Health issues in large breed dogs

Oh, their gentle giant hearts and goofy personalities… we love our large breed dogs, but those big bodies can sometimes come with some equally big health issues. From bloat to bone cancer, there are a few conditions that tend to pop up more frequently in our supersized sidekicks. 

By being aware of these issues, keeping up with yearly or even biannual vet check-ups, and feeding a high-quality diet, your loveable large breed dog can stay strong, sprightly, and snuggle with you, well into their golden years.

Essential Nutrients for a Large Breed Puppy

Large breed puppies require a diet rich in essential nutrients to support their rapid growth and unique developmental needs. Protein is crucial for muscle development, while controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus are vital for healthy bone growth and joint support.

These nutrients must be carefully balanced to prevent skeletal abnormalities. Additionally, fats provide the energy needed for their active lifestyle and help maintain a healthy coat and skin. Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin are important for joint health, helping to prevent common orthopaedic issues. Vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, are necessary for overall growth, immune function, and metabolic processes.

For more information, read our article on Large Breed Puppy Food: What you need to know.

No matter your dog’s size or stage of life, Petzyo’s recipes are crafted alongside Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists for all breeds and all life stages to nourish every pooch, from bouncy puppies to wise old Wolfhounds. 

Bloat in large breed dogs

Bloat is a scary one. The technical medical term is gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV). Bloat is a true life-threatening emergency in dogs that can occur suddenly, at any time of day, but often worsens in the middle of the night (because of course, it does).

What is bloat?

Bloat is a condition that happens when the stomach fills with gas or food and twists, cutting off blood supply and trapping contents inside. Affected dogs are in pain and decline quickly into circulatory shock. 

Some risk factors that increase the chance of bloat include feeding a large meal, followed by exercise, drinking large volumes of water or being an at-risk breed. We see this condition more in deep-chested breeds like Dobermans, Great Danes, Standard Poodles, and Weimaraners.

What to look for in a dog with bloat:

• Sudden restlessness

• Swollen and tight belly

• Non-productive retching (trying to vomit, but nothing comes up)

• Pale gums or collapse

What to do if you think your dog has a GDV:

Don’t wait, go straight to the vet. After emergency stabilisation, including pain relief and IV fluids, surgery is usually required to untwist and tack the stomach in place. 

How can bloat be prevented?

Dividing meals into at least two smaller meals a day, avoiding vigorous exercise right after eating, and using a slow feeder bowl can all help reduce risk of GDV. 

Choose a high-quality, easily digestible diet like Petzyo’s Raw BARF patties to help support gastrointestinal health with whole ingredients and gentle fibre sources like sweet potato.

If your pooch is a high-risk breed, consult with your friendly family veterinarian to ask about a preventative surgical procedure called a  “gastropexy”. This can be done when they’re desexed, and some specialist clinics can even do this via keyhole surgery.

Hip dysplasia

Big dogs grow fast, and sometimes their joints don’t quite keep up. Hip dysplasia is when the ball and socket of the hip don’t fit together properly, causing grinding, instability and, over time, painful arthritis. Although hip dysplasia is a cause of pain and lameness in any breed, it is more common in some large breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.

Signs to watch out for in hip dysplasia:

• Bunny hopping or limping

• Difficulty rising or jumping into the car

• Reluctance to exercise

• Muscle loss in the back legs

How can I manage the signs of Hip Dysplasia in my dog?

Weight management is key, as even a little extra weight puts strain on sore joints. Joint-support diets (like Petzyo’s Salmon & Oceanfish recipe with green-lipped mussels and omega-3s) can help immensely. In more serious cases, your vet may discuss the need for surgery, a total hip replacement, with you.

Cancer in large breed dogs

A cancer diagnosis in a loved pet can be challenging and terribly sad. Most large breed dogs are unfairly prone to certain types of cancer, including osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the spleen or heart). These are usually aggressive and can appear suddenly. 

Rottweilers and Great Danes have a greater than 10-fold risk of developing osteosarcomas, but these cancers can also occur in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Greyhounds, Wolfhounds, Dobermans, and Golden Retrievers.

What to look out for:

• Sudden swelling or lameness (for bone cancer)

• Weakness, pale gums, or collapse ( internal bleeding from splenic tumours)

• Sudden changes in energy or appetite

How is cancer diagnosed in dogs?

Early detection is tricky, but regular vet check-ups and being in tune with your dog’s normal behaviour can help you spot problems sooner. Your veterinarian will take X-rays, take a bone biopsy under anaesthesia, perform an ultrasound and send away for blood tests to help find out the stage of cancer. 

Can cancer be treated in dogs?

Most cancers are treatable with surgery, and radiotherapy or chemotherapy. There are so many ways your veterinarian will be able to help your pup’s comfort levels if they have been given a cancer diagnosis. In addition to medical therapy with pain relief and anti-cancer drugs, complementary modalities like physiotherapy and acupuncture can help.

How can diet prevent cancer in dogs?

The best way to reduce your dog’s risk of developing cancer is to make small healthy changes through diet and exercise. Research shows that dietary superfoods filled with antioxidants, like blueberries, spinach, and turmeric help combat oxidative stress to support your dog’s immune system through nutrition to prevent cancer and slow its progression. Ensuring your dog eats a wide variety of colourful fruits and veggies is easy.

Heart disease (DCM)

Some large and giant breeds are genetically predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and pumps less effectively. This can lead to fluid build-up in the lungs or abdomen. Breeds to watch out for DCM in are our gorgeous Dobermans, Boxers, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds. 

Symptoms of DCM can include:

• Coughing, especially at night

• Lethargy or exercise intolerance

• Abdominal swelling

• Sudden collapse

Managing heart disease

Medication prescribed by your vet or a specialist cardiologist can improve quality of life. Diets rich in taurine, L-carnitine, and omega-3s featured in Petzyo’s raw and dry recipes) support cardiac health. Routine vet checks, including chest X-rays and echocardiograms in at-risk breeds, are worth considering.

Laryngeal paralysis

Ever heard your old Labrador breathing like Darth Vader? It could be laryngeal paralysis, a condition where the vocal cords stop opening properly during breathing, causing airway obstruction, particularly during excitement or hot weather. Paralysis from the breakdown of the nerves that control the opening and closing of their vocal cords creates a roaring sound with every breath. This condition is seen in senior Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and other large breeds.

Signs of laryngeal paralysis:

• Noisy breathing (especially when panting)

• Voice changes (hoarse bark)

• Heat intolerance

• Collapse after excitement or exercise

How to manage laryngeal paralysis in dogs:

Mild cases can be managed with environmental adjustments by avoiding stress, heat and heavy exercise. More serious cases may benefit from surgery (a "tie-back" procedure). Keeping your dog at a healthy weight and on a diet that supports lean muscle mass is a good first step. Check out our serving suggestion calculator for guidance on how much to feed your dog.

No matter your dog’s size or stage of life, Petzyo’s recipes are crafted alongside Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists for all breeds and all life stages to nourish every pooch, from bouncy puppies to wise old Wolfhounds. 

References

1. Australian Veterinary Association (AVA): Breed-specific health concerns and responsible dog ownership

2. The University of Sydney Faculty of Veterinary Science: Labrador Retriever Health Research & Canine Health Programs

3. RSPCA Knowledgebase: Caring for large breed dogs and recognising health problems