Big dogs are very popular with people of all ages; single females have a dog as a form of protection and those who have a lot of space are in a position to have a large breed dog as a family member. Despite all the positives, there are certain ailments that are commonly found in large canine breeds.
- Arthritis – Fortunately, there is laser therapy for dogs arthritis from an established local clinic; how does it work? You can order a laser light device that your dog wears, which uses specific light wavelengths of the spectrum and this promotes cell growth, alleviating the pain that is caused by the condition. These devices can be found online from an accredited supplier and controlled studies show that they work by reducing inflammation and pain.
- Hypothyroidism – A common condition with large dog breeds, it is caused by the thyroid gland being overwhelmed and the metabolism slows, causing weight gain. Symptoms include hair loss, skin problems and general lethargy. Your local vet can prescribe medication that alters the metabolic rate, which should do the trick.
- Cancer – Research shows that large dog breeds suffer numerous forms of cancer more than smaller breeds. Early detection is critical, which is why your dog should be examined by a vet annually. Bowel and bone cancer are common in older dogs and a biopsy would reveal whether or not the animal has cancer.
- Ligament injuries – Commonly found with large working dogs, back leg ligaments can easily get injured when a dog works herding sheep, for example. X-Ray images are taken and the vet would analyse the images and make a decision regarding treatment. Heavy dogs are prone to hip problems, particularly German Shepherds and Sheepdogs and there are certain treatments that vets use.
- Aortic Stenosis – This is a condition of the heart where the aorta narrows, which obstructs the flow of blood; symptoms include heavy breathing and constant fatigue. The vet would call for EKG tests to determine if this is the cause and an operation can be scheduled to widen the major artery.
Whatever the breed, you should take your dog to the vet annually, which allows the medical professional to examine your pet and if any issues are found, treatment can be scheduled.
