St Bernard Dog Health Issues and Care: What You Need to Know

St Bernard dogs are known for their gentle giant reputation, but like all breeds, they're not immune to health issues. Bloat is a serious concern for St Bernards, as their deep chest and rapid eating habits can lead to gastric dilatation-volvulus.

St Bernards are also prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that can cause arthritis and mobility issues. This is due to their large size and rapid growth rate, which can put excessive strain on their joints.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage these conditions. However, it's essential to monitor your St Bernard's weight and adjust their food intake accordingly to avoid obesity, which can exacerbate hip dysplasia and bloat.

With proper care and attention, many St Bernards live long, happy lives, often exceeding 8-10 years.

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Spaying or neutering your St. Bernard is one of the best things you can do for their health. This surgery decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers in your dog.

Spaying or neutering eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. We surgically remove the ovaries and uterus in females, and the testicles in males.

Performing this surgery also gives us a chance to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps us identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

Saint Bernards are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM.

This condition causes the heart to become so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body.

As DCM advances, a Saint Bernard may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough.

A yearly electrical heart screening (ECG) and/or an echocardiogram starting at age one can help detect abnormal heart rhythms early.

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If diagnosed with DCM, Saint Bernards need to take heart medication to slow the progression of the disease.

Unfortunately, most dogs can only live for up to two years after diagnosis on average.

This is generally a genetic condition in St. Bernards, though there is ongoing research potentially linking it with a dog's diet in some cases.

Saint Bernards can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which can cause blindness if not treated right away.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older St. Bernards, with their lenses becoming more opaque and cloudy over time.

Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine, but surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option.

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea and leading to irritation and pain.

Your St. Bernard is especially at risk for this heritable disorder, and surgical correction is usually successful if performed early.

Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye, leading to corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain.

If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause chronic eye pain and discomfort for your St. Bernard.

Stay alert for any changes in your dog's eyes or vision, as this can be indicative of an issue like entropion.

Talk to your vet if you notice anything concerning, such as redness, squinting, or if your dog is pawing at their face.

Entropion is a problem seen in dogs with loose skin around their face, which includes St. Bernards, and can cause pain and inflammation.

In untreated cases, this can cause ulcers to the surface of the eye that can even affect vision or risk eye globe rupture if too chronic or left untreated for too long.

Luckily, treatment is generally pretty simple, with surgery to align the eyelid correctly being straightforward, though multiple procedures may be needed as the dog changes in size.

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St. Bernards are prone to various bone problems, and it's essential to be aware of them to ensure your furry friend lives a happy and healthy life.

Osteochondritis dissecans, also known as OCD, can occur in St. Bernards if they grow too quickly, causing cartilage in their joints to detach from the bone. This can lead to surgery.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the hip joints, causing pain, loss of mobility, and arthritis. It's essential to screen for hip dysplasia in young St. Bernards and choose a breeder with a history of healthy hips.

Elbow dysplasia, similar to hip dysplasia, affects the elbow joint and can cause significant pain and loss of ability to use the joint. Surgery and supportive supplements are often necessary to manage this condition.

Wobbler syndrome, also known as cervical vertebral instability, affects the spine and can cause compression, stretching, and arthritic changes. Surgery, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy are often required to manage this condition.

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Osteochondrosis, also known as osteochondritis dissecans, involves the incomplete development of cartilage in joints, leading to pain, inflammation, and arthritis. Surgery or arthroscopy are often necessary to treat this condition.

Cranial cruciate ligament injuries are common in St. Bernards, especially in active dogs, and can cause knee pain and arthritis. Maintaining a lean weight and regular exercise can help prevent this injury.

Osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, can develop quickly in St. Bernards, often in the femur or humerus. X-rays and further screening tests are necessary for a definitive diagnosis, and treatment options include pain medications, surgery, or chemotherapy.

Saint Bernards are prone to skin problems, and regular grooming is crucial to prevent issues. Brush your pet at least weekly to prevent mats and tangles that can lead to skin infections.

Hot spots are painful skin lesions that can occur in hot, humid weather, so be on the lookout for sores, especially in these conditions. Regular grooming and inspection can help catch problems early.

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Large breeds like Saint Bernards often form calluses on their elbows and hocks, which can become infected and lead to callus pyoderma. Keeping your dog at a trim weight and providing soft bedding can help prevent this.

Saint Bernards can also develop sebaceous adenitis, a skin condition that causes dry, scaly skin and hair loss. Early detection and treatment are key, and treatment may involve fatty acid supplements and special shampoos.

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Parasites can invade your Saint's body, inside and out, causing pain, discomfort, and even death if left untreated.

Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways, including drinking unclean water or walking on contaminated soil. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member.

Fleas, ticks, and ear mites can cause intense itching and discomfort for your Saint. Regular grooming and inspection can help catch these parasites early on.

Heartworms, on the other hand, can be transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause serious health issues for your Saint. Regular testing and preventive medication can help keep her safe.

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Saint Bernards are prone to skin problems, including hot spots, which are painful skin lesions that can occur due to mats and tangles in their fur.

Brushing your Saint Bernard at least weekly can help prevent these skin issues, especially in hot and humid weather.

Mats and tangles can lead to skin infections, so regular grooming is essential to keep your dog's coat healthy.

Some Saint Bernards may develop calluses on their elbows and hocks, which can become infected if not properly cared for.

Calluses can provide protection at pressure points, but when they become infected, it's called callus pyoderma, a skin infection.

