Wow, my wife was talking to someone at work about Shadow's shedding problems, and they suggested getting the FURminator to eliminate the additional hair. Well we got one, and have been using it and it WORKS GREAT.
Obviously, with larger dogs, you have a lot more hair to work with, but it also works great for small dogs, and we have been using it on our cats too. They really love it. They are a little bit expensive compared to other brushes, but they are WELL worth the cost.
Here is the description from Amazon:
Reduces shedding up to 90 percent. For long & short-haired dogs & cats. Quickly and easily removes undercoat and loose hair. Guaranteed to reduce shedding better than any brush, comb or rake. Stainless steel deShedding edge. Used and recommended by pet professionals worldwide.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
What a great product!
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Labels: brushes, cats, comb, deshedding, fur, FURminator, hair, large dogs, long hair, professional, rake, Shadow, shedding, short hair
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Get Pet Beds For Your Large Breed Dogs

Comfort is of extreme importance to your pet, and having a bed that will fit a large dog is sometimes hard to find. I know that Shadow sometimes gets antsy trying to find himself a nice comfortable place to lay down.
So here is a list of links where you can order pet beds online so that your pet can have a good spot to relax.
Animal Comforts
Orvis
Snoozer Dog Beds
Greg Robert
Some of the suppliers also have beds for cats and smaller dogs, too, as well as orthopedic beds, memory foam, etc.
If you have any other suggestions for pet bed suppliers, please let me know by posting a comment.
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Labels: Akita, Animal Comforts, comfort, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Greg Robert, Greg Robert Pets, large dogs, Mastiff, memory foam, Newfoundland, orthopedic beds, Orvis, pets, Snoozer, Snoozer Dog Beds
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Taking Your Big Dog to the Pet Store!
What a great idea it has been for some of the pet stores in our area to let us take our pets INSIDE the store. Shadow just LOVES it when he gets to go bye-bye to PETCO! He always seems to hold his head up higher, and kind of prance through the store, trying to see and sniff everything that we will let him get near. Plus, he always knows that the trip is just for him, and that he will get some toys or treats.
And the people there are always amazed at how big he is, and even more amazed at how gentle he is. He is quite a hit!
He is very well-behaved in the store, too. He sees other dogs, that would normally make him go crazy (if they were approaching our yard or something), but for some reason, in the store, he is just happy to be there. I think if he could talk, he would be saying something like "I'm a lucky dog", like they used to show in the old TV commercial.
So anyway, if you haven't tried it, give your big dog a special treat by taking him out to the pet supply store. It's great exercise for them, and they really love it!
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Labels: behavior, commercial, dog, dog toys, dogs, exercise, Kibbles and Bits, large dogs, lucky dog, pet store, pet supplies, pet supplies store, PETCO, pets, puppy, Shadow, store, TV
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Help for Ailing Pets - Mangosteen Juice
I am forwarding this message because I know that a lot of the large breed dogs have back and hip problems, and mangosteen juice has been known to improve joint function and boost the immune system. I have a site titled www.mangosteennation.blogspot.com that has some more information about mangosteen. I use this product continually to keep my family healthy, and periodically for Shadow when he has minor injuries or hip pain. (he is one clumsy dog, and sometimes trips going up stairs) Anyway, if your pet is suffering from health issues, it may help. If you are interested in learning even more about mangosteen, check out the product site at www.myxango.com/mangosteennation.
Mangosteen and 13 year Old Miniature Dachshund With a Disintegrated Back Disc...
When asked to write about the effects of aging and the danger of some of the most important folks in our lives, (our little dogs), I almost immediately got tears in my eyes.
My best little four legged friend is "Ms. Scarlet," our long haired, miniature dachshund. We've had her since she was a tiny little puppy. She loves to sit on my lap.
As many of you may know, this breed of dog is very prone to back issues because their little legs are just too short to support their long bodies. We, our family, have always watched that Ms. Scarlet didn’t jump off of furniture, or climb stairs, because of the inclination to have a back injury.
