Hello Danes

Tag: Puppies

  • False Pregnancy Dog Issues: The Silent, Deadly and Normal Female Dog Killer

    False Pregnancy Dog Issues: The Silent, Deadly and Normal Female Dog Killer

    False pregnancy dog issues can not only be annoying, but they are very dangerous and can cause major problem- even death.

    False Pregnancy Dog

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

    SHOULD YOU SPAY YOUR DOG?

    FALSE PREGNANCY DOG ISSUES: WHAT IS A FALSE PREGNANCY?

    False Pregnancy Dog

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

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

    PREGNANCY IN DOGS

    False Pregnancy Dog

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

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

    WHY IS OFA HEALTH TESTING IMPORTANT?
    BAD BREEDERS

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

    UNSPAYED DOGS AND RISKS

    False Pregnancy Dog

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

    PYOMETRA

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

    MASTITIS

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

    BREAST CANCER

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

    SYMPTOMS OF FALSE PREGNANCY IN DOGS

    False Pregnancy Dog

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

    False pregnancy symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

    1. Nesting behavior (preparing a “nest” for her puppies)
    2. Trying to carry around soft toys
    3. Increased appetite
    4. Lactation (milk production)
    5. Abdominal enlargement
    6. Mothering behavior towards other animals or inanimate objects
    7. Mammary glands swollen
    8. Hormonal changes
    9. Behavioral changes
    10. Vaginal discharge
    11. Some dogs lose weight and some experience weight gain

    In mild cases of false pregnancy, a dog may only exhibit one or two of these symptoms. In more severe cases, a dog may exhibit most or all of these symptoms. If your dog is showing any signs of false pregnancy, it is best to take her to the vet for an examination.

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

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    CORRELATION BETWEEN A FALSE PREGNANCY AND HEAT CYCLE

    False Pregnancy Dog

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

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

    Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to false pregnancy than others. These include:

    1. Dogs who have had a previous false pregnancy
    2. Small breed dogs
    3. Dogs who have not been spayed (SPAY INFO)
    4. Dogs with irregular heat cycles
    5. Dogs who have experienced a traumatic event (such as the loss of a litter of puppies) Dogs who have been bred multiple times

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

    False Pregnancy Dog
    False Pregnancy Dog

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

    WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS PRODUCING MILK

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

    MAMMARY GLAND DEVELOPMENT

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

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

    MASTITIS RISKS

    False Pregnancy Dog
    False Pregnancy Dog

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

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

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

    PYOMETRA

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

    A dog with pyometra will often show signs of a false pregnancy, including:

    1. Abdominal enlargement
    2. Increased appetite
    3. Increased urination
    4. Nesting behavior
    5. Restlessness
    6. Vaginal discharge
    7. Weight gain or loss (Weight gain) (Dog won’t eat)

    Severe Pyometra will have bloody discharge and a fever. If your dog is showing any of these signs or if your dog appears physically ill, it is important to take her to the vet immediately as Pyometra can be life-threatening.

    HOW TO HELP A DOG GO THROUGH A FALSE PREGNANCY

    False Pregnancy Dog

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

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

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

    Once you have ruled out any other possible causes of her physical changes, there are some things that you can do to help your dog through a false pregnancy:

    1. Provide her with a safe place to nest (Big Barker is our favorite bed)
    2. Give her extra attention and love
    3. Make sure she is getting enough exercise and mental engagement (Here are some ideas)
    4. Do not allow her to mate
    5. Feed her a high-quality diet (Our favorites here)
    6. Talk to your vet about physical activity

    ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR DOG- CLICK HERE
    NEED HELP WITH WHAT TO FEED YOUR DOG? CLICK HERE
    THE BEST TOYS- CLICK HERE

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

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

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

    FALSE PREGNANCIES AND GETTING YOUR DOG SPAYED TOO YOUNG

    False Pregnancy Dog

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

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

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

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

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

    False Pregnancy Dog
    False Pregnancy Dog
    False Pregnancy Dog
    False Pregnancy Dog

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    HOW TO PREVENT FUTURE FALSE PREGNANCIES

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

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

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

    FINAL THOUGHTS ON FALSE PREGNANCY IN DOGS

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

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

    Once you have ruled out any other possible causes of her physical changes, there are some things that you can do to help your dog through a false pregnancy:

    1. Provide her with a safe place to nest
    2. Give her extra attention and love
    3. Make sure she is getting enough exercise
    4. Do not allow her to mate
    5. Feed her a high-quality diet
    6. Do not spay during false pregnancy
    7. Talk to your vet about physical activity

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

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

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  • 10 Dog Road Trip Essentials for a Safe and Fun Journey

    10 Dog Road Trip Essentials for a Safe and Fun Journey

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

    Dog Road Trip Essentials

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

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

    DOG ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

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

    Dog Road Trip Essentials
    Cute dog looking through the car window.

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

    COLLAPSIBLE BOWLS: FOOD AND WATER BOWLS

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

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

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

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

    1. Large
    2. Sanitary
    3. Affordable
    4. Can be used for both food and water

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

    SHOP HERE:

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

    COLLARS AND LEASHES

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

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

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

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    If it Barks Martingale Collar
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    Dazzber Martingale Collar

    PET TRAVEL LEASH

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

    DOG ANXIOUS IN CAR?

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

    SHOP HERE:

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    TRAVEL COLLAR WITH ID TAGS AND GPS

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

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

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

    SHOP ALL THREE PRODUCTS HERE:

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    PET FIRST AID KIT

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

    Dog Road Trip Essentials

    DOES YOUR FIRST AID KIT INCLUDE THESE ITEMS?

    1. Antibiotic ointment or spray (for cuts and scrapes)
    2. Bandages, gauze, and wraps of various sizes
    3. Cotton balls or swabs
    4. Tweezers (to remove ticks or splinters)
    5. Simethicone (for anti bloat situations)
    6. Scissors
    7. Adhesive fabric and plastic bandages
    8. Antiseptic towelettes
    9. Burn cream packets
    10. Pain killers for worst case scenarios
    11. Gauze roll and pads
    12. Wound closures
    13. Cold pack
    Dog Road Trip Essentials
    Dog Road Trip Essentials

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

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

    Here is the one I keep in my car:

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    DOG POOP BAGS AND GROOMING SUPPLIES:

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

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

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    Here are some affordable dog bags from Amazon:

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    CAR SEAT COVER AND SEAT BELT

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

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

    CARGO LINER FOR YOUR DOG FOR THE BACK SEAT

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

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

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    BIG BARKER SUV BED

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

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

    SHOP FOR BIG BARKER BEDS BELOW:

    image 15
    Click here to shop for SUV Big Barker beds.

    TREATS AND BONES

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

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

    Great Dane Puppy Treats
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    MY FAVORITE BONES:

    DBSR10 2

    Raws Paws Jumbo Bully Sticks

    CLEANING SUPPLIES FOR PET MESSES

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

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

    PET WIPES

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

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

    My personal favorite are here:

    image 69

    MUDBUSTER FOR CLEAN PAWS

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

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

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

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    FOOD ON THE GO

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

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

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

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

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    HOW TO GIVE A DOG A PILL

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

    Dog Road Trip Essentials
    Dog Road Trip Essentials

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

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

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

    READ MORE:

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

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

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

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

    READ MORE BIG DOG TOPICS HERE:

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    POPULAR BIG DOG NAMES

    Big Dog Names

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

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

    CONSIDER NAMING YOUR BIG DOG AFTER A FAMOUS LANDMARK OR CITY

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

    TRADITIONAL BIG DOG NAMES ARE POPULAR

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

    CHOOSING BIG DOG NAMES THAT ARE NAMES OF OTHER ANIMALS

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

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

    FICTIONAL CHARACTERS AND THE PERFECT NAME

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

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

    NAME YOUR DOG AFTER YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE

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

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

    BONUS: NAMES FOR BIG BLACK DOGS

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

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

    READ MORE BIG DOG TOPICS HERE:

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    A PERFECT GREEK NAME FOR YOUR BIG DOG

    Big Dog Names

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

    Consider naming your big dog after one of these deities:

