St Bernard dog breed

If you’ve got a St Bernard puppy, it’s important to follow the breeder’s instructions and try to keep them on a similar diet, if it’s suitable. Generally, you’ll want to use large to giant-breed puppy formula . Remember, puppies grow fast, so they’ll require more calories and nutrients.

It’s always recommended to follow the advice on the back of the food packaging or to consult your vet if you’re unsure about how much food you need to be giving your furry friend. As the breed can be at risk of getting bloated, it’s advised to feed them smaller meals throughout the day, rather than one big one. 

St Bernards are large dogs, and obesity is another concern to be aware of. Diets that support bone health and mobility can be beneficial, given their larger-than-average frame.

St Bernards need a bit of maintenance when it comes to grooming. You’ll want to brush them at least three times a week, but good the news is they’ll probably let you. They’ll stay for a cuddle too as they love being affectionate with their owners. You could get them professionally groomed every few months too.

Because of their droopy facial features, St Bernards need a little bit of extra care. With a clean, soft, and damp cloth, you should give their eyes and skinfolds a little clean. It’s a good time to check the ears too, which can be hotspots for infections.

St Bernards are also notorious droolers. Try to give them a wipe around the mouth when you can, and prepare for splashes when they give their mouths a shake.

St Bernards are pretty relaxed, and do not have huge exercise needs. 30-minutes of playtime or an hour’s walk is enough. But they’re also able to move more so if you’re taking a hike, your Bernie will be happy to come along.

As with many breeds, they can develop some destructive tendencies if they don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation. Additionally, the risk of obesity rises, which can do damage to your St Bernard’s joints.

St Bernards are easy to train, quick to learn, intelligent and receptive. Due to their large size, you’ll want to train them early. Not because a St Bernard will struggle to pick things up, but they’re big – so, if they’re left to run amok in a home, it can be more noticeable . 

Hip Dysplasia is a hereditary condition that occurs when dog’s hip joint can’t develop properly. This results in the hip bone grinding, rather than sliding smoothly.

It’s a painful condition that can impact your dog’s mobility. Vets may be able to advise on supplements to ease the symptoms, medication, physical therapy, and best practices. 

Diagnosis can only be achieved by a vet, but symptoms usually include reduced mobility, activity levels, reluctance to perform or difficulty performing energetic movements, and hobbling in the hind legs. 

Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (or simply, bloat) most commonly affects dogs with narrow, deep chests, such as the St Bernard. This bloating fills the affected dog’s stomach with gas and causes it to twist. If left unchecked, the twist can cut off blood supply to the stomach and spleen.

Common signs of GDV can often be spotted during or after eating and include pacing, excessive drooling, dry-heaving, and a low appetite.

Time is of the essence with this conditions and vets can perform emergency procedures to tackle this condition to stop the stomach twisting.

This condition interferes with your St Bernard’s eyelid, causing it to roll inward, rubbing fur and eyelashes against the surface of the eye (the cornea.) Surgery can be performed to correct this issue, but left unchecked it can cause corneal ulcers.