Newfoundland Health Guide
Everything newfoundland owners need to know about keeping their dog healthy.
Breed Overview
Newfoundlands are giant working dogs known for their calm, sweet temperament and historic water-rescue and draft abilities. Their massive size, heavy bone, dense coat, and generally gentle nature make them distinctive, but those same traits also shape their health profile. Compared with many smaller breeds, Newfoundlands face higher risk for orthopedic disease, inherited heart disease, urinary stone problems linked to cystinuria, and life-threatening bloat. Because puppies grow for a long time and adults often weigh well over 100 pounds, keeping them lean and using breed-aware preventive care can make a meaningful difference over their lifetime.
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
A common large-breed orthopedic problem that can lead to pain, stiffness, exercise intolerance, and arthritis. Signs often include bunny-hopping, difficulty rising, or reluctance to jump. Weight control, joint-friendly exercise, and early veterinary evaluation matter.
Elbow dysplasia
Newfoundlands are also screened for elbow disease. Dogs may limp, toe out, or become sore after activity. Early diagnosis can help guide activity changes, pain control, and referral when needed.
Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS)
This inherited heart condition is especially important in the breed. Mild dogs may have no obvious signs, while moderate to severe cases can cause exercise intolerance, weakness, fainting, breathing changes, or sudden death. A heart murmur in a Newfoundland should always be taken seriously.
Cystinuria
A hereditary disorder that can cause cystine bladder or urethral stones. Owners may notice frequent urination, straining, bloody urine, urinary accidents, or inability to pass urine. A blocked dog is an emergency.
Bloat and GDV
As a giant breed, the Newfoundland is at risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus. Warning signs include a suddenly swollen abdomen, retching without producing vomit, restlessness, drooling, trouble breathing, or collapse. This is a true emergency.
Hypothyroidism
Breed clubs and OFA also recommend thyroid screening. Affected dogs may gain weight easily, seem less energetic, or develop skin and coat changes. Signs can be gradual, so routine wellness testing is helpful.
Preventive Care Schedule
Newfoundlands should follow a standard veterinary preventive plan with extra attention to giant-breed risks. Puppies need core vaccines on a veterinarian-guided schedule, then adult boosters based on current guidelines and local law. Lifestyle vaccines such as Bordetella, influenza, Lyme, or leptospirosis may be recommended depending on travel, boarding, region, and exposure risk. Because giant-breed puppies grow slowly and are prone to orthopedic stress, ask your vet about large-breed puppy nutrition, growth monitoring, and exercise that protects developing joints. For breed-specific screening, the Newfoundland Club of America recommends OFA hip and elbow radiographs, a DNA cystinuria test, and a cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist for CHIC; additional recommended screening includes eyes, patella, and thyroid. Adults should have at least yearly exams, and many dogs benefit from twice-yearly visits as they age. Dental assessments should be routine, with professional cleanings as advised by your veterinarian.
When to Use Telehealth for Your Newfoundland
Telehealth can be especially useful for Newfoundland owners when you are not sure whether a new symptom needs an in-person visit the same day. Good examples include discussing early limping or stiffness, reviewing whether your dog's breathing pattern or exercise tolerance seems concerning, getting guidance about skin irritation hidden under a dense coat, deciding whether urinary changes sound urgent, and making a plan for weight control in a giant breed. It is also helpful for reviewing screening timelines before you book OFA or cardiology appointments, or for deciding whether a senior dog's subtle changes could fit pain, thyroid disease, or heart disease. Telehealth is not appropriate for collapse, severe breathing trouble, repeated retching, a hard swollen abdomen, inability to urinate, fainting, or any suspected emergency—those dogs need immediate hands-on veterinary care.
Newfoundland Health FAQs
What health tests should a Newfoundland have?
Are Newfoundlands prone to heart disease?
How do I know if my Newfoundland might have cystinuria?
Is bloat a major risk in Newfoundlands?
How can I help prevent joint problems in a Newfoundland?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.