Given just how much energy your canine companions have in their youth, it’s easy to forget how short-lived they are. Sooner or later, the aging begins to tell, and they lose their spryness and alertness.
When this happens with aging Great Danes, how do you take care of them? Read on to find out.
Give them regular exercise
Danes are a large breed. Given their bulk and calorie intake, it's important to ensure that they don't give in to obesity as they age.
That's why they need regular exercises at this stage. Monitor their weight keenly and supplement their regular diet with vitamins, chondroitin and glucosamine.
You can get these supplements from your local pet store or a veterinary doctor.
Keep them comfortable
Great Danes are susceptible to arthritis as they age. As they're big breeds, the protective cartilage around their joints tend to wear out with age, causing them pain as their limbs struggle to bear their bulk.
To ease their discomfort, you can get them special orthopaedic beds to help deeply cushion their old joints.
In addition, these beds can help fight joint calluses, sores that result from having them lie on harder surfaces.
Provide mental stimulation
Many dog breeds tend to lose their mental alertness as they age, and Great Danes are no different.
By teaching them new commands and tricks at this stage, you can help stimulate them mentally, which will in turn help them stay alert.
Another advantage of this is that they keep from getting bored and indulging in depressing and destructive behaviour.
You can get them new toys, or introduce them to more people and other dogs.
Pay attention to their dentition
Unlike some other breeds, Great Danes aren't too prone to dental issues as they age. However, that's no reason to not pay close attention.
Great Danes can get cracked teeth and gum disease, which cause great pain. The latter results in bleeding gums, which can get complicated with the incursion of harmful bacteria to the bloodstream and heart.
In addition, there's the risk of gum tissue overgrowth known as gingival hyperplasia. This condition can be treated via prophy cleaning
Simple lifestyle adjustments
To properly care for your aging Great Danes, you should go out of your way to make some life adjustments.
Such adjustments will bring them great comfort and keep them happy and socially active.
For instance, dog shoes can help them get around easily, provide good friction and keep them from slipping on floors.
You can also add rugs to the house and provide them with slings.
Regular vet checks
Great Danes can develop various skin and bone cancers, bloat, and other serious conditions.
Regular vet checks can help you to spot complicated conditions early on. Don't wait until the conditions worsen before you take action.
Great Danes are some of the best dog breeds to own. Whether you're getting the puppy for yourself, or to grow up in your family alongside your newborn child, you're sure to get plenty of love and excitement from your canine companion. Get yourself a puppy today.