A Mastiff Breed Guide and Pet Insurance Plan

Pet insurance can be an invaluable way to cover unexpected health costs for your pup. Look for plans with short waiting periods and comprehensive coverage options – this may even cover hereditary or breed-specific conditions!

Consider purchasing an all-inclusive accident and illness plan from a provider with high customer satisfaction ratings and generous annual limits, one which also reimburses exam fees.

Characteristics

Mastiffs are intelligent dogs who thrive when around their families. They can often provide an unbiased mediation between quarrelling couples or between parent disciplining a child and children themselves, providing comfort when necessary. Unfortunately, mastiffs don’t tend to like being left alone for too long periods and may become destructive without supervision. When selecting puppies to adopt it’s important that those interested look for ones with good temperaments; these traits can often be determined through how the puppies interact in their litter or at their breeder’s house; aggressive or difficult-to-handle puppies while curious or playful ones tend to have great dispositions.

Mastiffs tend to be extremely affectionate and loving when it comes to children, though introduction should take place gradually so as to allow the children time to understand their size and the risks posed by such heavyweight breeds as 200 pounds can easily injure toddlers or knock them over with one blow from the tail or body.

As is true with other large breed dogs, Mastiffs can suffer from several medical issues. One such issue is bloat, in which their stomach twists inward to block its entrance and exit and possibly restrict blood flow. Treatment may cost thousands of dollars; therefore it is vital that you secure an affordable pet insurance plan which covers these expenses as well as emergencies or alternative care costs.

Life expectancy

As is common with large breeds, mastiffs typically live shorter lives than smaller dog breeds due to rapid age-related decay of their bodies compared with those of smaller dogs, leading to terminal illnesses appearing early on in their lifespans.

Responsible mastiff breeders screen for any health conditions that could afflict this large, deep-chested breed. Puppies are checked for hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid disease, PRA/PRCD DNA mutations and autoimmune inflammatory diseases.

Mastiffs, like most breeds of dog, can become susceptible to arthritis and joint issues over time. Furthermore, these dogs may experience stomach bloat – when their stomach fills too rapidly with gas, food or fluid and twists too rapidly as it fills – potentially blocking off an organ’s entrance and exit and necessitating immediate medical intervention as it poses a life-threatening emergency.

Mastiffs can also be vulnerable to osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Osteosarcoma is a painful, life-threatening condition affecting bones of the arms and upper body, so early diagnosis and treatment is key so as not to spread throughout their bodies.

Overall, mastiffs typically live about eight years before they pass away – males tending to outlive females in this respect and pedigree dogs often passing at slightly earlier ages than mixed breeds; Boerboel and Neapolitan Mastiffs were found to have the shortest lifespan.

Care

As with any dog breed, a mastiff requires special care in order to live a happy and healthy life. Therefore, investing in a good pet insurance plan that specifically covers medical conditions specific to its breed is vital – accidents, emergency care services, alternative treatments as well as diseases or illnesses such as cancer or joint issues may all fall within its coverage.

Mastiffs thrive best in homes that provide plenty of space for them to move and exercise, such as farms. Apartments or smaller homes should avoid adopting one as these large dogs may easily knock over small children and elderly people who live alone. Also, mastiffs tend to drool quite profusely so those not willing to deal with that should avoid getting one as an addition.

This giant breed can be susceptible to numerous health issues, including hip dysplasia and osteosarcoma that can be costly to treat, making them the ideal candidate for adoption. Therefore, it’s essential that breeders provide comprehensive health and genetic history information, while diet is also crucial in keeping mastiffs healthy – with scheduled meals instead of leaving food out all day helping avoid issues related to weight gain and prevent bloat as well as any related health complications; their specific nutritional requirements depend on factors like their age, activity level and other variables so it is wise to consult veterinary regarding these needs before adopting.

Training

Mastiffs require some training in order to ensure they are well-mannered, though they’re generally eager to please. With an inherent sense of loyalty, Mastiffs form strong bonds with family members; however, these large dogs should also be socialized from an early age so as not to become overprotective or aggressive when meeting strangers and children. This could prevent aggression later down the line.

Due to their size, Mastiffs may not be ideal companions in apartments or small living spaces; instead they prefer sleeping inside their homes where they will feel most at home. When left outside alone for long periods, Mastiffs tend to become bored easily and may resort to destructive behaviors; hence making these dogs unsuitable for people new to dog ownership or with limited experience handling large breeds.

As is true of all breeds of dog, Mastiffs require daily moderate exercise to remain happy and active. This is especially important for older members of this breed who may be susceptible to weight gain and other health conditions like hip dysplasia. Furthermore, gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), an emergency condition requiring immediate veterinary intervention, poses an even greater threat.

If you are considering adopting a Mastiff, be sure to visit a reliable breeder or adoption agency with experience with large dogs. In doing so, you can gain more insight into this amazing breed while making an educated choice for your household. Furthermore, pet insurance plans offer peace of mind when caring for mastiffs in case any emergencies arise and ensure they receive optimal care and treatment when needed.