If you notice a callus has reddened areas, bumps, blackheads, holes, or discharge, it's likely infected and needs attention.

Keeping your Saint Bernard at a trim weight can help prevent callus pyoderma, and providing soft bedding can also alleviate pressure on these areas.

St. Bernards are also prone to sebaceous adenitis, a skin condition that causes dry, scaly skin with patches of hair loss, usually on the head, neck, and back.

This condition typically starts between one and five years of age, and early detection is key to effective treatment.

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Brushing your Saint Bernard's coat is essential to prevent matting and tangling, especially during shedding periods. You'll need to brush them every day during heavy shedding, and a metal comb and slicker brush are the best tools for the job.

A Saint Bernard's coat can be medium-length or short, and either way, it requires regular brushing. A short coat is easier to care for, but both types need to be brushed at least once or twice a week. Don't underestimate the importance of brushing - it's crucial for preventing skin problems.

Mats and tangles can lead to painful skin lesions called hot spots, so keep an eye out for sores, especially in hot, humid weather. Brushing your pet regularly will help prevent these issues.

To maintain a healthy coat, plan on taking your Saint Bernard to the groomer often. This will help prevent skin infections and keep their coat looking its best.

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Feeding your Saint Bernard the right food is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Saint Bernards should be fed a high-quality large- or giant-breed dog food that meets the nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

To determine the best food for your Saint Bernard, consult with your veterinarian, as they can provide guidance on choosing the right food for your dog's life stage. Your veterinarian can also help you determine the proper portion size for your Saint Bernard based on their ideal body weight and life stage.

Feeding your Saint Bernard smaller, more frequent meals can help minimize the risk of bloat or GDV. This can be achieved by feeding your dog two or three smaller meals a day instead of one large meal.

When choosing a food for your Saint Bernard, it's essential to select a high-quality large- or giant-breed dog food that meets the nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Your veterinarian can give you personalized guidance on choosing the best food for your Saint Bernard, so don't hesitate to ask for their input.

Saint Bernards should be fed a large- or giant-breed puppy formula until they are 18–24 months old. Then they need to slowly transition to an adult food.

Puppies can be fed two or three smaller meals a day, which can help minimize the risk of bloat or GDV.

To reduce the risk of bloat or GDV, it's also recommended to put the food bowl on the floor rather than elevate it.

Feeding multiple dogs in the house separately can also help minimize stress at mealtime.

Avoid exercising your Saint Bernard one hour before and one hour after a meal, as this can also contribute to the risk of bloat or GDV.

Don't add water to the dry food, especially if the food contains citric acid, as this can make the food more prone to spoiling.

Overfeeding your Saint Bernard is a common mistake, so be sure to measure out the food for each meal to ensure you're not overdoing it.

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A slow-feeder bowl can be a great tool to help your Saint Bernard eat more slowly and reduce the risk of gobbling down food.

Healthy dogs eating an AAFCO-compliant food will receive all needed nutrients, but your veterinarian may recommend additional supplements to support your Saint Bernard's joints and overall health.

A joint supplement and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement can be beneficial for full-grown Saint Bernards, as they can help minimize inflammation and support joint health.

To determine the proper portion size for your Saint Bernard, follow the feeding guidelines on your dog food packaging and consult with your veterinarian.

If you have a Saint Bernard, you need to know about bloat, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition that can strike at any time.

Bloat occurs when a dog's stomach fills up with gas, causing the abdomen to become distended. This can happen to any dog, but Saint Bernards are especially prone to it due to their deep chests.

If your Saint Bernard starts pacing, excessive drooling, or retching without producing vomit after eating, it could be a sign of GDV, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Decreased appetite is another warning sign that your Saint Bernard may be experiencing GDV.

To minimize the risk of bloat and GDV, talk to your vet about performing a gastropexy procedure, which involves tacking the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent it from flipping. This is often done during a dog's spay or neuter surgery.

Saint Bernards are prone to several health issues that can be a concern for owners. Hip dysplasia is a high-risk condition that can cost between $1,500 and $6,000 to diagnose and treat.

Elbow dysplasia is another common issue, with a similar high risk profile and treatment costs ranging from $1,500 to $4,000. Eye problems like entropion can also occur, with treatment costs between $300 and $1,500.

Some Saint Bernards may be more susceptible to bloat, with treatment costs ranging from $1,500 to $7,500. It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who can provide evidence of the parents' health clearances and offer a health guarantee.

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

Saint Bernards are particularly prone to dental issues, which can start with tartar build-up on the teeth and progress to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth.

If left untreated, dental disease can lead to serious health problems, including damaging the kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

Your furry friend's life span may be cut short by one to three years if dental disease is not prevented or treated.

Regular dental cleanings can help prevent or treat dental disease, and your veterinarian can also provide guidance on how to keep your dog's teeth clean at home.

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Saint Bernards are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.

Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination.

Vaccination recommendations are based on the diseases we see in our area and other factors.

Preventing infections is crucial for the health and well-being of your Saint Bernard.

Lymphoma is a serious health issue that can affect your furry friend. Saint Bernards are predisposed to lymphoma, also known as lymphosarcoma, which originates in the lymph nodes and typically spreads to other organs.

Chemotherapy is usually the treatment of choice for lymphoma, but it's essential to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your dog's specific case.

Lymphoma can be a challenging disease to manage, but with proper care and treatment, many dogs are able to lead happy and healthy lives.