How to Trim Your Dog's Nails
How to Clean Your Dog's EarsHow to Brush Your Dog's Teeth |
GroomingAlthough the St. Bernard is a large dog, they require almost the same amount of grooming as any other dog. Grooming doesn't just involve the dog's coat. It also involves caring of the nails, ears and teeth. The amount of grooming that is needed to be done depends not only on the dog itself, but also its lifestyle. For example, if your dog is an outdoor dog or walks on pavement during its walks, nails will not need to be trimmed as often.
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FeedingJust as humans, dogs are individuals and they do not all eat the same amount or same kind of food. The amount to feed a dog depends greatly on their size, age, metabolism and activity level. Naturally, if your dog is a couch potato, they will require less food than an active dog. If your dog weighs 180 pounds, they will require more food than a dog that weighs 120 pounds. St. Bernards love to eat and are prone to obesity. Therefore it is important to closely monitor how much they are eating. It is recommended to only feed your dog two meals a day instead of having the food left out all the time. Most food items will have a chart on the back that will tell you how much food you should be giving your dog depending on their weight. However, this is a general guideline and your veterinarian will tell you exactly what food brand to buy and how much to feed your St. Bernard.
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Exercise
St. Bernards need a moderate amount of exercise daily. Exercise includes playing, taking them for a walk or letting them run around in the backyard on their own. Although St. Bernards are great with kids, it is important to keep and eye on them if they are playing with a baby or a toddler just in case the dog gets carried away and forgets how fragile the person they are playing with is. Because of their massive size and build, they are prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. That being said, it is important to limit their exercise during the hot hours of the day or to keep a close eye on them. If they start showing signs of heat exhaustion (heavy panting, dark red gums, weakness or collapsing), bring them to shade immediately and have a fresh supply of water nearby.
Housing
St. Bernards are large dogs and require a lot of space but this does not mean that they need a big house to live a healthy lifestyle. It is important to have firm training when they are puppies or there is a big possibility that they can wreak havoc in your home if left by themselves for long periods of time. With the exception of apartments, any home with a large back yard will be sufficient.