Health Issues with Large Breeds
Large dog breeds are more common that you know. Some of the best and friendliest dog breeds are larger. Unfortunately, these dogs are prone to common health problems that you should be aware of. It is important for you as a dog owner to identify the signs to look out for and determine what you can do to help keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy. This article will go into some of the most common health issues seen in larger dog breeds.
Typically, if your dog weighs over 50 pounds, then they are considered a large breed. Most common breeds in this group of dogs consist of:
- Boxers
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Great Dane
- German Shepherd
- Standard Poodle
- Doberman Pinscher
Keep in mind that larger dogs have different health problems compared to smaller dogs. Below is a list of the most common health problems seen by veterinarians in large breed dogs.
Bone Cancer/Osteosarcoma – This is commonly seen in dogs over 80 pounds. Symptoms of dogs with bone cancer are large swollen areas near a joint, limping, or a very painful leg.
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) – This is a skeletal problem where the hip joints do not form properly which can lead to joint degeneration, arthritis buildup, and pain.
Arthritis – Many times, as dog’s age, their joint cartilage starts to break down which causes arthritis.
Obesity – As dogs start to age, they start to slow down and can gain weight. It is a great idea to decrease the amount of food that you are feeding them to help them stay at their ideal body weight.
Hypothyroidism – This is caused by a lower production and release of T4 and T3 hormones by the thyroid gland. Common signs of hypothyroidism include lethargy, weight gain, and hair loss.
Sadly, many large breed dogs will end up with one of these health problems during their life. We recommend that you speak with your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any signs of these problems. By visiting your veterinarian often, they can catch many of these diseases before your pet gets very sick. Awareness will help you and your dog along the way!