    1. Apollo
    2. Ares
    3. Athena
    4. Zeus
    5. Nike

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

    UNIQUE BIG DOG NAMES

    Big Dog Names

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

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

    1. Tiny
    2. Biscuit
    3. Goliath
    4. Beefcake
    5. Butterbean
    6. Thumbelina
    7. Turbo
    8. T-Rex
    9. Atlas
    10. Tank
    11. Jupiter
    12. Ziggy
    13. Stardust
    14. Bam-Bam

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

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

    MALE BIG DOG NAMES

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

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

    1. Hercules
    2. Tyson
    3. Bruno
    4. Champ
    5. Thor
    6. Rocky
    7. Rambo
    8. Logan
    9. Bruce Wayne

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

    READ MORE BIG DOG TOPICS HERE:

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    CBD FOR BIG DOGS
    THE BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERNS FOR BIG DOGS
    5 TYPES OF DOGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO TO THE DOG PARK

    FEMALE BIG DOG NAMES

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

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

    1. Persy
    2. Ginger
    3. Princess
    4. Bambi
    5. Buttercup
    6. Ducky
    7. Belle

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

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

    1. Blaze
    2. Sammy
    3. Ryann
    4. George
    5. Billy
    6. Harley

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

    GENTLE GIANTS: GENTLE DOG NAMES FOR BIG DOGS

    Big Dog Names

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

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

    1. Honey
    2. Scooby
    3. Scooby Doo
    4. Axle
    5. Jacobi
    6. Rhea
    7. Rosco
    8. Marley
    9. Pickle

    FUNNY DOG NAMES

    Big Dog Names

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

    1. Biscuit
    2. Butterbean
    3. Goliath
    4. Tiny
    5. Thumbelina
    6. Shark
    7. Ziggy
    8. Stardust
    9. Bam-Bam
    10. Butter-Ball
    11. Pancake

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

    CUTE DOG NAME IDEAS

    Big Dog Names

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

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

    Here’s some ideas:

    1. Hailey
    2. Sammy
    3. Betty
    4. Suzie
    5. Benny
    6. Rio
    7. Doug
    8. Piper
    9. Sugar
    10. Moose

    LARGE DOG NAMES IN PERSONALITY AND SOUND

    Big Dog Names

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

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

    1. Hunter
    2. Courage
    3. Boomer
    4. Titan
    5. King
    6. Maximus
    7. Prince
    8. Grizzly
    9. Lion
    10. Duke

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

    READ MORE BIG DOG TOPICS HERE:

    HOW TO WALK A BIG DOG ON A LEASH
    LEASH TRAINING A BIG DOG
    STEPS TO GET A BIG DOG LEASH BEHAVED
    THE BEST LEASHES FOR BIG DOGS
    12 THINGS ABOUT LEASHES YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING
    WHY IS LEASH TRAINING SO HARD?

    FINDING DOG NAMES FOR A LARGE BREED IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

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

    SPANISH NAMES FOR DOGS

    Big Dog Names

    Here are some great ideas for Spanish names for dogs:

    1. Abril- April
    2. Luna- Moon
    3. Princesa- Princess
    4. Dulce- Sweet
    5. Amor- Love

    USE A LATIN NAME IN ORIGIN FOR YOUR DOG

    Big Dog Names

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

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

    1. Aurora- meaning ‘dawn’ in Latin
    2. Bella- meaning ‘beautiful’ in Latin
    3. Celia- meaning ‘heavenly’ in Latin
    4. Dalia- meaning ‘flowering’ in Latin
    5. Elvira- meaning ‘white’ or ‘blond’ in Latin
    6. Fiona- meaning ‘fair’ or ‘white’ in Latin

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

    PICKING THE PERFECT NAME FOR YOUR PET

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

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

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

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

    READ MORE:

    DEPLORABLE DOG TRAINING – SIT HAPPENS, LLC
    BIG PUPPY FOOD- WHICH ONE IS BEST?
    GREAT DANE GROWTH CHART
    GREAT DANE PUPPY SOCIALIZATION
    GREAT DANES AND KIDS- ARE THEY GOOD TOGETHER?
    HALO DOG COLLAR REVIEW
    HOW TO HELP A BIG DOG WITH A BROKEN LEG
    GREAT DANE PUPPIES- 10 ACTION STEPS
    IBUPROFEN POISONING IN DOGS
    THE WORLDS TALLEST DOG
  • Dog Pills: The Best Way to Feed Your Dog that 1 Gross Pill

    Dog Pills: The Best Way to Feed Your Dog that 1 Gross Pill

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

    Dog Pills

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

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

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

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

    Dog Pills
    Dog Pills

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

    DAILY VITAMINS PER YOUR VET’S INSTRUCTIONS

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

    ONGOING MEDICATIONS FOR CERTAIN CONDITIONS YOUR DOG MAY HAVE

    Dog Pills
    Dog Pills

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

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

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

    HIDE IT IN THEIR FOOD

    Dog Pills

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

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

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

    HIDE IT IN A TREAT

    Dog Pills

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

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

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

    FIND OUR FAVORITE TREATS HERE:

    Great Dane Puppy Treats
    rabbit product shot 0e868327e6c3f164e800cbe07820bc8d
    heart product shot 543df925a61364badd8ba752e763561c
    Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

    WRAP IT IN BACON, CHEESE, OR PEANUT BUTTER

    Dog Pills

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

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

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

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

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    USING A MEDICATION PASTE TO HIDE THE PILL

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

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

    GET THE PILL PASTE HERE ON AMAZON

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    PILL POCKETS

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

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

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

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    GIVE IT WITH A SYRINGE OR PILL GIVER

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

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

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

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

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    USING HUMAN FOOD FOR DOG MEDICATIONS

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

    Dog Pills
    Dog Pills

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

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

    SAFE FOOD FOR DOGS TO TAKE PILLS WITH

    1. DAIRY PRODUCTS IN MODERATION
    2. CHEDDAR CHEESE
    3. MOZZARELLA CHEESE
    4. YOGURT, AND SOUR CREAM CREAM
    5. GROUND BEEF
    6. HOT DOGS IN MODERATION
    7. ICE CREAM IN MODERATION (NO XYLITOL)
    8. NUT BUTTERS LIKE PEANUT BUTTER AND ALMOND BUTTER

    When giving your dog pills, always put safety first. Make sure that the pill is the appropriate size and dose for your dog. You should also make sure that you are using human food items that are safe for dogs to eat. If you have any concerns, speak with your Veterinarian!

    Dog Pills
    Dog Pills

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

    Some foods are not beneficial for your dogs to eat, and can even be dangerous to hide pills inside of due to their toxicity to your pet.

    1. GRAPES
    2. RAISINS
    3. AVOCADOS
    4. CHOCOLATE
    5. MACADAMIA NUTS
    6. XYLITOL S WEETENER
    7. ONIONS
    8. GARLIC

    While there are a lot of human food items that you can use, you want to be careful what you give a dog. Stick with safe foods to for a dog to take like cream cheese, cheese, or actual dog treats. If you are ever in question, speak with your Veterinary Clinic, or use a treat like the one below that is formulated especially for your pet.

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    FUN WAYS TO GIVE YOUR DOG ORAL MEDICATIONS

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

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

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

    SHOP HERE FOR THESE ADORABLE LITTLE TREATS:

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    GIVING A PET LIQUID MEDICATIONS

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

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

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

    Our favorite canned food is linked below:

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

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

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

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

    READ MORE:

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

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

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

    Male Great Dane Weight

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

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

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

    MALE GREAT DANE WEIGHT IN GIANT BREED DOGS

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

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

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

    DETERMINING FACTORS IN SIZE OF A GIANT BREED DOG

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

    GREAT DANE BREED SIZE DEPENDS ON GENDER

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

    Male Great Dane Weight
    Male Great Dane Weight

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

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

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

    HEIGHT OF GREAT DANES DETERMINES DANE GROWTH AND WEIGHT

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

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

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

    THE AGE / WEIGHT CORRELATION OF GREAT DANES

    Male Great Dane Weight
    Male Great Dane Weight

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

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

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

    GENETIC BUILD OF A GREAT DANE

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

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

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

    EUROPEAN GREAT DANES AND HEALTH PROBLEMS

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    WHAT IS A EURO GREAT DANE?