Ms. Scarlet is now 13 years old and last year, just overnight, Scarlet woke up one morning, and she couldn’t stand or walk, and if she tried, the pain would cause her to urinate on the spot. She couldn't even move her real legs, and curled them up under her. I immediately made her an appointment with her Vet and was told that she had a disintegrated disc, and that surgery would be the ONLY solution, and that at her age it would be a real risk.
Ed and I were faced with a decision that most pet owners are faced with at one time or another. It was at this point that Ed said, "Before we make any difficult decisions, let’s see if Xango will work for her."
It was at that point that I started giving Scarlet a dropper of Xango twice a day. It didn’t take but a month, and Scarlet was running around the house with the rest of the dogs and she still is. Our little girl, "Ms. Scarlet." is now almost blind and can’t hear very well, but she's as frisky as a puppy. She hops around in and out of the house, and scampers to the back door to run and play outside with our 2 other miniature dachshund puppies (1 year old). She is much slower than the puppies, but she is 13 years old, and still alive and well, and she's actually still hopping around. God has given us more years with Ms. Scarlett, that we didn't think we would have, and we are so grateful to God for that.
I know that God played a big part in this, because we pray for all our pets, along with all of our family and friends, but I also KNOW in my heart, that if we had not given Ms. Scarlet her Xango every day, she would not be here with us today. By the way, she sends her love and said to tell you that she is still taking her Xango faithfully.
Yvonne Johnson
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations. The information is provided for educational purposes only. Nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another. TheCompany, XanGo LLC, cannot and does not make any medical or therapeutic claims about their product, XanGo, nor may any XanGo Independent Distributor. The XanGo Mangosteen Juice is made with the whole Mangosteen fruit that is rich with over 40 xanthones, under an International Patent. Mangosteen and Xanthones have been researched for many years by independent scientists, researchers, and medical schools who have no affiliation with XanGo. Many of the abstracts of their papers can be found at www.pubmed.gov . Enter "Xanthones" into the search bar. Any personal mangosteen story or experience you hear or read about is not to suggest or imply that you or anyone else might have the same reaction or benefit.We merely say, "Try the Mangosteen Product made by XanGo and see what benefits you receive."
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Labels: big dog, Canine Hip Dysplasia, Dachshund, disintegrated back disc, dog, dogs, hip displaysia, joint function, large dogs, mangosteen, mangosteen juice, Ms. Scarlet, Shadow, small breeds
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Big Dog Lovers!
Hey, I was just surfing the web, and stumbled upon this great site that sells holiday ornaments and gifts using big dogs as the focal points. They will also post pictures of your big dog, and even have a holiday photo contest.
Anyway, I thought it was a great site to check out:
www.bigtalldog.com
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Labels: Akita, American Eskimo, big, big dog, breed, contest, dog, dogs, german shepard, German Shepherd, gifts, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, holiday, Irish Setter, large dogs, ornaments, photo, tall
Thursday, August 23, 2007
A Guide to Choosing the Right Dog Breed for Best Companionship
By: Moses Wright
Photo Courtesy of: www.missyredboots.com
Dog owners don't just go out there and get any puppy they like! It is not as easy as you think. There are many factors to consider before you decide to buy any puppy breed. Getting the right one will bring many years of happiness and quality companionship to you and your family. On the other hand, getting the wrong one will inevitably add headaches and irritations to your life.
Your financial standing, lifestyle, size and family type are important considerations to be factored when choosing a specific dog type.
While some breeds may required more attention, some require more exercises than the others, some are more suitable for families with young children, some are more prone to genetic health issues and some may simply required more money to own than others.
The amount of dog breed choices is so huge, it is the dog owner's responsibility to research and learn what type of breed is actually more suitable to living with them. The number one reason for dogs to be surrendered to animal shelters is that they don't match the needs or the lifestyle of their owners. The idea of this article is to help you in choosing the right breed of dog to try and reduce the potential issues that could result when the wrong type is chosen.
