Obesity in dogs is a prevalent issue, with approximately 56% of dogs in the United States being classified as overweight or obese. There is a 1 in 2 chance that your pet is in trouble, and it’s time to help your dog lose weight.
Many pet owners are in disbelief when the veterinarian mentions that their pet may have a weight problem. Years ago, before my days as a pet journalist, I remember being angry at my veterinarian who thought my dog Chloe was too heavy! After all, Chloe was “all muscle”, right?
How wrong I was. My ignorance led to that sweet pup suffering her entire life. The truth is, she was overweight and that wasn’t fair. I’ve learned some hard lessons along the way! My current dogs are thin and muscular, and my veterinarian is thrilled.
Here is some information on obesity in dogs, and some effective strategies to help your dog lose weight.
The Danger of Pet Obesity
Excess weight in pets can lead to a myriad of health problems including joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease. While some pet owners worry that their furry companions are too thin or don’t eat enough, a larger number should shift their focus to concerns about their pets being overweight and consuming excessive amounts of food.
A 14-year life span study in Labrador Retrievers showed that when fed to maintain a lean body condition from puppyhood, and throughout life, dogs live better, longer lives.
Here are just some of the health conditions overweight dogs are prone to:
Joint Strain: Excess weight strains a pet’s joints, leading to discomfort and increasing the risk of conditions like arthritis and mobility issues.
Increased Risk of Medical Conditions: Obesity is closely linked to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues, and hypertension, significantly reducing a pet’s quality of life and potentially shortening its lifespan.
Exacerbation of Existing Conditions: Carrying extra weight can exacerbate existing medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, respiratory disorders, and skin conditions, making them more challenging to manage and control.
Decreased Energy Levels: Obese pets may experience decreased energy levels and stamina, hindering their ability to engage in physical activity and enjoy a fulfilling life.
Reduced Immune Function: Excess weight can weaken a pet’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections, allergies, and other illnesses.
Impaired Digestive Function: Obesity can lead to digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort, impacting a pet’s overall digestive health and nutrient absorption.
Dog’s lives are already short as it is. They don’t have time to mess around with obesity-related health problems. Let’s dig in with how to solve this problem, once and for all!
How to Tell if a Dog is Fat
The Purina Body Condition Score is the gold standard for assessing your dog’s weight. The video below is a helpful resource.
Even if you have a “beefy” or “muscular” breed, they should not be round or covered in a layer of fat.
Visual Inspection: Stand above your dog and look down at them. You should be able to see a distinct waistline behind the ribs. If the waist is not visible or if your dog’s abdomen appears rounded or sagging, they may be overweight.
Rib Feel: Gently run your hands along your dog’s ribcage. You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing too hard. If you can’t feel the ribs easily, or if there is a thick layer of fat covering them, your dog may be overweight.
Profile View: View your dog from the side while they are standing. Their abdomen should tuck up behind the ribcage, not hang down. If there is a noticeable bulge or if their belly droops, it could indicate excess weight.
Activity Level: Monitor your dog’s energy levels and ability to engage in physical activity. If they tire quickly during walks or playtime, or if they seem less interested in exercise, it could be a sign of excess weight.
Weight Check: Use a scale to regularly weigh your dog and track their weight over time. Your veterinarian can guide you on what constitutes a healthy weight for your dog’s breed and size.
Help Your Dog Lose Weight
If you are ready to help your dog lose weight, start now!
While you may feel upset that your pet is in this condition, don’t be hard on yourself. Some dogs gain weight incredibly easily, especially if they have been spayed or neutered!
Consult with Your Veterinarian
Before embarking on any weight loss plan for your dog, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian. They can assess your dog’s current health status, determine a healthy weight goal, and recommend an appropriate diet and exercise plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Your veterinarian can rule out medical causes for your pet’s obesity such as thyroid disease, too.
Implement a Balanced Diet
Just like humans, dogs require a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding and measure out your dog’s portions according to the feeding guidelines provided by your veterinarian or pet food manufacturer.
Don’t fall into the marketing and influencer trap of feeding “low carbohydrates” for pet health. This pervasive myth stems from toxic diet culture, and has very little to do with pet obesity!
If your pet is struggling to lose weight, your vet may recommend a prescription weight loss diet such as Royal Canin Weight Control.
I recommend sticking to brands that meet WSAVA guidelines, such as Purina, Royal Canin, and Hill’s Science Diet.
Monitor Treats and Table Scraps
Treats and table scraps can quickly add up in calories and contribute to weight gain in dogs. Limit the number of treats you give your dog each day and opt for low-calorie options such as carrots or green beans.
Avoid feeding your dog table scraps, as these can be high in fat and unhealthy for your dog’s waistline.
It’s equally important that you don’t replace too much of the balanced diet with unbalanced toppers and veggies! Poor overall nutrition can stall weight loss.
Increase Physical Activity
Regular exercise is crucial for helping your dog burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of physical activity each day, such as brisk walks and free exploration of fields and outdoor terrain. Be sure to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your dog’s exercise routine to avoid overexertion and injury.
If your pet is suffering from orthopedic conditions, consider asking your veterinarian for a referral to a canine PT for therapy as well!
Provide Mental Stimulation
In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation is important for keeping your dog engaged and preventing boredom-related eating. Invest in puzzle toys, interactive feeders, or training sessions to challenge your dog’s mind and keep them mentally stimulated.
I love this Kong Wobbler toy, as you can put kibble in it to encourage your dog to move and chase while they eat!
Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed
Track your dog’s weight loss progress regularly and make adjustments to their diet and exercise routine as needed. If your dog is not losing weight at the desired pace, consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and make necessary changes to their weight loss plan.
Helping your dog lose weight requires dedication, patience, and consistency. By following these effective strategies and working closely with your veterinarian you can help your furry friend achieve and maintain a healthy weight, leading to a happier and healthier life.
Remember to approach weight loss for your dog with care and compassion, and always prioritize their well-being above all else.
It can be hard to know exactly how to help your dog lose weight.
It can also be disheartening and concerning to realize that your beloved pup is overweight, but the good news is that there are steps you can take to help them lose weight. Here are five easy steps to do just that:
Feed High Quality Food – Invest in food that serves the dog in front of you. Marketing scams and deceit in the dog food industry might be leading you to believe you are feeding the right food when you are not.
Monitor and Limit Treats – Treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet and should be kept to healthy options like raw fruits or vegetables.
Increase Exercise – Ensure that your pup gets plenty of exercise every day! Take them on regular walks or play games with them to get their heart rate up.
Monitor Portion Sizes – Even if you’re feeding high quality food, it’s still important to monitor portion sizes when reducing weight. Instead of one large meal once a day, try breaking meals into two smaller servings throughout the day.
Feed For the Ideal Weight, NOT the Current Weight- While your pup is trying to lose weight, you should be feeding for their ideal weight. This will ensure they are getting the necessary nutrition and calories needed for a healthy lifestyle.
Provide Meals in Puzzles or Toys- If your pup is a bit of an overeater, try giving them their meals in puzzle or food toys. This will slow down their eating and help them better utilize their energy throughout the day.
Exercise– Include exercise in your pup’s daily routine. Something as simple as a game of fetch can help the pup lose weight and burn some extra energy.
Visit Your Vet – It’s always best to consult your vet before making any changes in your pet’s diet or exercise routine to ensure that what you’re doing is best for your pup’s health needs!
Excess weight and obese dogs can cause an abundance of health problems. An overweight dog is prone to arthritis and joint pain, cardiovascular issues, fatigue, diabetes, breathing problems, and even a shortened life expectancy.
Dog owners all strive for a healthy and happy, active dog. However, they often fail to realize that their pet’s weight could be the difference between just that and a shortened life.
Your dog’s weight matters. So, knowing how to help your dog lose weight and maintain an ideal body weight is one of the most important things dog owners can learn and practice.
What Is a Dog’s Ideal Body Weight?
A healthy weight means something a bit different for each dog. Your dog’s health, however, always depends on them maintaining a lean body mass.
Veterinary medicine is very clear about the fact that it is crucial to help your dog maintain their ideal weight and NOT hold excess weight.
As a matter of fact, “Obesity shortens a dog’s life and makes them more likely to develop disease. It was always accepted that heavy dogs lived a shorter lifespan than lean dogs, usually by 6-12 months”, VCA Hospitals.
So, we can agree that your dog’s weight matters. But, how do you know if your dog is in need of losing weight in the first place?
A Dog’s Ideal Body Weight
Your dog’s ideal weight can typically be calculated based off of their body size. Unfortunately, it can be hard to determine if a dog is overweight simply by looking at them.
This is why the best gauge for understanding whether or not your pup is within an ideal weight range is to use something known as a Body Condition Score (BCS).
Use The Body Condition Score to Help Your Dog Stay at The Right Body Weight
A BCS ranges from 1-9, with 5-7 being the ideal range. Dogs that are close to a 5 are considered too skinny, and dogs on either side of 7 (6 or 8) have an unhealthy amount of fat covering their frame.
Any score above 8 is obese, and requires immediate attention in order to help your pup lose weight as soon as possible.
The BCS can be used by a veterinarian to assess your dog’s body condition. It can also be used by an educated pet owner, who is familiar with the anatomy of their pup and knows what a healthy weight for that specific breed looks like.
Let’s talk about how to use the BCS to determine the difference between overweight dogs, normal dogs, and underweight dogs.
Using your knuckles, you can compare your pup’s body to a scale, which ranges from 1-9.
For Dogs That Are Too Skinny:
If all of the ribs are visible and easily felt, then they have a BCS of 1 or 2. If your dog is in this range, it means that their diet needs to be adjusted and their weight should be monitored closely to make sure that they maintain a target weight.
These dogs are normally active dogs who are eating the right amount of food intake, but burning excess calories.
Typically, it is very hard to be ‘too skinny’ as a dog, unless of course you are facing a case of malnourishment. On that hand, you can feel relieved knowing as long as you are feeding the proper calorie intake, your dog is likely not underweight.
For Dogs That Are At A Normal Weight:
Knowing your pup’s rib coverage is an essential part of understanding their overall health and well-being. With a simple palm down knuckle test, you can get accurate measurements right in the comfort of your own home – no professional weigh-in necessary!
Plus, tracking this information regularly enables you to easily follow their progress over time for optimal weight loss results.
If you hold one of your own hands with your palm outward and feel the knuckles with the flats of your other hand, this is the ideal feel for a healthy weight. The ribs should be easily felt with a slight layer of fat covering them. Dogs that have a BCS in between 5-7 are considered to be at their ideal body weight.
It is important to note that these health problems can be prevented with proper diet and exercise.
Step 1: Examining The Diet You Feed Your Dog
You might be surprised to see that the diet you are feeding your dog is actually not the best diet for them.
If you’d like to help your dog lose weight, you should start by examining the quality and type of food you are providing.
Have a look at how many calories are in the dry food you are feeding your dog. If your dog consumes an extra cup of food per day and that food is 400-500 calories per day, that could be making a huge difference in them gaining weight.
It is easy to give our dog’s people food or high calorie treats without even realizing it.
Figure Out Your Dog’s Calories
Speak to your veterinarian about how many calories your dog needs. Then, if you want to give your dog empty calories in the form of treats, you should subtract those extra calories from the total you are giving them of normal food.
That way, you are still sticking to the feeding guidelines and not going overboard with too many calories.
Depending on how much weight your dog is meant to lose, you might opt for treats with lower calories.
Vegetables
Vegetables like baby carrots and green beans can make wonderful treats that won’t put on extra weight for your dog.
Fun Treats with Fewer Calories
You can still give your dog fun dog treats.
Just look for some with fewer calories.
These are my all time favorite and each treat only has 1 calorie!
Monitor Portion Size
If you aren’t measuring out how much food you give your dog each day- you’re making a mistake.
Use a measuring cup and determine exactly how much your dog needs to eat per day.
Then, don’t feed more!
Spread it out throughout the day in small meals so that your dog doesn’t get hungry later in the day.
You can also fill up some portions of the meals with veggies to keep them full.
Feed For the Ideal Weight, NOT the Current Weight
If you follow the feeding guidelines on the bag of kibble, you’re going to want to follow it for the ideal weight and not the current weight.
That means, if your dog is obese at the moment, you should feed them for the ideal weight.
If your dog weighs 110 lbs, but your veterinarian suggests that their ideal weight is 100, you should feed them what the recommendation on the bag is for 100 lbs.
If you feed them for their current size, they will never have the opportunity to lose that weight.
Make Mealtime Fun
Your dog will use their brain any time they are given the opportunity.
So, make meal time fun by scattering their food around the yard or giving them brain games like a slow feeder bowl that makes them work for their dinner.
Puzzle Feeders: A Fun Food Bowl
Puzzle Feeders can help to make a dog slow down significantly while eating.
Instead of gulping their food down in one sitting, your dog will have to figure out how to get the food out of the puzzle feeders.
This can help make meal time last longer, which in turn will make them feel more full even when they are eating less.
Freezing Food
Opt to freeze a portion of the dog food into a Kong toy or food bowl. Again, this will make your dog work for their food, and it will take them longer to eat as the food thaws.