    Learn about the EURO Dane ↗

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

    THE AMERICAN GREAT DANE BREED STANDARD

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

    GREAT DANE LIFESPAN

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

    Male Great Dane Weight

    EUROPEAN GREAT DANES BREED STANDARD

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

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

    Male Great Dane Weight

    EUROPEAN GREAT DANES AND GENETIC HEALTH PROBLEMS

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

    LEARN ABOUT THE BREED STANDARD HERE. ITS REALLY FUN 🙂

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

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

    RED FLAGS FOR BREEDERS

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

    1. Hip dysplasia
    2. Elbow dysplasia
    3. Cardiac defects
    4. Autoimmune disease
    5. Degenerative myelopathy
    6. Cancer
    7. Obesity and Overweight Great Danes
    8. Eye issues including Entropion and Ectropion
    9. Shorter Lifespans

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

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

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

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

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

    WHAT IS OFA HEALTH TESTING?

    OBESITY IN GREAT DANES

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

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    An Underweight Great Dane
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    A Healthy Weight Great Dane
    33
    An Overweight Great Dane

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

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

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

    Male Great Dane Weight

    TO AVOID GETTING AN OBESE GREAT DANE

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

    HOW MUCH DOES A GREAT DANE PUPPY WEIGH?

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

    Male Great Dane Weight

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

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

    1. HOD
    2. Panosteitis
    3. Knuckling
    4. Hip dysplasia
    5. Elbow dysplasia
    6. Arthritis
    7. Joint problems
    8. Bone problems
    9. Bad conformation/body pain

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

    MANAGING GREAT DANE GROWTH IS CRITICAL

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

    HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR PUPPIES FEET

    KNUCKLING IN GREAT DANES (PUPPIES)

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    IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?

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

    KNUCKLING RESOURCES

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

    EXAMINE A GREAT DANE AND ITS FEET

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

    HOW TO PREVENT KNUCKLING

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

    SIGNS OF KNUCKLING IN GREAT DANES

    Male Great Dane Weight
    Male Great Dane Weight

    Signs your Great Dane may be knuckling:

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

    WHY DOES IT MATTER IF GREAT DANES KNUCKLE

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

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

    READ MORE ABOUT KNUCKLING IN GREAT DANES HERE: KNUCKLING GUIDE

    GREAT DANE GROWTH CHART

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

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

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

    GREAT DANE FEEDING CHART

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

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

    GREAT DANE GROWTH CHART
    GREAT DANE FEEDING CHART

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

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

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

    Click below for resources, including a Weight Chart:

    Birth1-2 lbs
    1 Week2-3 lbs
    2 Weeks3-5 lbs
    3 Weeks4-7 lbs
    1 Month5-8 lbs
    6 Weeks10-20 lbs
    2 Months15-30 lbs
    3 Months25-45 lbs
    4 Months45-65 lbs
    5 Months60-85 lbs
    6 Months65 – 100 lbs
    7 Months70-110 lbs
    8 Months80-120 lbs
    9 Months85-125 lbs
    1 Year95-120 lbs
    ADULT
    Female110-145lbs
    Male135-170lbs

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

    HOW BIG IS A FEMALE GREAT DANE?

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

    Male Great Dane Weight
    Male Great Dane Weight

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

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

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

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

    WHEN TO SPAY A FEMALE GREAT DANE

    WHAT TO FEED A GREAT DANE DOG

    Male Great Dane Weight
    Male Great Dane Weight

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

    GREAT DANE PUPPY FOOD

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

    Puppy kibbles that we recommend for a growing Great Dane:

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

    Resources for Great Dane feeding and Great Dane growth:

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

    PURCHASE HERE:

    271631 MAIN. AC SS348 V1631149304
    271628 MAIN. AC SS348 V1626396086
    90757 MAIN. AC SS348 V1635866197

    GREAT DANE TEMPERAMENT

    Male Great Dane Weight
    Male Great Dane Weight

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

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

    WHAT IS A BAD BREEDER?

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

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

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

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

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

    IS A GREAT DANE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MY FAMILY?

    Male Great Dane Weight
    Male Great Dane Weight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    READ MORE:

  • Are Great Danes Good with Kids?

    Are Great Danes Good with Kids?

    Are you wondering if Great Danes are good with kids and babies?

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

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

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

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

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

    Are Great Danes Good with Kids and Babies?

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

    All About Great Danes

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

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

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

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

    image 48

    Great Dane Temperament

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

    This is simply not true!

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

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

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

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

    How Long do Great Danes Live?

    How do I Potty Train a Dane Puppy?

    Rescue or Breeder? What’s best for me?

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    THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

    Everything you need to know! ↗

    Great Dane Size

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How to teach a Great Dane to Walk on a Leash

    The Best Toys for Great Danes

    The Hardest Part About Potty Training Puppies

    Dear Danes 5 Square 2000 1

    Finding a Great Dane for your Family

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

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

    Choosing an ethical breeder

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

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

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

    Choose a breeder that meets the following criteria, with no exceptions:

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

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

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

    When adopting a Dane, look for a rescue that:

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

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

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

    Reasons why a Dog Rescue may Deny Your Application

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

    guidesbreedgreat dane scaled 1

    Kids & Great Danes

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

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

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

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

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

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

    1 9

    Teaching kids to be responsible with dogs

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

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

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

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

    Your children’s safety matters most.

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

    All about Great Danes & Kids Together

    What to Feed a Great Dane Puppy

    A Guide to Bringing your New Puppy Home

    Amazing Pictures of Great Dane and their bond with the kids 41

    Here are some tips on keeping your kids safe around dogs:

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

    Did you know that the idea of ‘nanny dogs’ is a myth?

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

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

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

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

    IMG 1825

    Need ideas for healthy socialization?

    Introducing a baby to a Great Dane

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Harlequin Great Dane Puppy Standing 683x1024 1

    WHAT IS PUPPY CULTURE?

    Is your breeder making confident puppies? ↗

    Great Dane Puppy Training

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

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

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

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    mockup 70ed0cfa
    Need a Great Dane T Shirt?

    5 things all Great Dane puppies should know

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

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

    We recommend teaching Great Danes from an early age, the following obedience commands:

    • Down (so they don’t hover over and intimidate children)
    • Leave it (so you can redirect them away from children, food, and toys)
    • Off (so you can tell them to get OFF the couch of OFF your lap)
    • Place (so they have a safe spot to go where they aren’t chasing your kids)
    • Come (so they can be off-leash and enjoy family life with you)

    The more time you can spend rewarding these behaviors, the more times your puppy will repeat them and respond enthusiastically to your commands.

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

    5 Great Reasons to E-Collar Train your Great Dane

    Canine Good Citizen Testing for Dane Puppies

    5 Common Great Dane Puppy Training Mistakes

    Crate Training for Great Danes

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

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

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

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

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

    The BEST Crates for Great Dane Puppies

    Fast Potty Training Tips

    How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy

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    Stop Puppy Biting

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

    They are so big and their mouths are so BIG!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How to Stop Great Dane Puppy Biting

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    Romp n Roll Red
    Get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.

    Teach your puppy to stop chasing kids

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

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

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

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

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

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    THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

    Everything you need to know! ↗

    Off-leash training for Great Danes

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

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

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

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

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

    Here are some additional resources on E-Collar training!

    5 Reasons to E-Collar Train your Dog
    6 E-Collar Training Myths BUSTED
    Screen Shot 2022 03 30 at 2.11.34 PM

    JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

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

    Join our growing Facebook group!

    HELLO DANES ON FACEBOOK

    READ MORE:

    What is the best leash for Great Danes?

  • Are Brindle Great Danes Rare? An Introduction Guide To This 1 in a Million Coat 

    Are Brindle Great Danes Rare? An Introduction Guide To This 1 in a Million Coat 

    Are Brindle Great Danes Rare? If you are in the market for a Great Dane but are unsure which color will best suit your family, you may consider a Brindle Great Dane.

