Understanding Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues and Prevention

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Bernese Mountain Dog. Hip dysplasia is a common issue in Bernese Mountain Dogs, with studies showing that up to 60% of the breed can be affected.

This inherited condition can lead to arthritis and mobility problems, so it's crucial to work with a reputable breeder who has had their dogs' hips evaluated. Regular exercise and a healthy weight can also help prevent or manage hip dysplasia.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain types of cancer, including osteosarcoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help catch any potential issues early on.

To reduce the risk of cancer, keep your Bernese Mountain Dog up-to-date on their vaccinations and parasite control, and consider adding a cancer-preventing supplement to their diet.

Bernese Mountain Dogs need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require at least a half-hour of moderate exercise daily, which can include long walks and hiking.

Their thick coat can cause them to overheat in warmer temperatures, so be mindful of this when exercising your dog. Make sure to provide plenty of water breaks and shade.

You should brush their coat at least weekly, with daily brushing recommended during shedding season. This will help remove loose hair and prevent tangles.

Their nails need to be trimmed regularly to prevent walking issues and pain. Brushing their teeth at least twice a week will keep them perfect.

It's essential to keep an eye on your dog's diet and ensure they're not eating people food or table scraps. A high-quality diet appropriate for their age is crucial to maintaining their overall health.

Here are some key things to remember when caring for your Bernese Mountain Dog's health:

Regular check-ups and vaccinations are also crucial to maintaining your dog's health. Don't forget to schedule these appointments and consider pet health insurance to cover any medical costs.

Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two.

Your Bernese Mountain Dog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth, which starts with tartar build-up on the teeth.

Tartar build-up progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth, which can lead to losing teeth.

If dental disease is left untreated, your dog will be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

In fact, your Bernese Mountain Dog's life span may be cut short by one to three years.

We'll clean your dog's teeth regularly to prevent or treat dental disease, and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean.

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, including parvo, rabies, and distemper, which can be prevented through vaccination. Vaccination recommendations will be based on the diseases seen in the area, the dog's age, and other factors.

Many of these infections can be prevented with proper vaccination, which is a crucial aspect of Bernese Mountain Dog health care. Regular vaccination is essential to protect your dog from these diseases.

Pyometra, a bacterial infection of the uterus, can occur in Bernese Mountain Dogs, especially female dogs. It's essential to spay or neuter your dog if you don't plan to breed them, as this can prevent the risk of pyometra.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, the same ones that all dogs can get, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.

These infections can be prevented through vaccination, which is recommended based on the diseases we see in our area, the dog's age, and other factors.

Preventing infections is crucial to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog healthy, and regular vaccinations are a key part of that.

Many of these infections are preventable, which means you can significantly reduce the risk of your dog getting sick by keeping up with vaccination schedules.

Bernese mountain dogs are prone to certain blood disorders that can be life-threatening if not treated properly. These disorders occur when the immune system starts attacking the pet's own red blood cells or platelets.

Hemolytic anemia is one of these disorders, where the immune system destroys red blood cells, causing the dog to become anemic, weak, and lethargic. This can be identified by looking at the dog's gums, which will appear whitish or yellow instead of the normal bright pink color.

Thrombocytopenia is another disorder where the immune system destroys platelets, causing the dog's blood not to clot properly and leading to abnormal bleeding. This can manifest as bruises or excessive bleeding.

To diagnose these problems, veterinarians will perform diagnostic testing for blood clotting. If these disorders are detected, steroids and other immune-suppressive drugs may be prescribed to slow or stop the immune system's destruction of cells. In some cases, an emergency transfusion of red blood cells or platelets may be needed.

Here are some key symptoms to look out for:

Epilepsy is a common condition in dogs that affects their brain and can cause seizures. There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary.

Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma.

If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Bernese Mountain Dogs commonly afflicted.

If your dog is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause.

Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

Your Berner is more likely than other dogs to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). This condition occurs when some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly.

If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. To check for this problem, a liver function test will be conducted in addition to a standard pre-anesthetic panel every time he undergoes anesthesia.

In some cases, your Berner may develop symptoms such as stunted growth or seizures. If this happens, his blood will be tested and possibly an ultrasound scan of his liver will be conducted.

Kidney disease is a serious issue that affects Bernese Mountain Dogs, often causing their kidneys to fail at an early age.

Glomerulonephropathy is an inherited disease that slowly damages a Bernese Mountain Dog's kidneys. This damage causes them to leak protein, which can be detected through urine testing.

Yearly urine analysis is recommended to catch kidney disease early, leading to a happier pet and an easier, more affordable treatment plan.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Bernese dogs.

