raisins a dog can consume is unknown and dependent on many factors.
Is this toxicity common?
Although cases of grape and raisin poisoning are not common, they can be very serious if not treated immediately. Dogs who ingest grapes or raisins may vomit, have diarrhea, and become lethargic. In severe cases, grape and raisin poisoning can lead to renal failure and death. The exact mechanism by which grapes and raisins cause toxicity is unknown, but it is thought that grape seed extract or a compound in grape skins may be responsible. For this reason, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding your dog any grapes or raisins.
Sneaky Ingredients
Grapes can hide in some foods that you may sneak to your pups as occasional treats. The obvious sources of toxicity are food products that contain grapes and raisins, such as breads, hot cross buns, fruit cake or cookies. If you have children you will want to monitor them anytime they are eating raisins, incase any fall on the ground.
My dog only ate one grape, should I be worried?
Smaller dogs are also more susceptible to toxicity because they have a higher ratio of body surface area to body weight. However, there have been cases of toxicity in large dogs like Great Danes after eating just a few grapes. Many dogs with high body weight have been shown to show signs of damaged kidney function, trouble breathing, abdominal pain, or inability to produce urine just after a few grapes.
So, if your dog ate just one you may want to consider taking them to the vet just in case. Grapes and raisins can be harmful, even if it is just one.
Seeking out the soonest vet immediately
The best thing you can do is try to prevent your dog from getting into a situation where they have access to grapes in the first place. Not all dogs will respond to treatment the same. However, the sooner treatment takes place with any dog experiencing grape and raisin toxicity, the better.
Is there a set amount of grapes and raisins that will create grape toxicity?
Overall, it is not proven exactly how many will cause harm to your individual Great Dane. So many factors are at play, many of which we are unaware of.
It is safest to completely avoid grapes at all cost. Protecting your Great Dane from grapes, especially if you have children who eat grapes and may drop them, is of huge importance.
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
My dog accidentally ate grapes or raisins, what should I do?
If your dog has accidentally ingested grapes or raisins, it is important to take action immediately and take them to the vet immediately. Although the toxic dose of grapes varies depending on the size of the dog, even a small amount can potentially cause kidney damage. Even if you have a large dog who has eaten grapes, it is important to rule out kidney damage with blood tests and pursue treating grape poison.
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
What will happen after my dog gets to the vet?
You may be able to give them medication that will make them throw up any food they’ve already ingested within the past 2-3 hours of time before bringing this information forward so we can get rid if these pesky little fruits from our furry friends systems!
Should I look for signs of poison after my dog eats grapes?
Symptoms of grape toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, dogs may experience kidney failure and death. If you suspect that your dog has ingested grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Encouraging Vomiting
Like stated, after looking at your dog’s medical history, they will likely recommend making your dog vomit with activated charcoal and provide supportive care to protect your dog’s kidneys. With prompt treatment, most dogs make a full recovery from grape toxicity.
The toxicity of grapes is dose-dependent, meaning that the more grapes your dog consumes, the more likely they are to experience problems.
What are the signs of grape and raisin toxicity?
Some of the most common signs of grape and raisin toxicity are lethargy, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The abdominal pain is often followed by a decrease in urine production. This is caused because when dogs eat some toxic items (even the lowest toxic dose) it affects their kidney, which interacts with their urine output. Some dogs with pre existing conditions might be more prone to toxicity, whereas other dogs might not show signs as quickly.
Common signs include pale gums, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, fruit toxicity can lead to acute renal failure and kidney damage. If you suspect that your dog has consumed grapes or raisins, it is important to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Early treatment is essential for preventing serious complications.If your Great Dane ate grapes, you should watch for symptoms of grape poisoning. These symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and lack of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away.
Should you look for a ‘dry nose’ when examining symptoms?
No, there are many reasons why a healthy dog will have a dry nose. Do not consider a dog’s nose moisture a factor when examining whether or not your pup has been exposed to toxins or not.
How long after eating a grape will symptoms take to show up?
Usually between 2-12 hours after ingesting- your dog will begin to vomit
Between 12-24 hours after ingestion your dog can experience stomach/abdominal sensitivity and pain
Loss of appetite can occur within 24-48 hours after ingestion, but different waiting periods apply
Your dog might act extra tired, lack energy or be lazier than usual between 24-48 hours after ingestion
Increased thirst can indicate acute kidney failure and can occur within 24-72 hours after ingestion and should be treated as an emergency
Long story short, you need to seek emergency care immediately. Is there a chance that your dog will process the toxin and be completely fine? Yes. However, the risk that you take with not seeking treatment is acute kidney failure and even death. Your veterinarian will give dog activated charcoal to hurry the process of vomiting when they eat grapes. If dogs eat grapes, it is considered an emergency. This applies to raisins as well.
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
If you notice that your pup eats grapes, call your veterinarian or emergency vet, and get to the soonest appointment. It is not safe when dogs eat grapes, and should be treated
At your appointment, your Great Dane will be given medication to induce vomiting. Next, they will provide medications, IV fluids, and any other support for your Great Dane that they might need to keep their kidneys functioning.
Please note: many people have begun to induce vomiting in their own Great Danes, at home. There are, however, many very dangerous methods that have been conducted to induce vomiting. Some examples of extremely dangerous means of inducing vomiting are: salt, gagging your Great Dane, using oils, using Ipecac, and most commonly: peroxide. Peroxide has been an ‘up-and-coming’, popular means for inducing vomiting in pets at home, but can pose many dangers. If you are considering administering peroxide at home, you should call Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 prior to administration. The APCC will help you determine whether or not giving peroxide is a safe idea for your situation.
If you think your pup has grape poisoning, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
The treatment for grape toxicity will depend on the severity of the toxicity and how quickly you seek treatment.
If your dog has only eaten a few grapes, they may only need to be monitored for symptoms. However, if your dog has eaten a large number or is showing severe symptoms, they may need to be hospitalized for treatment.
It is best to be vigilant with keeping toxic items out of the paws and mouths of our furry friends! Let us know if you need any help or have any questions!