    5 Facts about Brindle Great Danes
    Are Brindle Great Danes ‘American’ Great Danes?

    While all Great Danes are typically seen as gentle giants and are known for their calm, loving demeanors, not all coat colors are created equal. By the end of this post, you will be able to identify the different variations of Brindle Great Danes, familiarize yourself with health issues and AKC breed standards, and learn a few interesting facts!

    Are Brindle Great Danes Rare
    Are Brindle Great Danes Rare

    Origin of the Color: Are Brindle Great Danes Rare?

    “I’ve never seen them come in THAT color!” is something Dior and I hear on nearly every outing. 

    The tiger-striped pattern of Dior’s coat is so unique, you can see why people might snap their necks trying to get a good look at him. Whether we are in the car, or at the grocery store – he really does turn a lot of heads.  

    But how uncommon is the brindle color REALLY!?

    Brindle Danes- Are They Rare?

    In short – no, Brindle coat colors and patterns have been around for as long as dogs have walked the earth. 

    An article written at Simply Dog Owners states, “The term [brindle] comes from an old French word for the striped animal: brin d’he (meaning “whisker”), which was later shortened into English usage with just one letter dropped off – hence today’s spelling: `BRINDLE.’

    Brindle Great Danes
    Blue Great Danes
    Mantle Great Danes
    Black Great Danes
    Double Merle Great Danes

    A brindle striped coat can contain several colors, but you will most typically see a solid brown base color with overlaying brown stripes. The brown stripes can vary in color which makes for another way to categorize the coat.

    FUN FACT: White is actually the most rare coat color of the breed because of its increased susceptibility to health issues and genetic defects. You can read more about double-merle Great Danes here.

    Are Brindle Great Danes Rare

    Brindle vs Reverse Brindle: Which is Which?

    Nowadays, you may or may not have heard these terms thrown around, however the differentiation between the two coat colors is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). 

    BRINDLE

    Brindle refers to a darker brown coat with hints of lighter stripes throughout. Usually these dogs appear black or dark brown in color with hints of tan and red markings. (Read more: All Things Brindle)

    REVERSE BRINDLE

    On the other hand, a reverse brindle coat is the opposite. The coat appears to be light brown with hints of darker stripes throughout. According to these two terms, Dior is referred to as a reverse brindle Great Dane. 

    Interestingly enough, all brindle-coated dogs technically have a black or dark brown base coat with lighter stripes – but sometimes there is less pigmentation from the base coat and more from the stripes (hence the reverse brindle). 

    Before I confuse you further, let’s dive into the genetics behind this fascinating coat. 

    Genetics Behind The Brindle Color

    Gregor Mendel, also known as the Father of Genetics, is the one who proved that an offspring of any kind is a product of two parents. While he illustrated his theory with pea plants, the science behind genetics applies to all forms of life – including dogs. 

    According to the VCA Animal Hospital, “…the mother and father each randomly contribute one allele from each locus, giving each allele a 50% chance of being passed on to the pups.” 

    Dogs contain 39 pairs of chromosomes (or genetic material), that is passed down from their mother and father. These genes determine the sex of the dog and everything else that makes them unique from the color of their eyes down to the pattern of their coat. 

    The brindle trait itself can be either dominant or recessive, but it is important to note that they come from the same color family as fawns. (Fawn Great Danes)

    “Brindle is caused by a complex gene process and is technically a form of mosaicism, where some cells express one allele (KB) and some express the other (ky),” says Dog Genetics. If you are interested in a more in-depth overview of the science behind the brindle coat and all of the variations throughout, I encourage you to check out this article!

    Are Brindle Great Danes Rare

    Health & Breeding

    I would like to preface this by saying I am not a veterinarian and you should not use this section as medical advice. 

    Furthermore, there is a lot more that goes into breeding Great Danes then just mixing colors to see what you’ll get – therefore, I would suggest you read this article about the dangers of backyard breeding.

    Bad Breeders
    Scam Breeders: What to Look For
    Breeders: Shady Business
    Should I Choose a Breeder or Rescue?
    Choosing a Dog From a Show Breeder
    What Makes a Breeder Good?

    Are Brindle Great Danes Rare

    Brindle Great Danes & Their Health Issues

    Great Danes are prone to a variety of health issues like Gastric Tortion / Bloat (GDV), Wobblers Syndrome, Hip Dysplasia, and different forms of Cancer. Be that as it may, brindle Great Danes are not specifically susceptible to any of these conditions in particular just based on their coat color. 

    BLOAT
    What is Bloat?
    Can You Prevent Bloat?
    Stomach Tacking: Pros and Cons
    Bloat and Gut Health
    The Scary Bloat Timeline

    JOINT ISSUES
    Arthritis in Great Danes
    Laser Therapy for Joint Pain
    How to Help a Dog with a Broken Leg
    Using CBD for My Dog’s Pain
    Canine Hip Dysplasia
    Growing Pains in Dogs

    WOBBLERS
    Wobblers and Controlling Pain

    If you are concerned for the health of your Great Dane, please consult your veterinarian. If you’re in the process of bringing a Great Dane into your home, it is my recommendation that you request health tests to the parent Danes to see if your dog might be at greater risk of developing any of the above conditions.

    Can You Breed Brindle Great Danes?

    As previously mentioned, I would discourage you from breeding your dog unless you comply with the AKC Responsible Breeding Standards BUT yes, brindle Great Danes can be bred. 

    Brindle is one of the nine colors that are deemed acceptable for show in regards to AKC standards but there are several other variations to the brindle coat that include:

    • Brindle mantle
    • Blue brindle
    • Blue brindle mantle
    • Brindle merle
    • Brindle merle mantle
    • Blue brindle merle
    • Blue brindle merle mantle
    • Brindle harlequin (aka brindlequin)
    • Brindle harlequin mantle
    • Blue brindle harlequin mantle

    It is uncommon for an ethical breeder to breed outside of the color family (brindles & fawns), but that doesn’t always mean it doesn’t happen. If we take a look back at genetics, recessive traits are not always present in adult dogs and therefore some can be passed down through generations (even if undesirable).

    The AKC Brindle Standard

    Don’t let the word ‘undesirable’ turn you off bringing home a brindle Great Dane. The color of their coat does not influence their demeanor or personality – but if you are looking to show your Great Dane the AKC standards will be something to consider. 

    They are as follows:

    Brindle Color:

    COLOR: the base color shall be yellow gold and always be brindled with black cross stripes

    Brindle Patterns:

    PATTERNS/MARKINGS: Brindle shall have a black chevron pattern with a black mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows and may appear on the ears and tail tip. The more intense the base color and the more distinct and evenly brindled, the more preferred will be the color. Too much or too little brindling are equally undesirable. White markings on the chest or toes; black fronted; dirty colored Brindles; are not desirable.

    If competing with your Great Dane in show is something that interests you, you can find the full article here.

    are brindle great danes rare

    Brindle Great Danes: Interesting Facts

    There is no doubt that the brindle coat contains the most unique color combinations. The tiger-striped pattern is not like any other, but are there any secrets behind the breed?

     Unique Traits I’ve Noticed Regarding My Brindle Great Dane:

    I mentioned before that I have raised three Great Danes from just a few months old, but Dior is my first brindle. My first Dane, Opal, has a blue coat and my second, Dymond, was a lightly-marked harlequin – but there are few differences I’ve noticed between the three…

    3 Interesting Facts about Dior:

    1. Dior is a spitting image of his father, but his mother was a black mantle Great Dane
    2. His skin appears to be pale under his lighter stripes and darker under his base coat
    3. In the summer Dior spends a lot of time outside, making his lighter skin tan (if you will). This causes his coat to appear darker in the summer and lighter in the winter

    Other breeds / animals that carry the Brindle gene:

    There are several other breeds of dogs that can possess a brindle coat like Boxers, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, French Bulldogs, Akitas, and many others – but did you know dogs aren’t the only ones that ‘come in that color’?

    Cattle, guinea pigs, cats and rarely, horses can also be tiger-striped!

    Are Brindle Great Danes Rare?

    Whether you are looking for a Great Dane of any color, be cautious about where you are getting him/her from (regardless if it be a rescue or reputable breeder), and don’t be afraid to ask the breeder for health tests to the parent Danes.