Here are some important factors to consider before you proceed to bring your puppy home:
1. Accommodation - All dogs need some form of exercise in one way or another, but there are significant disparities among breeds. Small breeds tend to adapt better than large breeds to the smaller space available in an apartment. Nevertheless, some larger breeds who are not as active as others can still adapt well.
Consider how much room do you have for a dog, apartment and a house with or without fenced-in yard makes a different in the type of dog you should get. Having a fenced-in yard will cut down on the time required to walk your dog for bathroom breaks and exercising. All breed will adapt well in this type of setting, but the more active breeds will require more exercises. Giving a dog sufficient exercise is vital to having a good relationship with your dog. Many undesirable behaviors, such as hyperactivity, nuisance barking and destructive behaviors are results of insufficient exercise.
Laws and regulation in the place where you reside also need to be considered. Some landlords do not allow dogs in their rental units at all, while some neighborhoods have strict guidelines regarding the size and the breed of dog that can be owned in that neighborhood.
2. Lifestyle - Dogs are social animals and require time from their owners, some more, some less. If you work long hours, a dog is really not the best pet choice, especially if you live alone. A pet like a cat or fish that require less upkeep may be a better fit for your lifestyle.
While there are dogs that are fine with being left alone for longer periods (Shetland sheepdog, golden retriever and bloodhound), other dogs may undergo separation anxiety and result in undesirable behavioral issues. Do not condemn a social animal such as a dog to a life of fear, and boredom. If you find it difficult not to own a dog for various reasons, employ a dog walker, enroll him into a daycare center or maybe entrust him to your retired neighbor.
3. Family - Make sure that everyone in the family is supportive of a dog. There are dogs with the inclination for aggression and biting so it is less suitable for households with smaller kids. Young ignorant children are likely to irritate the dogs through rough play without knowing what they are doing. Dog breeds that are more patient and tolerant of children is advisable for families with young kids. Herding dogs might not be the best option because of their natural inborn instinct to herd cattle, they are likely to do so with your younger family members. Such innate instincts can result in nipping incidents.
Existing pets in the household must be considered when getting a new dog. The temperament of the new dog needs to be compatible with those of the existing pets to make sure no problems will arise with the new addition. Territorial problems should be expected. They usually clear up within a week or so. It is advisable to give them food separately during the first meetings, as food is a main reason for rivalry in dogs.
4. Financial Obligations - Dog ownership is a long commitment with on going expenses. The initial cost will vary depending on the breed and type of dog you select. Perigees are generally are more expensive than mutts no matter where you get them. On the other hand, rescued pedigrees found in animals shelters cost much lesser. It is best to be able to see and meet your potential dog's parents.
Apart from the initial purchase price, you might want to go to a local pet warehouse to check out the prices of dog supplies. Dog food, collars, leashes, toys, food bowls, crates, and any other supplies you think you need for your dog, and not forgetting your veterinary bills, grooming expenses and even an insurance policy.
It is always advisable to ask your dog owner friends or family members to have a rough idea of how much they spend annually on their dogs.
5. Purpose of dog ownership - Understanding your primary reason for getting a dog. Do you intend to show, breed or hunt with the dog? Is the dog needed for service, therapy or for companionship only? For breeding or showing, you need a dog that meets or exceeds the standards for the breed and has all the appropriate documentation of its lineage. For hunting, you will require a good scent or sight-hunting dog. While there are many breeds that are suitable to work as service or therapy dogs, they generally must possess good temperament, keen willingness to learn and good concentration. Knowing the purpose would inevitably help to select the right breed.
6. Size - Dogs can be largely divided into three size categories based on their weight at maturity. Smaller dogs commonly weight up to 20 pounds, Medium dogs in the region of 20-50 pounds and larger dogs are mostly heavier than 50 pounds.
