When it comes to caring for your dog, one important thing to recognise is that size does matter. Caring for a big dog is going to be very different when compared with looking after a small dog. After all, different breeds have different nutrition requirements, and they are going to be more susceptible to certain health conditions when compared with others. So, with that being said, read on to discover some useful tips on caring for big dog breeds.
Protecting your dog from hip dysplasia – There is no denying that this is one of the most common issues impacting big dog breeds, which is why you need to be cautious. If you notice that your dog’s legs seem sensitive to touch, he is having trouble walking or getting up, or is limping, you need to book a vet appointment as soon as possible. As hip dysplasia is a genetic malformation of the joint, it cannot always be prevented. However, there are some things you can do to lower the chances of your dog experiencing this, for example, get your dog screened regularly, make sure your dog gets a lot of exercise, and ensure your dog maintains a healthy body weight.
Choose accessories and furniture with care – It is a lot easier to buy accessories and furniture for smaller dogs, as you don’t need to worry about how much weight the item can hold. When it comes to bigger dogs, you need to make sure you choose quality pieces and that they are suitable for the size of your dog. Luckily, there are guidance posts, like this one on the 8 best dog strollers for 2019, which can point you in the right direction of strollers that are suitable for a dog of that specific size.
Training and nutrition – Finally, when it comes to big dog breeds, ensuring they get the right level of training and that they have a healthy diet is important. When it comes to the latter, you may want to look for formulas that have been specially formulated for large dogs, as they are designed to help support joints. Aside from this, you need to make sure your dog gets proper training and socialisation. Not only is this important for your dog’s health but for everyone else’s. After all, if your dog is not trained, he could easily hurt someone if he does not know how to behave properly or calm down.
As you can see, there are a number of different steps you should take when caring for large dog breeds. If you follow the advice that has been mentioned above, you can go a long way to making sure your big dog leads a happy and healthy life.
