Your Mastiff health should never be overlooked. Everybody loves the Mastiff. This big, strong dog is one of the most popular breeds around. If you plan on buying a puppy or adopting a Mastiff, here are a few things you need to know about Mastiff health so you can be sure that you can spend many, happy years with him.
Mastiff Health
Mastiffs are among the largest dog breeds around. They can be as high as 76 centimeters from their shoulders and weigh up to 72 kgs. As such, they are subject to certain health risks that larger dogs are prone to have.
Muscoskeletal disorders are common in Mastiffs. Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia can be aggravated by the undue tension that heavyweight dogs place on their bones. Arthritis and rheumatism are also effects that they experience, and this could be very painful and crippling for the dog.
Even More Serious Mastiff Health Problems
Aside from muscoskeletal related ailments, this breed can also suffer from gastric torsion a disorder more known as bloat. Many people don’t consider this as a sickness, but rather a life threatening condition, and it can be very dangerous for animals nonetheless.
It is said that bloat is caused when dogs eat a lot in a rushed manner, causing their stomachs to rapidly expand that it partially revolves around itself. If it completes a rotation, it is called gastric volvulus. The circulation is cut off, causing the stomach wall to deteriorate rapidly and releasing toxins into the bloodstream. The dog can go into shock end will often die if not treated urgently.
How do we prevent this from happening? It is better for dogs to eat 2 smaller meals a day, than consume one large meal all at once. Do not allow your dog to be overly active immediately before and after his meals. It is said that dishes that are elevated may be a contributing factor to bloat, so keep the dog dish on the floor.
Don’t feed your dog dry kibble. Dry kibble tend to expand when they get wet inside the stomach. If you must serve dry kibble, let them soak in water overnight before you feed it to the dog. As much as you are able, give your dog fresh meat, fruits, vegetables and grains that are great sources of vitamins and minerals. Mastiff health will be greatly improved with the right diet. Beware of overfeeding them so they don’t become overweight and aggravate their muscoskeletal sicknesses.
Mastiff Health – Eye Problems
Mastiffs also have a higher incidence of eye problems. Cataracts, Ectropion and Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) are some eye issues that they have to deal with. While these problems are often congenital by nature, you can ask the vet on natural treatments and medications on how to best manage them. Visual impairment is seldom painful, but the quality of life of the dog is severely compromised without is eyesight.
Mastiffs are more than worth the time and effort you put in them because they will give you unquestioning loyalty, joy and friendship for the rest of their life. It is important to learn about Mastiff health because it is up to the responsible pet owner to ensure a long and healthy life for their pet.