You can also stuff fun things like green beans or carrots in the Kong toy to make it a fun challenge and get your dog eating more items that will keep them full without the calories.
Most dogs love to be active, so a weight loss program full of exercise is one that they will love.
Set a Weight Loss Goal
Just like with a human weight loss program, it is important to set a weight loss goal for your dog’s weight.
Then, create an exercise plan that can help you achieve this goal with your dog.
Various Terrains
Take your dog outside to exercise on as many varieties of terrain as possible.
Running, walking, and playing on a variety of surfaces can help aid in them losing weight because they will be using different muscles than they are used to.
Swimming
Swimming is one of the best ways to help your with their weight loss.
Swimming is a great low-impact exercise that can help target larger muscle groups.
It is also a good way to keep your dog cool during the warmer months when exercising outdoors may be too hot for them.
If your dog doesn’t love to swim, consider signing them up for a water treadmill class at your local rehab center.
Weight loss is something that is worth the investment with your dog.
Does your Great Dane look so skinny that you are concerned he’s not eating enough? Were you expecting a giant, robust, beefy dog and ended up with a walking skeleton instead? A lot of people are concerned about their Great Danes’ weight and we’re here to clear up any myths and misconceptions.
There are so many reasons for a Great Dane to appear skinny, and I’m going to cover them all. To get you started, here is a short list. I will go into more depth on this below:
Reasons that your Great Dane may look underweight:
Genetics
Age
Nutrition
Lack of exercise
Early spay or neuter
Medical problems
Chances are your Great Dane is not actually too thin!
Skinny Great Danes & Genetics
Like humans, Great Danes can come in different body shapes.
It’s entirely possible that your Great Dane appears skinny to you because you were expecting a more stocky, mastiff-like dog, and that’s not the genetics your dog has.
The Great Dane written standard in both the U.S. and Europe say that Danes should be balanced, powerful, muscular, and smooth. They should never be stocky or heavy.
Some Great Danes are built like tanks, with a short stocky build.
Other Great Danes are built more like greyhounds, and have a lean wirey build.
Here is an illustration of the correct Great Dane body type. These dogs below are not stocky, nor are they greyhound like.
If your Great Dane seems thin and lacks substance, it could just be genetics at play. Those genetics may also result in slow maturity; some Danes take years to reach their full potential, and patience is key.
Age and Weight in Great Danes
Some Great Danes appear skinny because of their age.
Puppies, especially intact males under the age of 2, are notoriously lean and lanky (read more about this in the nutrition section). Seeing a few ribs is normal and healthy.
Older adult dogs may also begin to appear thin, as they lose muscle mass with age.
One of the most common concerns we see from Great Dane owners is that their growing puppy looks too skinny.
One of the worst things you can do in this case is to start adding fatty foods, toppers, and supplements. Do not “give your dog more groceries” in order to bulk them up or fill them out. This dangerous practice can lead to pancreatitis or obesity; neither are things that you want.
For puppies, make sure you are feeding a correct diet and getting your pup moving freely on soft, varied terrain as much as possible so they can build muscle and tendon strength. For older dogs, the same thing applies.
As always, talk to your veterinarian if you are worried that your dog is too thin. 99% of the time, you’ll learn that your dog is actually just fine!
A very lean, healthy intact male Dane around 14 months of age
Nutrition for Great Danes
Another reason you may find that your Great Dane is too skinny has to to with nutrition!
Some formulas simply do not have the correct recipe that will allow your Great Dane to thrive. The information I’m about to share may surprise you!
Great Dane puppies will be starved of certain nutrients if they are fed adult formulas that were not created to support large & giant breed Growth.
It is not uncommon for us to see 6-12 month old Great Dane puppies, who were fed adult foods, that are incredibly lanky and unstable looking.
These dogs will benefit from a properly formulated puppy food that will have the correct protein, fat, and carb ratio to promote muscle development, skin, heart, brain, eye, and bone health.
For adult dogs (24 months +) who seem to be struggling with muscle development, energy levels, skin and coat health, or structural stability, talk to your veterinarian.
We recommend sticking to dog food brands that have board-certified veterinary nutritionists on staff, and that do a lot of peer-reviewed nutritional research.
Here is our list of top-tier foods for Great Danes. Feed the puppy formulas until 18-24 months.
However, the most natural thing for a Great Dane is to be able to freely move on soft, varied terrain as often as possible. Off-leash activities such as exploring fields and trails are ideal for physical and mental health.
Many Great Danes who appear thin and unstable simply lack muscle.
If you are not able to get your dog moving safely (and legally) off-leash, we recommend a long biothane line clipped to an escape-proof martingale collar, and spending time together in an empty field!
You can also look into swimming. Many canine therapy and training, boarding, or sporting facilities have pools for dog swimming that can be rented by private users.
Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes are not lazy dogs. They have an excellent off-switch and love the couch at home, but they should be robust and athletic otherwise.
If your Dane is excessively lazy or docile, talk to your vet. They may be in pain, have a medical issue (see below), are depressed, are overweight, need better nutrition, require a nail trim, or have unstable structure that makes it difficult or even painful to move normally.
Early Spay & Neuter in Great Danes
This is a big one. Many people are understandably confused about when to spay or neuter their Great Dane.
Research on this topic is ongoing, and many veterinarians now believe that delayed spay and neuter is beneficial for joint development and stability.
We believe that most Great Danes should remain intact until at least 18, if not 24 months.
For starters, it’s not ideal to perform a gastropexy prior to 18 months of age (after the time when the dog is less likely to experience any more explosive growth spurts), and you generally want to perform the spay/neuter and gastropexy in the same surgery. So waiting has its benefits here, too.
Second, studies have shown that large and giant breed dogs skeletal development could benefit from being kept intact through maturity. The benefits may include:
Lower risk of ACL / CCL tears and ruptures
Lower risk of developing hip dysplasia
Lower risk of developing certain cancers, including osteosarcoma
More stable structure overall
If your Great Dane appears to lack bone, muscle, and substance, and seems unusually thin, lanky, and even a little too tall, early spay/neuter may have been a contributing factor.
Of course, owning an intact giant-breed dog is a huge responsibility. Training, socialization, and management are key.
If you cannot keep your Great Dane under control and on your property at all times, spay/neuter is recommended to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Dog hiking gear can be something super fun to invest in for your dog. Hitting the hiking trail is a great feeling, but it’s even better when you’ve got your furry friend with you.
Getting your dog accustomed to hiking will go quicker and smoother if you have the right gear for dogs.
DOG HIKING GEAR
Does your dog love adventuring as much as you do? If so, you’re going to need to make sure you’re both prepared before heading out on the trail. From a backpack and leash to first aid supplies and paw protection, here’s a list of must-have gear for hikes with your dog.
DOG BACKPACK
A dog backpack is essential for hikes that an owner may want their dog to carry its own items. You’ll want to pack water, food, treats, and any other doggy supplies your pup might need. We recommend some options like this one from Outward Hound because they come with plenty of storage space and is made with comfortable neoprene fabric.
DOG LEASH
A good dog leash is key for any hike. Keep a leash on hand even if you are hiking in an off leash area.
No one ever wants to use a first aid kit, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be sure to pack supplies for both you and your dog, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and hydrogen peroxide.
PROTECTION FOR PAW PADS
Overgrown nails can cause pain and make it difficult for your dog to walk on rough terrain. Be sure to trim their nails before hitting the trails and consider packing booties or paw balm to protect their pads from rocks and abrasions.
WATER BOWL OR WATER BOTTLE
Dehydration is a real danger on any hike, especially in hot weather. Be sure to pack enough water for both you and your pup and consider bringing along a bowl or collapsible water bottle for easy drinking access.
A harness is a must-have if your dog tends to pull on the leash or you’ll be hiking in areas with lots of obstacles (like roots and rocks). We recommend the Ruffwear Front Range Everyday Harness because it’s comfortable for dogs of all sizes and has reflective trim for low-light visibility.
DOG POOP BAGS
Last but not least, don’t forget the poop bags! Be respectful of other hikers (and yourself) by packing out whatever your dog leaves behind.
Depending on how long your hike will be, you may want to bring along some food and snacks for your pup. If not, be sure to pack plenty of their favorite treats to keep them motivated on the trail.
Some dogs just can’t hit the trails without their favorite toys. If that’s the case with your pup, be sure to pack them along. Just be sure they’re lightweight and won’t take up too much space in your backpack!
With this gear in tow, you and your furry friend will be ready for anything the trail throws your way. Happy hiking!
Hiking with your dog can be a great way to bond and explore the great outdoors together. But it’s important to be prepared before you hit the trail, especially if you’re hiking with a big dog. Here are some tips on how to protect your dog while hiking.
HIKING GEAR FOR DOGS
Just like humans, dogs need the proper gear for hiking. outfitted with a dog backpack, your four-legged friend will be able to carry his own supplies, including water, food, and toys. A collar is also a must – make sure it’s fitted properly and has ID tags in case your dog gets lost. And don’t forget a leash! Even the best-trained dogs can get excited when they’re out in nature and might take off after wildlife. If you’re hiking in an area with lots of brush or long grass, consider outfitting your pup with reflective strips so he’s easier to spot.
GIVE YOUR DOG PLENTY OF WATER AND BRING A WATER BOTTLE MEANT FOR DOGS
Make sure your dog stays hydrated by bringing plenty of water – both for him to drink and to use for cooling off if he gets too hot. A lightweight, collapsible water bowl is easy to pack and will save you from having to carry water for your dog in your own backpack. And speaking of backpacks, make sure the one you choose is sized appropriately for your dog and doesn’t weigh more than 10% of his body weight when fully loaded.
USE DOG SUN PROTECTION
Dogs are just as susceptible to sunburn as humans, so if you’ll be hiking in sunny weather, be sure to apply sunscreen to any areas of your dog’s skin that are not covered by fur. You might also want to consider investing in a protective shirt or jacket for your pup. Dogs with short or thin coats are especially vulnerable to sunburn and heatstroke, so keep an eye on them during warm weather hikes.
With a little planning and preparation, you can make sure both you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable time on the trails. By following these tips on how to protect your dog while hiking, you can rest assured that your four-legged friend will have a fun – and safe – time on your next hike together!
WHAT TO TAKE FOR A DOG ON A HIKE
Taking your dog on a hike is a great way to get some exercise and spend time with your best friend. But, before you head out on the trail, you need to make sure you have the proper gear for your dog. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack and see if it’s the right fit for your next hike.
RUFFWEAR APPROACH DOG PACK
The Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack is a great option for hikes with your dog. It has two back compartments that are perfect for carrying water and food for your pup, as well as a front harness that will keep them comfortable and secure. The padded straps make it easy to carry, even when your dog is wet or muddy. And, the reflective trim ensures that you and your dog will be visible in low-light conditions.
If you’re looking for a dog pack that has everything you need for a hike, then the Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack is a great option. It’s comfortable, easy to carry, and has all the features you need to keep your dog happy on the trail.
One of the most important things you’ll need for your hike is a good leash. You’ll want something sturdy that won’t break if your dog pulls. You might also want to consider getting a harness, as it will distribute the weight of your dog better and make it more comfortable for them to walk.
DOG BOOTS / DOG BOOTIES
If you have a small dog, it is much easier to find booties that fit well for an outdoor adventure. Big dogs, however, have a harder time finding boots that may fit.
Most dogs will try to take their boots off, especially if they are new to wearing them. Be sure that the boots you select have a good grip and fit snugly around your dog’s leg without being too tight. You can find some great options for big dogs
Pawz Dog Boots: These boots are made of a rubber-like material and they slip right over your dog’s paws. They are great for keeping your dog’s paws dry and protected from the elements, but they can be a little tricky to put on.
BEST HARNESS
When looking for the best dog hiking gear, every dog owner needs to consider their own dogs before looking at outdoor gear.
For some dogs, a hiking pack or harness will be great and they can expect their pup carry their own dog hiking packpack. For small dogs or other dogs, a day pack would overwhelm them or wear them out while hiking.
Researching the best hiking gear comes with a responsibility, as not all gear for dogs will work equally for each dog!
DOG WATER BOTTLE
Another important thing to take on your hike is water. Dogs can get dehydrated quickly, so it’s important to bring enough water for both you and your dog. A good water bottle will help make sure you don’t run out.
The Highwave Water Bottle is a great water bottle for hiking adventures with your dog. Made with dogs and dog owners in mind, this water bowl is perfect to add to your hiking essentials for your dog.
You should also bring a first aid kit, in case either you or your dog gets injured on the hike. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Finally, if you’re hiking in an area with lots of rocks or other rough terrain, you might want to consider getting some dog boots or booties to protect your dog’s paws.
CLIMBING ROPES
Climbing ropes can be a good thing for dog owners to consider as apart of their own gear, especially if they are hiking with a big dog. If you have strong dogs or heavy dogs and you come across an emergency situation, climbing ropes can give you the added security to help get your dog out of a tough spot.
For example, let’s say you’re hiking with your dog and he somehow gets injured and is unable to walk on his own. If you have a climbing rope, you can easily fashion a makeshift harness and carry him back to the car. This could be a piece of equipment that you can easily strap onto your backpack for outdoor adventures, and it might save the life of your dog one day!
