Grate Dane care isn’t something you need to worry about if you do it on a regular basis. Although it may seem this breed would be a challenge to take care of, the truth is they don’t present the same grooming challenge that is common with smaller dog breeds.
However, there is more to Great Dane care then simply grooming, feeding and exercising him. There is the medical aspect you need to consider.
Your Great Dane needs to be taken for yearly Vet checkups to ensure he is healthy. During these checkups your dog may receive vaccinations for common illnesses that pose high health risks. Just like humans, dogs need vaccinations to protect them from deadly or debilitating diseases.
The following are some common diseases dogs are vaccinated for that you should be aware when considering Great Dane care:
Canine Distemper – This is a viral disease that is highly contagious. It affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. It is spread through contact with the urine or feces of an infected animal, or through the air. This disease can be fatal.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis – This is a viral disease that is spread by a dog coming in contact with an infected animals feces, urine or saliva. It affects the kidneys, the cells lining the blood vessels, and the liver.
Leptospirosis – This is an exceptionally contagious bacterial disease that can spread to your Dane if he came in contact with an infected animals urine, saliva or nasal secretions.
Parvovirus – A common and deadly viral infection among puppies. It is spread by dogs coming in contact with an infected dog’s feces, vomit or blood.
Parinfluenza – This is an extremely contagious virus that spreads quickly among dogs that are kept in close living conditions. This disease can seriously damage a dog’s respiratory system and lead to death.
Rabies – A deplorable disease that you’ve likely heard of when researching Great Dane care. This nasty illness attacks the dog’s central nervous system causing extreme pain, paralysis and death. Rabies is spread through the bite of an infected animal. There is no cure for Rabies. All dogs with rabies are euthanized.
Coronavirus – This is an extremely contagious viral infection that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Like many of the others, this disease is spread to a dog when he comes in contact with the blood, vomit or feces of an infected animal.
Bordetella – Common airborne bacterial infection that is usually spread to dogs when they are exposed to infected dogs at dog shows, field trials and in kennels.
Lyme Disease – This is a disease caused by a tick. It has various stages, and eventually attacks the major organs of the body and can lead to death.
As part of Great Dane Care, your Dane should receive all of the vaccinations he needs as puppy, and throughout his adult life. Your Vet will inform you when your dog is due for a vaccination. Don’t be afraid to as your Vet questions about the vaccines. Since they are important to your Danes well being, you should take the time to find out why vaccinations are so important.
Great Dane Training & Care…
