Preventive Care Checklist for Large-Breed Dogs

Large-breed dogs make wonderful companions but have unique health needs. Their rapid growth and heavier weight make them more prone to joint issues, heart problems, and inherited conditions. Proactive care can help keep them healthy and happy for years. This guide provides a preventive care checklist for every stage of life.

1. Regular Veterinary Checkups

Preventive veterinary visits help catch health issues early and allow for tailored care plans. Large breeds are especially prone to joint problems, heart disease, and organ issues, which often develop quietly. Early detection improves treatment outcomes and supports your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

• Schedule annual or bi-annual checkups
• Perform bloodwork for heart and organ health
• Monitor for early signs of joint or bone issues
• Consider insurance plans that cover preventive visits

2. Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention

Vaccinations and parasite prevention are essential for maintaining a large dog’s health and longevity. Core vaccines, such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, protect against life-threatening diseases, while non-core vaccines like Lyme disease and Bordetella provide additional protection based on your dog’s lifestyle and environment. Large breeds are especially vulnerable to complications from parasites, so consistent flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal parasite prevention is critical.

• Core vaccines: Rabies, distemper, parvovirus
• Non-core vaccines: Lyme disease, Bordetella
• Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention: Vital for large dogs prone to health complications
• De-Wormer: Oral treatment for Tapeworm, Roundworm & Hookworm

Tip: The Seresto Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick Treatment & Prevention Collar provides long-lasting, vet-recommended protection that kills and repels fleas and ticks for up to eight months, helping keep large dogs comfortable and parasite-free without the need for monthly treatments.

3. Nutrition & Weight Management

A proper diet is essential for supporting joint health and preventing obesity, a major risk factor for large breeds. Large-breed formulas with controlled calcium and added glucosamine promote healthy bone growth and joint function, and feeding the right portions helps maintain an ideal weight, reducing stress on joints and lowering the risk of arthritis and hip dysplasia. Regularly monitoring portion sizes and your dog’s weight ensures balanced nutrition for overall health, mobility, and a longer, more active life. There are specially formulated foods balanced for large-breed dogs’ needs, providing optimal protein, vitamins, minerals, and joint-supporting nutrients to help maintain their overall health and longevity. Using a reliable scale, such as the Redmon Digital Field Pet Scale, allows you to track your dog’s weight accurately and make informed decisions about their diet and health.

• Feed large-breed formulas with controlled calcium and glucosamine
• Monitor portion sizes and weight regularly

Tip: Redmon Digital Dog Scale – a precision pet digital scale that measures the weight of dogs ranging from puppies to larger breeds of dogs.

4. Joint & Mobility Care

Large dogs are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, making proactive preventive care essential for their long-term health and mobility. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint structure and slow the progression of degenerative conditions, while omega-3 fatty acids work to reduce inflammation and promote overall joint comfort. Supporting joint health is especially important for large-breed dogs. Regular, low-impact exercise is also critical, as it helps maintain muscle mass, supports joint stability, and improves flexibility. Combining these strategies can significantly enhance quality of life, helping large breeds stay active and comfortable well into their later years.

• Glucosamine/chondroitin supplements
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Regular exercise to maintain muscle mass

Tip: VetriScience GlycoFlex3 is commonly used to maintain joint comfort and mobility, while Nutramax Dasuquin provides more comprehensive support for cartilage and joint function, often recommended for dogs with arthritis.

5. Dental Care

Dental health is a crucial aspect of a dog’s overall wellness, as poor oral care can lead to serious health issues, including heart and kidney problems. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth 2–3 times per week helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs. In addition to brushing, dental chews are an excellent way to maintain oral hygiene between cleanings, helping to freshen breath and support gum health. Consistent dental care not only preserves your dog’s teeth but also contributes to their overall health, comfort, and quality of life.

• Brush your dog’s teeth 2–3 times per week
• Use dental chews to maintain oral hygiene

Tip: Pedigree Dentastix Large Breed Dog Treats offer a tasty and effective way to reduce plaque and freshen breath, while the Arm & Hammer Tartar Control Kit containing toothpaste, toothbrush and fingerbrush is specially recommended for safe, daily brushing.

7. Supporting Rest and Healthy Sleep

Large-breed dogs need beds that promote proper rest and support joint health. Good night sleep is essential because it supports healthy growth and bone development, especially during the rapid puppy and adolescent stages. It also allows muscles and joints to recover from daily activity, reducing the risk of strain or injury, and is crucial for mental health and immune function, helping dogs stay alert, happy, and resilient.

The Bedsure Extra Large Dog Bed is designed with comfort and support in mind—especially for larger dogs who need more space and better joint relief. Its high-density “egg-crate” foam base helps distribute weight evenly and reduces pressure on hips and elbows. The removable, machine-washable cover makes cleaning simple, and the waterproof inner liner protects the core from accidents. Together with a non-skid bottom and expansive size, this bed offers a cozy, secure space where your big dog can stretch out and rest peacefully.

For anxiety relief and a cozy sleeping environment, the Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut Bed uses lux faux fur and raised edges, helping dogs up to 150 lbs feel secure and comfortable while resting.

8. Insurance & Preventive Coverage

Having large-breed dog insurance provides important financial support that helps ensure your dog receives the best possible care throughout their life. These plans often cover routine wellness exams, allowing for regular checkups that help detect potential health issues early, when they are easier and less costly to treat. Many policies also include coverage for early detection tests, which are especially valuable for large breeds that are prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, and arthritis. In some plans, supplemental coverage for items like joint supplements, prescription diets, or alternative therapies may also be included, giving owners greater flexibility to support their dog’s health. Overall, large-breed dog insurance offers peace of mind, making high-quality care more accessible and helping ensure your dog stays healthy and comfortable for years to come.

Having large-breed dog insurance ensures your dog can get:

• Early detection tests
• Routine wellness exams
• Supplement coverage if included in the plan

Preventive care is the key to keeping your large dog healthy and happy. By combining regular vet visits, proper nutrition, joint support, exercise, and specialized insurance, you protect your dog from costly medical issues and improve their quality of life.

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