Well if you are like most, your Dane is more than just a pet its a member of the family.  Great Danes have different needs than most when it comes to their health care.  Their care can be very expensive!  I am not a veterinarian, I am sharing my knowledge from first hand experience and experiences of other breeders I have worked with.

 

 

Choosing a vet qualified to care for your Dane puppy is very important. Danes are a unique breed, and you want to choose a vet who is familiar with them. Your best bet is to talk to other Dane owners and long-term breeders to find a referral. While any vet can handle routine procedures like vaccines and stitching up a cut, many do not recognize common Dane problems. HOD, a bone disease that can affect Danes, is not commonly seen in many other breeds and is often misdiagnosed. Danes can have tonsillitis, another problem not common in other breeds. Growing problems, coat problems due to thyroid imbalances, emergency treatment for bloat, and other Dane maladies need to be treated by a vet familiar with the breed. The new Dane owner would be advised to do research on common Dane problems so they can be recognized if they occur. All Dane owners should be aware of what bloat is, its signs, and emergency treatment. Any Dane puppy with re-occuring lameness, or lameness lasting for more than two days should be radiographically evaluated by a competent vet. A minor problem can become quite serious if not dealt with quickly

 

I usually tell people they need to interview there potential vets to see if they know the basics and recommended needs of Danes.  Here is what I recommend asking. Do additionaly research on Common Dane health issues to educate yourself and recognize signs and symptoms.  Be your pets first line of defense and educate yourself and give them the best care!

 

• When should be a Rabies shot be administered to a Dane?

 

• Rabies shots should be given no earlier than six months of age.  Danes are prone to have a reaction to the shot.  It is a good idea to stick close to the vet office for at least an hour after the first shot is given.

2.   When should a Great Dane pup be fixed?

 

• Great Danes should never be fixed before six months of age.  I recommend Great Danes be fixed after their first heat cycl for females and 18 months for males..  You have to remember Danes are different then most breeds as they are going to grow until they are 2 and 3 years of age.  Fixing them to early can affect their growth and development as it reduces hormones that affect growth.

 

• Great Danes have a difficult time with surgery.  Here is a link to educate yourself it is the guidelines the Great Dane Club of America has for surgery.   http://www.gdca.org/health/surgery.html

 

Ideally you will find a vet who is knowledgable, and/or open minded to do research.  If they are not you have to remember you are responsible for your Dane and ultimately you get the final say in their medical care.  Research is your best friend, talk to breeders, find a vet  out of your area that may have Giant breed experience to call to get their opinion, search the internet.