All of you who are considering adopting a Great Dane should read this. It is important when looking for a new family member should read this. It is important when looking for a new family member. How long do Great Danes live is the key question here. The Great Dane is a giant dog breed; let’s take a deep dive into this matter.
How Long Do Great Danes Live?
On average, Great Danes live between 8 and 10 years, while many live only 6 to 7 years. Lucky ones can reach 12 years of age, but this is rare. As you probably know, smaller dog breeds live longer while bigger ones live shorter.
Health Hssues of Great Danes
Great Danes do have a few health-related issues that can make their lives shorter. In order to understand this topic, you need to know all about this part of the answer. This breed doesn’t have countless health problems, as you may believe, but there are a few that are very severe. How long do Great Danes live, and what are the main health issues? This will be explained below.
Cardiomyopathy
Great Danes are huge dogs, and they have huge hearts. But many of them can develop cardiomyopathy, which increases the size of the heart and directly affects the lifespan. It is a huge issue and something you need to know about before you adopt one. The best thing you can do is look at the papers of the breeder from whom you are looking to adopt a dog. Make sure both parents are safe from this issue. There are some treatments and preventions, but none of these work perfectly.
Bloat
Although this sounds irrelevant, it is a huge problem for Great Danes. For lack of a better word, the stomach will twist and the blood flow will be completely interrupted. This is a severe and usually fatal condition. A veterinarian can perform procedures to decrease the risk of this happening, but the risk is still present. Keep in mind that if your dog has this issue once, he will likely have it again. It is common among a few dog breeds. Believe it or not, scientists still don’t know what causes this issue to appear in dogs.
Bone and Joint Issues
Both of these are common among Great Danes. The reason is obvious. They are massive dogs, so their bones and joints are under a lot of stress. These dogs can develop arthritis, hip dysplasia, and even osteoarthritis. All of these are severe issues, and they can affect the quality of life. On the other hand, you can do something about it. For instance, using glucosamine, which is a joint supplement, is a very effective action.
Thyroid Problems
Great Danes do have a lot of issues with their thyroid. Usually, an autoimmune disease will cause the problem, and it can be managed. Visits to a vet are mandatory, and he will prescribe much-needed medications and treatment for this condition. Of all problems caused by the thyroid, hypothyroidism is the most common.
Things You Can Do To Help Your Dog Live Longer
Here we can see two different or better said completely opposite things. First of all, you cannot do anything to prevent cancer or similar diseases. But you can do a lot of things to help your Great Dane live as long as possible. Don’t forget that you have a huge impact on the life quality and duration of your dog. Here are a few things you need to do.
Get A Dog From A Professional Breeder
This may sound like a mandatory fact for all dog breeds, but in the case of Great Danes, it is even more important. You need to adopt a puppy from a breeder who will give you the complete health history of both parents. Look for any signs of hip dysplasia, heart issues, autoimmune diseases, and all the rest, which are common in Great Danes. If you are adopting a rescued dog, take him to a vet and let him test him for all health issues common among Great Danes.
Diet and Exercising
Both of these are mandatory for your Great Dane. Of course, these need to be carefully developed and suitable for your dog. First of all, we have a diet which is exceptionally important for Great Danes. It must be carefully monitored especially when your dog is a puppy. They must not grow too fast or severe bone and joint issues will appear.
These are huge issues! You must adjust the diet as your dog ages so that it suits him well. Obesity is a huge issue among Great Danes as well, and it will affect the lifespan. Vets recommend feeding your Great Dane a few times per day, but in smaller amounts. This is a much better way and one that should decrease the risk of bloat in your dog.Â
Great Danes need a lot of physical activity, so make sure you provide them with the ability to have this. This means regular walks, running, and just playing with your dog. These are not ideal dogs to live in small apartments simply because they need more space than you do.
Regular Vet Checks
All dogs have to go to a vet on a regular basis just so they can diagnose any issues or problems that may occur later in life. When diagnosed early, most of them can be treated and even completely cured. This is even more important with Great Danes. You have to take your dog to the vet on a regular basis just so you can make sure any issue is discovered as quickly as possible.
The Final Word
How long do Great Danes live? Now you know a complete answer, and it should give you better ideas about this fantastic dog breed and what to expect. They are excellent dogs, and you will be a lucky person to have a Great Dane next to you. Just keep in mind that the tips we have provided, which can prolong the lifespan of your dog, are extremely important.
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