PROTECTION FOR YOUR DOG’S PAWS
A dog owner can never be too careful with their dogs paws and outdoor adventures. As the paw pads on a dog are sensitive to different textures, it’s worth considering some form of paw protection for your dog when hiking.
There are a few different types of products on the market that can offer paw protection for dogs, such as:
Pawz Dog Boots: These boots are made of a rubber-like material and they slip right over your dog’s paws. They are great for keeping your dog’s paws dry and protected from the elements, but they can be a little tricky to put on.
Musher’s Secret: This is a wax-based cream that you rub into your dog’s paw pads. It forms a barrier between your dog’s skin and the ground, which helps protect against hot pavement, rough terrain, and salt.
Going on a hike with your dog can be a great experience, but it’s important to be prepared before setting off. Make sure you have a good leash, plenty of water, and a first aid kit before hitting the trails. And if you’re hiking in an area with lots of rocks or other tough terrain, think about getting some dog boots or booties to protect your dog’s paws. By following these tips, you and your furry friend will have a great time out on the trails!
HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR DOG TO LOVE HIKING
Hiking with your dog can be a great bonding experience for the both of you. It’s a chance to explore the great outdoors together and get some fresh air and exercise. But before you hit the trails, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your hike is enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
GET PROPER GEAR FOR DOGS
One of the most important things you need before hitting the trails is the proper gear for your dog. This includes a harness, leash, water bowl, and plenty of snacks. A comfortable harness is key because it will help distribute the weight of your dog’s pack evenly. You should also get a leash that is long enough to give your dog some freedom, but not so long that they can get ahead of you or wander off the trail.
Chippin’ Cricket Treats are known for being a powerful food topper for digestion- and dogs LOVE them!
A water bowl is essential for keeping your dog hydrated, and snacks will help keep their energy up during the hike. Make sure to bring more than you think you’ll need in case your hike takes longer than expected.
KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE WHILE HIKING ON AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Once you have all the gear you need, it’s time to hit the trails! But before you do, there are a few safety concerns you need to keep in mind. First and foremost,make sure your dog is up to date on all their vaccinations. This is important because it will help protect them from diseases they could contract while hiking.
You should also avoid hiking during the heat of the day when it’s hottest outside. The pavement can get incredibly hot during this time and burn your dog’s paws. Early morning or evening hikes are best. Finally, watch out for hazards on the trail like sharp rocks or branches, poisonous plants, and wildlife.
ENCOURAGE YOUR DOG TO TAKE SHORT HIKES BEFORE THEY BECOME AN AVID HIKER
If your dog isn’t used to hiking, start with short hikes close to home before venturing out on longer adventures. This will give them time to get used to walking long distances and wearing a backpack without getting overwhelmed or tired too quickly. Once they’re comfortable with shorter hikes, gradually increase the distance until they’re able to handle longer hikes with ease.
DON’T MAKE THEIR PACK WEIGHT TOO HEAVY
You might be tempted to fill up your dog’s backpack with all their favorite toys or treats, but resist the urge! Their pack should only be 10-20% of their body weight so they don’t get too tired carrying it. Otherwise, they’ll quickly lose interest in hiking and it will be harder to get them back out on the trails again.
Hiking with your dog can be a great way to bond and explore nature together. But before you hit the trails, there are a few things you need to do first to make sure your hike is safe and enjoyable for both of you. Get proper gear for dogs including a harness, leash, water bowl, and snacks. Start with short hikes close by before working up to longer adventures, and don’t forget to pack light!
ARE RETRACTABLE LEASHES GOOD FOR HIKING?
Going on hikes with your dog is a great way to bond and get some exercise, but it’s important to make sure you have the right gear. Some gear, like retractable leashes, can be more harmful than good. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at why retractable leashes are not ideal for hiking and what kinds of leashes are best for active dogs.
SOME GEAR FOR DOGS IS MORE HARMFUL THAN GOOD
Retractable leashes have a lot of pros: they’re easy to use, they give your dog some freedom to roam, and they’re relatively inexpensive. However, there are some serious cons to using a retractable leash. First and foremost, they can be dangerous. If your dog is running full speed and hits the end of the leash, he can easily be injured.
Additionally, if you’re not paying close attention, your dog could easily get tangled in the leash and hurt himself trying to free himself.
Finally, retractable leashes are simply not built to withstand the wear and tear of hiking. They’re more likely to break when put under stress, which could leave you stranded without a way to control your dog.
For hiking, we recommend using a sturdy 6-foot leash instead of a retractable leash. A 6-foot leash gives you enough control over your dog while still allowing him some freedom to explore his surroundings. Additionally, a 6-foot leash is less likely to tangle and will be more resistant to breaking than a retractable leash. When choosing a 6-foot leash, make sure to get one that is made from sturdy materials like nylon or leather. And finally, be sure to attach the leash to a comfortable collar or harness that won’t rub your dog’s skin raw.
The best dog collar is one that pet parents know fits their pet, is safe and comfortable, carries their dog’s information incase they lose track of their dogs, and is stylish. A dog collar should also not choke or rub your dog’s skin raw. A nylon collar is a great option for an all around pet-friendly and durable dog collar that will last you a long time. You can find these types of dog collars at your local pet store or online.
When it comes to durability, comfort, and safety, the best dog collar is one made from a soft material like nylon, cloth or leather. Nylon is a strong and sturdy material that will last you a long time. Additionally, nylon is comfortable for your dog to wear and won’t rub their skin raw. And finally, nylon collars come with a variety of features like reflective stitching and quick release buckles that can come off fast in the event of an emergency.
In some cases, it may be tempting to let your dog off leash on hikes. After all, it’s his natural instinct to run and explore! However, this is only safe in certain circumstances—namely when you are in an enclosed area or on a trail where cars are not allowed. If there are cars around or if the area is not fenced in, it’s simply too dangerous to let your dog off his leash. Even the best-behaved dogs can get excited and run into traffic if given the opportunity! So play it safe and keep your furry friend on his leash during hikes.
If you’re going on a hike with your pup, safety should be your number one concern—for both of you! Retractable leashes may seem like they offer the best of both worlds by giving your dog some freedom while still allowing you to maintain control; however, they can actually be quite dangerous for both you and your pet. A much better option for hiking is a simple 6-foot leash that won’t tangle and will hold up under stress. And finally, resist the urge to let your dog off his leash on hikes—even if he begs you with those big brown eyes! It’s simply not worth the risk.
WHAT IS THE BEST LEASH FOR A DOG ON A HIKE?
Going on hikes with your dog can be a great way to bond and explore the great outdoors together. But in order to have a safe and enjoyable hike, you need to make sure you have the right supplies—including the best leash for your dog.
HANDS FREE LEASH
Another popular option for leashes is the hands free leash. This type of leash attaches around your waist, freeing up your hands while still allowing you to keep a close eye on your pup. Hands free leashes are great for hikers who want to be able to take pictures or drink water without having to worry about holding onto their dog’s leash.
3 FOOT LEASH
One of the most popular leashes for hiking is the 3 foot leash. This leash is ideal for dogs that are well-behaved and not prone to pulling. Having a shorter leash will give you more control over your dog and help you keep them close by in case they encounter any hazards on the trail.
For hikers with dogs that like to roam, a long lead may be the best option. Long leads allow your dog to roam freely while still keeping them within a safe distance. This type of leash is perfect for dogs that are well-trained and good at listening to their owner’s commands.
An e-collar is a type of collar that gives owners the ability to remotely train their dogs. E-collars are perfect for hikers who want to be able to train their dogs while on the go. These collars allow you to teach your dog basic obedience commands, as well as recall commands, from a distance.
In conclusion, hiking gear for dogs is something super fun for pet owners and their hiking buddy to explore together.
There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers as to what is the best hiking gear. But, there are many essentials that you should invest in to keep your furry friends safe while out and about adventuring.
Hiking with a Great Dane may sound intimidating- but when done correctly, it can be a ton of fun!
If you’re looking for a new and exciting outdoor activity to do with your dog, consider hiking! Adventuring is a great way to get exercise and spend time with your pup.
And if you have a Great Dane, it’s the perfect activity – they’re built for hiking! In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips for going on walks with your Great Dane, as well as provide a few recommended hiking trails. Let’s get started!
IS HIKING WITH A GREAT DANE FEASIBLE?
Great Danes aren’t exactly the best dogs for rocky terrain and the wonderful outdoors, but many of them do a fantastic job navigating adventures.
If you know anything about most giant breed dogs, they are notorious for having some hard joints to work with, which can make hiking hard for even a healthy Great Dane.
However, when done correctly with the right guidelines followed, your Great Dane will stay safe and happy! In fact, many Great Danes love hiking! They enjoy the opportunity to explore new smells and sounds, and they get a lot of exercise in the process.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR A GREAT DANE
Before you take your Great Dane up Mount Everest, there are a few things you should consider.
The first is your dog’s age and health. If your Great Dane is a puppy or senior, they may not be able to handle the same level of walking as a middle-aged dog. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before planning any hikes, just to be on the safe side.
The second consideration is the weather. If it’s hot outside, make sure you hike early in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day. And if it’s cold, be sure to dress your pup in warm gear to protect them from the elements.
The distance. No matter what health, age or weather, a Great Dane going for a 10 mile hike is never a great idea. Hiking miles and miles is probably more suitable for a different breed- some four legged friends were built for that type of endurance! If you’re looking for a running/long distance partner, the Great Dane is probably not for you.
Great Danes can happily hike several miles, with some special considerations. Two to three miles, dependent on weather conditions and frequent breaks, should be the perfect amount of trail walking with a Great Dane.
Pack a water bottle and bring plenty of extra water.
Do not forget to check the weather of your hike. If the weather is hot (above 80), pack extra water bottles and expect the miles to lower.
Great Danes are big and can get tired easily, so shorter hikes with more frequency is better for their health in the long run.
Your dog will need plenty of breaks, especially if they’re not used to hiking. Be sure to bring along some snacks for your pup – they’ll need the energy! And while you’re at it, pack a lunch for yourself. There’s nothing better than enjoying a picnic with your four-legged friend.
Know your dog’s limitations. Other dogs may be able to take long walks, while Great Danes may need more frequent, shorter walks. If your dog starts to lag behind or seems exhausted, it’s time to turn back.
Try not to compare Great Danes to other breeds. Some dogs were built to be hikers! Although Great Danes love a good adventure- it is best to take care and stay attentive!
THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GOING FOR ADVENTURES WITH GREAT DANES
SAFETY: First and foremost, consider your dog’s safety when planning any hike or outdoor activity. Great Danes are big dogs with some health concerns that should be taken into account.
FOOD/WATER/SNACKS: Be sure to bring along plenty of water and snacks, both for you and your dog. Great Danes can get tired easily, so it’s important to keep them fueled up!
TEMPERATURE: The weather can be a big factor when spending time outside with a Great Dane. If it’s hot out, hike early in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day. And if it’s cold, make sure your pup is bundled up in warm gear.
SAFETY AND GREAT DANES
Going adventuring with Great Danes is a TON of fun. But, you want to make sure to be safe while you do so.
FIRST AID KIT
You aren’t expecting your Great Dane to get hurt, but with life comes injury! Some injuries constitute pet medical advice from a local veterinarian, but some smaller injuries can be taken care of with a small kit. For example, your dog could easily slip on the trail while they walk, which may lead to a small cut or wound. Having a bandage and some antiseptics with you can make a huge difference.
Be prepared by packing along for the trail. We recommend always keeping a bloat kit on hand.
Ticks are a common problem in many walking areas. If you live in an area that you may find ticks on the trail, protect your dog with some Wondercide.
A tick bite can quickly cause Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease, or other tick-borne illnesses – all of which can be deadly to dogs.
Be sure to pack some tick spray for your pup – and don’t forget to use it on yourself, too!
FOOD/SNACKS/WATER FOR GREAT DANES
You can never be too prepared when going out of the house with Great Danes, especially a Great Dane puppy. You will want to bring along fresh, cool water, some snacks, and even some food if you plan to be out for longer than a few strides.
COLLAPSIBLE BOWL
Your dog will need to drink water, especially during long hikes.
Make sure you bring along a bowl so they can have easy access to water.
This water bottle is a good investment for large breeds as dogs can easily sip out of the ‘bowl’ portion and you can even feed them a meal or snack on a hot day, as it serves as a whole bowl.
Bringing along some snacks should be a standard part of your hiking gear.
Treats are a great way to entice Great Dane puppies to be on their best behavior while on leash, and every Great Dane loves a good treat no matter how old they are!
Try to get some treats that are light on the stomach, easy to digest, and low calorie as you don’t want there to be too much on your dog’s stomach while they’re out for their walk.
Make sure to think about how you’re going to carry them while you’re on your walk. If you’re going to be gone for the whole day, it’s best to get a treat pouch.
Here are some of our favorite meal ideas for Great Danes on the go:
Canned food: This is a quick, easy and mess-free way to feed your dog while on the go. Just make sure to pack along a can opener!
Dry food: Dry food is a great option for Great Danes because it’s lightweight and easy to carry. Just make sure to bring along enough water to rehydrate the food.