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR?

    Though there are no health issues with brindle Great Danes specifically, they are prone to other conditions you should be aware of. 

    Brindle Great Danes can be bred within the color family of fawns and other brindles, however several other variations can appear depending on the genes they inherit from their mother and father.

    No brindle Dane is superior to the other, but you should familiarize yourself with the AKC show standards if you are looking to enter your Great Dane in competition.

    The Great Dane Breed Standard

    The brindle coat is not rare at all! In fact, there are several other breeds of dog and animal species that carry the brindle gene like cattle and guinea pigs.

    Of the three Great Danes I have raised, Dior is my first brindle and I have noticed his coat change color intensity with the seasons and the color of his skin corresponds directly with the color of his fur!

    are brindle great danes rare

    If you’ve found this post about brindle Great Danes interesting, I suggest you check out my Instagram or TikTok where I uncover a lot of Dior’s personality and what it is like to live with a Great Dane! Additionally, if you are a first time Great Dane parent or a seasoned owner, come check out my blog where I upload new posts every Tuesday and Thursday!

    CHECK OUT THE AUTHOR:
    Hey there, my name is Haley and this is my Great Dane, Dior! We currently reside in Houston, Texas.

    I’ve raised three Great Danes from the puppy stage and have developed an unconditional, profound love for the breed.

    I’ve been sharing the good, bad, and ugly of being a Great Dane owner on my social media accounts since 2016, but have recently started compiling all of my knowledge into my own personal blog to help educate and inform past, present, and future Dane owners!

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyandthedane/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haleyandthedane
    Blog: https://www.haleyandthedane.com
  • Growing Pains in Dogs: Should You be Concerned?

    Growing Pains in Dogs: Should You be Concerned?

    Dogs, especially giant breed puppies such as Great Danes, are susceptible to growing pains, just like humans.

    In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of growing pains in dogs, how to treat them, and how to prevent Panosteitis from happening in the first place!

    Growing Pains in Dogs Overview

    Growing Pains in dogs

    What is Panosteitis in Dogs?

    Panosteitis, aka “growing pain” or “pano” affects puppies of all sizes, however giant breed dogs such as Great Danes are particularly susceptible.

    Pano is an often painful condition where the long bones of the legs become inflamed, causing lameness.

    This inflammation can happen on one or multiple legs, and can even move from leg to leg as the condition progresses.

    Panosteitis typically begins when puppies are between five and eighteen months old, however, it can be seen in puppies that are younger, too. Sudden onset may be common, and the symptoms will come and go.

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    What are the symptoms of puppy growing pains?

    If you are concerned that your giant breed puppy has a pain of any kind, it is important to see your veterinarian. Your puppy may be experiencing the following symptoms:

    • Lameness
    • Pain that seems to move from leg to leg
    • Stiffness
    • Pain when touched
    • Fever
    • Decreased appetite
    • Low energy
    • Weight loss

    It’s important to note that Panosteitis tends to be cyclical. Not only will the pain move from limb to limb, but the symptoms will also come and go.

    One day your puppy may seem completely fine, while the next he may be lame on all four legs.

    This can make pano frustrating to diagnose, as it can mimic other conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia.

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    How are growing pains diagnosed?

    Your veterinarian will likely take a complete history and perform a physical exam.

    They will ask you when you first noticed the symptoms, if it happens in one or more legs, when it tends to occur, and if there is anything that seems to make them better or worse.

    Your vet will also palpate your puppy’s long bones and joints to see if there is any pain or swelling, and then they will take x-rays.

    It is important to note that it can take up to ten days for radiographs to indicate changes in bone density. Radiographic evidence of changes in the bone is an important component of pano diagnosis and recurring x-rays may be indicated a few weeks later.

    The x-rays will further aid in addressing other bone-growth disorders such as knuckling, HOD, or dysplasia.

    There may be a genetic component to Pano, so it’s important to talk to your breeder as well.

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    How long do growing pains last?

    This painful growth disorder affects young, large growing dogs and tends to be self-limiting, however, it is very painful and must be treated. An affected dog will have symptoms one day that may be worse or better the next. More than one bone is often affected.

    The good news is that most puppies will outgrow the condition by the time they are two years old.

    There are things that you can do to help reduce the chance of Panosteitis occurring (more on this below).

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    What are the Causes of Growing Pains in Dogs?

    Large and giant breed puppies such as Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are prone to growing pains because they grow so quickly as puppies.

    It is believed that nutrition plays a role in Panosteitis, however, the direct cause beyond that isn’t fully understood.

    It stands to reason that because these puppies are growing so rapidly, their bones and joints may not be able to keep up with the demand, leading to inflammation and pain.

    This is a major reason to encourage slow, even growth when raising a large breed dog! Affected dogs have often been growing too quickly and changes must be made to properly support the growth of the long leg bones.

    Excessive exercise in rapidly growing dogs may also contribute. Large and giant breed puppies should be encouraged to play and move naturally and freely on soft varied terrain.

    Very long walks on pavement, slick or hard floors, sliding, and jumping off of furniture can be detrimental and cause painful lameness and permanent deformities (such as angular limb deformity, which will cover in another post).

    Hard or vigorous exercise should never be encouraged.

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    Does food cause growing pains in puppies?

    At Hello Danes, we believe that nutrition plays a key role in the health and well-being of your giant breed puppy.

    This includes the role of untested, poorly formulated, or incorrectly formulated foods, treats, and toppers in the development of growing pains. We are covering this more in-depth below, however, it is important to note the following:

    Giant breed puppies should be fed a large or giant breed puppy food from a company that employs a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and rigorously researches and tests their foods.

    Boutique diets, most grain-free kibbles, and adult or All-Life-Stages foods offer unbalanced, poorly formulated and inappropriate nutrition for Great Danes which can lead to many issues including:

    Grain-Free Foods and DCM – Real or Not?

    Should I feed PUPPY or ADULT food to my Great Dane Puppy?

    The BEST Foods for Giant Breed Dogs

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    Explosive growth and growing pains in giant breed puppies

    Growing too fast is a significant contributor to Pano in large breed dogs.

    Many people, in their desire to have the biggest puppy, will inadvertently overfeed their young dog or will feed them an incorrect diet and celebrate their incredibly fast growth.

    This leads to growing pains, knuckling, flat feet, pano, HOD, and orthopedic disorders such as hip dysplasia.

    It is important for owners of large breed puppies, as well as giant breed puppies, to be aware of the importance of choosing a correct diet and limiting intake to encourage slow, even growth, muscle development, and correct bone density.

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    THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

    Everything you need to know! ↗

    How is Puppy Growing Pains Treated?

    It is important to seek veterinary advice if you are concerned that your puppy has pain, limping, or lameness of any kind. Below we’ve included everything you need to know for the treatment of acute lameness and growth pains in dogs.

    The role of nutrition in Panosteitis pain

    We believe that nutrition plays a key role. There is a lot of outdated advice floating around, telling owners of large and giant breed puppies to only feed ‘adult’ food.

    “Adult food only” is dangerous advice based on outdated formulas of foods. Science and research have advanced since this time and the most appropriate nutrition is no longer what you may have heard.

    If you have a puppy that is experiencing bone diseases and growth problems, including knuckling, HOD, angular limb deformity, flat feet, or too-fast growth you must switch them immediately to food that meets the following criteria:

    • Formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist
    • Rigorously researched and tested
    • Large or giant breed PUPPY formula
    • AAFCO statement indicating that the food was substantiated in food trials for the growth of large breed puppies (70lbs + as an adult)

    We’ve included a list of appropriate foods for Great Danes (and other large or giant pups) below.

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

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    Veterinary guidance for growing pains & inflammation

    Your veterinarian will also prescribe pain medication to help your puppy be more comfortable when they are experiencing a painful flare-up.

    Pain relief is an important component of this treatment, as it will help your puppy feel better and encourage them to move around, which is necessary for correct bone development.

