LBig dogs are extra adorable and huggable, but given their size, they also come with a unique set of necessities.
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Large and giant breeds, such as German Shepherds and Great Danes, differ from their smaller counterparts in what they should eat, how they should exercise, and what is most important as a puppy.
For example, unfortunately, the bigger the dog, the shorter its lifespan, so consider the heartbreaking fact that you can only have your giant companion for less than 10 years.
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That’s why for the experts they offer their advice to increase your longevity with education, nutrition, abundant exercise and quality care.
Remember that having a large dog is also a great responsibility and abandoning it should never be an option. That’s why before you consider it, make a budget, schedule your time so you can be ready to live with your furry giant forever.
Tips for your well-being
Carlos Cifuentes, a veterinarian and expert at the Pet Food Institute, advises:
1. Take care of your diet.
Be careful with overfeeding, supplementation with vitamins, minerals and excess calories, since they can generate rapid growth, which becomes risky for the animal, since excess weight overloads developing bones and joints, causing serious malformations.
Avoid giving him human food, since these will also cause an increase in weight and can cause serious alterations in bones, joints and ligaments.
Feed him four to five times a day until four months of age; then three times a day until 10 months and twice a day therefollowing.
2. Consult the vet.
It is advisable to consult with your trusted veterinarian so that he can carry out a complete nutritional plan, according to the state of health of your pet. Some larger breed dogs are more prone to a life-threatening condition called bloat. When a dog bloats, his stomach fills with air and the puppy’s stomach may twist. To prevent this, Vet Reyes recommends using a slow feeder.
3. Fresh water is important.
Finally, it is very important to provide fresh and drinkable water at will, in a clean container and sometimes, change them three times a day.
4. You have to train it.
Jumping, begging and pulling are problematic behaviors for dogs of any size, but if your dog is larger than most children, it’s especially difficult to correct, which is why vet Esteban Reyes says you should start training right away.
Especially, German Shepherds need serious exercise plans to keep their joints healthy and strong. The recommendation is to take at least one long walk every day.
5. Take care of your health.
While joint pain and arthritis can affect dogs of any size, it is common in larger breeds. Talk to your vet regarding ways to keep your pet moving and pain-free.
6. The bathroom is essential.
Golden Retrievers should be rinsed and cleaned very well, as they have a double coat of hair, but Pablo Reyes, a veterinarian, recommends diluting the dog shampoo with water to make it more manageable during rinsing.