Cooked meat: Cooked chicken, beef or turkey are all great options for bringing along on your hike. Just make sure it’s cooled and stored properly so it doesn’t spoil.
TEMPERATURE AND GREAT DANES
Great Dane’s short coat does not protect them against the heat during a hot walk.
So, dog parents should invest in some products and knowledge to keep their dog safe and comfortable in the heat.
A cooling vest or bandana is a great way to help your pup stay cool on hot days. Simply soak it in water, wring it out, and put it on your dog before heading out.
Another great way to keep your dog cool is by packing a portable fan. This will help to keep them cool while waiting in the car or taking a break on the trail.
Lastly, make sure you know the signs of heatstroke in dogs. If your dog starts panting excessively, drooling, vomiting, or seems unsteady on their feet, it’s time to head back home and seek medical attention.
COOLING VEST
Great Danes are not the best animals at controlling their body temperature. If you have plans to take a walk in the heat or even be outside for one to two hours in high degree weather, invest in a cooling vest for your Great Dane.
As previously mentioned, keeping cool water on hand will help benefit the breed tremendously, however if you want to be extra prepared for a hot day – get a cooling vest or even a cooling mat.
There are many different types and brands of cooling vests, so find one that fits your dog well and is comfortable for them to wear.
After walking a Great Dane, visiting a dog park, or spending time outside with your Dane- cool them down in your car.
Remember that a vehicle is like an oven in the summertime, so don’t ever leave your dog in the car unattended. This one is the absolute best option:
But, if you’re going to be driving for more than 30 minutes, bring along a clip-on fan for your backseat for your Dane. This will help circulate the air and keep them cool and comfortable during the ride home.
Hiking with a Great Dane can be a great experience for both you and your pup! With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to hit the trails with your furry friend. Just remember to pack the essentials, take frequent breaks, and watch for signs of heatstroke. Happy hiking!
Great Danes are one of the largest breeds of dogs in the whole world. A Great Dane puppy is born at a whomping 1.5-3 lbs and grows rapidly for the first 24 months of its life.
Great Danes are skilled at a lot of things, but are they natural swimmers?
CAN GREAT DANES SWIM?
The truth is- Great Danes can swim! In fact, most dogs can swim to some degree. But that doesn’t mean they all enjoy it and are good at it.
Great Danes have a few characteristics that make them better swimmers than other breeds. For one, they have webbed feet! This gives them more power in the water and helps them move through it more efficiently. Secondly, their long tails act as a rudder, helping them to steer as they paddle.
So, if you’re thinking about taking your Great Dane for a dip this summer, rest assured- they can handle it! Just be sure to introduce them to the water gradually and supervise them at all times.
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A GREAT DANE AND IF THEY ARE GOOD SWIMMERS
GREAT DANE BODIES ARE HELPFUL TO HELPING THEM BE GREAT SWIMMERS: Great Danes bodies ARE equipped to help them swim! Great Danes have long legs, webbed feet and long tails that can help them tread water.
SWIMMING IS VERY HEALTHY FOR GREAT DANES: Great Danes benefit TREMENDOUSLY from swimming! Large breeds are prone to health issues in their large bodies like Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis. One of the best forms of exercising for these gentle giants is swimming as it is so easy on their joints.
MAKE SURE TO PROMOTE SAFETY WITH YOUR GREAT DANES DURING ANY SWIMMING ACTIVITIES: You should always supervise your Great Dane while they are swimming and provide safety gear like a life jacket / life vest. Water safety is and always should be in the forefront of your mind when taking a Great Dane swimming.
SOME GREAT DANES WOULD RATHER DO ANYTHING ELSE THAN SWIM: Some Great Danes do NOT enjoy swimming. Dog owners report that their Great Dane would rather do just about anything than go swimming, whether it be in large bodies of water to shallow water or even a small baby pool. There are things owners can do from with Great Dane puppies to help their Dane to swim more comfortably when it is older.
SWIMMING LESSONS CAN HELP A GREAT DANE LEARN THE BASICS: Not all dogs are born with the ability to even know HOW to swim. Using a pet-friendly swimming pool and starting a a young age is the best way to provide your Great Dane with proper training in how to become excellent swimmers and teach them to like to swim.
A GREAT DANE HAS A BODY THAT LENDS TO THEM BEING GOOD SWIMMERS
Great Danes have bodies that will help them when swimming.
Great Danes Webbed Feet:
The dog breed has webbed paws, which help them to paddle when in the water.
When learning to doggy paddle, these webbed toes on their front paws can help your Great Dane swim more easily, which will make them feel more comfortable and stay afloat.
The Long Tails of a Great Dane:
You may get annoyed when the long and strong tail of a Great Dane wacks you when you get home from work. The powerful wag of a Great Dane tail can be strong and sometimes painful when they wag!
But, the long tail of the dog also helps with steering and helps them when swimming.
Great Dane Hind Legs
Since the upper body of a Great Dane is so big, it’s important that their hind legs are able to support them while swimming.
Great Danes have large legs that help them like to swim.
Keeping your dog thin and healthy at the right weight for their body will help them be a more natural swimmer, as they will be able to use their front legs and back legs more easily to doggy paddle, helping their upper body to stay afloat.
SWIMMING IS A VERY HEALTHY EXERCISE FOR A DOG BREEDS AS BIG AS A GREAT DANE
Swimming is one of the best exercises for dogs as big as Great Danes.
Swimming has many benefits for any dog, but even more so for dogs who carry extra weight on their bodies, like giant breeds.
Swimming has joint benefits
Swimming has cardiovascular benefits
Swimming helps to maintain a healthy weight
Swimming can help your dog get mental stimulation
Swimming is a great way to get exercise without putting any extra strain on your dog’s body. Great Danes are especially prone to certain health problems, like arthritis and hip dysplasia, so it’s important that they get regular exercise that is easy on their joints.
If Great Danes become overweight, taking them to swim is one of the most powerful ways to help them trim down. Swimming is the perfect solution!
SWIMMING WITH GREAT DANES REQUIRES SAFETY ITEMS
Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Danes are not natural swimmers, at least not most of them. It may be a matter of life and death for your dogs, whether you choose to put them in a life-saving vest.
Especially while you are teaching your Dane to swim, you need to provide them with swim gear like a life jacket.
Great Danes like to feel safe and secure, and a life jacket can help them feel secure.
Great Danes are also a dog that loves to be with their owners, so it is a great idea to swim with your dog, especially the first time you take them to swim.
TAKING YOUR DOG TO SWIM ON A HOT DAY
If you are taking your dog to swim on a hot day, a life vest can REALLY trap heat inside. Be aware of heat stroke and only wear the life jacket while you are in the water or nearby the water.
You should also invest in some dog friendly sunscreen for when you take your dog to swim.
Depending on the coat colors of your dog, their skin can get sunburnt very easily.
SOME GREAT DANES HATE SWIMMING MORE THAN ANYTHING
If you’ve ever had any other dog, you know that most dogs love to swim.
Some dogs would even rather swim after a tennis ball than do anything else in the entire world.
Dogs usually love the water. And most Great Danes do too!
But, some Great Danes really hate to swim more than other dogs.
If you have a Great Dane dog who just absolutely hates to swim- it is not abnormal as they are just not natural born swimmers like other dog breeds.
You can do things to help your dog learn to enjoy swimming:
Help your dog understand that swimming is not going to hurt them by providing them with positive experiences.
Use positive reinforcement to teach them that water is a great thing
Use treats or fun toys to help your Great Danes swim
Always use safety equipment like a vest when your Great Dane swims to help them feel safest
Take your dogs to swimming lessons
Teach your dog the concept of water with small steps such as a baby pool, the bath tub, or the garden hose
Investing in a smaller pool for your Great Dane will help swimming not feel as overwhelming as taking them to a lake for their first try. Try something like this:
Also, you can work them up to a body of water by getting them interested in a doggy sprinkler toy, like this:
INVEST IN SWIMMING LESSONS FOR DOGS
If you really want to take your pup swimming but can’t seem to get them to enjoy it or figure out HOW to swim, there are swimming lessons built just for dogs.
Do some quick research in your area for lessons that are meant for dogs.
Taking your dog to lessons can be a really fun way to help them learn how to swim.
Most importantly, it will give you some time to learn how to properly help your dog swim and what techniques work best for them.
Great Danes are some of the best dogs in the world.
But, before you take your Dane swimming, you need to make sure that they are ready and willing to take the plunge.
Use these tips to help make sure that your dog is prepared for a fun day of swimming. Remember, safety first! And always consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about taking your Dane swimming.
Is your Great Dane not eating enough? This can be concerning and it’s a popular topic in the Great Dane community! There are various reasons why a Great Dane might become picky or stop eating, ranging from temporary issues like stress, changes in the environment, or minor digestive upsets, to more serious health conditions such as dental problems, gastrointestinal disorders, or metabolic issues.
Before we dig more into this, I have to remind readers that if a dog is truly not eating and is losing weight, this is considered a medical emergency. Always see your veterinarian if you are worried about your Great Dane not eating enough, or not eating at all.
Great Dane Not Eating Enough…or At All!
Buckle up, this is a big one! If your Great Dane is picky, acting strange, or just not eating much, the answers are here for you. There are times when a loss of appetite can absolutely be a concern.
Here is a list of reasons why a dog won’t eat, that require veterinary care ASAP. If any of these could be true for your dog, do not read the rest of this article, call your veterinarian or if life-threatening, GO!
Anxiety (if it results in withholding food for more than 24 hours)
Bloat or other gastro-based emergency
Cancer
Here are some less serious reasons why your Great Dane isn’t eating enough:
Tummy upset
They are eating enough, you just think they need more (common!)
They just finished a growth spurt
It’s hot out and their appetite is down
Anxiety & stress
They are not receiving as much exercise as usual
The feeding area is dirty, noisy, or scary
The food is bad (read about the recent Victor recall, they had been selling contaminated food for months and many dogs had refused to eat it before the recall was finally issued)
They are receiving too many toppers, treats, and chews
Notice I didn’t mention picky eating! We’ll get more into that later.
What to do if a new Great Dane puppy won’t eat
It can be alarming if your new Great Dane puppy won’t eat! We all know that Dane pups NEED a lot of food to grow, so it can be scary when they aren’t ravenous for their food.
Great Dane puppies grow fast and a loss of appetite can be alarming, but keep this in mind: for growing large breed dogs, overnutrition is just as dangerous as undernutrition! Overfeeding Great Dane puppies leads to orthopedic growth disorders, too fast growth, and problems such as carpal laxity that are hard on the joints.
Always go by your veterinarian’s advice regarding overall body condition; Dane puppies should be lean, not round.
What if my Great Dane Puppy is a picky eater?
You’ll notice that ‘picky’ is not listed here as one of the reasons why a puppy dog won’t eat! Many people believe that they have a picky dog on their hands, but it’s actually very rare.
Picky eaters are most often a symptom of the environment, and the harsh, honest truth here is that your picky pooch has likely trained YOU!
Every time you add a topper, canned food, boiled chicken, table scraps, or dog treats to encourage eating, your Great Dane puppy learns that if they ignore their food better things will come.
Most dogs are very smart this way, and the only way to solve this problem is to be strong. Our Stop Picky Eating post is super helpful for picky pups!
Stop bribing your puppy
To put this simply, stop bribing your dog to eat unless your veterinarian has encouraged you to do so following an illness! Your puppy will not allow itself to starve to death, and will eventually eat the dog food that was presented to them as-is.
Every time you switch foods to try and appease your ‘picky pup’, you also risk upsetting the stomach more. Many people start to believe that the resulting chronic loose stools are ‘allergies’, change foods again, and thus will begin a never-ending cycle of gut issues.
These problems can be brought on by constant changes to food and nutrition while the puppies’ digestive system was still maturing.
When you switch foods, the balance of nutrition and gut flora is thrown off again; it can take up to 12 weeks for a dog to acclimate to a new food. Every time you find your dog not eating the way that you think he should, we encourage you to look at health first before making changes.
We cannot state this enough: if you are feeding an appropriate, science-based large breed kibble and your puppy is not knuckling or experiencing growth disorders, STICK WITH IT!
Stop switching foods. It’s really not healthy.
What to feed a Great Dane puppy so that they eat
The best dog foods for a Great Dane puppy will be science-backed, highly researched, formulated for the growth of large and/or giant breed dogs, and from a company that employs a veterinary nutritionist (or team of them) to formulate, oversee, research and test the diet.
Many boutique food brands that sound ‘healthy and holistic’ are often the creation of great marketing, not necessarily of great research and excellent nutrition.
We recommend checking the credentials of any food brand you are considering as your pup’s main diet. The wrong food can cause heart problems, kidney problems, issues with vitamin and mineral levels and more.
Thankfully, the Pet Nutrition Alliance did the work for us and compiled the important information on each brand on a spreadsheet. This makes dog food brand decisions super easy!
We recommend a Large Breed Puppy formula from Purina Pro Plan or Eukanuba, and as above, STICK WITH IT! For more information on how to feed a Great Dane and the best dog dry food and amounts for growing Dane pups, read our famous Ultimate Great Dane feeding chart post here!
