Gentle Giants: Everything You Need to Know About Great Danes

8. Great Danes have specific inherited health concerns

Most dog breeds have specific inherited conditions that could appear during your pet’s lifetime. Although a generally healthy, robust dog, some Great Danes are predisposed to inherited diseases.

• Congenital heart defects and cardiomyopathy: regular veterinarian exams and echocardiograms are recommended.
• Hip dysplasia: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certifications means the parents have undergone examination and found to be free of hip dysplasia. PennHIP testing shows the risk of your puppy developing hip dysplasia.
• Bloat: Number one killer of Great Danes. Multiple small meals and no vigorous exercises immediately before or after mealtimes helps prevent it.
• Wobblers Syndrome: A neurological disease that affects the spine in adolescent Danes, and can be congenital or trauma-induced.