As a rule of thumb, bigger breeds are unsuitable if you live in a small apartment, or a home with a small or unfenced yard. Nevertheless, this is not the case for all dogs. Some dogs such as golden retrievers actually possess characteristics that make them more suitable than an active schnauzer to apartment living. Temperament and activity level are equally important when selecting the right breed.
While smaller dogs generally do not require as much space as larger dogs, caution should be taken with small breeds due to their small and fragile bodies. Smaller dog breeds are more prone to accidents and injuries during play with owners or other dogs, it is because of their small stature. On the other hand, large breeds can unintentionally cause harm to small children when playing. It is also found that large breeds have a shorter life span of 8-12 years while small breeds can live up to 15 or 16 years.
7. Temperament - Purebreds display well-understood mental temperaments and characteristics to a large extent while mutts are more difficult to determine. It is advised that advise and consultations be sought in choosing a dog with the right nature to suit your life. If you have children, look for dogs with a low tendency to bite and a high tolerance for handling. If it is a guard dog, you want it to be obedient but still able to effectively guard the territory. Over aggressive dogs must not be considered.
In a nutshell, adding a dog to your family is a life changing and long commitment. Consider carefully before you decide to bring the puppy back. Take the time to choose the best dog breed. By doing so, I'm sure you will get to enjoy and be rewarded many times over by the love, affection and good company that he or she will bring into your life.
Moses Wright has been a dog lover since young and now he loves to help fellow dog owners solve their dog problems whenever he can. You can get a free copy of his book filled with useful and practical tips here: http://www.dogsobediencetraining.com/dogger_enews.htm
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Labels: big dog, bloodhound, breed, companionship, costs, dogs, exercise, Golden Retriever, hip displaysia, hyperactivity, large dogs, puppies, puppy, schnauzer, Shetland Sheepdog, small breeds, temperament
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Memphis Man Shot By Dog
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. This is a local Memphis news story:
In case you've missed the headlines, a local man was shot by his dog on Wednesday morning. In fairness to the dog (a Great Dane named King George), the shooting was an accident. Apparently, King George was excited by visitors to his home and accidentally knocked a handgun off of a table and onto the floor. The gun then discharged, sending a bullet into the back of the dog's owner. Perhaps King George should have taken a handgun safety class before trying to handle a gun. The good news is, his owner is expected to make a full recovery.
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Friday, July 27, 2007
Klondike, the World's Greatest Big Dog!
I found this on YouTube and thought it was a cool tribute to a large dog.
Here is what the owner wrote:
Klondike, the Big Dog. When you hear thunder, it is him, chasing the UPS trucks in that Great (and Big) Dog Place in the Sky.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Which Dog Breed is Suitable for You?
by El Young
Through the years, man has been served by many types of beasts. From cattle to horses to beasts of burden. However, out of all these, only one serves us by choice – the dog.
Scientific research and DNA evidence shows that dogs have been man’s companion since 15,000 years ago. They were first domesticated from wolves. As pack animals, they display certain pack instincts, such as loyalty and devotion, which of course make them the perfect companion, the perfect best friend.
There are many breeds of dogs and often the differences between each one are highly varied. Some dogs are long-snouted, some have blunt faces, while others are as small as barely 5 inches at the withers. Currently, there are nearly 400 different breeds of dogs worldwide that are officially recognized.
Below are some of the more common breeds of dogs that you are likely to encounter in your local pet shop:
Akita
Originating from Japan, Akita means “the Most Venerated One.” Akita dogs are workers, used mainly in hunting large game and dog fighting. They are medium to giant size, strong, and often independent. As such, they can be hard to manage and thus are not suitable as family pets or for first time dog owners. However, if you own an Akita, you have the distinction of one of the few owners of a dog that belongs to the 14 rare and ancient breeds of dogs.
