Great Dane Health Guide
Gentle giants with the highest bloat risk of any breed—know the emergency signs that could save their life.
7-10
Years Lifespan
110-175
Pounds
37%
Bloat Risk
#17
AKC Popularity
Highest Bloat Risk of Any Breed
Great Danes have a 37% lifetime risk of bloat (GDV)—the highest of any breed. Bloat is the #1 killer of Great Danes. Know the signs: distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgery.
The Giant Breed Challenge
Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds, and their massive size creates unique health challenges:
- Bloat (GDV): 37% lifetime risk—the #1 killer of Great Danes
- Short lifespan: Only 7-10 years on average due to size
- Heart disease: DCM is common in the breed
- Bone cancer: Giant breeds have elevated osteosarcoma risk
Major Health Conditions
1. Bloat / Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
37% lifetime riskThe stomach fills with gas (bloat) and may twist (volvulus), cutting off blood supply. Without emergency surgery within hours, it's fatal. The #1 cause of death in Great Danes.
EMERGENCY SIGNS—Go to ER Immediately:
- • Distended, hard abdomen
- • Unproductive retching (trying to vomit, nothing comes up)
- • Restlessness, pacing, can't get comfortable
- • Excessive drooling
- • Pale gums, rapid heartbeat
Risk factors:
- • Deep, narrow chest
- • Eating too fast
- • One large meal per day
- • Stress/anxiety
- • Family history of bloat
Prevention:
- • Prophylactic gastropexy surgery
- • Multiple smaller meals
- • Slow-feeder bowls
- • No exercise 1 hour before/after meals
- • Reduce stress at mealtimes
2. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
CommonThe heart muscle weakens and enlarges, unable to pump blood effectively. Can cause sudden death or progressive heart failure. A leading cause of death in Great Danes.
Signs:
- • Exercise intolerance
- • Coughing
- • Rapid breathing
- • Fainting or collapse
- • May have no symptoms before sudden death
Screening:
- • Annual echocardiogram
- • Start at age 2-3
- • Holter monitor if arrhythmias suspected
- • Treatment can extend life if caught early
3. Hip Dysplasia
~12% affectedJoint malformation causing pain and arthritis. Their enormous size makes hip problems particularly impactful on mobility and quality of life.
Signs:
- • Limping or stiffness
- • Difficulty rising
- • Reluctance to climb stairs
- • Bunny-hopping gait
Prevention & management:
- • Controlled puppy growth rate
- • Keep lean (critical for giant breeds)
- • Joint supplements
- • Low-impact exercise
4. Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
Giant breed riskGiant breeds have significantly elevated bone cancer risk. Osteosarcoma typically affects the legs and is very aggressive. Average survival without treatment is 1-2 months.
Signs:
- • Sudden lameness
- • Swelling on leg
- • Pain when touched
- • May cause fracture
Treatment:
- • X-rays, possible biopsy
- • Amputation + chemo most effective
- • Palliative care options available
- • Prognosis is guarded
5. Wobbler Syndrome
4-5% affectedCervical vertebral instability causes spinal cord compression in the neck. Results in a wobbly, uncoordinated gait. More common in giant breeds.
Signs:
- • Wobbly hind legs
- • Stumbling
- • Neck pain
- • Scuffing toenails
Treatment:
- • MRI for diagnosis
- • Medical management or surgery
- • Physical therapy
- • Prognosis varies
Caring for Your Great Dane
Strongly Recommended
Prevents deadly stomach torsion
Screen for DCM starting at age 2
Could save your Dane's life
Extra weight is hard on giant joints
Understand Your Great Dane's Health Better
Upload your Great Dane's bloodwork for instant, AI-powered explanations.
Upload Your Dog's Records FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a Great Dane?
Great Danes typically live only 7-10 years—one of the shortest lifespans of any breed. Their large size accelerates aging, and they're prone to bloat, heart disease, and cancer.
Why are Great Danes so prone to bloat?
Great Danes have a 37% lifetime bloat risk—the highest of any breed. Their deep, narrow chest allows the stomach to twist more easily. Prophylactic gastropexy surgery can reduce risk by 95%.
What is prophylactic gastropexy?
A preventive surgery where the stomach is tacked to the abdominal wall, preventing deadly torsion. It can be done during spay/neuter. Most Dane experts strongly recommend this surgery.
Do Great Danes get heart disease?
Yes, DCM is common in Great Danes. The heart enlarges and weakens, causing heart failure or sudden death. Annual cardiac screening with echocardiogram is recommended starting at age 2-3.
Are Great Danes prone to hip dysplasia?
About 12% have hip dysplasia. Controlled growth during puppyhood and maintaining lean weight helps reduce severity.
Should Great Danes eat from raised bowls?
Research is conflicting. Current consensus is raised bowls probably don't significantly affect bloat risk. Focus instead on preventing rapid eating and stress around meals.