Bernese Mountain Dogs, affectionately known as “Berners,” are beloved for their gentle nature and striking beauty. However, these gentle giants are prone to several health challenges that pet parents should be aware of.
While the Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan averages just 6–8 years, proactive care and early detection of health issues can significantly improve their quality of life and potentially extend their life expectancy.
By staying vigilant and utilizing tools like the Maven Pet smart collar, you can monitor your dog’s health indicators and catch early warning signs of potential problems.
This guide will walk you through the top Bernese Mountain Dog health issues, symptoms to watch for, and tips for prevention and care.
Top 5 Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues and How to Monitor Them
–Cancer
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Bernese Mountain dogs. More often than not, this disease goes undetected until it’s too late. Using the Maven Pet Monitor can change that by helping you identify concerning signs early on.
Some common symptoms of cancer are unexplained lumps, lethargy, weight loss, and limping, which can go unnoticed for a while. Using Maven Pet’s device, you can track your dog’s activity levels in detail to understand if they’re less active than usual. You can also monitor nighttime restlessness, a key indicator of discomfort or pain.
In addition, you can use the app’s journaling feature to log symptoms like appetite changes or unusual lumps for quick vet intervention.
–Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
These genetic joint conditions cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. A dog suffering from hip or elbow dysplasia may show difficulty standing up, limping, and lack of interest in playing.
The best way to monitor this common problem in Bernese Mountain dogs is to use the Maven Pet collar. Thanks to its tracking capabilities, Maven Pet detects reduced mobility and activity levels over time, as well as nighttime restlessness, often due to joint pain.
-Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow.
Your dog may show restlessness or pacing, excessive drooling, and abdominal swelling. Another common symptom is irregular breathing or panting, which you can track using Maven. This device tracks your dog’s respiratory rate 24/7 using a cutting-edge sensor.
–Degenerative Myelopathy
It’s a progressive spinal cord disease often seen in aging Bernese Mountain Dogs. It leads to hind leg weakness, difficulty walking, and eventual paralysis. While it is incurable, early detection and supportive care can slow its progression.
Maven Pet can help diagnose this disease more quickly by detecting subtle decreases in activity and mobility and tracking sleep disruptions that can indicate discomfort or pain.
Maven Pet
Health Monitor
#1 Vet-recommended pet monitor! Tracks activity, rest, respiratory rate, water intake, scratching and other health indicators 24/7
–Joint and Bone Conditions
As large breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs are more prone to arthritis and other joint problems with age. This can result in a reluctance to go on walks or play, limping, and stiffness after resting.
It’s very important to pay attention to your dog’s behavior to ensure they’re not in pain. Since you cannot see their pain regarding joint and bone conditions, the best solution is to rely on Maven Pet’s collar.
By tracking gradual declines in activity levels and behavioral changes, like avoiding the stairs or hesitating to jump, you can quickly understand that there is something off. In addition, the device uses AI to crossmatch your pet’s information for an in-depth analysis.
Why Monitoring Matters for Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dog health issues often occur silently, meaning symptoms may not appear until the condition has advanced. Consistent health monitoring is essential for pet wellness.
Hence, the Maven Pet Health Monitor comes in. This tool is an invaluable tool for detecting subtle changes, such as:
- Resting Respiratory Rate: Identifies pain, discomfort, or early signs of bloat.
- Activity Levels: Monitors reductions that may indicate lethargy, joint pain, or cancer symptoms.
- Symptom Logging: Allows pet parents to track appetite loss, unusual lumps, or mobility changes, providing essential data for veterinarians.
By providing real-time alerts and actionable insights useful for your vet to make the best diagnosis, Maven enables early intervention, leading to better care outcomes and potentially extending the life expectancy of Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Final Notes
Understanding and proactively managing Bernese Mountain Dog health issues is vital for ensuring your furry friend lives a long, happy life.
With regular veterinary care, a healthy lifestyle, and the support of advanced tools like the Maven Pet Monitor, you can detect early warning signs, address health concerns promptly, and enjoy more cherished moments with your gentle giant.
Explore the Maven Pet smart collar today and gain peace of mind, knowing you’re providing the best care for your beloved Berner.
Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.
