Becoming a big dog parent is a real adventure. Some of us love these giant fluffy creatures and want to bring them home, but it entails responsibilities. Large breed dogs do not just need bigger space; they also want a fair amount of attention.
Before taking the plunge in adopting a big dog, you must know its necessities and desires to be truly called a responsible parent. Here are the most important things you must consider before adopting big dogs.
They Need Plenty of Exercise
Big dogs require much daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. For instance, a black German shepherd requires a minimum of two hours of exercise a day. If we don’t commit to this, these furry giant mutts will develop separation anxiety and destructive behavior.
If your dog exhibits anxiety or phobia, you can give him Trazodone as part of a multimodal treatment plan. The dosage can range from 2.5 mg/pound to 15g/pound in 24 hours. However, you can get guidance from trazodone for dogs’ dosage charts or consult your vet.
Moreover, big dogs are more prone to joint diseases than their smaller counterparts, making a high level of physical activity vital. Exercise maintains their body weight, keeps their joints and muscles strong, and prevents obesity, arthritis, and behavioral issues.
They have Big Tummies
Just like their big personalities, large breed dogs require more food in a day than small ones. A toy breed might get overwhelmed with ½ cup of dog food daily so big dogs may require 2 ¾ to 6 cups based on their size and breed. On top of this, you have to invest in treats and occasional dog bone and chew.
They require a high amount of energy, so their food should be more calories in the first year of their life. However, it should be regulated afterward as it can lead to obesity and orthopedic problems. Therefore, you should have plenty of time and money to invest in choosing the right and nutritious diet for your big pooch.
They Need Early Training
Every dog needs training, but the giant ones should be trained early and for a lifetime. The large breeds can grow as much as an adult member of your family, so the margin of error in training them is significant.
A mischievous small-breed dog can be bearable, but imagine if your big dog jumps on people. There are significant safety concerns associated with big dog training, so you need to be vigilant. Make sure your dog is getting daily training and has developed an impeccable manner. Note that big dogs, like many other dogs, are sensitive. Therefore, training should be positive, fun, and reward based to get the most out of it.
They have Giant Care Needs
If you have an extremely busy routine, adopting a big dog won’t be a wise decision, as big dogs can eat up a big chunk of your day. They are high maintenance and won’t get happy if you skip any of their requirements. Based on their breed and coat type, they require lengthy grooming sessions. Additionally, they are prone to joint and bone injuries during their developing stage.
Therefore, you must be careful while taking them for a walk or supervising them while playing, as jumping on and off furniture can create havoc. This will be continued until their growth plates are sealed, which usually takes around 12 months.
They need a Large Space
Saying the obvious but a large territory for these big mutts is extremely important to stay happy and comfortable. Owning a big dog will encourage you to search for a trendy open floor design as they need much space to play, train, and exercise.
However, owning a big dog would be extremely difficult if you are a small apartment dweller. Moreover, renting with a giant mutt is challenging as landlords sometimes have size limits on the dogs that they allow on their property.
It is always recommended to analyze your lifestyle and ensure that your housing situation meets a big dog’s space requirements before bringing your new furry friend home.
Need of a Secure Yard
With everything bigger, giant dogs require larger, more secure, and sturdier fencing to keep them secure in your home. Based on the weight and height of your giant canine friend, fencing of a minimum of five to six feet is crucial in areas of your house when he is allowed to play.
If you think about a small enclosure of chicken wires, stop thinking because these giant hulks can seamlessly barge through such a flimsy boundary. Solid wood fencing is ideal to contain giant dog breeds.
Traveling with them is a Challenge
If you plan to travel or fly with your big dog, be ready for some disappointments. Some means of travel might refuse your big dog or cost you a fortune. Even if you‘ve settled for high costs, you must invest in dog sitters, kennels, etc.
Buses and subways demand you to put a muzzle on your mutt and also buy a ticket for them. Trains also require buying a ticket for your furry companion. However, it would cost half the price of your ticket.
Similarly, they would be kept in a cargo compartment or freight on the plane. Even after bearing that much, what if the hotel doesn’t allow these giant creatures? Therefore, reading hotel policies before going on a trip is recommended to avoid unnecessary surprises.
Final Words
Some of us are big dog lovers. No matter the set of responsibilities it entails, we would still go for these giant canines. Being a responsible big dog parent, you should be aware of the requirements of big dogs and prepare your home before adopting them.
Big dogs grow a lot but have a shorter lifespan than small dogs. This is a painful part of owning a big dog, but you can make every moment count. Spend as much time as you can with these lively creatures and take the best care of them to keep them happy and healthy for a lifetime.
Author Bio:
M Hassan Iqbal is a skilled digital marketer with 2 years of experience in SEO and content writing. He occasionally writes blogs for Dynamologic Solutions, creating engaging content that attracts traffic and delivers value.