American Eskimo Dogs
Fondly called “Eskies” by devotees, American Eskimo Dogs are one of the many breeds of dogs that are descended from the Nordic breed. Beautiful with thick, often pure white but may sometimes be creamy white coats and dark noses, American Eskimo Dogs are hardy, gentle, and playful companions. Their fox-like heads and triangular erect ears show their intelligence while their rounded, lion-like manes and softly plumed tails reveal their fun-loving nature. With their devotion and natural affection for humans, Eskies make wonderful pets for children.
Irish Setter
Of all the Irish American breeds of dogs, the Irish Setter is probably the most popular. Irish setters were originally working dogs that used to “set” game. That is, they would crouch down close to a game (a bird, for instance) and wait until the hunter would throw a net over the dog and the game. Today, Irish setters, particularly the field types, are primarily gun dogs, bird dogs, and all in all reliable hunting companions. Their friendliness and genuine affection for humans make them great pets. Their excellent tempers and loyalty rival the best of the breeds of dogs.
Golden Retriever
Arguably one of the more popular breeds of dogs, Golden Retrievers are loyal, friendly dogs with a high level of sociability and intelligence. While they typically bark when startled, they are not considered as good watchdog because of their friendly nature. Their color ranges from dark golden coat to nearly blonde. As such, they are sometimes fondly referred to as “Yellow Retrievers.”
El is the owner of the dog obedience training website. Visit now to find out more resources and offers for dog lovers.
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Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Newfoundland dogs. The dogs for aristocrats

By: John Ugoshowa
The dogs which take their name from the island of Newfoundland appeal to all lovers of animals.There are now two established varieties, the black and the white and black. There are also bronze-coloured dogs, but they are rare. The black variety of the Newfoundland is essentially black in colour; but this does not mean that there may be no other colour, for most black Newfoundlands have some white marks. In fact, a white marking on the chest is said to be typical of the true breed. Any white on the head or body would place the dog in the other than black variety. The black colour should preferably be of a dull jet appearance which approximates to brown. In the other than black class, there may be black and tan, bronze, and white and black. The latter predominates, and in this colour, beauty of marking is very important. The head should be black with a white muzzle and blaze, and the body and legs should be white with large patches of black on the saddle and quarters, with possibly other small black spots on the body and legs.
Apart from colour, the varieties should conform to the same standard. The head should be broad and massive, but in no sense heavy in appearance. The muzzle should be short, square, and clean cut, eyes rather wide apart, deep set, dark and small, not showing any haw; ears small, with close side carriage, covered with fine short hair (there should be no fringe to the ears), expression full of intelligence, dignity, and kindness.
The body should be long, square, and massive, loins strong and well filled; chest deep and broad; legs quite straight, somewhat short in proportion to the length of the body, and powerful, with round bone well covered with muscle; feet large, round, and close. The tail should be only long enough to reach just below the hocks, free from kink, and never curled over the back. The quality of the coat is very important; the coat should be very dense, with plenty of undercoat; the outer coat somewhat harsh and quite straight.
The appearance generally should indicate a dog of great strength, and very active for his build and size, moving freely with the body swung loosely between the legs, which gives a slight roll in gait. As regards size, the Newfoundland Club standard gives 140 lbs. to 120 lbs. weight for a dog, and 110 lbs. to 120 lbs. for a bitch, with an average height at the shoulder of 27 inches and 25 inches respectively; but it is doubtful whether dogs in proper condition do conform to both requirements.
When rearing puppies give them soft food, such as well-boiled rice and milk, as soon as they will lap, and, shortly afterwards, scraped lean meat. Newfoundland puppies require plenty of meat to induce proper growth. The puppies should increase in weight at the rate of 3 lbs. a week, and this necessitates plenty of flesh, bone and muscle-forming food, plenty of meat, both raw and cooked. Milk is also good, but it requires to be strengthened with casein. The secret of growing full-sized dogs with plenty of bone and substance is to get a good start from birth, good feeding, warm, dry quarters, and freedom for the puppies to move about and exercise themselves as they wish. Forced exercise may make them go wrong on their legs. Medicine should not be required except for worms, and the puppies should be physicked for these soon after they are weaned, and again when three or four months old, or before that if they are not thriving. If free from worms, Newfoundland puppies will be found quite hardy, and, under proper conditions of food and quarters, they are easy to rear.
