Originally Posted by
DaneDodger
Forgot to add... I'd check into your breeder if I were you too. As mentioned, demodex is genetic so your breeder could be at fault if his/her breeding practices aren't the best. If that's the case I personally think that the breeder should at least help pay for these treatments.
Oh yes, good one, Darth!
Oh and don't let your dane eat just after getting all worked up exercising and don't exercise just after to help prevent bloat. Opinions seem to be mixed about whether raising the food dishes or not helps prevent bloat but I err on the side of caution and it just seems more comfy for him so I raise the dishes. If you use dry food add water to it just before you feed it (no need to soak it till it's soft) so that your dane doesn't get dry mouth then gulp a load of water after eating.
I was going to suggest Linda's website too....I went there this morning and did a little reading on demodectic mange after this thread came up. Interestingly enough, she says that it isn't genetic in nature. I had always read that it was. I wonder if that may have started due to dogs having poor immune systems through genetics, which allows the mite to take over when the system is weak (the mite is always present on the skin)? As mentioned, shots can weaken the immune system of young puppies, leading to an outbreak of mange. Vaccination protocol is changing after much research, although many vets still insist on the old way of vaccinating. Many people simply run titers each year instead of vaccinating to make sure that their dog is still immune.
Definetely, the advice given here about protien in the diet for Dane puppies is accurate. Please research this because high protein diets in Dane pups can lead to serious growth issues. Many people mistakenly call a Dane a "Large Breed," when in actuality they are *giant breeds.* They have a whole different set of needs than large breeds. (Yeah I made a rhyme LOL!!)
I was so freaked out about bloat when I first got Neo! Later, after I determined that he had a lot of food allergy-related skin issues, I switched him to an all raw meat diet. It helped him immensly and as a bonus, I don't worry much at all about bloat anymore. Since the food isn't dry, it doesn't swell in the stomach...while my dog can still bloat, I feel that his risk is much lower. If anyone is interested, I'd be happy to tell you more about that method of feeding. (It isn't for everyone.)
Oh, and Darth, I knew you were my hero for a reason!! I didn't even realize that you had Danes!!
And DaneDodger...I see you are in Texas and my Dane, Neo, came from Texas! The Dane community is a small one, so I'll ask if you know of Taro Great Danes in Houston? Neo's breeders are Sean Smith and Tammy Samples....really great people!