Their lenses become more opaque, making them look cloudy instead of clear.

Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine.

Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option.

Joint and mobility issues are a significant concern for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD, can occur when puppies grow too quickly, causing the cartilage in their joints to not attach properly to the bone.

Feeding a large-breed puppy diet and sticking to a recommended growth rate of no more than four pounds per week can help prevent this issue. Weighing your puppy every three to four weeks is also crucial to monitor their growth.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are inherited diseases that can cause joints to develop improperly, resulting in arthritis. Stiffness and lameness in the legs, as well as difficulty getting up from lying down, are common symptoms. X-rays can help identify issues early on, and surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to developing arthritis as they age, especially if they become overweight. Good nutrition and proper exercise can help reduce bone and joint problems, but it's essential to avoid overfeeding and keeping them at a healthy weight.

A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which can lead to crippling arthritis. Keeping your Bernese at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding excessive twisting of the knees can help prevent this painful injury.

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Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurologic condition that causes weakness and poor nerve function in the hind legs, similar to ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease in people.

It affects Bernese Mountain Dogs more frequently than other breeds, making them particularly susceptible to this heritable disease.

If your dog has Degenerative Myelopathy, they will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, and will eventually suffer from paralysis in their hindquarters, along with incontinence.

Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful in managing the condition, but unfortunately, there is no cure.

A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease, allowing you to make informed decisions about their care and potential breeding.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia is a serious concern for Bernese Mountain Dogs. This inherited disease causes the joints to develop improperly, resulting in arthritis.

Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia. Stiffness in your Bernese's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures.

You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. This can be a sign of hip and elbow dysplasia.

We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. We'll take X-rays of your dog's bones to identify issues as early as possible.

Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keeping your Bernese at a healthy weight can also help prevent or delay the onset of arthritis.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Parasites can invade your Bernese Mountain Dog's body, inside and out, and some can even be transmitted to you or a family member.

Fleas, ticks, ear mites, hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms are just a few examples of parasites that can infest your dog's skin and ears.

Drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito are common ways parasites can get into your dog's system.

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Some parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so regular testing and preventive medication are crucial to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog healthy.

Allergies, specifically skin allergies known as atopy, are common in Bernese Mountain Dogs, making their skin itchy and causing symptoms like licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections.

Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year, but there are many treatment options available to help manage this condition.

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Parasites can invade your Berner's body, inside and out, causing pain, discomfort, and even death.

Fleas, ticks, ear mites, hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms are just a few examples of the types of parasites that can infest your dog's skin and ears.

These parasites can get into your dog's system through contaminated soil, unclean water, or an infected mosquito bite.

Drinking unclean water or walking on contaminated soil can lead to a range of parasites, including hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.

Some parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member, making them a serious concern for everyone in the household.

For your canine friend, regular parasite testing is crucial to prevent serious health issues.

Allergies can be a real nuisance, especially for our furry friends. Allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze and their eyes itch, but in dogs, they make their skin itchy.

In dogs, this skin allergy is called atopy, and Bernese dogs often have it. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected.

Common signs of atopy include licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections. These symptoms can get worse every year if left untreated.

As a Bernese Mountain Dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Bloat is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are more prone to bloat due to their deep, narrow chests. This means you need to be vigilant and recognize the signs of bloat, which can include retching or heaving, acting restless, having an enlarged abdomen, or lying in a prayer position.

If you suspect your dog is experiencing bloat, take them to an emergency hospital immediately. Preventive surgery can also be an option to tack down or suture the stomach in place to prevent twisting.

Some other emergencies to watch out for include:

These symptoms can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue, so it's crucial to seek medical attention if you notice any of them.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain health issues that you should be aware of to ensure they live a happy and healthy life. Their lifespan is relatively short, ranging from 6 to 10 years.

One of the most significant health concerns is hip and elbow dysplasia, which is a genetic condition that affects the development of these joints. This can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.

Cancer is another major health problem, with some studies suggesting that up to 50% of Bernese Mountain Dogs will die from cancer. Early detection is key to treating this condition.

Bloat is a life-threatening condition that can occur when the stomach twists and cuts off blood flow. It's essential to monitor your dog's eating habits and watch for signs of bloat, such as a distended abdomen.

Obesity is a significant health issue in Bernese Mountain Dogs, which can lead to joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. It's crucial to monitor your dog's weight and ensure they get regular exercise.

Here are some common health problems that affect Bernese Mountain Dogs, along with their potential causes and symptoms:

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and monitoring your dog's health can help identify these issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and a better quality of life.