St Bernard Health Guide
Everything st bernard owners need to know about keeping their dog healthy.
Breed Overview
St Bernards are giant working dogs best known for their calm, affectionate temperament and historic rescue work in the Alps. Their size is part of what makes them unique, but it also shapes their health profile: they mature slowly, place heavy stress on joints, and can be more vulnerable to several giant-breed orthopedic, eye, heart, and emergency gastrointestinal conditions. Because many St Bernards do not finish maturing until around 2 years of age, growth management, weight control, and breeder health screening matter more than they do in many smaller breeds.
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
A major inherited orthopedic concern in giant breeds. Signs can include stiffness, bunny-hopping, trouble rising, exercise intolerance, or pain after activity.
Elbow dysplasia
Another important developmental joint disease in St Bernards that may cause front-leg lameness, limping after exercise, or early arthritis.
Entropion and ectropion
Loose facial tissues can predispose this breed to eyelid problems. Owners may notice tearing, redness, squinting, discharge, or visible eyelid rolling or drooping.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Saint Bernards are listed among breeds at increased risk for dilated cardiomyopathy. Symptoms can include reduced stamina, coughing, collapse, fainting, or fast breathing.
Bloat and GDV
A life-threatening emergency seen in large and giant breeds. Watch for a swollen abdomen, retching without producing vomit, restlessness, drooling, or collapse.
Osteosarcoma
Giant breeds are at increased risk of this aggressive bone cancer. Persistent lameness, swelling, or pain in a limb should be checked promptly.
Preventive Care Schedule
St Bernards benefit from the standard core vaccine schedule recommended by your veterinarian, plus year-round parasite prevention and regular wellness exams. What is more breed-specific is early joint protection and screening. Feed a large-breed puppy diet through the growth period, keep your dog lean, and avoid excessive high-impact exercise while growing. For breeding dogs, the Saint Bernard Club of America recommends CHIC-aligned screening that includes hips, elbows, an eye examination by a boarded ophthalmologist, and cardiac evaluation by a boarded cardiologist; degenerative myelopathy DNA testing is also recommended, with thyroid testing optional but encouraged. In pet dogs, ask your veterinarian about orthopedic monitoring during growth, annual eye checks if tearing or eyelid issues develop, and senior screening for heart disease, arthritis, and cancer as your dog ages. Dental care should include daily tooth brushing when possible and professional cleanings as advised by your vet.
When to Use Telehealth for Your St Bernard
Telehealth can be especially useful for St Bernard owners because questions often start at home: Is this drooling normal or heat-related? Does this limp need same-day care? Is this eye irritation urgent? A virtual vet visit can help you decide whether your dog needs routine follow-up, prompt in-person evaluation, or emergency care. Telehealth is a good fit for reviewing photos or videos of limping, checking mild skin or ear concerns, discussing weight management for joint protection, reviewing senior mobility changes, and deciding whether noisy breathing, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, or eye discharge can wait. Telehealth is not enough for suspected bloat/GDV, collapse, severe breathing trouble, heatstroke, major trauma, or sudden inability to stand—those need immediate in-person veterinary care.
St Bernard Health FAQs
What health problems are St Bernards most prone to?
What health testing should I ask about before getting a St Bernard puppy?
Are St Bernards at high risk for bloat?
When should I call a vet about limping in a St Bernard?
Do St Bernards need special nutrition as puppies?
Sources
- American Kennel Club — Saint Bernard breed information and breed weight/lifespan references
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals — CHIC program, fee schedule, and breed health screening resources
- Saint Bernard Club of America — breeder referral and recommended health screening requirements
- Saint Bernard: Health & Care Guide — SpectrumCare
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.