Apollodane Great Danes

Growth

Since your puppy will grow quickly, some precautions must be taken to ensure proper bone development:

Do not allow your puppy to run for long periods of time as this can cause hairline fractures in their developing bones. Wait to run or play long games of fetch until your dog is at least 18 months old, the same goes for walking long distance. The Great Dane, although a big dog in size does not need lots of exercise. A good natural run in the morning and the same in the afternoon will keep you Great Dane happy, this can be in the garden or a dedicated dog play area.

Do not allow your puppy to play on slippery surfaces. This is a possible environmental cause of hip dysplasia.

One children’s chewable vitamin C can be given to your puppy once a day for the first 18 months. Some studies have shown that “Ester C 500mg vitamin C” helps to ease “growing pains” associated with rapid bone growth, this can be increased to twice per day (total 1000mg) after the age of 18months. This is not conclusive evidence but, we have found it works well for us with some dogs and, this type is easily digested in to the system. Unused Vit C is not stored in the body, it is passed in the urine so is completely safe and can not be overdosed.
Link to average growth chart :