    How to care for a puppy with growing pains

    A puppy in pain may be unwilling to move much. It is important to be patient and follow these steps for treating Panosteitis:

    • Keep your puppy at a healthy body weight; do not overfeed your puppy!
    • Give your puppy anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications as prescribed by your veterinarian
    • Encourage moderate exercise, with veterinary approval
    • Movement should be on soft, varied terrain such as grass, sand, and gravel; not pavement, hard floors or slick surfaces
    • Use an orthopedic bed
    • Keep nails trimmed
    • Feed an appropriate high-quality diet (see nutrition topics)
    • Encourage slow eating and avoid the use of excessive treats or food toppers (especially during flare-ups)
    • Talk to your veterinarian if you notice worsening symptoms

    Keep in mind that this is a self-limiting disease and with proper support, you should notice positive changes! Most dogs go on to live a normal, healthy life.

    Need more? https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/panosteitis-in-dogs

    Has your puppy experienced this? Leave a comment below and share your story!

  • How Long Can a Dog Stay Home Alone? Tips for Creating Independence in Your Dog

    How Long Can a Dog Stay Home Alone? Tips for Creating Independence in Your Dog

    How long can a dog stay home alone? Even though dog owners may never want to leave their furry friends, at times, it is absolutely necessary to leave a dog at home for a few hours.

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    So, as a pet parent, it’s important to know just how long you can leave your dog home alone.

    After all, there will be times when you need to run errands or go to work and can’t take them with you. But don’t worry, there are ways to make sure your pup is happy and safe while you’re away.

    HOW LONG CAN A DOG STAY HOME ALONE?

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    Dogs can have alone time for different periods of time, depending on several factors:

    1. How old is your furry friend?
    2. Does your dog have separation anxiety?
    3. What breed is your dog?
    4. What is dog’s size?
    5. How well does your dog handle being left alone?

    These are all important questions to ask when determining just how long you can leave your furry friend home alone.

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    ALL DOGS ARE DIFFERENT AND AS A DOG OWNER YOU SHOULD TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION

    For example, a senior dog with separation anxiety may only be able to stay home alone for a couple of hours while a young puppy with no prior history of being left alone may be able to stay home for a longer period of time.

    It’s important to note that all dogs are different and some may not do well being left home alone at all while others may thrive in it.

    The best way to find out is by slowly leaving your dog home alone for short periods of time and gradually increasing the amount of time they’re alone as they get more comfortable with it.

    DO DOGS HATE BEING HOME ALONE?

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    Dogs are social animals who value quality time and human interaction.

    However, that does NOT mean that dogs or other animals ‘hate’ being left home alone.

    Most dogs value alone time and ‘quiet time’, just like humans do.

    In fact, some dogs may actually prefer being left home alone as they can have the entire house to themselves without having to share their space with anyone as it serves as a nice break for them.

    HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS HAPPY WHILE YOU’RE GONE

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    There are a few things you can do to make sure your dog is happy while you are away.

    1. Dogs LOVE to eat Kongs or frozen bones while their dog owners are away
    2. Leave your dog alone after a good long session of exercise
    3. Give your dog a puzzle or toy to play with while you are gone
    4. Provide CBD for your furry friend to keep them calm while they are left alone
    5. Bathroom breaks are an absolute must for any dog before you leave them alone for short OR long periods

    KONGS

    Kongs are a fantastic way to keep your dog happy during their alone time.

    Kongs are a safe and durable toy that can be filled with your dog’s favorite treats.

    This will give your furry friend something to do while you’re away and will prevent them from getting bored or anxious.

    Your Puppy is Bored

    You can even put Kongs in the freezer overnight so your dog has a frozen treat to enjoy during their alone time. Shop below:

    Kong Durable Dog Toy
    Kong Durable Dog Toy
    Kong Durable Dog Toy
    Shop Kong Durable Rubber Toys Here.

    EXERCISE

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    All puppies and adult dogs NEED to have physical exercise, especially before they are left alone.

    Otherwise, they will be bored while they are left alone and may start to act out.

    Behavior Issues with Dogs
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    A good long walk or run before you leave will tire your dog out and make sure they are calm when you’re gone. Foundational skills in training both off leash and on leash are crucial for being able to get your dog the proper exercise that it needs!

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    TOYS AND PUZZLES

    Toys and puzzles are another great way to keep your furry friend happy while you’re away.

    Engagement Ideas: Did you know that playing in the dirt is actually healthy?

    Puzzle toys such as the Pet Zone IQ ball can help your pup stay entertained for quite awhile while they are left alone. And it is always a great idea to keep your pet busy while you are out of the house.

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    Many dog toys on the market are designed to help with a dog’s separation anxiety.

    CBD

    CBD is an all-natural way to help your pet relax while you’re away.

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    It has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety in both humans and animals.

    You can give your dog CBD by adding a few drops of CBD oil to their food or treats.

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    BATHROOM BREAKS

    Last but not least, make sure your furry friend has a bathroom break before you leave them alone. (12 Potty Training a Puppy

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    An empty bladder will help your dog feel more comfortable while you’re gone. Make sure to prioritize a long enough bathroom break that your dog can have some time to sniff, pee or poo. (Treats to Help Your Dog Love Potty Training)

    Remember, all dogs are different and it’s important to take that into consideration when determining how long to leave your puppy or dog home alone.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with your veterinarian.

    DO DOGS VALUE HUMAN COMPANIONSHIP?

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    Dog people are fully aware that their dogs are their family members. (How to Choose a Canine Family Member)

    Dogs share a special bond with their human companions that is unlike any other animal.

    This bond is based on trust, love, and companionship.

    Dogs have been known to grieve the loss of their human companion just as humans grieve the loss of their furry friend.

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    It is this deep connection that dog people value so much.

    Human companionship is important to dogs, but so is alone time. Just like humans, dogs need some time to themselves every now and then. And that’s perfectly normal.

    So, how long can a dog stay home alone? It really depends on the individual dog.

    Even though both puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs all value the quality time and human companionship that they have with their human family members, it does not mean that they resent being left alone or get ‘mad’ at you when you leave the house for a few hours.

    DOES MY DOG FEEL SAD WHEN I LEAVE THEM HOME ALONE?

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    Some dogs experience severe separation anxiety.

    Separation anxiety happens when a dog becomes agitated and stressed when their human companion leaves them alone.

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    This can manifest itself in a number of ways, including barking, howling, chewing on furniture or clothing, pacing back and forth, or going to the bathroom inside the house.

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    If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your veterinarian or a trainer to get your dog confident enough that you can leave your dog without them experiencing angst or anxiety.

    GET YOUR YOUNG PUPPIES USED TO BEING LEFT ALONE

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    A dog’s age truly matters in preparing them to be left alone. This does not mean that an adult dog or a senior dog cannot be trained or taught independence, but starting to leave a dog home alone when they are a puppy is best.

    Puppies have shorter attention spans and are more likely to forget that you are gone after a few minutes. They are also less likely to be anxious about your leaving if it is something that they are used to from a young age.

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    Start by leaving your puppy alone for short periods of time, like when you take a quick shower or head outside to water the plants.

    Never leave a puppy alone without a potty break for longer than their bladder can handle it. (12 Potty Training Tips for a Great Dane Puppy)

    A good rule of thumb for puppies younger than 8 weeks old is that they can hold it for one hour per month of age.

    For example, a two-month-old puppy can stay home alone for no more than two hours. When your puppy is four months old, it should be able to be left alone for no more than four hours.

    As your puppy gets older, you can gradually increase the amount of time they are left alone until they are able to handle being by themselves for longer periods of time.

    IS IT BAD TO LEAVE A DOG ALONE?

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    Leaving your dog home is not bad, as long as you have set up your dog for success!

    Crate training, providing social engagement and mental enrichment, physical exercise and quality diet are all ways to help leave a dog home with success.

    Should I Go to the Dog Park?

    Dogs are pack animals and social animals, but they also love quiet, down time if they are trained adequately to not have separation anxiety.

    As a dog owner, you should not feel ‘guilty’ leaving your dog home.

    Just make sure to give your dog both human company and time with other animals and dogs to fulfil their social needs, as well as time to be alone to fulfil their need for independence.

    HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I LEAVE AN ADULT DOG ALONE PER DAY?

