Rottweiler Health
The following information was found on PetMD by Chewy.
ROTTWEILER
Written by Heather Newett, MPH, DVM
Reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM
Updated Apr. 19, 2024
I have included the "Rottweiler Health Issues" and "What To Feed A Rottweiler" sections only from full article.
Rottweiler Health Issues
Rottweilers can be prone to many health problems. Routine veterinary exams are essential for keeping this breed healthy, and pet insurance may be a good investment when bringing home a Rottweiler puppy.
Obesity
Rottweilers are prone to obesity, so pet parents need to be diligent about their dog’s mealtimes and portion sizes. Ask your veterinarian about the best food for your Rottie and how much they should eat every day.
Your veterinarian can help you determine the best weight management plan for your dog. This includes monitoring your dog’s diet and exercise routines as well as their treat intake, and ensuring they do not eat table scraps or another pet’s food.
Obesity in dogs can lead to many other health problems (or make existing problems worse), so it’s essential your Rottweiler stays at a healthy weight.
Canine Hip or Elbow Dysplasia
Rottweilers are known to experience elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia.
Both conditions can lead to arthritis if not properly treated. Some dogs may need surgery, while others do well on medical management with pain medication, joint supplements, and/or weight loss.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
A dog’s cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is similar to a human’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Due to their large size and high energy levels, Rottweilers commonly rupture their CCLs—just like humans tear their ACLs.
This injury is best treated with orthopedic surgery, followed by lifelong joint supplements and physical therapy.
You can reduce your Rottweiler’s risk of a CCL rupture by:
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a painful, metastatic, and aggressive bone cancer that Rottweilers are predisposed to. If you see any signs of swelling, pain or lameness in your Rottweiler, take them to your veterinarian for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Osteosarcoma is usually diagnosed through a physical exam and radiography. It can be treated effectively if it’s diagnosed at a very early stage.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Rottweilers are also predisposed to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a severe case of bloat in dogs, because of their deep chests and relatively narrow abdomens. GDV occurs when the stomach bloats with gas or food material. This swelling allows it to rotate, blocking bloodflow to major abdominal organs.
GDV is fatal if not treated immediately. Go to the vet or emergency veterinarian clinic ASAP you notice any signs of GDV, which include:
A preventative surgical procedure, called a gastropexy, is often recommended by veterinarians to pet parents of at-risk breeds. Talk to your veterinarian about performing a gastropexy during your Rottweiler’s spay or neuter surgery.
Entropion
Entropion is a common eyelid condition in which the eyelids curl inward. This causes the eyelashes to point toward—and rub against—the cornea (the eye’s outer layer).
Unless this condition is surgically treated, entropion causes constant eye irritation and excessive tearing. It can also increase the risk of corneal ulcers and eye infections.
Subaortic Stenosis
Heart murmurs are abnormalities that a veterinarian may find during your Rottweiler’s physical exam. This condition may be caused by subaortic stenosis (SAS), which can lead to sudden death, especially in undiagnosed, untreated puppies.
If a veterinarian diagnoses your dog with any cardiac abnormalities, consult with a veterinary cardiologist as soon as possible. Some cardiac diseases can be managed with lifelong oral medications.
What To Feed a Rottweiler
The first rule of feeding any dog, including a Rottweiler, is to offer food that matches their life stage. A puppy should be fed a puppy food, an adult dog should be fed an adult dog food, and a senior dog should be fed a senior dog food.
Choose a dog food that is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Some pet food companies have even developed diets specifically for Rottweilers, and these are generally appropriate. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food option for your dog.
How To Feed a Rottweiler
Rottweiler puppies should be fed three to four times a day to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). They also require calories sufficient for growth and metabolism maintenance. Feeding a puppy diet is recommended until your Rottie reaches 12 months of age, then transition them to an adult formula.
Adult Rottweilers can be fed two times a day. It’s important to stick to measured, scheduled feedings to help stave off obesity. Feeding your Rottie multiple meals also helps prevent bloat and GDV, which have a higher chance of occurring if your dog eats one large meal per day.
Other tips for avoiding life-threatening GDV include:
How Much To Feed a Rottweiler
Appropriate caloric intake is important to keeping your Rottweiler at a healthy weight. Your AAFCO-approved dog food packaging will have portion guidelines, but your veterinarian is your best resource. A vet will assess your Rottweiler’s body condition and can provide an individualized caloric intake recommendation.
Nutritional Tips for Rottweilers
It’s important to consult a veterinarian regarding the best dietary supplements for your dog. They may recommended supplements for Rottweilers such as:
References
American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Small Animal Topics: Canine Hip Dysplasia. 2022.
ROTTWEILER
Written by Heather Newett, MPH, DVM
Reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM
Updated Apr. 19, 2024
I have included the "Rottweiler Health Issues" and "What To Feed A Rottweiler" sections only from full article.
Rottweiler Health Issues
Rottweilers can be prone to many health problems. Routine veterinary exams are essential for keeping this breed healthy, and pet insurance may be a good investment when bringing home a Rottweiler puppy.