Here are our favorite science-backed foods for Great Dane Puppies. Click to shop on Chewy. Pro tip: autoship saves you money and time!
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.
Your puppy is overwhelmed, fearful, or scared
It’s not uncommon for Great Dane puppies to feel a little overwhelmed during the first days in a new home. An overwhelmed, overtired, and overexcited dog won’t eat reliably, and that’s ok.
Not only have there been several changes to their life and routine, but they’ve likely had vaccines and possibly even ear cropping. Veterinary care like this can make them feel a little icky for a few days, so you may just need to be patient.
Your puppy has parasites
As above, worming medication can cause tummy upset, and so can parasites!
Your veterinarian will likely do a stool sample and worm your puppy with an oral medication. If your puppy has worms, this medication can make your puppy feel not-so-great while the worms die.
Common worms and parasites include tapeworms and roundworms, which you may see in their stool! There is another very tiny parasite called giardia that is a very common cause of loose stools in Great Danes.
If you are struggling with your puppy’s stomach upset, ask your veterinarian to test for Giardia, which requires antibiotics to treat.
Parasites are very common in puppies and treatable. As long as you have gotten your puppy from a reputable Great Dane breeder and had your first vet visit, this should be no big deal.
Your puppy has a stomach upset
Another common cause of stomach upset in Great Dane puppies is switching foods! Many pet parents are excited to switch foods and may immediately jump to a food brand that the puppy had never had before.
We ONLY recommend that puppies be fed a science-based and highly researched large breed puppy kibble diet formulated for large and giant breed growth (our favorites are below).
If your breeder was feeding something else, switch slowly to avoid further stomach upset.
Note: If your puppy is knuckling or experiencing HOD, Panosteitis or other orthopedic growth problems, your puppy must switch to an appropriate, science-backed large breed puppy kibble immediately.
Too many treats can make a dog eat less
Training treats can also cause a puppy to become full or overloaded with the wrong nutrition! Too much of a good thing can result in a decreased appetite, which can be alarming AND lead to loose stools, growth disorders, and more.
Take it easy with dog treats. Keep bites teeny tiny and consider doing as much training as you can with your puppy’s kibble, instead!
(No, your dog will not bloat if you feed them kibble for training! Contrary to popular belief, ‘resting’ before and after eating is not reliable for preventing bloat in Great Danes).
Too many training treats can also throw off the important balance of nutrition needed for proper growth. Too much food, fat, nutrition, and unbalanced amino acids and calcium and phosphorus levels are dangerous for growing puppies.
Here are some of our favorite holistic whole-food training treats for Great Danes. Use in moderation!
Your puppy is sick
Unfortunately, illness can be devastating for young Great Dane puppies. If your Dane pup has any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately:
Excessive amounts of diarrhea
Blood in stool
Pale gums
Vomiting
Low or high body temperature (use this thermometer to check)
Lethargy (no energy, even while awake)
Weakness, stumbling, unable to stand, walk or play
Cloudy or watery eyes
Discharge from the nose or mouth
Foul smell
Large, distended abdomen
Crooked paws
Showing pain signals including limping, whining, crying, chewing paws, aggression, etc.
Parvo in Great Dane Puppies
Parvo, for example, could be one reason that your puppy is not eating. While there are vaccines for Parvo, puppies are at risk until they are fully vaccinated.
This particular disease is extremely difficult to treat and also deadly. Early diagnosis is key; if you see any signs your puppy needs to see a veterinarian immediately.
A thorough physical examination is warranted anytime you feel something is ‘off’ with your puppy, including crooked paws (which could be a sign of knuckling).
Other symptoms of poor health can include whining while going potty, weight loss, and limping. A urinary tract infection is a common problem for Dane pups and one that can result in a reduced appetite in dogs.
Not only that, but a Dane pup can become dangerously dehydrated very quickly, so if your puppy is having trouble with loose stools and throwing up, get to the vet immediately.
Even if he or she’s drinking water, it may not be enough.
Your Great Dane Puppy is Full
Many times, a puppy that has no appetite is actually full!
Too much nutrition can lead to knuckling and loose stools, so keep that in mind if your dog loves to scarf food and eat too much.
Great Dane puppies grow fast and need a lot of nutrition, and your dog’s eating habits will change often throughout the first several months. As a matter of fact, you may find that your puppy is at the food bowl asking for food at odd times, and turning its nose up at other times!
Your pup will need more dog food before and during a growth spurt as well.
We say feed them and let them guide you! The goal with puppies is not to stuff them with an exact number of cups of food, but rather to give them the nutrition they need to grow slowly and with excellent body condition.
Our Great Dane puppy feeding chart can give you a rough idea of how much you might expect to feed, but only your puppy really knows what he needs.
Do not let your puppy (or adult Great Dane) gain excess weight. If your dog scarves food down and eats without stopping, it’s time to step in and strictly monitor intake.
Is it normal for puppies to not eat all of their food
Assuming that your healthy puppy has a quality, age-appropriate science-backed dog food and is otherwise vibrant, robust, and active it can be perfectly normal for your pup to leave food in the bowl.
As above, this is not a sign that your Great Dane is one of the reported ‘picky eaters’. A dog that is self-regulating its intake is very different than a dog that has had an actual loss of appetite.
It’s important to monitor your puppy and keep tabs on growth, overall health, and energy levels; this matters more than actual food intake!
As a pet parent, it’s normal to worry, but unless your dog recently suffered illness, is losing weight, or is showing other sights of stress or health problems, try not to stress. Keep your puppy on the same dry dog food and stick it out!
Having interest change from meal to meal and day to day is totally normal and to be expected. This chart below is just a guide; the food you choose and your puppies appetite will change these amounts.
When should I worry about my puppy not eating?
Of course, there does come a time when you should worry about your puppy not eating!
You definitely want to see medical attention for your dog if it is losing weight, acting lethargic, distressed, or having difficulty chewing.
Sometimes a stick or bone has become lodged inside of the jaw and it can make it difficult for a puppy to eat and drink water normally.
If your dog’s stool has blood in it, you will need to see your vet immediately as this can be a sign of foreign bodies or Parvo. Pale gums, coughing, and dehydration are also indicators of physical distress that will require immediate veterinary care.
If your puppy ate something they shouldn’t have such as socks, jewelry, or toxic foods such as grapes or Xylitol you will likely notice a reduction in appetite.
These things are a medical emergency and cause for concern.
At times, excessive treats, table scraps, or stolen food from the counter can lead to a condition called Pancreatitis. This can make your puppy stop eating and show signs of nausea, tummy upset, and weakness.
However, if your puppy is bright, vibrant, and playful while awake with nice tight feet and a great nap schedule (remember, Great Dane puppies need a LOT of sleep!), chances are everything is fine. Let your puppy sleep, they will eat when they are hungry!
A healthy Great Dane pup should be curious, friendly, active, and ready to go when awake!
Bonus Tip: Monitor water intake when your dog won’t eat
We do not recommend limiting water intake or withholding water for ‘potty training’.
This dated practice can lead to dehydration and may actually teach your puppy to gulp, hoard, and guard water as a valuable resource.
Of course, a pup doesn’t need to be drinking water overnight. But if you are taking up the bowl at dinner time so you don’t have to let your puppy out to pee at 2 in the morning, stop.
Let your puppy drink water as needed and desired until you all go to bed for the night.
Take your puppy out for one last late-night pee (use LOTS of treats and yes, kibble to reward this behavior!) and then quietly, calmly go out as needed through the night.
They will outgrow the need to go out and pee overnight once their bladder is mature, and you’ll be getting restful sleep again!
What to do when your puppy isn’t eating?
Many people start adding wet dog food, boiled chicken, treats, canned food, or other tasty toppers to entice their puppy to eat.
Others will attempt hand feeding or hydrating the food in warm water. It’s important to remember that appetite in dogs can and will fluctuate!
Note: some studies show that food moistened in warm water, that has citric acid in the formulation may increase bloat risk.
As we mentioned before, bribery is a dangerous path that will lead to a lot of frustration.
We believe in offering up to 5-10% of the diet as healthy toppers because, for Great Danes, it may reduce bloat risk.
However, there is a big difference between adding healthy foods to increase the intake of fibers and omegas and adding unbalanced junk food to make the dry kibble somehow more appealing.
We recommend rehydrated Olewo carrots for loose stools.
Balanced raw, fish oil, the occasional raw egg, or a few scoops of Dr. Harvey’s are also welcome additions to the Great Dane food bowl!
As above, these items should be added for health reasons, not as bribery.
Best Foods for Great Danes & The Appropriate Diet
Once your puppy learns that skipping meals means you bring out the good stuff, all bets are off. We promise, that if you are feeding an appropriate dry food diet, you do NOT need to switch to a new food so that your dog will eat!
If you are feeding a science-backed, highly respected solid food that is formulated for the growth of large breed dogs, stick with the same food. We recommend choosing brands that invest heavily in research, professional veterinary nutritionist formulation, development, ingredient sourcing, and formula testing. These brands include Purina, Eukanuba, and Iams.
Scheduled Feedings to Reduce Pickiness
If your dog won’t eat and there are clearly no health issues, wait it out. Put the bowl down, offer the meal, and walk away. Don’t make a fuss.
Pick it up again if your dog refuses it after 15-30 minutes. Offer it again later for a mid-day meal, and repeat this process until your dog gives in and eats their solid food.
Another trick you can try when your dog won’t eat is to make eating FUN. Use your dog’s normal food as training treats, and reward your dog throughout the day with a few pieces for awesome behavior.
The KONG WOBBLER can also be very engaging for dogs that need their food to ‘run’ so they can hunt for and chase it! We always love seeing food used as enrichment. If your dog won’t eat, this is a great trick to try!
Reasons for the loss of appetite in dogs
Like puppies, there are many reasons why an adult Great Dane will have a loss of appetite.
Here are just a few things to look for if you have a dog not eating:
A foreign body such as a sock in the digestive tract
Stomach upset from eating something toxic or irritating, including chocolate, grapes, certain house plants, and xylitol
Stomach upset from counter surfing things such as butter, roasts, cookies, or treats that are unbalanced, fatty, sugary, and sit heavy in the stomach (watch for signs of pancreatitis! See below).
Toxicity from exposure to essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang that are not safe for dogs
Boredom. Like humans, bored dogs can become depressed, suppressed, and may turn their noses up at food. Make eating fun by using a puzzle feeder and food as training treats!
Congenital problems such as heart or digestive system defects that haven’t been diagnosed
Liver disease or kidney disease
New food (switching too quickly can cause stomach upset, OR the new dog food has more nutrition and your dog won’t have to eat as much as they did with the previous food.
A senior dog will have a reduced appetite and will require a different dry dog food formulation than a puppy or adult.Dental disease in senior dogs can also cause decreased appetite; your veterinarian can address this with you.
Some dogs with advanced dental disease may need canned food or a liquid diet.
Signs of pancreatitis in Great Danes
Here are some signs of pancreatitis, which is a life-threatening illness that can happen when dogs ingest too many things that are fatty such as too many rich treats, roasts, butter or bacon.
Scavenging for food is one of the leading predictors of a dog experiencing pancreatitis; however other things may cause it.
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain
Distress, including laying with the rear end high in the air
Fever
Lethargy
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Nausea
Pancreatitis in dogs has other factors and causes as well, and the prognosis is based on severity and treatment. If your dog is showing these or other symptoms that are alarming to you, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Counter surfing and trash surfing is a real problem for Great Danes! Learn how to solve this dangerous and annoying behavior.
Your pet’s health is at risk if you don’t implement training and management.
Balanced training is the most humane choice for dogs because it teaches and rewards them while also giving them all of the information they need to make mature decisions. This includes NO, a simple thing that can save your dog’s life.
A picky Great Dane dog with a decreased appetite is often caused by, get this, poor handling!
Biologically, dogs don’t want to starve. Let your dog’s eating habits be your guide here: many dogs are incredibly good at self-regulating intake, just by nature! Appetite in dogs is fluid and will change day-to-day, too.
If they don’t eat, it’s because they don’t need the food, have a medical problem, the food is bad, OR we’ve trained them to hold out for the good stuff. A dog not eating because they’ve learned this is a dog that is making the rules.
That last part…read it again.
We’ve trained them to hold out for the good stuff, and they’ve trained us to give it to them!
Every time you add toppers or change foods to encourage your Dane to eat, you teach them that if they turn their nose up at the food bowl better things will come. A dog not eating may actually be a dog that figured out a neat trick to eat treats with every meal.
If you’ve ruled out medical problems and you are feeding a fresh (not stale) high-quality, science-backed kibble that is correctly formulated for your Great Dane, chances are your Dane is either full or totally playing you.
Now of course it stands to reason that your Great Dane may get tired and bored of a certain food. We recommend changing proteins on occasion but stick with the food that is working for you.
When you change proteins, stick with the same formula
Example for an adult dog:
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice, switch to Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Beef and Ric
Are Great Danes picky eaters?
By nature, Great Danes are not picky eaters!
However, the myriad of health problems that plague this breed resulting from bad genetics and incorrect foods can make them seem picky or intolerant of certain foods.
Great Danes are unfortunately prone to a number of health issues that can result in a dog’s loss of interest in food.