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    The amount of time that a dog or puppy can be left alone will change throughout a dog’s life.

    PUPPIES

    As a puppy, most owners will work to be around their puppy for as long as possible.

    A small pup is unable to go for very long without having a need of their owners attention, whether it be food or a potty break.

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    If an owner is required to work full time and brings home a puppy, it is necessary to look into professional dog walkers, neighbors, friends or family to help with the puppy.

    A general rule for a puppy to be left in the house by itself is one hour per month of age, up to a maximum of eight hours.

    This means that if you have an eight-week-old puppy, they can be left alone for no longer than two hours at a time.

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    As the puppy grows and becomes more independent, this time can gradually be increased until they are able to stay home by themselves for more than two hours.

    ADULT DOGS AND SENIOR DOGS

    If you have an adult dog or senior dog that does not have any health conditions, they should be able to be left at home for much longer than a puppy.

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    With a healthy adult dog, they should be independent to remain at home for at least six hours without needing a potty break or to be fed.

    This number will change based on individual dogs, as some may need to relieve themselves more frequently than others.

    As always, consult with your veterinarian to see what is best for your individual dog. age, health and breeds all play a role in how long you can leave your dog home alone.

    PUPPIES AND CRATE TRAINING

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    Crating your pup is one of the most important things you can do when working on leaving them home alone.

    How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy
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    A dog’s crate should be seen as their personal space, and not where they are punished.

    Crate training takes time and patience, but it will be worth it in the long run.

    The crate should only be big enough for the pup to stand up and turn around in, as this will make the space seem more cozy and intimate.

    The crate should be placed in an area of the house where the family spends most of their time, such as the living room.

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    This way, the pup won’t feel isolated from the family while they are away.

    Puppies should only be left in the crate for short periods of time at first, such as 30 minutes to an hour.

    The length of time should gradually be increased as the pup gets more comfortable with being in the crate.

    It is important to make sure that the puppy has been exercised before being crated, as they will need to relieve themselves.

    Puppies should not be crated for more than four hours at a time.

    Crated dogs tend to have less anxiety and well crated dogs are able to relax at home for longer periods of time as their owners don’t have to worry about them eating things they shouldn’t, getting into anything dangerous, or hurting themselves.

    As you can see, the question of how long can you leave your dog at home varies depending on many factors, one being whether your dog is comfortable using a crate.

    PUPPIES AND POTTY BREAKS

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    Potty training young puppies and dogs can be difficult but is one of the most foundational and important things you can do for your dog.

    How to Make Potty Training Easier
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    Potty training also will help determine whether you can leave a dog alone or not.

    If your dog is not potty trained, you will have difficulty leaving a dog alone for risk that your dog will potty in the house.

    The process of potty training generally starts with taking your dog out frequently, every 30 minutes to an hour, so they can get used to going outside to relieve themselves. (Create a Potty Schedule)

    As your dog gets older, bigger, and better at holding their bladder, you will be able to increase the time between potty breaks.

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    A general rule of thumb is that a dog who is not potty trained should go potty every time they eat, wake up, or after they play.

    When you are about to leave your dog alone, make sure to make time for them to take a potty outside. If you do not make time for going potty, it will majorly impact how long you can leave a dog alone.

    SENIOR DOGS AND BATHROOM BREAKS

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    Senior dogs need additional bathroom breaks, more so than most dogs.

    If you have an older dog, you will want to be cognizant of the fact that they likely need additional bathroom breaks.

    A great idea is to encourage your senior pup to use the restroom as often as possible.

    Frequent bathroom visits for your dog can help prevent urinary tract infections, incontinence issues, or accidents in the house.

    Human Antibiotics + Dogs

    Your senior pets do not want to have accidents in the house, but sometimes as dogs age they cannot help it.

    If your senior dog has issues with accidents in the house, you may want to look into doggy diapers or belly bands.

    These products can help absorb any accidents and make cleanup a breeze.

    There are many things to consider when wondering how long you can leave your dog home alone.

    The best way to determine an appropriate amount of time is to consider your dog’s age, bathroom habits, and comfort level with being left home alone.

    By taking all of these things into account, you can make the best decision for you and your furry friend.

    GETTING DOG WALKERS FOR DOGS

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    One option that works well for most dogs is hiring a dog walker.

    You can find a dog walker on dog walker specific apps like ‘Rover’, or by asking your neighbor or friends if they would like to frequently walk your dog.

    Hiring someone to walk your dog will alleviate the pressure and stress that it might bring when you leave a dog alone.

    Knowing that your dog will have a break throughout their day leaves pet parents with a better feeling and gives the dog a break in their day.

    DOGGY DAYCARE FOR A DOG WHO WORKS A FULL TIME JOB

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    Doggy daycare CAN be a good thing, but depending on the dog, it can also be a complete mistake.

    Some daycares for dogs are a total mistake in regards to that dogs training, habits, and temperament.

    Before enrolling your dog in daycare, make sure to do your research on the different types of daycares and see if it is a good fit for your pup.

    The best way to do this is by asking around for recommendations or reading online reviews and asking a TON OF QUESTIONS!

    Questions to ask the dog daycare facility prior to signing your dog up for daycare:

    1. What is the humans to dog ratio?
    2. Are all dogs required to be vaccinated?
    3. Where do the dogs rest or take breaks if they are over stimulated or need a break?
    4. What is the process for a new dog that joins the daycare?
    5. Do you have any liability insurance in case my dog gets injured while at daycare?
    6. What is the emergency plan for your dog in the event that the facility has an emergency?

    By asking all of these questions, you can get a better understanding of whether or not doggy daycare is right for your dog.

    MENTAL ENGAGEMENT AND HOW IT HELPS WHEN YOU HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE

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    Mental stimulation helps in tremendous ways when owners have to leave a dog alone.

    Mental stimulation is the act of providing activities that challenge a dog’s problem-solving skills.

    This can be done in many different ways, such as through food puzzles, Kongs stuffed with treats, or even interactive dog toys. Our favorite treats:

    Great Dane Puppy Treats
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    Slow Feeders are also a great way to work your dog’s brain. Click each image below to check out the slow feeder.

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    PetDuro has creative ways to slow feed your dog in a standard slow feeder, an engagement slow feeder or a slow feeder licky mat.

    By providing your dog with something mental enriching, you are giving them something to do while you are away that will tire them out both mentally and physically.

    This is a great way to help your dog stay calm and relaxed while you are away from home.

    There are many different ways that you can provide mental stimulation for your dog.

    The best way to figure out which method works best for your dog is by trial and error.

    What works for one dog may not work for another, so it is important to find what works best for your furry friend.

    INTERACTIVE DOG TOYS

    One of the best ways to provide mental stimulation for your dog is through interactive dog toys.

    Interactive dog toys are designed to keep your dog engaged and challenged while you are away from home.

    For example, the PetDroid Interactive Toy helps keep your pets busy while you are gone by providing them with a variety of activities to do.

    The PetDroid is an interactive dog toy that gets them moving and active even when you are gone.

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    They come in a variety of different styles, so you are sure to find one that your dog will love.

    Some of the most popular interactive dog toys on the market include the Kong Classic Dog Toy, the StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy, and the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Puzzle Game.

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    FOOD DISPENSING TOYS

    The most common food dispensing toy is the Furbo.

    The best part about using a Furbo with your dogs is that not only is it a food dispensing toy that will keep your dog entertained and challenged, but it also has a camera inside of it, so you can watch your dogs while you are at work or the store.

    It is a great way to provide mental stimulation for your dog while you are away from home.

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    These are just a few of the many different ways you can help your dog get its brain active and working.

    HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT MIGHT IMPACT A DOG BEING LEFT ALONE

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    Sometimes, sick animals are unable to be left alone for as long as a healthy pet.

    Sick animals can demonstrate their pain in unusual ways, like peeing in the house or demonstrating anxiety when their owners leave.

    Some illnesses that might need additional attentiveness from owners include:

    1. Arthritis (Arthritis in Great Danes)
    2. Seizures
    3. Anxiety disorders
    4. Gastrointestinal issueIf your dog is suffering from any of these conditions, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to see how best to care for your pet. They will be able to give you specific instructions on what you can do to help your dog succeed and help you be able to leave your dog alone for longer periods of time. (Gut health)

    Put your dog on a quality probiotic to prevent many illnesses related to whole body health.

