Neapolitan Mastiff Health Care and Maintenance

The Neapolitan Mastiff requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of its coat.

This breed needs to be bathed every 2-3 months, as excessive bathing can strip its coat of its natural oils.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is prone to eye problems, including ectropion and entropion, which can cause discomfort and vision loss if left untreated.

Their large size and joint structure make them prone to hip dysplasia, a condition that can cause arthritis and mobility issues.

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The Neapolitan Mastiff's temperament is often described as loyal and gentle, but they can also be wary of strangers and protective of their family.

They have a strong instinct to defend and can be aggressive if not socialized properly from an early age.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their calm and quiet nature, but they can be loud and vocal when they feel the need to alert their family to potential threats.

Their independent streak can make them stubborn at times, but consistent training and positive reinforcement can help to overcome this.

Despite their large size, Neapolitan Mastiffs are generally gentle giants and are not naturally aggressive unless provoked.

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Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to certain health issues that can affect their quality of life.

Bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, can affect Neapolitan Mastiffs. These infections are preventable through vaccination.

Hypothyroidism is a common condition in Mastinos, causing dry skin and coat, hair loss, and weight gain. Annual blood screening tests can help diagnose the disease.

Bone and joint problems are a significant concern for Neapolitan Mastiffs, including elbow dysplasia, a condition that causes joint inflammation and pain. Stiffness and lameness in the legs can be signs of dysplasia.

Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering. Keeping your Neapolitan Mastiff at a healthy weight is crucial.

A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, including Neapolitan Mastiffs. Surgical correction and physical therapy can help prevent crippling arthritis.

Growing Mastinos can suffer from eosinophilic panosteitis, a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs. Pain medication and rehabilitation exercises may be required to manage the condition.

Osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD, can occur when Mastino puppies grow too quickly, causing the cartilage in their joints to not attach properly. Surgery may be required to fix the problem.

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Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to certain health issues that can affect their quality of life.

Bacterial and viral infections are common in all dogs, including Neapolitan Mastiffs, and can be prevented with vaccination.

Some Neapolitan Mastiffs may develop bone and joint problems, such as elbow dysplasia, which can cause joint inflammation and pain.

Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.

A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active Neapolitan Mastiffs, which requires surgical correction to stabilize the knee and prevent crippling arthritis.

Growing Neapolitan Mastiffs can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs, known as eosinophilic panosteitis or pano.

Neapolitan Mastiff puppies that grow too quickly may develop osteochondritis dissecans or OCD, which requires surgery to fix the problem.

Cancer is a leading cause of death among dogs, and Neapolitan Mastiffs are more prone to certain kinds of cancer starting at a younger age.

Regular veterinary check-ups and blood tests can help detect cancer early, when it's more treatable.

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

Fleas, ticks, and ear mites can infest her skin and ears, making her life miserable.

Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system through contaminated soil, unclean water, or an infected mosquito bite.

Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member, making them a serious concern for everyone.

Drinking unclean water or walking on contaminated soil can get these parasites into your Neo's system, so it's essential to keep her environment clean.

For your canine friend, regular parasite testing is crucial to prevent pain, discomfort, and even death.

We'll recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy and parasite-free.

Taking care of your Neapolitan Mastiff's basic needs is crucial for her health and happiness. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed, picking up after yourself, and blocking off rooms as necessary to keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldn’t put in her mouth.

A consistent diet and regular exercise are also essential. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly, and clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and avoid giving her people food.

Here are some key care and maintenance tasks to remember:

By following these simple care and maintenance tasks, you can help your Neapolitan Mastiff live a happy and healthy life.

Spaying or neutering your Mastino is one of the best things you can do for her health and well-being. This surgery significantly decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers.

Having your Mastino spayed or neutered eliminates the possibility of her becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. This is especially important if you're not planning to breed your dog.

Spaying or neutering also gives your veterinarian a chance to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. This is a great opportunity to catch any potential issues early on.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps your veterinarian identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This is a standard practice that's easy and convenient.

Having your Mastino spayed or neutered is a good time to take care of other health issues, such as hip X-rays or puppy tooth extractions. Your veterinarian will discuss the specific problems they'll be looking for when the time arrives.

Taking care of your Neapolitan Mastiff at home requires attention to her diet, exercise, and grooming needs.

Watch her diet closely, making sure she gets plenty of exercise and regular veterinary check-ups.

Supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and picking up after yourself to keep her out of trouble.

Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly, and clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy.

Neapolitan Mastiffs generally have good teeth, but regular brushing is still necessary to keep them perfect.

Provide daily walks and ample room to play, as she can be lazy and needs adequate exercise.

Be aware of her sensitivity to warm temperatures and take precautions to avoid heat stress.

Check her eyes and skin folds often, keeping them clean to prevent problems.

Keep her diet consistent and don't give her people food, opting for a high-quality diet appropriate for her age instead.

Regular veterinary check-ups and cleanings will help prevent dental disease, which is common in Neapolitan Mastiffs.

