Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV or “Bloat”)
GDV, or bloat, is a condition that refers to a bloated and twisted stomach, and it’s commonly seen in giant-breed dogs. This condition is an urgent emergency, because if it goes untreated, the dog will die within a matter of hours.
Any large or giant dog may be affected, including mixed breeds, but the risk increases for:
When a dog experiences GDV, their stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. This leads to a blockage of the stomach and a sudden decrease in blood supply.
Often, GDV occurs when a dog exercises soon after eating a meal. Other risk factors may include having a first-degree relative that’s had GDV; rapidly consuming a meal; eating one meal per day; being fearful, anxious, or stressed; or being underweight.
The symptoms of GDV commonly include retching, attempting to vomit (with no production of fluid or material), anxiety or restlessness, increased panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, regurgitating, distension of the abdomen or area behind the rib cage, pale or blue/gray gums, lethargy, and collapse.
With early identification, medical stabilization, and surgical correction, survival rates are as high as 85-95% in most cases.
Counters, Floors and — Ceilings???Your giant breed may be the most well-mannered dog in his playgroup, but he’s still prone to accidents. Plan on removing breakables from coffeetables or other areas that are at dog height. A Great Dane’s tail can sweepthem onto the floor with a single wag. In addition, food will no longerbe safe on your kitchen counters or dining room table. Some tall dogs are notable
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As in people, leaner is better. On a score of 1 to 9 (1 is too thin, 9 is obese), the optimum BCS for canines is 4 or 5. An easy to read chart complete with diagrams and instructions makes assessing BCS easy. Your veterinary health care team can perform assessments at your regular visits, and show you how to perform weekly assessments at home in between appointments.
Bones that grow too quickly are less dense making the skeleton, including joints, weak. Exponential growth accompanied by increased body mass puts additional strain on bones and joints. So puppies should not get too fat!
Pups grow up, but it is important that they grow at the proper rate. The framework of the body is composed of muscle and bone which have to grow in synchrony. Rapid growth rates can stress developing bones and joints resulting in skeletal malformations.
Some skeletal problems are associated with genetics and are out of your control. Diet also affects skeletal development and you CAN control what your pup eats!
The adult size of your dog may be determined by genetics; however, the time it takes for your dog to become “full grown” can be impacted by proper nutrition. Growing at the proper rate means less risk of bone and joint disease. So, exert some control over your dog’s diet and help control his growth. Keywords
Big Dogs, Big Hearts – The Difference in Owning a Large Breed Dog (APDT Train Your Dog Month)
If you’re considering getting a giant breed, the first thing we should say is don’t be intimidated by ‘giant’. Despite weighing over 45kg at full size, these extra large guys can actually make perfect family pets due to their low-energy needs and oh-so-mellow temperament. But it’s not just a question of whether you have space. Thanks to their truly awesome size, these huge hounds have certain caring requirements too, and as an owner, you’ll need to step up to the mark.
As the parent of an XL dog, you’ll have to set yourself for early heartache because, sadly, your big ol’boy will pass on much sooner than his smaller friends. Indeed, there’s a raft of scientific evidence proposing that giant breeds start the ageing process earlier, and thereby develop age-related health issues sooner in life. Don’t be disheartened by this though – you’ll just have to make his doggie years count!
By virtue of their sheer size and weight, many giant dogs can develop joint and bone problems in later life. Environmental factors, a genetic predisposition or improper diet can bring these health issues to the surface. The good news is that feeding your big ‘un a well balanced, nutritionally dense diet can help support them as they age. To address the special needs of your happy-go-lucky pal, look out for these features in canned food, kibble and treats.
Of course, keeping your dog trim will help minimise joint stress too. For this reason, it’s vitally important to calculate the correct number of calories he should be eating (your vet can help you here); establish a set feeding routine to monitor eating patterns; get your pooch moving more; and avoid feeding him unhealthy titbits and table scraps. Sure, this rule applies to every dog, but it’s even more pressing if you own a giant breed. In addition to a well-balanced dog food, supplementation can help plug any nutritional gaps your big friendly giant may encounter. A high-strength multivitamin will pack a mighty punch of antioxidants, vitamins and trace minerals to support the immune system and healthy bones, while an omega 3 and glucosamine supplement will support mobility. A quick word on ‘bloat’, or as it’s more commonly referred to as a ‘twisted stomach’. Bloat is a very common and serious ailment that affects giant breed dogs. The condition causes the stomach to distend by excessive gas content. Symptoms include a bloated, hard abdomen, difficulty breathing, anxiety, restlessness, excessive salivation and drooling, lethargy and heavy panting. If you suspect your pooch is suffering from this issue, get to your vet pronto. Time is of the essence. Fortunately, there are some preventative measures to reduce the chances of bloat striking:
In many cases, moderate, low-impact daily exercise with a sprinkling of mental stimulation will keep your big ‘un happy. 30 minutes to 1 hour of walking, socialising with other dogs, or simply playing fetch is enough will meet his needs. A word of warning: before the age of 2 years old, you should avoid exercising your giant friend on hard surfaces like concrete, and discourage him from jumping in and out of cars. At this young age, his body is working hard to develop a strong structure and such activities could disrupt this vital growing process. Exercise for dogs can vary depending on their size and breed, why not read our article How Much Exercise Does My Pet Need? to understand more.
Newfoundland’s are just magnificent, aren’t they? But how on earth do you maintain that handsome sheen and lustrous glow with so much fur? Keeping your big fella groomed is vitally important for his health and is, paws down, worth all the elbow grease and hard work. Regular brushing (we’re talking several times per week) really is the secret to maintaining that marvellous mane.
As you can imagine, bathing your gentle giant poses great difficulties because of his huge size. Instead of using the tub, we’d suggest putting your pooch on a lead and washing him outside. Always brush your dog thoroughly before bathing him, and be sure to use a specialised dog shampoo. Some giants (particularly those with double coats) could take all day to dry, so will need some help to speed the process along. You could start with a towel and then move onto a hairdryer, should you require it. Oh, and make sure it’s on the cool setting – you don’t want to burn your furry friend!
No one likes it, but every pooch requires a nail trimming to avoid damaging his feet and toes. Giant breeds need special clippers to handle their large nails, which should just about touch the floor as they walk. As you can imagine, this task comes with its fair share of drama and angst because you don’t want to ‘quick’ claws. To make sure you’re not barking up the wrong tree, always consult your vet to give a demonstration.
When it comes to looking after your pooch, there’s no blanket approach. Sure, the fundamentals remain the same – you must pledge to love, care and safeguard the wellbeing of your hound no matter what. But beyond that, the real vehicle dictating your doggie day-care routine is ‘size’ and ‘breed’, especially for XL varieties. With the correct, giant-friendly nutrition, exercise and grooming support, you can equip your big pal with the tools needed to live a fruitful, happy and healthy life.