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    IS IT POSSIBLE TO SUCCESSFULLY LEAVE A DOG ALONE?

    Yes! You can leave a dog alone at home and still find success in their behavior. When you leave a dog alone, you equip them to be independent dogs!

    Just make sure that you are setting up your dogs for success when you leave them, leave them for the right amount of time for their age and energy level, and make sure to give them something to do while you’re gone if necessary.

    By following these simple steps, you can leave your dog alone with no problem!

    Do you have any tips to leave a dog alone successfully? How long can you leave your dog alone? Share them in the comments below!

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  • Signs of Stress in Dogs: How to Help An Anxious Dog

    Signs of Stress in Dogs: How to Help An Anxious Dog

    Signs of Stress in Dogs
    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Knowing the signs of stress in dogs can help pet parents know when their dog is stressed, what normal behaviors are vs. anxious dog’s body language, and ultimately help them keep their dog’s stress levels under control.

    WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON SIGNS OF STRESS IN DOGS?

    Many dogs feel stressed out over a variety of situations. If you think your dog is feeling anxious, they may show some of the following signs:

    PANTING AND PACING

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Panting or pacing: If your dog is feeling stress, they may start to pant excessively or pace back and forth. This is their way of trying to burn off excess energy and calm themselves down.

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    SHAKING OR TREMBLING

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Shaking or trembling: Shaking or trembling can also be a sign that your dog is feeling stressed. This is usually accompanied by panting and pacing, as well as a wide-eyed, panicked look.

    YAWNING

    Signs of Stress in Dogs
    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Yawning: Yawning may seem like an odd sign of stress, but it’s actually your dog’s way of trying to relieve tension.

    LIP LICKING

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Lip licking: Licking lips is another common sign that your dog is feeling stress. This is usually a calming signal that dogs use to try and diffuse a stressful situation.

    EXCESSIVE SLEEPING

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Abundance of sleeping: Some dogs will sleep to alleviate stress.

    You should make sure you give your dog plenty of rest, but if they begin to sleep for a long period of time throughout the day, it may be their method of communicating to you that they feel stress.

    Provide them with mental stimulation, get them active, and help them sleep and rest in short periods throughout the day that can help them feel their best.

    FORWARD FACING EARS

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Forward facing ears: In stressful situations, a dog may show body language that includes forward-facing ears.

    STIFF BODY LANGUAGE

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Stiff body language: Stiffness in the body can be a sign of stress, especially if your dog is usually relaxed and loose in their movements.

    DESTRUCTIVE CHEWING

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Destructive chewing: Some dogs will start to chew on things more when they’re feeling anxious. This may be due to boredom, or it could be a way to relieve stress.

    Crate training is a great way to treat anxiety in dogs who are demonstrating stress.

    Sometimes your pup just needs a break from the humans, kids, or other dogs in the home.

    Giving your dog their favorite toy, favorite treats, or a meal in their crate can help relieve stress and help create a safe space.

    TUCKED TAIL

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Tucked Tail: When a pet is in fear or feels stress, sometimes they tuck their tail, a key indicator in your dog’s behavior that the dog is stressed.

    If you notice your dog has a tucked tail in a situation that your dog likes typically, such as at a park surrounded by excited children or driving in a car, you should leave that situation or try to find solutions for the anxiety, as it is likely that your dog is experiencing stress.

    WHALE EYE

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Whale Eye: Dog owners can look for dilated pupils as stress signs in dogs.

    Dilated pupils can occur in a dog who is experiencing stress because of fear, anxiety, or aggression.

    If you notice large eyes on your pup, try to make eye contact and help calm their stress. Remain calm and speak to them in a low voice to soothe their stress level.

    BARKING

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    Barking: Some dogs will resort to barking when they are anxious. Pet parents should identify the root cause for their dog barking before beginning to resolve the barking.

    If dog owners attempt to make their dog stop barking with a tool like a bark collar and the root cause of the barking is fear, it could make the problem worse and create more stress in the long run.

    WHY IS MY DOG SUDDENLY EXPERIENCING STRESS AND ANXIETY?

    If your dog is showing new signs of feeling stress, it’s important to figure out what is causing the anxiety. There are many different things that can cause a dog to feel anxious, and it’s often a combination of several factors. Some common causes of stress in dogs include:

    1. Change in routine: Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. Any change in their daily routine can cause them to feel stressed and anxious. This could be something as simple as a change in the time you walk them, or it could be a major life event like a move to a new house.
    2. Lack of socialization: Dogs who don’t get enough socialization can start to feel anxious and stressed. This is because they’re not used to being around people and other animals, and they don’t know how to act in social situations.
    3. Loud noises: Dogs can be sensitive to loud noises, whether it’s the sound of fireworks or construction work. This can cause them to feel stressed and anxious.
    4. New environments: If your dog isn’t used to being in new environments, it can be very stressful for them. This could be anything from going to the vet’s office to going on a hike.
    5. Health Issues: If your furry friend is normally rather calm and hardly reacts in anxious situations, but you’ve noticed lately that there are signs your dog is stressed, there could be a health indicator that is making your dog feel anxious.
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    As you can see, there are many different things that can cause a dog to feel stressed and anxious. If you think your dog is feeling stressed, it’s important to figure out what is causing the anxiety and try to remove or reduce those

    WHAT CAUSES STRESS IN DOGS?

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    There are a variety of things that can cause stress in dogs.

    Some dogs may be anxious due to genetics, while others may have traumatic experiences that have led to a fear of certain situations or objects. Here are some common causes of stress in dogs:

    1. Loud noises: Dogs may be afraid of loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or construction work.
    2. Changes in routine: Dogs may become stressed when their routine is changed, such as when a family member goes on vacation or there is a change in the household dynamic.
    3. Separation anxiety: Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, which can be triggered by anything from being left alone for too long to having a change in their daily routine.
    4. Lack of exercise: A dog who isn’t given enough exercise may start to become anxious and stressed. This is because they have all this built-up energy with nowhere to release it.
    5. Stressful situations: Some dogs cannot handle situations like a parade, crowded places, or meeting new people. This can lead to a feeling of anxiety or stress.

    HOW TO HELP AN ANXIOUS DOG

    There are a few things you can do to help an anxious dog.

    IDENTIFY THE TRIGGER OF ANXIETY FOR YOUR DOG

    First, it’s important to understand what is causing your dog’s anxiety. Once you know the trigger, it will be easier for both you and and your dog to avoid that situation that makes your dog stressed in the first place.

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    For example, if your dog is anxious around other dogs, try to avoid taking them to the dog park or on walks in areas where there are a lot of dogs.

    CREATE A SAFE SPACE FOR YOUR DOG

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    If you know your dog is going to be in a situation that makes them anxious, create a safe space for them to retreat to if they need it. This could be a crate or a quiet room where they can go to feel calm and safe.

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    PROVIDE COMFORT FOR YOUR DOG

    Signs of Stress in Dogs

    If your dog is feeling stress, provide them with comfort in the form of treats, petting, or anything else that will help them relax. These Snuggle Puppies are a great tool to help your dog feel safe!

    Shop here for your own Snuggle Puppy.

    TRY DOG-CALMING PRODUCTS

    There are a variety of dog-calming products on the market that can help to ease your dog’s anxiety. These include things like dog appeasing pheromones, calming CBD, and supplements.

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    FEED YOUR PET AN APPROPRIATE DIET

    Since gut health is linked to anxiety, and gut health is also linked to bloat, it is clear to see that all three are heavily related: gut health, anxiety and bloat.

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    Feeding your dog an appropriate diet can help to relieve internal gut health and over time will help your dog relax and feel more like themselves. Consider adding in a Veterinarian approved probiotic:

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    Coping with anxiety in dogs is never an easy feat, but most dogs can learn to live very happy and normal lives. Just like humans, your pup will learn to navigate what triggers their stress and what they can handle.

    It is up to you as their advocate and owner to keep their dog stress to a minimum and help your pet live the healthiest life possible.

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