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If you have ever been lucky enough to meet or own a Bernese Mountain Dog you’ll know how incredible the breed is. Known for being an affectionate, loyal and loving family companion. The most popular complaint about these happy dogs is the amount they drool. But it is easy to forgive them when they show you their big smile.
This breed is truly the whole package of beauty, brains, and loyalty! Their calm nature is great for families with children both young and old. Overall this working-class breed almost seems like they aren’t much work at all on paper.
Sadly these gentle giants can be prone to many different health problems. This tricolored breed hailing from the Swiss Alps can add joy to any family’s life but is important to know the health risks and factors associated with the breed. If you’re looking to adopt a Berner of any age it’s important to understand their most common health problems.
While Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia are not unique to the Bernese Mountain Dog alone, they are both common in larger breeds. Both of these conditions are passed down through genetics and can’t be stopped completely. A proper diet, exercise, and proper vet monitoring is good way to try and slow progression. Keeping a watchful eye on the progression of your dog’s dysplasia is the best way to ensure you notice signs of progression so you can be sure they are getting the needed care for management and treatment.
There are a few different options your vet may recommend to help ease pain and keep up your dog’s mobility. Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia can cause arthritis and even cause pain and issues with mobility.
Be sure to look out for the following signs in your Berner:
If you have noticed these signs it is time to discuss what you can do to help manage their pain and potential corrective surgeries. Bernese Mountain Dogs with hip dysplasia often experience hind leg weakness. If the condition has not progressed to a point that has taken away their ability to walk, your vet may suggest a combination of different non-surgical options to make a plan moving forward.
If the condition is severe enough your vet will discuss surgical options to assist in correcting the issue. The use of dog wheelchairs is also common when the condition has more severely affected a dog’s mobility.
One of the most common health issues associated with Bernese Mountain Dogs is their eyes. They are not prone to just one eye issue or disease but tend to be susceptible to many. Eyelid abnormalities and cataracts are both very common and can be painful for any dog who has the condition, but Berners seem to be more prone to these conditions than other breeds are.
While painful conditions like eyelid abnormalities and cataracts are prevalent, they are not the only eye conditions common in the breed.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy ( PRA) is another hereditary condition that commonly affects the breed. This condition can start early in their lives but is harder to notice in its early stages of development. The first noticeable symptom is the onset of night blindness. This condition tends to affect a dog’s confidence, especially in dark spaces. While thankfully it is said not to be painful, there are no known effective treatments, but similar to other blind dogs, assistive devices for dogs could also assist in this situation to help them regain confidence in moving through any space.
Both skin allergies and food allergies are common conditions for Bernese Mountain Dogs. If they are constantly licking their paws, or scratching their ears an extensive amount they are most likely displaying signs of allergies.
These allergies can also be food-related and your dog can display more symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea because of an upset stomach. If your dog displays these symptoms you should talk to your vet right away as they can discuss a change in diet and allergy medication to assist in a decrease in symptoms.
Bloat or Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus are more likely to occur in dogs with deep and narrow chests, or barrel chests. This is also very common in dogs like Labrador Retrievers. It is a twisting of the stomach that then fills with gas. This can be very serious and even fatal so it is very important precautions are taken. Using a slow-feed food bowl to preventative surgery are just two steps that can be taken to lessen the likelihood of developing this issue. Be on the lookout for the common identifiers they are suffering from this condition:
If you notice these conditions you will need to take them to the E.R. immediately for treatment.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also susceptible to several different blood-related disorders that can affect their day-to-day and quality of life. The main culprit is known as Von Willebrand’s Disease. This can be diagnosed by your Vet through a DNA test and is mainly done after a surgery or an injury. Diagnosis can happen at any age, and symptoms tend to appear around 12 months of age if the case is very extreme. Be on the lookout for symptoms no matter the age of your Bernese Mountain Dog.
This disease can not be cured, but with monitoring of this blood-clotting disease, you will be able to make your vet aware and keep your dog safer if surgery and or medications are required.
The Berner is also susceptible to several different kinds of cancer as any aging dog, but they are at a higher risk than most other breeds for Histiocytosis. This is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. This type of cancer can occur as either malignant or systemic.
It can be a very serious and aggressive issue, so if you notice any indicators that your beloved Bernese Mountain may have developed this cancer it is important to go in for a visit right away to discuss what can be done, whether surgery or chemo. While histiocytosis can not truly be cured, there may be potential options to prolong your pet’s life.
The Berner breed is also at a high vulnerability to Lymphomas, which also affects white blood cells. There is no centralized area for common development. Thankfully this form of cancer is more easily treated than some other forms of cancer. It is best treated by Chemotherapy and can be diagnosed with a blood test. It is recommended that your dog is tested twice a year for this form of cancer.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog, so it can be a significant challenge when they are unable to walk. Luckily there are mobility solutions available to help you lift your dog, help them to stand, and even support them as they walk. A Bernese Mountain Dog wheelchair supports your dog’s back legs and provides the stability your dog needs to exercise. Wheelchairs aren’t just for paralyzed dogs, here are some ways that a cart can help your Bernese Mountain Dog:
A support harness is another excellent mobility tool. Picking up a large dog and supporting its full weight can place a lot of strain on you and your best friend. Special lifting harnesses can help you to stabilize, lift, or guide your dog’s front or back legs. Choose a harness with adjustable straps to avoid bending over to pick up your dog and straining your back. While your dog is wearing the harness, you can help them up or down stairs, lift them into the car, or even help them outside.
Although this breed may be prone to health issues, they are still an incredible option for any family looking for a large, loyal and at times slobbery teddy bear. If your Bernese Mountain Dog does develop some health problems down the line, with vigilance and an open line of communication with your vet you can ensure they will be living their best life!
