Large dog breeds can make wonderful additions to the family, but they do require unique care compared to smaller breeds. In this post, our Austell vets discuss wellness plans for large-breed dogs to help you keep your companion happy and healthy.
Maintaining the Wellness of Large-Breed Dogs
If you have a large-breed dog, it is important to understand their health requirements to ensure they get the care they need. Large dogs tend to experience concerns like joint issues and obesity more so than smaller dogs. The following are some tips on caring for specific aspects of a large dog's health, to help prevent health issues from arising.
- Balanced Nutrition: Ensure your dog receives a well-balanced diet, taking their age, weight, and activity level into account. High-quality dog food with real meat as the primary ingredient can be very beneficial to their overall health.
- Regular Exercise: Large breeds require consistent, moderate exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent them from getting bored or anxious. Consider your dog's breed characteristics and energy levels when developing an exercise routine.
- Joint Health Supplements: Large breeds are prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Incorporate joint health supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin into their diet to support joint function and reduce the risk of mobility issues.
For tips specific to your dog's breed, contact your vet to learn how you can best care for your companion.
Caring for the Wellness of a Large-Breed Puppy
Large-breed puppies typically grow at a rapid pace compared to other dogs. Providing a well-balanced diet that is tailored to bone development and growth can help avoid problems like excessive weight gain.
When choosing a dog food, you should be able to find some that are specifically for large-breed puppies. If not, ask your vet for food recommendations. These foods usually feature controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to support bone health without encouraging excessive growth.
Preventive Care for Large Dogs
To prevent joint issues in large breed dogs, take a proactive approach with key preventive measures. Ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight by closely monitoring and adjusting their diet and exercise.
Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to catch potential health issues early, allowing for prompt treatment.
Engage your dog in low-impact activities like swimming or walking to protect their joints. This is especially important during periods of growth.
Wellness Plans for Large Dogs
Our animal hospital is happy to offer large dog Wellness Plans, and plans for cats and dogs of all sizes. These plans aim to provide proactive and cost-effective preventive care for your pup year-round. Routine exams serve as thorough health checks, allowing us to detect and treat emerging health issues, and assess your pet to see if they require any diet or exercise adjustments.
At , our Wellness Plans include a range of annual and biannual wellness services (e.g., wellness exams, parasite testing, and parasite prevention). These plans are designed to ensure your pet is in their best health throughout every stage of their life.
Since your vet has the best understanding of your pet's healthcare needs, they can let you know if a Pet Wellness Plan would be an ideal investment. Animals with special needs, such as senior cats and dogs, puppies, kittens, and pets with chronic or recurring issues, can significantly benefit from these plans. The early detection screenings, necessary preventive vaccinations, and physical examinations can allow for your dog to achieve the best long-term health possible.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.