Rottweilers are a large and hearty breed, known for their fierce loyalty. Unfortunately, they are also prone to a variety of health issues that require a watchful eye and a good relationship with your Rottweiler’s vet.

In order to better prepare you to have a proactive role in protecting your Rottweiler’s health we have compiled this information so that you will better understand what to expect should you decide to keep a Rottweiler as a pet and also how to best handle any health issues as and when they do arise. Again, the purpose of this information is not to frighten, only to inform. Remember that knowledge is the best defense.

A Proper Rottweiler Diet

There are thousands of commercial pet foods on the market but only a handful that are worthy of being recommended for your Rottweiler. Rather than give you a list of brands, here’s what to look for in the dog food, no matter which brand you decide to buy:

• The first ingredient should be a meat source that ends with meal. For example: beef meal, lamb meal, chicken meal…
• Second on the list should be a carbohydrate source such as rice, corn or wheat. Beware that some dogs have shown an allergy to wheat.

Test your Rottweiler’s new kibble for quality by putting one cup of kibble in bowl with two cups of water. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about six hours. If the kibble has swollen by any more than half its original size, the kibble contains too much bulk and fiber ingredients that provide no nutritional value to your Rottweiler. In other words, you are paying for a food that is doing nothing to help your Rottweiler’s health.

Rottweilers and Exercise

In order to maintain a healthy body weight and a healthy state of mind, most Rottweilers need to be exercised for at least 15-20 minutes twice a day. Lack of proper exercise can lead to – or contribute to – a variety of health problems. The most common mistake among new Rottweiler owners is overfeeding and under exercising.

Common Rottweiler Ailments

• Dysplasia- A painful and debilitating form of arthritis that is largely genetic and can occur in both the hip and elbow joints of your Rottweiler.
• Osteosarcoma - The official name for cancer of the bone, which is the largest cause of non-accidental death in Rottweilers.
• Underactive Thyroid - A malfunction of the Rottweiler’s thyroid gland (located in the neck) that can result in obesity, thinning coat and general lethargy.
• Heart Disease - Several forms of heart disease are commonly noted amongst the Rottweiler breed.

The most important thing for you to do when you bring a new Rottweiler home is to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Vets know what signs to look for and what tests should be run on your Rottweiler, and will be able to advise you on how to deal with any health problems that may arise. For this reason you should make every effort to maintain an open line of communication with your vet and to alert him should you notice anything unusual with your Rottweiler.