The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, beautiful breed with a gentle and affectionate nature. Ensuring a happy and healthy life for your Bernese Mountain Dog at home requires a commitment of time and effort, but the rewards of having a loyal and loving companion are definitely worth it.
How to care for a Bernese Mountain dog at home
Here are some important information about caring for your Bernese Mountain Dog at home:
Fur Care and Grooming:
Shedding: Bernese Mountain Dogs have two coats (a long outer coat and a woolly undercoat) and shed heavily, especially during shedding season (twice a year). Be prepared for a lot of hair in your home.
Brushing: Brush your dog thoroughly daily during shedding season and at least several times a week at other times to remove loose hair and prevent tangles and knots. Start brushing your puppy early to help him get used to it.
Bathing: Don't overdo it with bathing, as frequent bathing can strip the natural oils from his coat. Bathe him every 2-4 weeks or as needed (when he gets dirty).
Nail Trimming: Trim his nails regularly to prevent pain and walking problems.
Ear Cleaning: Check your dog's ears weekly for dirt, redness, or odor, and clean them as needed. Dry your dog's ears thoroughly after bathing or swimming to prevent infection. Dental Hygiene: Brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.
Exercise and Activity:
Moderate Energy: Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a moderate energy level.
Daily Activity: They need at least half an hour to an hour of moderate exercise daily, such as long walks, playtime, or walks in parks.
Play Space: It's preferable to have a large, secure yard where the dog can play and run freely, although they love being indoors with their owners.
Heat: Due to their thick coat, Bernese Mountain Dogs can suffer from overheating. They should be kept indoors during very hot weather and avoid strenuous exercise in high temperatures.
Monitoring During Their Puppies: Because they are a large breed and grow slowly, strenuous activities should be limited during their growth period to prevent joint problems.
Nutrition:
High-quality food: Feed your dog a high-quality food appropriate for their age (puppy, adult, senior). Consult your veterinarian to determine the best type and quantity of food for your dog.
Two meals per day: It is preferable to feed adult Bernese Mountain Dogs twice a day, approximately every 12 hours.
Food bowls: Avoid elevated bowls, as this can increase the risk of bloat (gastric dilatation and involution), a serious condition in large dogs. Use slow-feeding bowls to help slow down eating and reduce the risk.
Treatments: Treats should make up a very small percentage of their daily calories (no more than 10%) to avoid weight gain.
Water: Always ensure fresh, clean water is available.
Do not feed them human foods, especially dairy and spices.
Training and Behavior:
Early socialization and obedience training: This is crucial for all dogs, but especially for large breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Gentleness: These dogs are intelligent and eager to please their owners, so they are generally easy to train. However, their feelings can be easily hurt, so they do not respond well to harsh corrections or aggressive training methods. Use positive reinforcement methods.
Socialization: Introduce your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age to build confidence and avoid fear or aggression.
Family Time: Bernese Mountain Dogs love to be with their family. They can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. It's best not to leave them alone for more than four hours.
Barking: They may be prone to loud barking, but are generally quiet dogs otherwise.
Health:
Regular Vet Visits: To ensure your dog's health, regular health checks should be performed by your veterinarian.
Common Health Problems: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like many large breeds, are prone to certain health problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and certain cancers. Proper nutrition and exercise are important to help reduce bone and joint problems.
Weight: Maintain your dog's healthy weight, as obesity increases the burden on the joints.
