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Giant dog breeds like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs are known for their impressive size and loving nature, but caring for these gentle giants comes with specific challenges as a pet parent. From joint health to specialized nutrition, meeting their needs is key to helping them live long, healthy lives. By understanding the unique traits and care requirements of larger dog breeds, you can provide them with the right supplements and support to ensure they thrive from early adulthood through to their golden years.
Already a Leap Years customer? Learn more about our refer-a-friend program below.
Great Danes: The Gentle Giants
Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, earning them the nickname “gentle giants.” Despite their massive size, these dogs are affectionate, friendly, and known for being good with children. Their calm demeanor makes them great family pets, but they also have a protective nature, making them reliable watchdogs.
Special Care Needs
- Space: Great Danes require plenty of space to stretch out and move around. Apartment living can be challenging unless there’s ample room for them indoors.
- Joint Health: Due to their size, Great Danes are prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia. Supplementing with glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health.
- Short Lifespan: Unfortunately, Great Danes have an average lifespan of 7-10 years which is shorter compared to smaller breeds. Regular veterinary visits and a properly formulated, high quality diet go a long way. Your veterinarian can make recommendations for a specific formulation for each life stages of your dog based on the breed and size and other health concerns. Consider implementing a supplement. Leap Years was specifically developed to help increase their healthspan during their lifespan.
Saint Bernards: The Loyal and Lovable Protectors
Saint Bernards are famous for their history of rescue work in the Swiss Alps. These large, powerful dogs are gentle, patient, and known for their unwavering loyalty to their families. With their thick coats and calm disposition, they are particularly suited for cold climates.
Special Care Needs
- Grooming: Saint Bernards have thick double coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
- Heat Sensitivity: Their heavy coat can make them susceptible to overheating in warmer climates. Ensure they have access to cool areas and avoid exercise during peak heat. Read our 6 Ways to Keep Your Dog Comfortable This Summer blog for new ideas to keep your dog cool this summer.
- Training: Early socialization and consistent training are essential due to their size. Their natural gentleness can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness if not properly guided. Once you understand their nature, there is no more loyal a breed.
Mastiffs: The Majestic and Protective Guardians
Mastiffs are known for their impressive strength, calm demeanor, and protective instincts. They form strong bonds with their families and are often considered gentle protectors. Despite their imposing appearance, Mastiffs are affectionate and thrive on companionship.
Special Care Needs
- Exercise: Mastiffs typically don’t require as much exercise as other large breeds. Short daily walks are usually sufficient to keep them healthy without straining their joints.
- Diet: These dogs like to eat (!) and can gain weight easily. Monitoring portion sizes and choosing high-quality, balanced nutrition is key.
- Bloat: Like many large breeds, Mastiffs are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Feeding them smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding strenuous activity after eating can reduce this risk.
Choosing the Right Products for Giant Breeds
When caring for giant breeds like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs, it’s essential to choose products designed specifically for their needs:
- Food: Opt for food with the right balance of nutrients to support bone, joint, and heart health.
- Supportive Bedding: Giant breeds benefit from orthopedic beds that provide cushioning and relieve pressure on their joints.
- Durable Toys: Given their size and strength, durable toys made from tough materials are essential to withstand their playtime.
How Leap Years Can Support Your Large Breed from Early Adulthood into Their Golden Years
Leap Years’ is a soft chew dog supplement that was developed to work at the cellular level of aging. Leap Years is a dual-action supplement targeting the root causes of aging. It works by enhancing NAD+ levels and clearing out damaged cells in aging dogs, supporting brain function, heart health, and promoting an active lifestyle.
The supplement is clinically proven to support cognitive health and may increase your dog’s health span. By slowing the effects of aging, Leap Years can help your dog enjoy more healthy years in their life! Leap Years supplement is available in various sizes for breeds of all sizes, large or small.
Conclusion
Understanding the unique traits and needs of giant breeds like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs is the first step in ensuring they live happy, healthy lives. By providing the right nutrition, care, and products tailored to their size, you can enjoy years of companionship with these gentle giants.
Refer a Friend
Already a current customer?
We’re bursting with excitement to kick off something pawsome: our brand-new Leap Years Refer a Friend Program! 🐾
As a Leap Years customer, you receive a unique referral URL and code to refer Leap Years to family and friends! You can find your unique Refer a Friend code in your Leap Years account page.
How Leap Years Refer a Friend Works:
You will receive 10% off your next order for each friend that uses your unique referral code. The discounts stack! For example, when three (3) of your referred pals use your code in one month, you get 30% off your next order. And hey, you can even fetch up to 100% off your next order if you’re really on a roll!
As a subscriber, your refer a friend discount(s) will automatically be applied to your next renewal order. For Buy-Once customers, you will get an email with a unique code to use at checkout.
There are two ways your friend can receive your unique refer a friend code. 1) via email from your account page; 2) tell your friend the code and they can enter it manually at checkout. So, grab your leashes, round up your pack, and let’s get going on the healthy aging journeys of your best fur friends.
