28/08/2026
Big puppy = big paws… and a little more to think about...
All that growing puts a lot of demand on their developing bones and joints. They can continue maturing well beyond their first birthday, so we pay particular attention to things like nutrition, body condition and how much exercise they’re doing while those joints are still developing.
Hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament disease and arthritis are some of the orthopaedic problems we think about more with our bigger dogs. Genetics certainly plays a role, but keeping them lean, feeding an appropriate large-breed puppy diet and avoiding excessive high-impact exercise while growing can all help set them up well.
And then there’s the question of...
“When should I des*x my dog?”
There isn’t one perfect age for every dog. For some larger breeds, there can be reasons to consider waiting until they’re closer to skeletal maturity rather than automatically des*xing at 6 months. Breed, s*x, expected adult size, behaviour, lifestyle and the individual dog’s health all come into the decision. We also discuss breed predisposed health conditions with first time pet owners during their vaccinations or any check ups.
It’s one of those conversations we much prefer to have with owners after assessing their pet rather than giving everyone the same answer.
Little Halo (big Halo, actually) is going to have his des*xing done much later and we will have a good look and check of his hips at the same time.
For now though… this little giant seems much more concerned about where the treats are. 👀😂
Check out his cool bandana!
