First of all, you need to brush the Saint Bernard dog fur thoroughly. You can use a bristle with sharp spikes to remove any objects that may interfere with hair and create a bad health condition for your dog. A piece of important advice to follow is always to trim the lower part of the feet’ fur and nails as these dogs require a good grip to the ground to support their extra weight.
The grooming should also include an inspection to the Saint Bernard ears as this could be the area where dirt and other debris can get accumulated. You don't have to give your Saint Bernard dog an annual haircut unless you are told so by your vet.
Grooming is important to remove dust and bacteria from its fur and make sure it can live with you at the same place without the fear of contaminating the rest of the family and especially your kids.
You must give your Saint Bernard quality food ever since it is a puppy. After the initial weeks where only milk is the right type of food, you can provide solid meals. The massive body type of these dogs requires more food than you have ever imagined. Modern veterinary medicine requires you to give food that is rich in proteins and saturated fats. For that reason, a happy and satisfied Saint Bernard dog usually has a part of its daily nourishment in crockets (to use its teeth and improve the health of its gums) and another part in regular solid food prepared directly for the dog.
It would be wise to avoid giving it sugar as it can elevate the blood sugar levels quickly and lead to dangerous diabetic conditions. It is not to mention that Saint Bernard dogs require more cereals and vegetables than any other species, as they have extreme water needs.
Finally, the water supply for these dogs should be unstopped during the summer season. These dogs can easily reach the dehydration level quicker than any other dog you have met. Their constant need for water and wet food is essential to help them keep their temperature at normal levels.
The vast body type of Saint Bernard dogs exposes them to the dangers of fractures if they don't train regularly and follow a sitting type of life. Hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common health issues they deal with. These conditions may require surgery and make them vulnerable to other illnesses and infections.
Not to mention that hip dysplasia can severely impact a Saint Bernard dog's ability to move and jump. That is why these dogs are not the best to live in apartments. Many dogs of this breed also suffer from a genetically induced type of bone cancer. That type of aggressive cancer can destroy the majority of bones in less than two years and lead the Saint Bernard dogs to death.
That particular bread is exposed to dermatological issues and eczema that may appear suddenly and make them itchy all the time. Epilepsy and cardiomyopathy are the most common disorders that can appear to the adult life of a Saint Bernard dog. They can all get anticipated with a healthy diet and more elegant food combined with daily training and exercise.
The Saint Bernard dogs are not that easy to train. They are bigger than normal ones and sometimes they don’t have the physical strength to withstand excessive exercise. For that reason, it would be wise to give them only the portion of training they can handle each time.
These dogs do need more care than smaller ones. With Saint Bernard, you have to be to the Vet’s office at least twice a year and make sure they don’t suffer from contagious disease. You also need to cut their nails and wipe out their nose each time you feel it to be itchy.