Here are some specific steps to follow for home care:

Remember, regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle will help your Neapolitan Mastiff live a long and happy life.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to certain health issues that can be a concern for owners. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems, with a medium risk profile and significant costs for diagnosis and treatment, ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 for hip dysplasia.

Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, is a high-risk condition that can be life-threatening, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $7,000. Regular veterinary care and monitoring can help prevent this condition.

To ensure the health of your Neapolitan Mastiff, it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who provides written documentation of the parents' health clearances, including OFA or PennHIP clearances for hips and elbows, OFA cardiac and thyroid clearances, and certification of eye health from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.

As you're considering bringing a Neapolitan Mastiff into your family, it's essential to be aware of the health issues that can affect this breed. They're prone to a range of problems, including orthopedic issues like hip and elbow dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia can be a significant concern, with a medium risk profile and treatment costs ranging from $1,500 to $6,000. Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic issue that can affect Neapolitan Mastiffs, with similar risk and cost profiles to hip dysplasia.

Eye problems are also common in this breed, with conditions like entropion and progressive retinal atrophy being a concern. Entropion, in particular, can be painful and costly to treat, with costs ranging from $300 to $1,500.

In addition to these issues, Neapolitan Mastiffs may also be prone to cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that can be serious and costly to treat, with costs ranging from $500 to $1,500.

Here's a breakdown of some common health issues that can affect Neapolitan Mastiffs:

It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their dogs and can provide you with written documentation of the parents' health clearances.

Mange is a common health problem in dogs, particularly in certain breeds like the Mastino.

All dogs have Demodex mites living in their hair follicles, but some breeds develop an overabundance of these mites.

Normally, a dog's immune system keeps the mites in check, but when it fails, it can lead to an overabundance of Demodex mites.

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Mild cases of mange may cause pet owners to notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions on their dog's face or feet.

These lesions may or may not be itchy, and secondary skin infections can occur if left untreated.

Prompt veterinary care is essential to prevent the disease from getting out of hand.

Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, but others require lifelong management to keep the disease under control.

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Taking care of your Neapolitan Mastiff's basic needs is essential for her happiness and health. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly, to keep her coat clean and healthy.

Supervising your pet is crucial, especially in the early stages. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary to prevent her from getting into trouble and putting things in her mouth.

A proper diet and exercise routine are vital for your Neapolitan Mastiff's well-being. Feed her a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and ensure she receives adequate exercise by providing daily walks and ample room to play.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Avoid prolonged exposure to warm temperatures, as Neapolitan Mastiffs can be sensitive to heat stress. Be very alert to the signs of heat stress and take steps to prevent it.

If you're set on bringing home a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy, be patient, as they're an uncommon breed and you may have to wait six months or even a year or more for a puppy to be available.

Choose a breeder who abides by the USNMC's Code of Ethics, which prohibits sales to pet stores or wholesalers and outlines the breeder's responsibilities to the breed and to buyers.

A list of breeders can be found on the websites of the United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club.

Consider a good contract with the seller that spells out responsibilities on both sides, especially in states with "puppy lemon laws".

Take your Neapolitan Mastiff puppy to your veterinarian soon after adoption to spot any visible problems and set up a preventive regimen to avoid many health issues.

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Pet insurance can be a lifesaver for Neapolitan Mastiff owners, as these dogs are prone to expensive hereditary conditions.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are more likely than mixed breed dogs to make claims for these costly conditions.

Getting pet insurance for your Neapolitan Mastiff when they're a healthy puppy is the best time to do so.

This way, you'll have coverage for all breed-specific conditions, excluding pre-existing ones.

You can't predict what will happen in the future, and pet insurance is the one thing you can't get when you need it most.

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Caring for a Neapolitan Mastiff requires attention to their diet, exercise, and overall health. They have low grooming needs, but regular brushing of their coat and teeth is essential.

Brush their coat as needed, at least weekly, to prevent matting and tangling. Brushing their teeth at least twice a week can keep their teeth perfect.

Cleaning their ears weekly, even as a puppy, is crucial to prevent infections. You can learn how to do this from your veterinarian.

Daily walks and ample room to play are necessary to ensure they receive adequate exercise. Avoid prolonged exposure to warm temperatures, as they can be sensitive to heat stress.

Check their eyes and skin folds often to keep them clean. A consistent diet is also essential, and it's best to feed a high-quality diet appropriate for their age.

Here's a summary of their routine care:

If you notice your Neapolitan Mastiff showing signs of distress, it's essential to seek medical care immediately. Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge are all red flags.

Inability or straining to urinate, or discolored urine, can be a sign of a serious issue. Don't hesitate to get your dog to the vet if you notice either of these symptoms.

Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes can be a sign of a serious eye infection. Keep an eye (no pun intended) out for these symptoms and seek help right away.

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Dry heaving or a large, tight, painful abdomen can be a sign of a life-threatening issue. If you notice either of these symptoms, get your dog to the vet ASAP.

Here are some other emergency signs to watch out for:

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your dog's health. If you're ever in doubt, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian.