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Taking care of your Great Dane Great Danes are generally healthy dogs and tend to have a slow metabolism, meaning that they require less food per pound of dog. There are some health issues that these dogs are known for as well including:
Hip dysplasia is common in large dogs. It is important that you ensure the parents of a dog have healthy hips before purchasing a puppy, as this condition is hereditary. Because these dogs are prone to hip problems, it is recommended that you do not go jogging with these dogs until they are at least a year old. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that these dogs have been known to develop. They are also prone to other congenital heart diseases as well. Many Great Danes develop yeast infections when they do not receive a proper and healthy diet. These dogs must receive a proper diet, as recurring yeast infections can lead to staph infections. Other genetic conditions that Great Danes are known for are deafness and blindness. There are several genetic issues related to color in these dogs. Great Danes that have white around their eyes or ears typically means that these organs have not developed properly and often means that the dog will be blind or deaf. Great Danes that are purely white tend to be deaf. Great Danes are easy to care for as they have a smooth and short coat. A good brushing with a stiff brush will keep them looking clean. Bathing these dogs can be a chore; so many people use a dry shampoo and opt for regular brushing. The nails must also be kept trimmed. These dogs are average shedders. These dogs should be thoroughly obedience trained when they are young. As they grow older, their size becomes an issue when you're trying to train them. You must teach these dogs not to pull, as they can pull you over and you must also train them not to lean on you. Early training will ensure that your dog is manageable as an older dog. These dogs also try to be lap dogs despite their large size. It is not uncommon for them to want to lay on your lap while you watch television, so you may need to work with your dog in regards to dominance issues by practicing your dog obedience training regularly. |