Raising dogs, in particular taking care of the bernese mountain dog, is a specialty of humans across the world. Some zoologists speculate dogs were first domesticated sometime between 12,000 and 25,000 years ago—and that all canines evolved from wolves. Since then, humans have selectively bred more than four hundred breeds, which vary in size from 4-pound teacup poodles to Irish wolfhounds, whose three-foot stature has earned them the distinction of the tallest pooch. However, the most preferred pooches are non-pedigree dogs—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mutts. The bernese mountain dog is also a popular pick among canine owners. Many owners are misinformed, however, of some crucial bernese mountain dog care tips.
Typical cost of care for the bernese mountain dog
The yearly cost of caring for the bernese mountain dog—which includes food and treats, to vet bills, toys and license—can range between four hundred twenty and $780. This is not even accounting for capital costs for spay/neuter surgery, collar and leash, dog carrier and a dog crate. Tip: Make sure you have all of your supplies before you get your bernese mountain dog home.
Typical bernese mountain dog Care
Feeding your bernese mountain dog
- bernese mountain dog puppies between 8 and twelve weeks old need 4 bowls of food per day.
- Feed bernese mountain dog puppies 3 to 6 months old 3 meals daily.
- Feed puppies six months to 1 year 2 meals every 24 hours.
- When the bernese mountain dog hits his or her 1st birthday, one feeding in a day is typically adequate.
- Many times adult bernese mountain dogs might do better with 2 lighter meals. It is your duty to learn your bernese mountain dog’s eating schedule.
High-quality dry dogfood ensures balanced nutrition for full-grown bernese mountain dogs and can mix with canned food, broth, or water. Your bernese mountain dog may also love fruits and vegetables, cottage cheese, and cooked eggs, but these should be less than 10 percent of his daily food allowance. bernese mountain dog pups should probably be fed premium-quality, name brand puppy food. Try to limit “table food”, though, because it can cause mineral and vitamin imbalances, tooth and bone problems, and may result in very picky eating habits and obesity. Give clean, potable water at all times, and be sure to clean food and water dishes very regularly.
bernese mountain dog Care Tips: Make sure to get your bernese mountain dog some daily physical activity
bernese mountain dogs must get some daily exercise in order to stay in shape, stimulate their brains, and remain in good health. Daily physical activity also tends to help bernese mountain dogs fight boredom, which would often lead to destructive behavior. Playing outside will appease most of your bernese mountain dog’s desires to herd, dig, chase, retrieve and chew. Activity needs can depend on your bernese mountain dog’s level of health and her age—but 10 minutes outside and merely a couple of walks around the block every day probably is not enough. If your bernese mountain dog is a six to 18 month adolescent, her requirements will probably be a little greater.
Grooming tips for bernese mountain dogs
Regular brushing will help keep your bernese mountain dog clean and reduce shedding. Check for fleas and ticks every day during the summer or other warm weather. Most bernese mountain dogs don’t need a bath more than a few times per year. Before the bath, comb or cut out any and all mats from the bernese mountain dog’s hair. Rinse all soap out of the coat, or the dirt will stick to the soap.
bernese mountain dog Handling
Pups are clearly easier to manage. When carrying the bernese mountain dog puppy, take one of your hands and place it beneath your dog’s chest, either with the forearm or other hand supporting his or her hind legs and rump. Don’t ever attempt to grab or lift your puppy by the front legs, tail or nape. When you need to lift a larger, adult bernese mountain dog, lift from underneath, holding his or her chest with one of your arms and rump with your other.
How to House the bernese mountain dog
Your bernese mountain dog needs a comfortable peaceful spot to rest apart from all breezes and away from the floor. You may want to buy a dog bed, or make one out of a wood box. Put a clean sheet, blanket, comforter, or pillow inside the bed as cushioning. Wash your bernese mountain dog’s bed covering frequently. If your bernese mountain dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors, make sure she has access to plenty of cool water and shade in hot weather, and a covered, warm, dry area in the cold.
bernese mountain dog Licensing
Your community has licensing regulations to heed. Be sure to affix the license to your bernese mountain dog’s collar. This, together with an identification tag or tattoo, will most likely help secure your bernese mountain dog’s return should she become lost.
bernese mountain dog Behavior Info
Training bernese mountain dogs
A well-mannered, companion bernese mountain dog can be a pleasure to raise. However, when left untrained, your bernese mountain dog may be nothing but trouble. Training your bernese mountain dog on the minimums—”Stay”, “Come”, “Down”, “Heel”, “Off”, “Sit”, and “Leave it”—bolsters the relationship with both the bernese mountain dog and the friends. If you own a pup, begin teaching him the right behavior immediately! A treat can be used as incentive and recognition. Puppies should begin obedience courses when they are adequately immunized. Contact your community humane society or SPCA for information about obedience courses. It is wise to keep your bernese mountain dog on a leash when, even as a pup. Just be sure your dog will come to you every time you say the word. An aggressive or disobedient bernese mountain dog can’t play with people.
The Health of Your bernese mountain dog
Your bernese mountain dog should see the vet for a thorough examination, innoculations and a heartworm blood examination annualy, and as soon as possible when he is hurt or ill.
bernese mountain dog Dental Health
Although we might simply dislike our bernese mountain dog’s halitosis, it’s important to be aware of what it may mean. Halitosis is a symptom that your bernese mountain dog is in need of an oral examination. Plaque , which is a result of germs brings a terrible stench that can only be cured by the help of a professional. Once you have given your bernese mountain dog a professional dental cleaning, her mouth can be kept healthy by brushing regularly, feeding a special diet focused on dental health, and eliminating table food. Your veterinarian can provide you with additional data on eradicating dental problems as well as bad breath. You should brush your bernese mountain dog’s teeth using a dog paste or a baking-soda-and-water paste twice weekly. Use a child’s soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger. Periodontal disease,which is an infection between the teeth and gums, sometimes affects bernese mountain dogs. Sometimes, tooth loss happens due to periodontal infection. Disease can also spread to other areas of your bernese mountain dog’s body. The vet may brush your dog’s teeth as a regular part of your bernese mountain dog’s health screening.
