Known as “gentle giants”, just like Tibetan Mastiffs, St. Bernards are characterized by a kind and loving nature. Loyalty, calm temperament, and sociable nature make them important members of the family. Due to their innate instincts, St. Bernards are often called “nanny dogs”. Their loving nature extends to all family members, especially children. Along with their friendly nature, St. Bernards are also characterized by impressive defensive instincts. Being vigilant and alerting to potential danger is in their genetic heritage.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a medical term that refers to a partial or complete loss of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can cause bone wear and tear and pain associated with this process. Most companion animals have hip dysplasia from birth. If hip dysplasia is diagnosed at an early stage, you can easily correct the problem. In other cases, surgery may be needed to reposition the bones.

Although genetics play an important role in the development of this disease, maintaining a healthy weight is especially important to reduce stress on the joints. Daily walking and swimming will help to form the muscles around the pelvis and maintain their strength.

Bloating

Bloating is considered a harmless problem for humans, however, in dogs, this condition can even be fatal. To prevent the problem, it is wise to pay attention to symptoms such as vomiting, a full stomach, or excessive salivation. If you notice any symptoms, please get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.

To avoid bloating, it is recommended to divide the daily ration of your faithful companion into at least 2-3 meals. We recommend that you also pay attention that your friend does not drink a lot of water after eating. To prevent bloat, competent parents often prefer special cups with a raised center. You can buy them at any pet store near your home.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive form of bone cancer. The first identifying sign of this disease is lameness, so if you notice that an important member of your family, without any background, suddenly started having problems with movement, to rule out this disease, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Osteosarcoma is usually treated with limb amputation and chemotherapy. Fortunately, however, our dear friends easily adapt to life on three legs and do not suffer from the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and hair loss, like humans.

Skin & Ear Infections

To avoid complications related to skin infections, we recommend using hygiene products specially designed for furry friends. Also, if possible, it is recommended to do an allergy test for your companion and determine with maximum accuracy which products it is allergic to. This will allow you to remove from the serving all those ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction.

Due to its gigantic size and exceptional growth rate, the St. Bernard requires a nutrient-rich diet. It needs a balanced amount of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for proper development. High-quality dog food specially designed for giant breeds will help to properly meet the specific dietary needs of our furry friend. However, since St. Bernards are often prone to gaining excess weight, it is desirable to pay special attention to the amount of calories they receive during the day. Being overweight can put a strain on their joints and cause serious health problems.

Due to the tendency to bloat, it is advisable to pay attention to the feeding time and frequency of our companion animal. We can prevent this life-threatening condition by offering small treats to our companions often and by reducing the intensity of physical activity.

Remember, to determine portion sizes and maintain a healthy weight, you should also consider your companion animal’s lifestyle and exercise intensity. Monitoring body condition is especially important to modify the St. Bernard’s eating habits as needed. A nutritionist can help you determine the recommended weight for a companion animal based on its age, weight, health, and activity level, and provide detailed nutrition information.

Known for its massive size and gentle temperament, St. Bernard’s history began in the Swiss Alps. The origin of these beautiful dogs is connected to the St. Bernard hospice between Switzerland and Italy. According to legend, around the 17th century, the monks living in the hospice decided to breed large and strong dogs to rescue travelers lost in heavy snowstorms.

Known as Alpine Mastiffs, these companion animals have an excellent ability to navigate rough terrain. They saved several thousand people from death in the snowy passes of the Alps. Due to this merit, St. Bernards gained international recognition and became a symbol of rescue dogs.

Because of their courage, perseverance, and love for people, St. Bernards are also known as “Holy Dogs”. Today, these important members of the family, with their noble behavior and unwavering loyalty, change the lives of millions of people around the world for the better.