Cooper

Cooper was the healthiest-looking dog you could imagine. Four years old, big blocky head, coat like polished steel, and the kind of goofy smile that makes strangers stop mid-conversation.

So when I skipped his annual exam, I told myself it was fine. We were fine. He was fine.

He wasn’t.

The collapse

We were playing tug outside. Cooper let go of the rope, took a few steps, and just… fell. He stood back up a few seconds later, wagging like nothing happened.

I convinced myself he tripped. Yes, a Great Dane. Tripped. My denial was Olympic-level that day.

The diagnosis I wasn’t ready for

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

The silent killer of Great Danes.

His heart was already struggling. The vet told me that if we had caught it six months earlier, medication could have slowed the progression dramatically.

The subtle signs I brushed off

I didn’t take him in when I should have. I didn’t see the subtle signs:

• Slight fatigue
• Heavy breathing after play
• Longer naps
• Occasional coughing at night

I brushed those off like dust.

The final year

We managed his symptoms for twelve months. Cooper didn’t know he was sick. Dogs never do. He just kept loving us with everything he had until the day his heart stopped giving him second chances.

What I tell Great Dane owners now

• Do not skip annual exams.
• Get a baseline heart scan when they’re young.
• Giant breeds hide symptoms until it’s nearly too late.
• If your Dane “seems a little off,” assume it matters.

Cooper deserved more time. Your dog still has a chance at it.