Bernese Mountain Dog Health Problems
They make excellent companions, but need a larger home with a garden due to their big frames. Seniors, or very young children may be challenged by their sheer power, despite how gentle and kind they are in nature.
Both male and female dogs are large in size and weight, and have intense grooming needs. These Bernese Mountain Dog characteristics mean that their most common health problems are related to their size. For example, placing extra strain on joints such as their cruciate ligament, leading to rupture.
The Bernese Mountain Dog life expectancy is shorter than most, around eight to ten years is considered old. The table gives an oversight to the breed at a glance:
#Common Health issues in Bernese Mountain Dogs
A Bernese Mountain Dog health problem of particular significance, is an increased
risk of developing cancers, including the more invasive cancers such as sarcomas. Any lumps you detect need to be checked by a veterinarian immediatley to increase the chances of surgical removal and cure.
Eye conditions are another Bernese Mountain Dog health issue. They can suffer from retinal atrophy, entropion and cataracts. A Bernese Mountain Dog needs a full eye exam yearly to detect eye problems.
##Physical issues
Their large frame comes with extra risks of injury. Bernese Mountain Dog joint problems can be seen in conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, a painful condition whereby the ball and socket joint do not sit together well leading to osteoarthritis and inflammation.
##Stomach Issues
Large breed dogs such as theBernese Mountain Dog are at risk of GDV (gastric dilatation and volvulus) a life threatening
gastrointestinal condition whereby the stomach twists on itself. A vet can perform a preventative surgery called a gastropexy, to reduce the risks of your dog getting GDV.
Bernese Mountain Dog stomach issues are not particularly common, you may find your dog has sensitivities or intolerance's to certain food types, but this can be managed with diet changes quite successfully.
##Skin issues and allergies
Bernese Mountain Dog skin issues of note are few. The most prevalent is called a hot spot, or bacterial skin infection. These can be very itchy or painful, needing antibiotics and painkillers to treat.
##Medical Problems
Degenerative myelopathy is a common Bernese Mountain Dog back leg problem seen in the more senior years. It is a non painful condition that affects the spinal cord in the lower half of the body. It starts as hindlimb weakness and progresses to complete paralysis with time.
#Caring for a Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs grooming, exercise and nutrition needs are specific to their breed. Failure to meet their needs on these aspects of care can lead to ill health or silent suffering, as the Bernese Mountain Dog is too pleasant in nature to openly complain when they are struggling.
##Diet and nutrition tips
Bernese Mountain Dogs' health issues can start in early life if they are not fed right. As a large breed, their bones grow slowly, and you will need to feed a complete balanced puppy food until two years old, as this is the age their bone plates fuse. Failure to do so can lead to irreversible bone damage and problems with movement or mobility. If you are unsure about feeding recommendations, avoid raw feeding and ask a vet to recommend a diet that is suitable for their needs.
As a large breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog is statistically at higher risk of developing a GDV (twisted stomach) which is life threatening. The golden rule to follow is to avoid feeding either one hour before, or after exercise. This is the highest risk window for creating the conditions that GDV occurs in.
##Training and Exercise Tips
Bernese Mountain Dogs are easy to train due to their loving, eager temperaments. Their willingness to learn is a direct display of their love for you as a pet owner. The only slight issue with training comes with their large size. Tasks like learning to walk on the lead are best done early
in life to avoid getting into a tug of war with a strong powerful adult dog.
Bernese Mountain Dog exercise needs are similar to most large breed dogs. Around one hour a day of exercise is enough to keep them happy. Remember the Bernese Mountain Dog is originally a working dog, used for herding and guarding. If you don't take the time to allow them to exercise, their energy can turn into frustration, leading to barking or destruction in the home. Engage their brain by mixing walks with obedience or other brain games like hide and seek in the home to keep them occupied.
##Grooming Tips
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot. They were bred to work outside in harsh cold landscapes for hours on end and have the coat to match the job. Their thick double coat is shed at regular points through the year, meaning Bernese Mountain Dogs are not hypoallergenic. You will need to invest in robust grooming brushes and combs to help strip out the thick undercoat. A daily brush can reduce dander and hair but they will still shed around this.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also known for salivating. This can be difficult to remove from soft furnishings such as sofas or bedding. The salivation is of no medical concern, purely cosmetic, so if it's an issue, have lots of tissues or pet wipes on hand to wipe drool away
regularly.
Bernese Mountain Dogs need daily tooth brushing, and their gentle temperaments will usually be very willing to allow brushing with pet safe toothpaste to preserve their oral health.
##Conclusion
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a loyal, gentle giant who excels when given a role such as companion or guard. Their willingness to please makes them great for first time pet owners who are aware of their individual needs, such as the intense grooming attention they need. Having an understanding of their health risks such as cancers, hip dysplasia and obesity can allow you to pick up signs of a problem early on, and get the treatment they need from your veterinarian.