When a dog won’t eat or flat out refuses, it might be helpful to rule out these common health issues:
Allergies. While dietary allergies are actually extremely rare, environmental allergies can make a dog uncomfortable.
Thyroid disorders.
Diabetes
Painful orthopedic problems including wobblers, HOD, Dysplasia or arthritis
Poor structural conformation that leads to painful joints and movement
Chances are, your Great Dane is not actually picky and other things are going on.
If you think it’s just general pickiness, wait it out! You might be surprised to find that your dog starts eating again after a day. If not, seek medical advice just in case.
When should I be concerned that my dog is not eating?
Anytime your dog’s appetite seems to have decreased drastically, you will want to watch for other signs and symptoms. A loss of appetite in dogs can be alarming, and it’s good that you are paying attention!
A dog that normally loves its dry dog food and that is suddenly refusing food of any kind may have medical problems that go far beyond a simple loss of appetite.
If your dog stops eating altogether and you aren’t sure why we recommend seeking professional help from your veterinarian before switching foods again.
Older dogs that stop eating
Older dogs that are not eating and that have other health problems may be towards the end of life; just like humans, a dog in hospice will often experience a loss of appetite and stop eating before passing away.
It is important to keep senior dogs in hospice staying hydrated, drinking water, and being as comfortable as possible!
A dog’s loss of appetite in the latest days of life is normal and may be an indication that it’s time to say goodbye.
Did you know that there are now canine hospice options? Chat with your veterinarian for referrals and advice. They can help guide you towards making sure that your elderly dog is drinking water and staying hydrated before you have to make any other end-of-life decisions.
How do I make my Great Dane eat more?
In most cases, you don’t actually need your Great Dane to eat more!
Many people are alarmed to see how ‘thin’ their Great Dane is. The truth here is that a little rib showing is normal and desired. Very few dogs are actually underweight, and very few dogs actually need to eat more.
The written breed standard for Great Danes in all Countries, including Europe and the U.S. defines them as being an athletic breed, never stocky.
For truly underweight dogs that need more nutrition, medical attention is needed first to rule out underlying causes such as disease, parasites, cancer, or congenital deformities such as megaesophagus.
Great Dane puppies in particular can be very lean and lanky as they grow. They will fill out once they are more mature, usually between 2 and 3 years of age.
Here is an image of three Great Dane dogs. One is underweight and malnourished. One is at a perfectly healthy weight. The third is overweight.
An Underweight Great Dane
A Healthy Weight Great Dane
An Overweight Great Dane
A malnourished, underweight dog will lack vibrancy and won’t have much energy. Many ‘thin’ dogs that are labeled as ‘underweight’ have shiny coats, muscle tone and lots of energy! Those dogs need to be left as-is.
Adding weight to a Great Dane is hard on the joints and can shorten the life span by 2 years, on average. For giant breed dogs that tend to have short lifespans in the first place, that is devastating.
If you think your dog is underweight and needs to eat more, talk to your vet first! Most people are so used to seeing ‘fat’ dogs that they don’t know what an appropriate waistline is on a dog.
A lot of ‘thin’ dogs can actually use some muscle building as well. Muscle and activity will nearly always come with an increased appetite, as the added nutrients are needed to build muscle.
We highly recommend that all Great Danes are off-leash trained and have the opportunity to move, explore, run and play freely without physical restraints such as harnesses, head collars, prong collars, or long leashes.
These natural activities help them build muscle and can improve balance, strength, and motor coordination. For off-leash training, modern E-Collars cannot be beat. We have tons of resources on this topic here.
When should I worry about my dog not eating?
If your dog is acting lethargic, it’s time to worry.
A dog that has no energy, dull eyes or that is weak needs medical assistance.
Muscle wasting is a problem for dogs that have begun to lose weight due to a too-low intake of food. Without the nutrition or fat reserves needed for survival, muscle tone will diminish.
Some dogs may be coming from rescue situations where severe neglect led them down this path.
A veterinarian can advise on the best course of action for food intake, water intake, and nutrition in dogs that are severely underweight. A new food will typically be advised, as there are certain dry dog food formulas that have more of the kind of nutrition a dog like this will need to rebuild their strength.
Some healthy dogs may eat less and begin to lose weight. This can be concerning to dog owners, especially when it’s clear that the dog’s appetite has changed or been reduced.
Many dogs are actually overweight, and a heavy dog not eating as much of their normal food may actually be a good thing. For those dogs, they may appear to look ‘too thin’ because their new body condition looks different, but it doesn’t mean that you need to be alarmed.
Always chat with your veterinarian to rule out health problems, including cancer, diabetes, thyroid issues, and heart problems if your dog’s appetite seems unusually different.
Is it normal for a dog to not finish their food?
It is very normal for a dog to not finish its food! If your dog won’t eat the entire bowl, consider that it could just be a matter of ‘too much’.
Think about how this applies in the wild. A dog is naturally inclined to not overeat because instinctually dogs know how much nutrition their body actually needs.
In most cases, we recommend trusting your dog here. If your Great Dane is eating but doesn’t finish their food, they are probably full and don’t need anymore!
Many people worry about food because they are concerned about bloat. They want their dog to eat on a schedule so that they can strictly monitor meal and rest times.
There are definitely much bigger things to be concerned about when it comes to bloat risk and minimizing the chance that your dog experiences it.
Genetics, gut health, and poor temperaments are key factors. For more information on bloat in Great Danes and how it relates to nutrition, read our Great Dane Bloat articles below.
If your dog has no aggression, food-scarfing, hoarding, training, or temperament issues it’s actually fine to allow your dog to graze on the food they leave in the bowl. As a matter of fact, frequent, smaller meals are correlated with a DECREASE in bloat risk!
If your dog is overweight, obese, frantic, aggressive, frustrated, or needs a lot of training, however, this is not recommended. For those dogs, 2-3 scheduled meals per day, served in a low-stress environment for just 15-20 minutes is ideal.
Monitoring your dog’s body condition is extremely important, and avoiding food scarfing, fights over food, and frustrating behaviors at the bowl is part of being an educated, dedicated Great Dane owner.
You know your dog best!
The case of too many treats
Many dogs are full and uninterested in food because they are getting too many treats!
Treats may be coming from cute puppy eyes at the treat jar, table scraps, bones, chews, table surfing, and yes, even your treat bag during training.
If you are working on training your Great Dane, try mixing some of your dog’s dry food ration for the day into your treat bag.
Use food as a reward so your dog receives correct, balanced nutrition and gains confidence doing a job well done.
Not only will this make their food more enticing because they have to ‘work for it’, but the variation of treats between high value (such as Ziwi Peak) and their kibble will work to make your dog that much more interested in working for the good stuff.
Every time they get a higher-value treat, it’s like hitting the jackpot!
Freeze-dried meats and organs (small amounts, don’t overdo it)
Cheerios
A trail mix made up of hotdogs, dry food, Ziwi peak, blueberries, and freeze-dried chicken
When your dog is eating dry food as a reward during training, you will find that your dog starts to really enjoy their meals! By nature, dogs want to ‘work’ and that includes hunting, searching, sniffing, sitting, and doing tricks.
As a matter of fact, a lot of behavior problems in Great Danes including destruction, chewing, separation anxiety, anxiety, lunging, barking, and pulling like a freight train are directly related to, get this, frustration and BOREDOM!
When we ask our dogs to work for their dry food, we are providing them with enrichment and mental games that will help them thrive.
Does your dog turn its nose up at kibble when used as a training treat? Make it a little more ‘enticing’ by spraying it with bone broth or warm water and as above, mixing it up with higher value treats.
PRO TIP: If you use hot dogs, the kibble will naturally become more appealing because the hot dogs will ‘scent’ the kibble in the treat bag!
If your dog likes to eat treats but not their normal food, you can also ‘trick’ them into thinking their dry food is a treat by using it as a filler for fun puzzle toys such as the West Paw Topple.
We believe Great Danes should have fun with their food, and that a dog’s appetite is often linked to how hard it was for them to get that food.
Sometimes it really is a matter of making a dog eat through the use of brain games and puzzles.
If your dog is not ok when you leave the house, you can actually use their meals, canned food, and dry food to your advantage!
We recommend creating a mixture of kibble, wet food, rehydrated Olewo carrots and a few high-value tidbits such as Dr. Harvey’s freeze-dried treats or Ziwi Peak.
Take this mush and stuff it into a Dane-sized West Paw Wobbler and stick it in the freezer!
Offer this frozen treat to your dog while they are in another room and confined away from you. Practice this daily, so your dog learns that you being in a different room and out of sight is ok!
They will enjoy the wet food as they work to get it out of the stuffed toy, and with practice, they will begin to have positive associations when you are away. You can make this puzzle even more enticing with the addition of canned food, something that many dogs love.
Separation anxiety is unhealthy for Great Danes and can increase their risk of experiencing bloat. Anxiety and stress have strong ties to bloat occurring!
It’s important to take steps to work on it, but it does take time and patience. If your dog won’t eat or work on the puzzle toy during these short practice sessions, lower the criteria. Leave for only 10 seconds, then 45, and so on.
The more time your dog can spend having a positive, no-stress experience with you out of site, the better.
What to give my dog if she is not eating?
The last thing you want to do is to bribe your Great Dane into eating.
A healthy, normal dog will not allow itself to starve to death! Decreased appetite in dogs happens for many reasons and many times the reason is both simple and benign.
It’s important to rule out medical reasons for reduced appetite in dogs such as parasites, pain, foreign objects or cancer, however!
If your Great Dane is not eating because of illness, your veterinarian may be able to offer an appetite stimulant in addition to treatment that will get your pup well again.
Canned food is highly palatable and many dogs experiencing a loss of appetite associated with illness will benefit from it.
Sick dogs need extra support: in this case, your veterinarian will advise you on an appropriate diet for your dog while healing. Dehydration is one of the biggest dangers for dogs that are not eating or drinking water.
You can encourage your Great Dane to drink water by adding a little bone broth or Nulo hydrator to make it more palatable. (Have you ever had a cold where water just didn’t taste good but you could chug orange juice? This happens in dogs, too!).
Cottage cheese, boiled bland chicken and rice, bone-broth, commercially available re-hydrators (such as NULO), hand-feeding, canned food, or a prescription liquid diet may be advised.
However, if you’ve determined that your dog is healthy, there are things you can do to encourage eating that will also benefit overall health!
We recommend the following options as toppers for kibble:
Rehydrated Olewo Carrots
This is the best remedy for loose stools and tummy upset! Not only that, but the added fiber may help reduce bloat risk.
For an adult Dane, measure 2 TBSP of dehydrated pellets and rehydrate in warm water before serving. You can use this mixture as stuffing for food puzzles or toys or as a mix-in or topper for kibble.
Dr. Harvey’s
Dr. Harvey’s food mixes contain dehydrated whole food ingredients such as oats, carrots, spinach, and blueberries. There are several options to choose from and dogs LOVE them!
Rehydrate a scoop with water and serve on top of your dog’s kibble as a way to encourage and entice eating. Remember to keep toppers, especially unbalanced ones to less than 10% of the diet.
Egg – any style!
It’s ok to occasionally offer eggs to your Great Dane. Raw is fine! Most dogs also love receiving a whole shell-on hardboiled egg that they have to open themselves. Scrambled eggs, poached eggs or sunny side up are fine as well, just make sure they are cool before serving.
We recommend offering no more than 1-2 eggs per week to Great Danes, unless part of a fully balanced and appropriately formulated raw diet.
Canned Food
Dogs love canned food. We recommend introducing canned food toppers slowly and using the same brand and formula as your kibble.
For example, an excellent pairing is Purina Pro Plan Large Breed paired with Purina Pro Plan Large Breed canned wet food.
(Note, most wet dog food is not recommended for growing Great Dane puppies, as it may not be formulated correctly for growth, only maintenance.
Always check the label! If you offer canned food to your Great Dane puppy, do so in moderation or look for an appropriate, science-backed formula that is appropriate for the growth of large breed dogs).
What if my dog won’t eat and is acting strange?
If your dog is acting strange, has had a loss of appetite, and seems unwilling to eat, it may be experiencing a medical emergency.
A Great Dane that is acting strange may be stumbling, pacing, foaming, crying, whining, shaking, hiding or unable or unwilling to get up. A dog won’t eat if they are in distress.
BLOAT in Great Danes is life-threatening and unfortunately common. If you see any of the following symptoms, it is imperative that you seek emergency care. This is true EVEN IF your Great Dane has had its stomach tacked!
Attempting to vomit
Pacing, whining, crying, and acting distressed
Distended abdomen
Foaming at the mouth
Excessive drool
Looking at the stomach area
Collapse
A dog may also act strange if they have ingested toxins or poisons, gotten into a fight with other dogs (internal injuries), or if they are in pain and have other symptoms such as shaking, coughing, excessive panting, or seizures.
It’s always worth getting checked out and not ever assuming that your dog’s decreased appetite is related simply to food.
Liver disease, kidney disease, dental disease, and even heart disease can be ‘silent’ before they are deadly.
Some dog owners find it helpful to keep a journal or notebook that documents health from week to week and year to year. This practice will be insanely helpful to your veterinarian, too!
If you notice a decreased appetite in your dog who is otherwise acting normal, start documenting their daily intake of food, treats and water.
You can also take note of body condition, activity levels, and any unusual gain or loss of appetite.
Are you having a problem with a dog not eating, but still unsure if you are doing the right thing or not? We always recommend seeking veterinary care when you aren’t sure about what is going on with your dog.
Did you know that Great Danes are one of the breeds of dog that are most commonly overweight? A dog’s weight creates MANY issues.
An overweight Great Dane faces so many medical problems, in fact, that it can lower their entire lifespan.
Fat Great Danes Face Serious Health Risks: Even Early Death
Believe it or not, even science says so. A study conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital found that the lifespan of overweight dogs was 2.5 years shorter on average than their peers who maintained a completely normal weight / muscle mass.
This is a serious health risk for these dogs, and can lead to a number of health problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the health risks associated with obesity in Great Danes, and what you can do to help keep your dog healthy and fit.
Great Dane Puppies, Food Intake, and Keeping the Perfect Weight
Starting now, the first thing you should know as a pet owner is that within a blink of an eye, Great Dane puppies turn into a full grown adult Great Dane. Because they grow SO FAST, it is absolutely crucial that you monitor your puppy Great Dane’s growth.
Too much weight gain absolutely matters with your adorable, squishy Great Dane puppy. While your puppy is active and energetic, it is the very time to set them up for proper growth to minimize future health issues.
Adding too much quick weight gain and unnecessary gained weight adds extreme pressure onto your puppies joints. Large dogs grow rapidly when they are less than 2 years old. If a puppy gains too much weight, it can put strain on their joints and lead to health problems later in life. Below you will see a Great Dane growth chart, but please remember NOT ALL puppies will fit into this chart:
IDEAL: Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [THIS FORMULA] provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).
MODERATELY ACCEPTABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth of puppies and maintenance of adult dogs, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb or more as an adult).
NOT ACCEPTABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs.
QUESTIONABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Feeding the right quantity of food and keep track of your Great Danes ribs
The best way to ensure a healthy weight is to feed your puppy a high-quality dog food that is designed for their stage of life. Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, so they should be fed a food that is high in protein and fat.
You can also talk to your vet about how much your puppy should eat each day and what the healthy weight ranges are for Great Danes.
Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!) Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)
Monitor every growth spurt with large breed dogs
Watch your puppies food intake closely and be sure to keep them on an appropriate amount of food. If you choose to ‘free feed’, it is best to measure a day’s worth of food out in the morning, so that you always know how much they are eating.
Be sure to research which puppy food you would like to give, and do your research EARLY- as it is best for your dog’s health NOT to switch foods often, if at all. If you are looking for our puppy food resources, you can find them here:
When your giant breed puppy experiences a large period of growth, watch their joints closely. Knuckling is a huge issue in Great Danes and can be related to feeding the wrong puppy food, giving too many calories or the wrong calories, switching pet food too many times, slippery floors, weak feet, leg muscles or hip bones, etc. If you wonder if your Great Dane is knuckling, be sure to check out some resources here:
IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?
Check out our science-based and constantly growing knuckling resource page.
A Great Dane’s ribs shouldn’t be hidden by too much flesh. You should be able to see the ribs of your Great Dane easily as well as feel them with your fingers and palm of your hand. If you can’t, your dog may be overweight and could benefit from weight loss.
Conduct the Rib Test
To check if your great dane is at a healthy weight, place your hands on their rib cage, just behind the last rib bone. You should be able to feel their ribs without too much pressure. If you can’t, your dog may be overweight.
The last thing you want is for your dog to become too fat! If I can’t see any ribs then try lowering food intake by 5% until body leans out and you are able to feel the ribs of your Great Dane, which implies a more healthy weight.
Why Did My Great Dane Gain Weight Suddenly?
Dog’s go through many different phases of life and there could be many reasons why your Great Dane suddenly put on weight.
Spaying and Neutering dogs will cause them to gain quickly. This is because when you Spay or Neuter a dog, their metabolism slows down and they no longer need as many calories as they did before the surgery. You should consider waiting to spay / neuter your Great Dane until they are matured at around age 24 months to allow them to maintain a healthy weight and experience each hormonal life stage necessary for a large dog.
Can early spay or neuter hurt your dog? Check out our blog here.
Lactation
Nursing mothers will also gain weight quickly as their bodies prepare for motherhood. This is normal and healthy, but once the puppies are weaned, the mother’s weight should level out.
Old Age
As dogs age, their metabolism slows down and they become less active. This can cause them to gain weight even if they are eating the same amount of food as they did when they were younger. If your senior dog has unexpected weight gain, consider joint-friendly activities like swimming.
If your dog is not getting enough exercise, they may start to gain weight. Dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, and sometimes more if they are a high energy Great Dane. There are low impact exercises and activities that are great for a big dog like a Great Dane. Going about their day-to-day without activity even just for a week or two can cause weight gain in a Great Dane.
Check out our blog about whether or not you should go running with your Great Dane:
There are some health conditions that can cause dogs to gain weight suddenly. These include Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. If you think your dog may be sick, please take them to the vet for a checkup. Digestive issues can also cause dogs to gain weight, lose weight or have unexplained fluctuation. Worm infestation can cause your dog to have an inability to absorb nutrients.
Obesity is a serious health concern for dogs of all breeds, but it is especially dangerous for giant breeds like the Great Dane. Obese dogs are at risk for joint problems, respiratory difficulties, diabetes, and other health issues.
How to Help Your Adult Great Dane With Weight Loss
If you have determined that your dog needs to lose weight, do not worry, as there are manageable methods that you can use to help your Great Dane slim down.
Tip 1: Examine What Dog Food Your Great Dane is Eating
One of the best ways to help your Great Dane lose weight is to examine the nutrition label of their dog food.
You should be looking at the calorie content and the amount of fat in the food. Great Danes need special food to keep them healthy. The right kind of cuisine will ensure that your Great Dane’s weight remains stable, his joints don’t GET worse and he grows into an adult who has strong structures with no fractures or problems growing bones! Ingredients actually DO matter when caring for our furry friends properly…
Click here for what we believe the best food is to feed your dog.
Tip 2: Choose What Treats Your Dog Eats Wisely
One of the easiest ways to help your dog lose weight is to cut back on the number of treats you give them. This doesn’t mean you have to stop giving them treats altogether, but you should limit their treat intake to only a certain amount, and also the RIGHT kind.
Not all dog treats are created the same. Some dog treats are packed with way more protein and fat than others, and should actually be considered apart of their diet. Otherwise with their meals they are already getting enough food, but then you add more.
Choosing a healthy diet also means choosing what treats you provide. For your convenience, we put together some of our favorite treats here:
Most dogs who are fed a healthy diet, the right amount of calories and getting adequate exercise, will have slightly visible ribs and muscle development.
If you notice that your Great Dane seems overweight compared to other dogs, it is time to speak to your veterinarian and get medical advice to make sure there is not an underlying condition.
Something we hear very often when speaking to Great Dane owners is that they have a concern for their skinny Great Dane.
Don’t get me wrong, some families DO have an underweight Great Dane.
But, typically, those with a Skinny Great Dane, are those with pre existing conditions, medical ailments, or even parasites etc.
Are Great Danes Supposed to be Skinny?
The reason that this is an important topic is because pet obesity has become very… ‘normal’. When we go to the dog park, we generally see many overweight pups. Everywhere we go- pet parents are struggling to keep their dog at a healthy weight.
The truth is- if you have a skinny Great Dane- you PROBABLY have a ‘Healthy Weight’ Great Dane. Here are some example photos:
An Underweight Great Dane
A Healthy Weight Great Dane
An Overweight Great Dane
We have seen A LOT of Great Danes, and we have seen VERY FEW, that we could say ‘Your Great Dane is too skinny’.
But, REALLY… My Great Dane is TOO THIN!
If you truly believe that your Great Dane is too thin, we have a few suggestions. However, this site does not constitute ‘bulking up’ your Great Dane, just because you want them to be bigger. You should examine both your female and male Great Dane thoroughly, seek veterinary medicine and advice, and understand the ramifications on their joints and health before intentionally causing them to gain weight. It is much easier to gain weight than it is to lose weight. Now, for the suggestions:
Good Quality Canned Food and Raw Toppers
Providing a raw topper or good quality canned food will increase your dog’s calories, without having to feed them more kibble. This is a great way to help your dog add weight, without over doing it. For your convenience, here are some raw healthy toppers:
You can also add healthy fats and oils to your dog’s diet. This is a great way to increase the calories they are taking in, without adding too much volume. Below we will link our favorite fish oils.
You can also try feeding your dog more meals, more often throughout the day, with less food. This will help them feel fuller, without overeating.
Satin Balls
You can make your own satin balls, or purchase them. This is a high-calorie food that can help your dog gain weight.
Final Thoughts: Keep a Healthy Weight and Encourage Weight Gain with Caution
Keeping your Great Dane thin is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. It is our responsibility to make sure they stay at a healthy weight, so that they can enjoy their lives to the fullest.
Remember, it is easier to make a dog obese, than it is to make them lose weight. So please use caution when following any of the above suggestions and seek your veterinarian any time you have an issue that might constitute pet medical advice.
We hope you enjoyed this article. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. We would be happy to help!
If you’re interested in running with your Great Dane, we’ve got the Ultimate Guide for you.
Do you love spending time outdoors running but don’t want to leave your Great Dane behind? Or maybe you’re just getting started training for a marathon and want to make sure your pup can keep up.
Alternatively, it’s possible you have heard of the dangers of Great Dane puppies growth plates. If that’s the case, you want to make sure the exercise and running you are doing with them is safe and within limits. Either way, this blog post is for you!
Age Matters When Running with Your Great Dane:
Great Danes are large and giant breed dogs who experience joint pain with excessive exercise. So, running with your Great Dane can be risky. But, physical activity is SO important for your Great Dane with a million times the pent up energy that you have!
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
Do you want to go running with your Great Dane? If so, lets talk about considering age with over running, exercising, health issues, and Great Dane exercise:
Running with Your Great Dane and Age Consideration:
If you’d like to eventually go running with your Great Dane, consider extremely early training and socialization. Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds and can grow to be over 100 pounds. You can eventually go running with your Great Dane, but you will need excellent socialization and leash skills.
Great Danes are a very active breed and need to be exercised regularly to stay healthy. Going running with your Great Dane is fun, but there are many factors to consider. When they are puppies, exercise is important. However, the type, frequency and duration of running with your Great Dane is dependent on your Great Danes age.
How Much Exercise Should a Great Dane Puppy Get?
Big dog breeds require enough exercise to maintain muscle mass, joint health and prevent obesity. Controversially, Great Dane owners recognize that in order to raise a healthy adult Great Dane, they must limit their puppies daily exercise. Going running with your Great Dane while they are growing puppies is NOT a good idea. However, there are many ways to eventually accomplish the task of going running with your Great Dane.
Free Play is Very Different than Going Running with Your Great Dane
Your Great Dane puppy should be allowed to free play as much as they want! This is natural exercise and is extremely benefit in helping avoid destructive behavior. Puppy Great Danes should get an abundance of mental exercise, socialization with other dogs, and ‘free play’ running off leash in a safe area. When Great Dane puppies are off leash and THEY control their daily exercise, there is truly no concern with them getting ‘too much exercise’. Spend time being couch potatoes and spend time exploring with your Great Dane. Always base their physical exercise on your Great Dane being in control- NOT you. How much exercise do THEY need and want? Going running with your Great Dane is your ultimate goal, but first help their joints grow healthy and strong.
Should You Avoid Going Running with your Great Dane who is growing?
You should avoid going running with your Great Dane who is still growing. Additionally, they should not be allowed to stair climb or jump off of furniture, as this can damage their joints. Giant dogs who are growing fast have growth plates. Growth plates do not close until they are 24 months, and damage to this portion of the dog’s joints can cause major issues with your dog breed. Going running with your Great Dane who is still growing could cause permanent damage.
AVOID: Stair Climbing as a Form of Great Dane Exercise
Climbing stairs frequently and quickly in young, growing puppies can cause irreparable joint damage. This is because as the puppies grow, their bones, growth plates, and ligaments are still developing. Repeated high impact activities such as stair climbing before your Great Dane’s growth plates have closed can cause these joints to be permanently damaged. While your Great Dane may seem like they are able to handle this type of strenuous activity, senior Great Danes will show the impact of these joint-heavy activities. Activities like climbing or jumping off of stairs, strenuous work-outs or going running with your Great Dane are to be avoided until they are fully grown.
DO NOT: Playing Fetch is Not Appropriate for Many Dogs
Fetch is one of the hardest games for your dog to play in regards to its joints. Throwing a ball for your dog to fetch puts unnecessary stress on their ligaments, joints and spine. This is because when dogs retrieve balls, they tend to jump up and down which can damage the discs in their spine.
Additionally, fetch causes your dog to stop and start their movements and body weight VERY quickly, which may be okay for hunting dogs or other breeds. But, for dogs predisposed to joint health issues, this game is a major red flag. Over exercising Great Danes in a game of fetch is unnecessary and damaging.
