Large dogs

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

SignsRestless after eating, retching without bringing anything up, swollen belly, drooling, collapse. Fatal within hours

PreventionNo hard exercise for 1–2 hours after meals. Split food into 2–3 meals a day. Use a slow-feeder bowl

Hip dysplasia

SignsSwaying gait, bunny-hopping with the hind legs together, slow to stand, reluctance to exercise

PreventionDo not let the dog get fat during growth. Put mats on slippery floors. Limit stairs and jumping during puppyhood

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture

SignsSuddenly holds up a hind leg, sticks one leg out to the side when sitting, swollen knee

PreventionWeight control. Avoid games with sudden stops and sharp turns. Non-slip flooring

Dilated cardiomyopathy

SignsReluctance to exercise, coughing, rapid breathing, fainting, swollen belly (ascites)

PreventionAnnual heart check (auscultation, ultrasound) from middle age. Record any change in how easily the dog tires

Osteosarcoma

SignsHard swelling near the wrist or shoulder of a front leg, limping that does not resolve, pain on touch

PreventionEarly detection is key. Ask for an X-ray if limping lasts more than 2 weeks

Degenerative myelopathy

SignsDragging the hind toenails, wobbling, gradual loss of strength in the hind legs. No pain

PreventionNo way to prevent the cause. Genetic testing is available for Shepherds and similar breeds. Rehabilitation slows progression

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture

PreventionPut mats on slippery floors. Limit ball games with sharp turns. Weight control

First aidDo not touch the injured leg; keep the dog still. When lifting, support the chest and hips with both hands. See a vet the same day

Paw pad and nail lacerations

PreventionAvoid hot summer asphalt, de-icing salt on snowy roads, and areas with broken glass

First aidRinse under running water and apply pressure with clean gauze for 5 minutes. If bleeding does not stop or the cut is deep, see a vet the same day

Heatstroke

PreventionWalk early morning or at night in summer. Never leave in a car. Keep air conditioning and water available at all times

First aidIn a cool place, pour water on the neck, armpits and inner thighs and cool with a fan. Do not use ice. See a vet immediately

Traffic accident

PreventionUse two leashes (collar plus harness). Install a gate to stop bolting out the front door

First aidPlace on a blanket or board and carry level. Even without visible wounds, internal bleeding is possible; go to emergency right away

Pasteurellosis

RouteBites, scratches, mouth-to-mouth contact

PreventionWash wounds under running water right away. No mouth-to-mouth feeding or kissing. See a doctor if a wound swells

Rabies

RouteBite from an infected dog (Japan is rabies-free, but imported cases occur)

PreventionAnnual vaccination is a legal requirement. If bitten by a dog overseas, see a doctor immediately

Leptospirosis

RouteUrine of infected animals; contaminated water or soil

PreventionDo not let the dog drink from rivers or puddles. Vaccinate depending on the region

Toxocariasis (dog roundworm)

RouteEggs in feces reach the mouth via hands or soil

PreventionPick up feces right away. Regular deworming. Avoid letting the dog defecate where children play

Food

• Complete and balanced large-breed food, split into 2–3 meals a day
• Use large-breed puppy food during growth to prevent rapid growth
• Keep a body shape where the ribs are easily felt under a thin layer (obesity leads to joint disease)

Water

• Always provide fresh water in several places
• Do not allow gulping water right after meals or exercise

Toys & play

• Sturdy rope and rubber toys made for large dogs
• Puzzle toys to work the mind and prevent boredom
• Remove broken toys immediately (prevents swallowing fragments)

Nest, bed & hideout

• A large bed the dog can stretch out on
• A crate in a quiet spot with a view of the family (a safe den)

Bedding & litter

• Thick memory-foam mat to protect the joints
• Non-slip flooring (cork or rubber mats)
• Even outdoor-toilet dogs should practice on indoor pads

Cage / housing material

Large steel crate (chew-proof)

Size & space

Room to lie down, stand and turn easily (about 120 cm deep)

Layout

• Crate against a wall, door facing into the room
• Heavy, spill-resistant water bowl
• Mat on the floor so the feet do not slip

Placement notes

• Avoid direct sunlight and direct airflow from the air conditioner
• Avoid placing next to the front door to prevent escapes and excitement

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• Twice a day, 45–60 minutes or more each. Include time to run
• Puppies: no long-distance running until the joints mature at 18 months
• In summer, touch the ground with your hand; if it is hot, skip the walk

Temperature & humidity

Temperature22–25°C. Heatstroke risk rises sharply above 28°C

Humidity40–60%. High humidity causes heatstroke and skin disease

Summer & winter

• Summer: early-morning and night walks, cooling mat, air conditioning 24 hours
• Winter: clothing for short-coated breeds; heating for senior dogs to prevent joint pain

Nail trimming

Every 2–3 weeks. Trim black nails a little at a time. Clicking on the floor means they are too long

Brushing, skin & coat care

2–3 times a week, daily during shedding season. Check for skin redness and lumps at the same time

Other care

Brush teeth daily. For floppy ears, check for odor and dirt once a week

Protection from predators

• Ticks on walks (check the whole body after grassy areas)
• Heartworm from mosquitoes (monthly preventive)
• Fights and bites from other dogs (never off-leash)

Foreign-body ingestion

Socks, towels, corn cobs and bones are commonly swallowed whole. Large dogs swallow big items and easily develop intestinal obstruction. Do not induce vomiting; see a vet immediately

Being stepped on

Watch for large dogs stepping on children or small pets. Puppies have weak joints and can fracture if stepped on by a person, so always check where you step

Getting pinched

Tails often get caught in doors. Use door stoppers. Also watch for car doors and trunks left to close on the dog

Falls

Landing from sofas or stairs injures the joints. Gates on stairs for puppies and seniors. Use a ramp for getting in and out of the car

Escape

Strong enough to push gates open. Use double doors and attach a license tag and microchip. If the dog escapes, do not chase; call its name, crouch and wait

Safe release procedure

1. Stop moving and say "drop it" in a calm, low voice
2. Lift the dog's hind legs or pull the collar backward
3. Pour water on the dog or push a large object into its mouth to distract it
4. Once released, isolate the dog in another room to calm down

After the release

Rinse the wound under running water for 10 minutes and apply pressure to stop bleeding. Deep wounds or swelling: see a doctor (human hospital) the same day

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Time of onset, what and when the dog ate, photos of vomit or stool, current medications. Large dogs need 2 people for transport

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Call the dog's name and pinch the ear to check for a response
• Check breathing by chest movement (normal 15–30 breaths/min)
• Check the pulse at the inner thigh (normal 60–100 beats/min)

Stopping bleeding

• Press firmly with a clean towel for at least 5 minutes
• Raise limbs above the level of the heart
• If bleeding does not stop, keep pressing and go to the vet immediately

Transport

• Place on a blanket or board and carry level with 2 people
• If unconscious, extend the neck and pull the tongue forward to keep the airway open