Bad Breath in bernese mountain dogs
Even though dental disease itself is not that serious when it is found early, halitosis may also be indicative of fairly serious, chronic causes for concern. Diseases of the liver or intestines also cause halitosis, while a fruity, sweet smell can often be indicative of diabetes. When your bernese mountain dog’s breath smells of ammonia or urine, kidney disease is a possible reason. Set an appointment with a veterinarian whenever your bernese mountain dog has halitosis along with other signs of disease like excessive urinating or drinking, depression or lethargy, weight loss, nausea, or decreased appetite.
Dealing with Fleas and Ticks in bernese mountain dogs
Daily, regular checks of your bernese mountain dog for ticks and fleas during the warm seasons are crucial. You can remove and find fleas with a flea comb. There are several new techniques of flea and tick reduction. Refer to your bernese mountain dog’s doctor about his recommendations.
Heartworms in bernese mountain dogs
Your bernese mountain dog is at risk of developing heartworms if she is exposed to lots of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes transport this parasite from dog to dog. Several bernese mountain dogs die yearly due to heartworms. It’s very important that you ensure your bernese mountain dog has a blood test for this parasite every spring. It’s also wise to give your bernese mountain dog a once-a-month tablet throughout the warm, wet time of the year to be able to protect him from heartworms. If you ever vacation south with your bernese mountain dog in winter, he must be on the preventive medicine during the trip. In some warmer locations, vets advise preventive parasite medication be taken continuously.
Toxins and Medications
If you’re considering giving your bernese mountain dog pills that was not prescribed for him by his vet, don’t even think about it. Are you aware that 1 regular-strength ibuprofen pill causes ulcers in some dogs Keep rat poison and other rodenticides away from your bernese mountain dog. If you suspect that your doggie has been exposed to a poison, contact the doctor or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 24 hrs. per day for assistance.
bernese mountain dog Sterilization Procedures
Male bernese mountain dogs should be neutered – the removal of the testes – and females spayed – the removal of the uterus and ovaries – by 6 months of age. You usually will greatly diminish your female bernese mountain dog’s risk of breast cancer by spaying before maturity. Spaying also eliminates the risk of a diseased uterus, a traumatic condition in more mature females that can only be treated with intensive medical care. Neutering males eliminates the risk of prostate diseases, some hernias and certain types of aggression.
bernese mountain dog Innoculating
- The combo vaccine (also called the “five-in-1 shot”) must be given to your bernese mountain dog at 2, three, and four months old and then once every year. This immunization protects your bernese mountain dog puppy from parainfluenza, parvovirus, leptospirosis, hepatitis, and distemper. The bernese mountain dog puppy’s innoculation regimen cannot be completed before four months of age.
- If your bernese mountain dog has not been innoculated and is older than 4 months, he will need 2 vaccinations promptly, two to three weeks apart. Then you must vaccinate annualy.
- bernese mountain dog puppy socialization and vaccination should coincide. Most vets advise that new owners take their bernese mountain dog pups to socialization classes, beginning at 8 to 9 weeks of age. They should have received their first immunizations by this age.
Statutes are so varied between different areas, the best thing is to contact your neighborhood vet about rabies vaccination details. For example, NYC rules declare that pets older than 3 months must be immunized for rabies. After the first shot, you must have a second vaccination the following year, and then every three years. There are a variety of innoculations, many of which are right for your bernese mountain dog. Others, however, are not. Your veterinarian can give you her advice. Please note, if your bernese mountain dog happens to get ill because he is not immunized, the shots ought to be taken once your dog fully recovers.
Intestinal Parasites in bernese mountain dogs
bernese mountain dogs are often exposed to worms and possible infestation—in all areas, both rural and urban. Eggs that carry intestinal worms are transmitted through a dog’s stool. Even the healthiest of bernese mountain dog puppies carry hookworms or roundworms. The secret to treatment is early detection. This will maximize the possibility that the medication is effective against the parasite your dog has. A dewormer that eliminates roundworms, for example, cannot kill tapeworms. Your veterinarian can best figure out the culprit—and assign the most effective medication.
Miscellaneous bernese mountain dog Care Tips
Checklist of bernese mountain dog Supplies
- High-quality dog food and treats specifically designed for bernese mountain dogs and similarly-sized dogs
- Food bowl
- Water bowl
- Toys, toys and more toys, including safe chew toys
- Brush & comb for grooming, including a flea comb
- Collar with license and ID tag
- Quality leash
- Carrier (for puppies)
- Training crate
- Box or dog bed with warm blanket or towel
- Doggie or child’s toothbrush
The no-no list
The following items should never be fed to bernese mountain dogs:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Caffeinated foods, like coffee, tea or chocolate
- Raisins & grapes
- Moldy or spoiled food of any kind
- Onions, garlic or chives
- Chicken, turkey, or any other poultry bones
- Salt or salty foods
- Tomato leaves, unripe fruit and stems
- Yeast dough
Final Thoughts
Unless you are at home, or in a fenced-in, secured area, keep your bernese mountain dog on a leash at all times. And please, when your bernese mountain dog defecates on your neighbor’s grass, clean it up! Don’t forget to check out these other articles about bernese mountain dogs
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