John Ugoshowa. You can find out more about dogs and the dog section of The Free Ad Forum. http://www.thefreeadforum.com/infowizards/CAT/Dogs_73_1.html
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Labels: big dog, coat, coloring, dogs, large dogs, markings, Newfoundland, puppies, puppy
Monday, June 18, 2007
Great Danes
By El Young
In popular culture, anyone would see several references of Great Dane dogs: from Hanna-Barbera’s Scooby-Doo and Astro of the Jetsons to Einstein in Disney’s Oliver & Company and Duke and Turk of the Swiss Family Robinson. That’s not all, there’s still Ace from Batman Beyond, G.B. Stern's The Ugly Dachshund novel, Mars and Jupiter from the patriot, the 2003 movie Good Boy…and so on.
Great Dane dogs have enjoyed a history of celebrated success more than most dog breed because they have characteristics uniquely their own: long, slender and lanky bodies with a regal bearing coupled with a gentle temperament common to the mastiff breed, of whom it might be closely related.
Appearance of Great Dane Dogs
The general minimum height of Great Dane dogs is 28 – 32 inches at the withers, and weighs a general minimum of 100 – 120 lbs. Comparatively an English Mastiff can grow 27 – 32 inches and weighs 175 – 200 lbs, making a Great Dane impression as tall and lanky. One of its prominent features aside from a well muscled slender body is long slender legs and a broad skull with a generally square appearance, especially along the snout. Coats of fawn are the most common along with a black mask. Other common coat color is brindle, blue and black, some lesser occurring coat colors is the harlequin (pure white but with black patches distributed over the entire body) and mantle.
Temperament of Great Dane Dogs
Though a large, well muscled dog, Great Dane dogs are famed for being very tolerant, such is why they have earned the sobriquet “Gentle giants”. This also makes them poor guard dogs, being predisposed to human affection even to strangers. But because of such temperament, plus mild activity, they make perfect pets for aging individuals as well as younger children.
Great Dane dogs have strong dominance issues regarding other dogs and smaller animals, which is why it is imperative that Great Dane dogs receive obedience training as well as aggression training while still young.
Health Issues of Great Dane Dogs
Common to large dogs such as Mastiffs and Mossolers, Great Dane dogs have slow metabolism. That is also why Great Dane dogs are more placid than other energetic dogs like huskies and malamutes. And much like most dogs that are somewhat inactive, they are prone to bloating, hip dysplasia, and a string of congenital heart diseases. And like Dalmatian dogs, Great Dane dogs have a genetic disposition to become deaf as they age.
El is the owner of the dog behavioral training website. Visit http://www.dog-training-reviewed.com/ to find out more resources and offers for dog lovers.
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Labels: Astro, big dog, Canine Hip Dysplasia, Congenital Aortic Stenosis, dogs, Great Dane, hip displaysia, large dogs, Mastiff, mutt, Scooby Doo
Monday, June 11, 2007
Medical Conditions Affecting Large Breed Dogs
By Jim McKiel
This article will discuss five of the medical conditions and diseases affecting large breed dogs.
There are many ailments and conditions that are more prevalent in large breed dogs. Until further medical studies can be conducted and a pattern of inheritance established for these ailments and conditions, dogs that have a risk for these diseases will be said to have breed predisposition. If a breed of dog is known to have an inherited condition each animal should be tested before breeding with another. The only way to prevent the spread of known ailments or condition is to not breed a carrier of the disease. Since some ailments or conditions may skip a generation or two before appearing in the breed, there is no fool proof way to stop a genetic disorder from being passed on.
