Great Dane Rescue of Northern California
We are committed to finding healthy happy homes for adult Great Danes.
ANNOUCEMENTS
Calendars are still available!
Thank you for your support!
This years Calendar Danes
2007 - 2008 Calendar
With ever $15.00 donation receive a calendar and
with every $25.00 donation receive a T-shirt
Our way of saying
Thank you!
$35.00 donations receive a Calendar and a T-shirt while supplies last.
We couldn't help all these wonderful dogs with out your support.
100% of all donations go directly to the care and board of the Rescue Danes and are tax deductible
Dane Walk T-Shirts
Find a good Veterinarian that you can work with and review the information contained below. Your veterinarian can be your dog’s and your, best friend.
1. Foods and Supplements
Do not feed any dog foods that say Hi-Pro, Max, Super etc… Danes and especially Danes under the age of two years, should never have more then 24% protein and 10-13% fat content. Never feed any food that has Ethoxyquin or BHA/BHT.
Do not feed Great Danes puppy food. The high protein content can cause Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD), Panosteitis, Wobblers Syndrome or OCD.
Great Danes should be fed on an elevated feeder table/chair, approximately 14 to 16 inches off the ground. Bring height up gradually for a puppy. This is easier on the Danes shoulders and helps to prevent gulping of air when eating.
Limit your dogs exercise at least one hour prior to feeding and two hours after feeding. Feed twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Always have fresh water available.
If your Dane has gas after eating, check for bloat ( see below). If he/she has consistent gas, change the food you are feeding, discontinue feeding meat, change to milder lamb and rice formula or feed smaller meals more often. If it does not go away, consult your veterinarian.
Give vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) with your dogs meals. 500mg per meal. Start at 250 mg for a puppy. Also a good vitamin/mineral tablet is fine, as are Omega 3 tablets and Omega 6 oil.
Do not give Calcium supplements. Danes grow very fast and supplements to speed up this process can cause serious bone problems.
2. Recommended Dog Foods
Dry Foods
Nutro Natural Choice Lam and Rice
Wysong
Innova
Solid Gold Hundchen Flocken
California Natural
Eagle Pack
Canned Foods
Feed the same brand canned food as you do dry. Do not give more than 1/3 of a 12 oz can a day. You can also add boiled chicken or chopped raw beef/lean hamburger to dry food, as a more natural alternative to canned food. Give at least one meal a day soaked in warm water. You can also mix a small amount of yogurt or cottage cheese. Depending on your dog’s eating habit, many people free feed dry kibble in the morning, and a “wet” meal in the evening. Remember, dogs and cats need more food in the winter then they do in the summer. Start out with 3 cups in the morning and 3 cups at night. Cut back if the dog appears to gain too much weight, or increase if needed. You should be able to see the outline of the last rib on your dog’s ribcage. If you can’t he/she is too fat! Each dog is different and some adjustment in the amounts you feed will be necessary.
Treats
A few dog biscuits are usually much appreciated each day. Small beef-basted rawhide sticks that are ground up and formed are all right occasionally. Do not give rawhide bones. They are too hard to digest.
3. Bloat and Torsion
Bloat occurs in Great Danes when the Pylorc Valve at the end of the stomach closes and traps food, water, and air in the stomach. Gas forms and as it expands the stomach begins to press against organs and the heart, causing discomfort. At this point the dog will start to pace up and down, or move typically around in circles, or may stand like a hobby horse with legs spread out. As the pain increases the back (over the loin) arches and the head goes down. The dog will start to salivate. Soon dry retching occurs or small amounts of fluid, food or foam are vomited. The dog’s eyes look distraught and fearful.
Put your hands at the back of the ribcage and press into the soft part of the stomach. It will feel as if there is a hard basketball inside, or early on it will feel much harder then normal. At this point you have a window of 20 to30 minutes to get the dog into the vets office before serious shock set in. If this occurs at night or on a week-end, call your nearest Emergency Clinic.
The Dog 10 Commandments
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be
painful for me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well-being
4. Don’t be angry with me for long, & don’t lock me up as punishment. You have
your work, entertainment, & friends. I have only YOU!
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand
your voice.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget.
7. Please don't hit me. I can’t hit back, but I bite & scratch and I really
don’t want to do that.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself
if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m getting the right foods or I’ve
been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. NEVER say, “I can’t bear to watch, or let
it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if YOU are there.
Remember, I LOVE YOU!!!!!