SAY NO: Tug of War Games are Unhealthy to Big Dog Breeds
Dog owners of large dogs know that Great Danes can be predisposed to ‘large breed’ diseases that an other dog breed may not be. Some of these diseases include Arthritis, Hip Dysplasia, and Wobblers. When you play tug of war with your dog, the added stress and pressure placed on their spine and neck is unnecessary. Tug of war is a game that should be limited.
Alternative Options to Tug
Replace this with dog safe strengthening exercises such as swimming, free play / running and allowing your Great Dane to explore a variety of surfaces (gravel, mud, dirt, grass). Avoid any type of tug toy or other that will impact the spine during play time. If you’re planning on one day going running with your Great Dane, avoid joint-heavy activities such as tug.
UNNECCESSARY: Baby Gentle Giants Do Not Need Leashed Long Walks
Many Great Dane owners feel the need to walk their dog for miles each day. This is unnecessary as your puppy will get plenty of exercise from running and playing on their own accord. A long, leashed walk will only serve to strain their joints, putting them at risk for hip dysplasia when they become a full-grown Great Dane.
What Is a Positive and Healthy Exercise Routine for your Great Dane Puppy?
Your Great Dane puppy does not need to walk long distances, rather needs a gentle giant friend to run around with, puzzle toys / mental stimulation, and a simple regular exercise routine. Great Danes LOVE mental stimulation. Mental stimulation also serves as a substitution for long walks.
Dog owners are more than happy to take their puppy to get physical exercise, short daily walks, and even visit a safe dog park.
Should I Take My Great Dane to the Dog Park?
Great Dane owners often visit a safe dog park with their puppies as a form of socialization. Many dog owners believe dog parks provide an opportunity for your puppy to meet and play with other dogs.
However, some (many) dog parks are actually not the best place to work with your Great Dane on their socialization skills.
Not all dog parks are dangerous. Many dog parks have an abundance of open space, allowing dogs to run and play without feeling confined. Alternatively, some dog parks are in close space and make Great Danes feel confined and stressed.
Make sure the park is fully fenced in with separate areas for small and large dogs, has plenty of shade, water, and poop bags available. Look for a park that does not allow aggressive behavior or dogs without responsible owners.
If you are not comfortable taking your Great Dane to dog parks, be sure to check-out our puppy socialization guide. In this guide, we provide many alternative and better suitable options for socializing your puppy.
It is important to remember that all dog owners are responsible for their own dog’s behavior, so always be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your Great Dane.
Other ideas may include:
Expose your dog to multiple textures. Your puppies feet are PACKED with muscles that do require physical activity to remain strong. Sand, mud, gravel, water, grass, and other various textures are INCREDIBLE resources to helping your dog’s fitness. Let your puppy dig, run, play and walk in these textures. Your puppies feet will be thankful!
Go swimming! Swimming is an excellent, low-impact exercise program for both your Great Dane puppy and your adult Great Dane.
Work on training. For every 20 minutes spent training, it is worth 2+ miles of run walk cadence! Imagine how tired and fulfilled your puppy dog will be if you focus on your dog’s intelligence with important skills like socialization, separation anxiety, and basic commands.
Not only does how much exercise you give your Great Dane matter, but also the distance in which you run or walk with your Great Dane makes a difference as well. Your Great Dane might find it enough exercise to go on long walks (self-paced). But, once your Great Dane is full grown it could be appropriate to take them for a short jog.
Keep in mind that not all dog breeds can tolerate the same distance of runs. It is important to seek out a licensed veterinarian and find their advice and opinion on if your Great Dane should be your jogging buddy.
Speak With Your Local Veterinarian
If your local veterinarian agrees, begin with a very short jog to see how your dog handles it. Then, work your way up to a bit more exercise. If you notice excessive panting or lethargy, discontinue running with your dog immediately, as these behaviors could constitute pet medical advice.
Frequency when Exercising and Running with Great Danes
You do not want to begin running with your Great Dane excessively. Your are going to need to work your way up to being able to go running with your Great Dane. Remember- a Great Dane CAN be given too much exercise, but only when the exercise is in your control and not in the control of the Great Dane.
Begin to go on long walks once or twice a week to examine if your Great Dane seems to tolerate the duration and frequency. Then, you increase in duration and frequency.
Surface of Terrain
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that your Great Dane has an entirely different preferences with regards to the surface of terrain than you do.
Mud, Dirt, and Other Soft Terrains for Your Great Dane
Sand, gravel, and dirt are ideal surfaces for your dog to run or walk on – no matter their size. These materials are soft and help ease joint pressure from walks and runs.
Similarly, mud is one of the best surfaces to take your Great Dane running or walking on. Mud is beneficial for your Great Dane because it helps keep their joints cool and lubricated, as well as easing the impact on their feet while they run.
Short distance walks and runs are best for your Great Dane. A long, leashed walk is only going to serve to wear down their joints and increase the risk of hip dysplasia or other large breed diseases when they become an adult.
Avoid Concrete and Pavement with Your Great Dane
Other surfaces, like cement or concrete cause your Great Dane joint pain or other problems.
So, avoid hard surfaces like concrete and pavement. Instead, look for soft terrain like grass or well-groomed dirt and mud trails. These surfaces are much easier on your dog’s joints, feet and muscles, and they provide a more enjoyable experience for both of you.
However, even the best surfaces can’t completely protect your dog from injury. So, make sure to watch them closely and be prepared to adjust your route if necessary.
Check the Weather Before Your Jog
As any dog owner knows, different breeds of dogs have different tolerance levels for different weather conditions. For example, Great Danes are not known for being a relatively tolerant breed when it comes to hot weather. So, this means that they can tolerate hot surfaces such as pavement or sand. Products like Mushers which can be applied to the paw in order to protect them from the hot ground.
Do Great Danes Shed? Click here to see our favorite tools.
In fact, adult Great Danes joints are relatively fragile, which means that they also struggle on cold or slippery surfaces. As a result, they may need extra support in snowy or wet climates. Consider a weather jacket, such as an XL Rain Jacket or this Carhartt Winter Jacket for XL Dogs.
Nevertheless, Great Danes are generally a breed that can tolerate a wide range of weather conditions for short periods of times.
There is a lot of debate on the internet about whether or not dog food impacts how active a dog is. Some people believe that if you feed your dog a high-quality diet, they will be less likely to become overweight and lazy. Others think that feeding a dog commercial kibble or processed foods will make them gain weight and become inactive.
We have great resources for what to feed your Great Dane. Check it out here!
The truth is that there is no definitive answer to this question. Every dog is different, and will respond differently to different types of food.
What we can say for sure, however, is that a diet built for a Great Dane and their unique body type, health issues and breed will keep them healthy and fit. So, ensure that you feed them a quality diet that is appropriate for Great Danes size, health, joints, dental health, and growing rate.
Can Danes Go On Long Walks and Runs?
In conclusion, full grown Great Danes can go on short walks and runs, but should avoid long leashed walks. Free play, off leash play in a safe area, and activity allows your Great Dane to have their exercise within their own control, which keeps their daily exercise within THEIR control and not the owners demands.
Yes, it is okay to take your healthy, adult Great Dane on occasional jogs. However, if you are looking for a marathon training partner, a Great Dane is not your best choice in breed.
Other times, the Great Dane is just not the best work-out partner
Too much of the wrong types of exercise will lead to an increase in joint issues and possible arthritis and hip pain. Not to mention, your Great Dane just simply will prefer daily walks to too much exercise on vigorous leashed runs.
In Conclusion
Great Danes are a breed that tolerates a wide range of weather conditions, but should be watched closely while running. Allow as much of their physical activity to be through free play and independent exercise. Strengthening exercises like varying terrains will help many dogs feet and general conformation develop! Feed your Great Dane a quality diet that is appropriate for their size, health, joints, dental health, and growing rate.
Enjoy!
Hope this helped you and your Great Dane develop an exercise program that works for your family. Have fun with your doggy squats. Oh, and human squats too!
Our favorite breed of dog is known by many to have a shorter lifespan, but that doesn’t have to be a reality. What is the Great Dane lifespan and how can we extend our favorite dog’s life?
Great Danes live an average of about 8-10 years, but with good breeding practices and a proper diet and exercise regime, they can live up to 12 years old or more!
Many people have experienced the devastating loss of a Great Dane at a young age and this happens most often because of bloat, heart conditions, orthopedic problems, and other genetic issues.
On the flip side, many people have had Great Danes live for 10 years or even longer!
There is a misperception about the lifespan of Great Danes, and we are here to fix that. Great Danes make amazing family pets in the right homes, and can absolutely live long and healthy lives.
It is well known that Great Danes tend to have shorter lives than other smaller dogs. This is because they are a giant breed and are prone to a number of health problems. (Health Risks in Great Danes)
Great Danes live, on average, 8-10 years.
Many smaller dogs live 10-15 years, for comparison.
The average life expectancy of a gentle giant is low, but it doesn’t have to be!
The oldest Great Dane currently known in 2021 is Maggie Mae, at the ripe old age of 16.
Some of the health problems that Great Danes are prone to include canine hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, bloat, cancer, and heart disease which can lower the average life span. All of these health issues can be genetic, and lead to a shorter lifespan in the breed as a whole.
Great Danes can live long, robust lives. While 8-10 years is the average, many live to be 12 years of age or more!
Since Great Danes are such big dogs, they frequently suffer from a list of health issues that are often FATAL and nearly always GENETIC. These health issues significantly lower the average expected lifespan. Unethical breeding practices are to blame, not the Great Dane breed itself.
HEART DISEASE AND AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF A DOG’S LIFE
DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) is a silent killer. Many Danes are lost to this but it’s not always diagnosed; they often have very few symptoms and may pass suddenly (as if they had a heart attack).
Your dog’s chances of developing Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are higher if you choose a reputable breeder who’s dogs have a health history of having Hip Dysplasia or other joint related health problems.
Since Great Danes frequently suffer from joint problems, and it is known that mobility issues can lower the average lifespan, it is important to start your Great Danes on joint supplements. Great Danes should be on a joint supplement from the time they are just a Great Dane puppy until they are adult dogs.
When you are raising Great Dane puppies, keep them on a healthy diet and Buffered Esther Vitamin C, which will support their joints and keep them from knuckling.
To support your dog’s joints during their adult lives, include Glucosamine and/or Dasuquin in their healthy diet to promote good health of their joints.
It is very unlikely that a Great Dane with any of these unfortunately common disorders will live long and robust (10+ year) lives.
HOW DO I MAKE MY GREAT DANE LIVE LONGER?
The reality here is that most of us want our Great Danes to live forever. So then, how do we make the Great Dane lifespan as long as possible and minimize the health risks?
There are things you can do to help them live long, healthy lives and increase the average lifespan. The most important one starts with the breeder you choose.
Many of the Great Dane breeders perpetuating these common health problems are friendly, say they ‘health test’, breed often and have cute puppies and nice websites!
Treat cautiously with ‘friendly backyard breeders’ who are more interested in profits than the breed itself.
Friendly backyard breeders may even be popular, especially on social media. It’s easy to fall into this trap, and it’s unfortunate because bad genetics is like a game of telephone.
It’s very hard to get rid of the bad genetics so long as they continue to be reproduced.
Wobblers, bloat, heart issues, blood clotting disorders, anxiety, painful structural problems (including flat feet and roached back) and even cancer have genetic links that can be traced back to the lineage and careless breeding.
Their waistline should be visible when looking down at your dog from above, and you should be able to feel their ribs with light pressure but not see them.
An Underweight Great Dane
A Healthy Weight Great Dane
An Overweight Great Dane
An hour a day of moderate activity is what’s recommended for most adult Great Danes.
Use e collar training to help your Great Dane know the boundaries and rules of society, which will help your Great Dane lead a stress and anxiety free life.
KEEP THE NAILS TRIMMED AND SHORT ON YOUR GREAT DANE
Since a big Great Dane is prone to developing painful arthritis, Great Danes need their nails kept trimmed and short.
Check them regularly and if they get too long, it is far past due.
If you have a Great Dane, you should be familiar with the tools required to groom their nails, and become familiar with how to use them.
Your options are to use a Dremel or nail clippers.
Click below to shop our favorites of each.
A Great Dane should get their nails trimmed weekly! If you are not comfortable trimming the nails of your Great Dane by yourself, you should schedule regular veterinary visits to get them taken care of.
A Great Dane has big, strong nails, so it can be very painful if they are touching the floor.
More so, it can actually cause joint and structural issues if the nails of a Great Dane are too long.
Check out our favorite grooming tools for the big nails of a Great Dane here.
EXERCISE FOR A GREAT DANE
Great Danes are NOT couch potatoes!
Nothing in life, not a Great Dane and not smaller breeds should be left stagnant!
Most dogs thrive when they get an abundance of free play, exercise, and training, which can help them grow both physically and mentally.
Proper exercise for a Great Dane includes offering plenty of free play and exploration on soft, varied terrain. For this reason, we believe that all Great Danes should be reliably off-leash trained!
Using an e collar to train your Great Dane is one of the best ways to ensure that you can provide your Great Dane with the proper amount of free play and freedom that they need.