One of the most common heart defects found in large breed dogs is congenital aortic stenosis. With aortic stenosis the heart must work harder to pump an adequate blood supply because of an obstruction to the flow of blood. Just as in humans, dogs can have mild to severe aortic stenosis. With mild stenosis a dog will most likely show no signs of the disease and have a normal life expectancy. If the dog suffers from moderate to severe stenosis, their activity level will be greatly reduced due to the heart not pumping enough blood to the rest of the body. Over time the disease leads to the thickening of the heart muscle and this can eventually lead to an early death.
Getting medical check ups for your pet and catching aortic stenosis in the early stages may aid in the treatment.
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or as it is commonly known as bloat, is predisposed to the deep-chested large breed dogs. Be aware that any dog can fall victim to this condition and unfortunately it is usually fatal. There is no definitive cause of GDV but over eating or drinking has been linked to some cases in predisposed breeds. During GDV, the stomach rotates (the stomach of a dog is securely fixed at the top in one spot) making the stomach distension painful and stretching the blood vessels reducing circulation to the stomach. This can damage the lining of the stomach which may lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream. Also the blood flow to the heart may be interrupted due to the pressure of major veins from the distended stomach. Receiving immediate medical attention is imperative as surgery is the only hope of the dog surviving.
Feeding your dog smaller meals three times a day instead of one big meal and limiting the amount of water they drink at one time may help prevent GDV. Also, placing their water and food dishes on an elevated food stand may aid in the digestion of their food.
Hypothyroidism is a common condition usually found in mid to large breed middle age dogs. This condition is caused when the thyroid gland is damaged or destroyed and not enough thyroid hormone is produced. The resulting effects of low thyroid production can be:
• Lethargy
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Anemia
• Slow heart rate
• Dry coat
There are blood tests the vet can run to diagnose this condition and once diagnosed the condition is easily treated with a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone which will need to be administered for the rest of the dog's life. Canine hip dysplasia is one of the most common inherited diseases in large breed and giant breed dogs. This orthopedic disease may affect smaller breed dogs as well. When obtaining a puppy or dog from a breeder, make sure you ask for and receive hip certification on the parents and ancestors of the puppy or dog. Hip dysplasia results from abnormal hip joint development in a dog. It may or may not affect both right and left sides. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, the ball (femur) fits into the socket (acetabulum) and rotates freely. Ligaments and tissue hold these bones together and cartilage cushions the movement of the bones. With hip dysplasia the bone slips partially out of socket and the ligaments are loose. As this continues to happen other degenerative changes take place in the joint. Over time your dog will find it painful to stand and walk and will have difficulty climbing stairs.
Making sure your puppy doesn't gain weight too quickly and not letting your older dog carry excess weight reduces the chance of hip dysplasia. If you do suspect your dog may be showing signs of hip dysplasia, get them checked out by the vet and find out what you can do to relieve them of pain.
Osteosarcoma or bone cancer generally affects large and giant breed dogs. This is a very aggressive cancer and is more frequent in older male dogs. Medical research has yet to find the cause of these cancers. Most bone cancers are found to develop below the elbow or near the knee of dog's limbs. Usually a swelling of the area and pain in the joint is a first indication of a medical dilemma. Unfortunately by the time medical treatment is sought, the tumor may have already metastasized to the lungs. Treatment of this cancer is usually amputation and chemo. Even with amputation and chemotherapy, the life expectancy of a dog is approximately one year. There is no preventable treatment for Osteosarcoma.
Jim McKiel lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife Doris and their pet family members Buddy and Buster. They have devoted their lives to the betterment of pet ownership. For more information, visit http://LargeBreedFamilyDogs.com
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Labels: Anemia, big dog, Bone Cancer, Canine Hip Dysplasia, Congenital Aortic Stenosis, dogs, Dry Coat, Gastric Dilation Volvulus, GDV, Hypothyroidism, large dogs, Lethargy, Osteosarcoma