How Long Do St. Bernards Live? Learn About the Life Expectancy of These Gentle Giants

If you are thinking about adding a St. Bernard to your family, it's important to know how long you can expect your new furry friend to be around. On average, St. Bernards live between 8 and 10 years, which is on the shorter side for a big dog breed, but not surprising given their size and some common health problems.

To give a full overview and answer some of the most common questions about how long St. Bernards live, we will look at a number of studies and reference experts to find out more about what determines their life expectancy, what health issues they are most at risk for, and how you can help them live as long as possible.

Potential Health Issues and How to Prevent Them

While St. Bernards are loving and loyal pets, their large size makes them prone to a number of health issues that are specific to the breed and can affect their life expectancy. According to PetMD, St. Bernards are susceptible to bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and several types of cancer.

One of the most common and most serious health issues that St. Bernards face is bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach twists, cutting off blood supply. The risk of bloat can be reduced by taking preventive measures, such as having a gastropexy surgery.

St. Bernards are also prone to a number of orthopedic issues, with hip and elbow dysplasia being the most common. These issues can lead to joint pain and arthritis, which may be treated with medications, supplements, reduced activity, or surgery. Heart disease, especially dilated cardiomyopathy, and bone cancers like osteosarcoma are also common in St. Bernards.

To help ensure that a St. Bernard lives as long as possible, regular vet visits for early detection are important, as is early intervention. An appropriate diet and exercise regimen can also help reduce the risk of health issues. By working with a vet and following breed-specific recommendations, pet parents can take a proactive approach to any potential health concerns. With the right care and preventive measures, these gentle giants can live long and healthy lives.

Grooming and Exercise Needs for a Healthy Life

St. Bernards have moderate grooming requirements, including regular brushing, bathing, and cleaning of their facial features. According to The Dog People by Rover.com, their coat needs a weekly brushing to keep it healthy and prevent excessive shedding. During shedding seasons, daily brushing may be required to manage the abundant fur. Proper grooming helps maintain their coat health, prevent skin issues, and reduce excessive shedding and drooling.

Daily exercise is also essential for St. Bernards to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related health problems. PDSA recommends at least an hour of exercise per day, including walks, playtime, and off-leash activities in a secure environment. However, exercise should be moderate and low-impact to avoid putting excessive strain on their joints and bones.

Meeting these grooming, exercise, and other care needs can have a big impact on a St. Bernard's health and well-being. Owners can help ensure these large dogs live their best lives by following the breed's care requirements and partnering with veterinarians to meet their needs.

St. Bernard Adoption: Rescue Organizations and the Adoption Process

For those who are interested in adoption, St. Bernard rescue organizations are an option to consider instead of going to a breeder. According to Buying or Adopting a Saint Bernard, the reasons that Saint Bernards are surrendered to Rescue include shedding, drooling, and needing more attention than the owner can give. Some are surrendered due to family situations, and these dogs may not have any issues at all.

The adoption process generally includes an application, home visit, and meeting to ensure that the dog and the potential new owner are a good fit. As mentioned on ― Saint Bernard Rescue ― ADOPTIONS, rescue dogs come with their own histories, so it's important for potential owners to be patient and willing to work with them. Not only will adopting a St. Bernard from a rescue give a dog a loving home, but it will also help to reduce the demand for puppy mills.

It's important to make sure that you're working with a reputable rescue and that you understand the breed's exercise, training, and socialization needs before you adopt. However, with the right knowledge and dedication, owners can offer a loving home to a St. Bernard in need.

Training and Socialization: The Building Blocks of a Good Friend

Because of their size, training and socialization are especially important for St. Bernards, and this is especially true for training that starts when they are young. According to Sensible Dog Training, "Training your Saint Bernard puppy doesn't have to be a struggle," but it does have to be done right. This means using positive reinforcement and puppy kindergarten to teach good behavior and commands.

Socialization is also important, and this means exposing the dog to new people, places, and other animals. As Terrific Pets notes, "The St. Bernard needs socialization in order to be a well-rounded and accepting dog." Training and socialization both require a commitment to positive reinforcement, patience, and a willingness to work with the dog.

When training and socialization are done well, St. Bernards can be wonderful family pets and live happy lives. Owners can ensure that their dogs are set up for success by following the right training and socialization protocols, which are outlined by iHeartDogs. With the right care and attention, St. Bernards can be a great addition to the family.

Conclusion: How to Help Your St. Bernard Live Its Fullest Life

St. Bernards have a shorter lifespan than many other dog breeds, but there are things you can do to help them live as long as possible. Genetics, preventative care, and the management of common health issues are all important factors in a St. Bernard's life expectancy. In addition, grooming, exercise, training, and socialization can all help contribute to a St. Bernard's overall health and well-being.

By staying committed and learning as much as possible about the breed, you can ensure that you and your St. Bernard have many years of happiness together. The time you spend with your St. Bernard and the memories you create will be the best rewards of responsible ownership.