If you’ve gone and got yourself a brand new puppy without doing too much research on their breed, you may be in for a shock. Puppies are always cute and small, but they do tend to grow.
Unless you have specifically bought a small breed of dog, then you need to learn how to keep your big dog as healthy as possible because once that puppy starts to grow, it could outsize whatever you may have imagined. The good news is that big dogs are extra lovable and extra huggable, but they do come with an extra budget.
From the large breed dog foods to understanding what kind of harness you may need to restrain their heavy weight, it’s important that you learn to keep your big dog healthy so that they can live with you for as long as possible. Giant breeds such as German Shepherds and Great Danes differ from their smaller counterparts in how they exercise, how they eat, and the things that keep them healthy. So let’s take a look at how you can keep your big dog healthy.
- Think about the right food. We already mentioned large breed dog food and it’s because of the size of your dog. You have to consider that dogs need to eat the food that is formulated especially for their nutritional needs and the size of their bodies. Big dog breeds shouldn’t just eat any food off the shelf. They do need to have something specifically made for their breed. The reason for this is because it contains extra nutrients to support their joint development. Larger dogs are prone to developing painful joint problems, but you can avoid it with the right nutrition.
- Slow down on the exercise. Yes, your big dog will need exercise, but vigorous exercise isn’t necessarily the answer. Some big dogs are energetic, but others are happy to lounge around because their joints are vulnerable. You do need to be cautious with their workout when they are puppies. Try not to go for intensive walks and discourage too much jumping. This will otherwise put strain on their joints. Once they’re fully grown, a minimum of two 30-minute walks a day is a must. Any more than that could be too much. You could also invest in some swimming for your dog.
- Give them some down time. Your dog is going to be prone to bloating after meals and it’s a dangerous health condition that bigger dogs are especially prone to. It’s when their stomach is packed with food, air or water and becomes swollen and this can lead to pressure on the lungs. After a meal, give them some chill time before you go for that evening walk.
- Keep an eye on their weight. It’s important to go and visit the vet clinic regularly for a weight check in. Not only do you want to keep your big dogs in a healthy condition, you want to make sure they are not too under or too overweight with what you are feeding them. The right advice can really make a difference.