What's the daily routine for a Great Dane?
Follow this 15-minute daily checklist to keep your Great Dane healthy and happy.
Daily Routine
Start your day with a 30-minute walk or play session to ensure your Great Dane gets the 30–60 minutes of exercise they need daily. Keep the temperature at 68°F (20°C) for a comfortable start. Offer fresh water after their activity.
Next, check their food and water bowls. Fill them with 4 cups of high-quality dog food and 1 gallon of fresh water. Use a 5-inch raised bowl to prevent strain on their back. Clean the bowls with a mild detergent and hot water after each meal.
Groom your Great Dane by brushing their short coat with a soft-bristle brush for 5 minutes. This helps remove loose fur and distribute natural oils. Check their paws and ears for any signs of injury or infection.
Finally, spend 10 minutes on joint care. Apply a 2-gram joint supplement and provide a 2-inch thick orthopedic bed for rest periods.
- 30-minute walk or play session
- Check temperature at 68°F (20°C)
- Offer 4 cups of high-quality dog food and 1 gallon of water
- Use a 5-inch raised bowl
- Brush coat for 5 minutes
- Check paws and ears
- Apply 2-gram joint supplement
- Provide a 2-inch thick orthopedic bed
Weekly Routine
Once a week, vacuum the bed area to remove any loose fur and debris. Use a 100-watt vacuum cleaner for thorough cleaning.
Inspect the yard or play area for any hazards that could injure your Great Dane. Remove any sharp objects or toxic plants.
Brush your Great Dane's teeth with a dog-specific toothpaste for 2 minutes to maintain oral health.
- Vacuum bed area weekly
- Inspect yard or play area weekly
- Brush teeth for 2 minutes weekly
Monthly Routine
Monthly, schedule a vet visit for a full health check-up. This includes vaccinations and a discussion about your Great Dane's diet and exercise needs.
Check the orthopedic bed for any signs of wear and tear. Replace it every 6 months to ensure it provides adequate support.
Clean the litter box if you use one, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Monthly vet visit
- Replace orthopedic bed every 6 months
- Clean litter box monthly
What to Skip on Busy Days
On particularly busy days, you can skip the 5-minute coat brushing if you're short on time. Your Great Dane's coat is short and easy to care for, so a quick once-over can suffice.
If you're unable to walk your Great Dane for the full 30 minutes, a 15-minute walk or play session is still beneficial.
- Skip coat brushing on busy days
- 15-minute walk or play session on busy days
Daily Checks
Before each meal, check the food and water bowls for cleanliness. Look for any signs of spoilage or contamination.
Monitor your Great Dane's eating and drinking habits. If they suddenly eat or drink less, it could be a sign of illness.
Observe their behavior during play. Any limping or reluctance to move could indicate joint pain.
- Check food and water bowls before meals
- Monitor eating and drinking habits
- Observe behavior during play
Keep reading about Great Dane: Great Dane care sheet
Related questions
How much exercise does a Great Dane need daily?
A Great Dane requires 30–60 minutes of exercise daily, including walks or play sessions.
What type of bed is best for a Great Dane?
An orthopedic bed with a 2-inch thickness is ideal for a Great Dane to prevent joint strain.
How often should I clean my Great Dane's teeth?
Brush your Great Dane's teeth for 2 minutes once a week to maintain good oral health.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your great dane is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.