Vet Approved Guide: How to Keep Large Dogs Healthy at Every Life Stage (2025)🏊♂️🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Large breed dogs bring a lot of love—and a lot of unique needs. From growing joints to aging hips, big dogs require thoughtful care to stay strong, mobile, and happy. Whether you’ve just adopted a Great Dane puppy or you’re supporting your senior Lab, this guide is your go-to for every step of the journey. 🐾

Here’s how to keep your large dog healthy throughout their life, with expert support from Ask A Vet,🩺

🍼 Puppy Stage (0–12 Months)

1. 🥣 Feed a Large-Breed Puppy Formula

• 🐕 Large breeds grow fast—balanced calcium and protein help prevent skeletal issues
• 📉 Avoid overfeeding to prevent orthopedic disease like hip dysplasia

2. 🧠 Start Socialization & Basic Training

• 🧠 Socialize with people, surfaces, noises, and other animals

3. 🩺 Veterinary Essentials

• 💉 Core puppy vaccines + flea/heartworm prevention
• 🧪 Ask for baseline orthopedic evaluation

🏃♂️ Adolescent & Adult Stage (1–6 Years)

1. 🦴 Joint & Mobility Support

• 💊 Add glucosamine/chondroitin or omega-3 supplements
• 🛏️ Provide orthopedic bedding and non-slip floors

2. 🥗 Maintain a Lean Body Weight

• ⚖️ Extra pounds = increased joint strain and heart risk
• 📋 Ask Ask A Vet for diet planning or weight tracking

3. 🧠 Mental Enrichment

👴 Senior Stage (7+ Years)

1. 📆 Vet Checkups Twice Yearly

• 🧪 Bloodwork, urinalysis, and joint mobility assessments
• 🩺 Early detection of arthritis, organ disease, and cancer matters

2. 🛏️ Comfort & Safety Adjustments

• 🏠 Ramps, anti-slip mats, and raised food bowls help aging bodies
• 🛏️ Use orthopedic beds and keep your senior warm

🧬 Common Health Concerns in Large Dogs

• 🦴 Hip and elbow dysplasia
• 🫀 Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
• 🌪️ Bloat (gastric torsion)—especially in deep-chested breeds
• 🦷 Dental disease in later life

📋 Lifespan Tips for Large Dogs

• 📅 Stick to a predictable routine for meals, walks, and rest
  
• 🧪 Use Ask A Vet to monitor arthritis, diet, and aging changes

📱 When to Use Ask A Vet

• 📈 Sudden limping, reluctance to rise, or weight loss
• 🧠 Changes in appetite, sleep, or mood
• ⚖️ Help with feeding plans, supplements, or pain management

✅ Final Thoughts: Big Dogs, Big Hearts—Big Responsibility

Large dogs thrive when you support them with mindful nutrition, orthopedic protection, and smart behavior tools. Whether your pup is bounding through puppyhood or easing into their golden years, Ask A Vet. 🐕❤️

Quick Recap:

• 🍼 Feed large-breed puppy formulas early on
• 🦴 Support joints with diet and supplements
• 📱 Use Ask A Vet for wellness planning and chronic care

Need support caring for your big dog? Visit AskAVet.com.