How to Care for a Great Dane Puppy
Your Great Dane puppy will be an exciting addition to your family, however, you need to know how to care for it before you bring it home.
Great Danes are large dogs and require a proper diet and activity level. With proper care and handling, your Great Dane puppy can be a long-standing, beloved member of your family.
Things You’ll Need
- Quality dog food
- Strong leash
- Chew toys
- Dog brush
- Toothbrush
- Nail clippers
- Dry shampoo
5 Steps to Care for a Great Dane Puppy
1. Visit your veterinarian soon after you bring your new Great Dane puppy home.
The vet will give it a thorough checkup and start the puppy on a standard vaccination schedule.
2. Feed your puppy high quality dog food.
Great Danes grow to weigh more than 100 pounds at maturity; they are prone to health issues unique to their immense size. A Great Dane’s weight needs to be monitored to keep excessive pressure off its joints. An improper diet can also lead to bone and muscle problems. A diet tailored towards a dog that will grow to more than 100 pounds is best for your dog.
3. Exercise your Great Dane puppy on a daily basis using a leash, after allowing about two hours for the dog to digest its food prior to exercise.
This will help your puppy avoid a serious condition called bloat, when a dog’s stomach twists and traps air or food. Daily exercise will help maintain your Great Dane’s weight and cardiovascular health.
4. Provide chew toys for your Great Dane puppy.
Buy a variety of toys and give them to the puppy one at a time to help alleviate boredom. Puppies generally begin the teething process at about 4 months old. Keep a chew toy stockpile built up for this time in your dog’s life.
5. Groom your Great Dane puppy often.
Brush it daily with a stiff brush and trim its nails once a week. Brush its teeth occasionally to keep its mouth healthy and use a dry shampoo when needed.
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