The Bernese Mountain Dog is a low-maintenance and good-natured dog that can be put firmly into the category of “the perfect family dog”. But, if you’re considering bringing one of these loveable dogs into your family, you’ll need to learn more about some of the health concerns that this breed is predisposed to.
That’s where this guide on Bernese Mountain Dog health issues can help. From common health problems to their average lifespan, read along to find out more about the health issues that affect this breed.
Yes, like many other breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs can sadly be prone to a few common health conditions. The most common conditions are different forms of cancer, such as mastocytoma and histiocytosis.
Below, we’ve listed some of the most common health concerns that can plague these beautiful dogs.
Large dogs, such as the Bernese, are prone to canine hip dysplasia, where the femur bone sits in the hip socket incorrectly. In addition, it also happens in the elbow, where two bones in the dog’s elbow don’t join as they grow.
This causes them to rub together, leading to arthritis. The same happens with hip dysplasia and is thought to be genetic. Surgery may be needed to treat either condition.
Symptoms of elbow dysplasia include:
Von Willebrand’s disease is a common genetic white blood cell clotting condition that can cause excessive bleeding. It’s caused by a protein deficiency that enables the blood platelets to clot and create seals against damaged blood vessels.
Although there’s no cure, your vet can easily diagnose Von Willebrand’s with genetic testing. It can develop at any time and is usually tested for if the dog sustains an injury or after surgery. In serious cases, the symptoms can appear once the dog is 12 months old.
Symptoms to look out for include:
Progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, is an eye condition that’s usually inherited. The retina starts to degenerate, and the dog suffers from reduced vision and usually blindness.
Sadly, there’s no cure for this condition, but making sure your pup has regular eye exams can help manage it. Symptoms of PRA include:
Yes, having pet insurance for your Bernese is a good idea. Having pet insurance means your pooch will always have access to the treatment it needs, even if you fall on hard financial times and cannot pay the vet bills.
Your Bernese is a valued family member, and the right insurance can ensure your pup leads a happy, healthy life.
Tips for choosing the best insurance for Bernese Mountain Dogs
When choosing insurance for your beloved pet, you want to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth and are completely covered. Here are our tips for choosing the best insurance for your Bernese Mountain dog.
It’s a good idea to sign your pooch up for insurance as early as possible, as it can be very difficult to find insurance once they’re older.
Insuring them at a young age means they’re more likely to be covered for all the necessities because once your dog is older or has been diagnosed with an issue, the less the insurance will cover.
There are different levels of cover, so make sure you pick the one that suits your dog the best to ensure it will have access to the right treatments. Regarding the Bernese mountain dog, you want to make sure you’re covered for any issue they are prone to.
Each insurance policy will have exclusions which may mean your claim gets rejected, such as:
Whether you’re a current Bernese owner or you’re considering giving a home to one, you should be aware of the breed’s average life expectancy. Although each dog is different, a Bernese will generally live between 7-10 years.
Although Bernese Mountain Dogs are predisposed to quite a few health concerns, dogs that are bred by responsible breeders have a good chance of living long and healthy lives. We hope you’ve found this guide useful and are prepared for any common health issues with the Bernese mountain dogs.
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