Care
The daily exercise requirements of the Saint Bernard are met
with short runs and moderate walks. The dog is best when raised outdoors,
keeping it away from smooth surfaces. Oversized puppies, which are brought up
indoors, are susceptible to hip problems.
The Saint Bernard is not tolerant of heat; in fact, it loves
cold weather. It does best when given access to the yard and the house. The
coat requires weekly brushing and more frequently during shedding season. In
addition, many St. Bernards have a tendency to drool.
Health
The Saint Bernard, which has a lifespan of 8 to 10 years,
may suffer from major health problems such as canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow
dysplasia, gastric torsion, osteosarcoma, distichiasis, entropion, and
ectropion. It is also prone to minor health issues like heart conditions,
cardiomyopathy, Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), diabetes, seizures, cervical
vertebral instability (CVI), and hot spots. To identify some of these issues, a
veterinarian may run hip, elbow, and eye exams on the dog.