Obesity
Rottweilers are prone to obesity, so pet parents need to be diligent about their dog’s mealtimes and portion sizes. Ask your veterinarian about the best food for your Rottie and how much they should eat every day.
Your veterinarian can help you determine the best weight management plan for your dog. This includes monitoring your dog’s diet and exercise routines as well as their treat intake, and ensuring they do not eat table scraps or another pet’s food.
Obesity in dogs can lead to many other health problems (or make existing problems worse), so it’s essential your Rottweiler stays at a healthy weight.
Canine Hip or Elbow Dysplasia
Rottweilers are known to experience elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia.
- Elbow dysplasia affects the elbow joint, with symptoms including swelling, lameness in the forelimbs, abnormal gait, and an elbow bulging to the side.
- Hip dysplasia is when the hip joint to become loose, causing lameness, limping, a cracking or popping sound from the joints, and a bunny-hopping gait.
Both conditions can lead to arthritis if not properly treated. Some dogs may need surgery, while others do well on medical management with pain medication, joint supplements, and/or weight loss.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
A dog’s cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is similar to a human’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Due to their large size and high energy levels, Rottweilers commonly rupture their CCLs—just like humans tear their ACLs.
This injury is best treated with orthopedic surgery, followed by lifelong joint supplements and physical therapy.
You can reduce your Rottweiler’s risk of a CCL rupture by:
- Avoiding high-impact activities (such as running on hard surfaces or playing tug-of-war)
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in low-impact exercise (like walking, swimming, and nose work)
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a painful, metastatic, and aggressive bone cancer that Rottweilers are predisposed to. If you see any signs of swelling, pain or lameness in your Rottweiler, take them to your veterinarian for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Osteosarcoma is usually diagnosed through a physical exam and radiography. It can be treated effectively if it’s diagnosed at a very early stage.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Rottweilers are also predisposed to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a severe case of bloat in dogs, because of their deep chests and relatively narrow abdomens. GDV occurs when the stomach bloats with gas or food material. This swelling allows it to rotate, blocking bloodflow to major abdominal organs.
GDV is fatal if not treated immediately. Go to the vet or emergency veterinarian clinic ASAP you notice any signs of GDV, which include:
- Inability to settle/get comfortable
- Decreased appetite
- Drooling
- An enlarged abdomen
- Retching without vomiting
A preventative surgical procedure, called a gastropexy, is often recommended by veterinarians to pet parents of at-risk breeds. Talk to your veterinarian about performing a gastropexy during your Rottweiler’s spay or neuter surgery.
Entropion
Entropion is a common eyelid condition in which the eyelids curl inward. This causes the eyelashes to point toward—and rub against—the cornea (the eye’s outer layer).
Unless this condition is surgically treated, entropion causes constant eye irritation and excessive tearing. It can also increase the risk of corneal ulcers and eye infections.
Subaortic Stenosis
Heart murmurs are abnormalities that a veterinarian may find during your Rottweiler’s physical exam. This condition may be caused by subaortic stenosis (SAS), which can lead to sudden death, especially in undiagnosed, untreated puppies.
If a veterinarian diagnoses your dog with any cardiac abnormalities, consult with a veterinary cardiologist as soon as possible. Some cardiac diseases can be managed with lifelong oral medications.
What To Feed a Rottweiler
The first rule of feeding any dog, including a Rottweiler, is to offer food that matches their life stage. A puppy should be fed a puppy food, an adult dog should be fed an adult dog food, and a senior dog should be fed a senior dog food.
Choose a dog food that is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Some pet food companies have even developed diets specifically for Rottweilers, and these are generally appropriate. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food option for your dog.
How To Feed a Rottweiler
Rottweiler puppies should be fed three to four times a day to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). They also require calories sufficient for growth and metabolism maintenance. Feeding a puppy diet is recommended until your Rottie reaches 12 months of age, then transition them to an adult formula.
Adult Rottweilers can be fed two times a day. It’s important to stick to measured, scheduled feedings to help stave off obesity. Feeding your Rottie multiple meals also helps prevent bloat and GDV, which have a higher chance of occurring if your dog eats one large meal per day.
Other tips for avoiding life-threatening GDV include:
- Avoiding elevated food bowls
- Not exercising your Rottweiler immediately before or after a meal
- Trying a slow feeder bowl if your dog is eating too much, too quickly
How Much To Feed a Rottweiler
Appropriate caloric intake is important to keeping your Rottweiler at a healthy weight. Your AAFCO-approved dog food packaging will have portion guidelines, but your veterinarian is your best resource. A vet will assess your Rottweiler’s body condition and can provide an individualized caloric intake recommendation.
Nutritional Tips for Rottweilers
It’s important to consult a veterinarian regarding the best dietary supplements for your dog. They may recommended supplements for Rottweilers such as:
- Omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acid supplements, which support joints, the coat, and cardiac function.
- Joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which help prevent arthritis.
References
American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Small Animal Topics: Canine Hip Dysplasia. 2022.