Newfoundland health issues and how to prevent them
The Newfoundland should have been casted for “Baywatch”. This is because they are known to be excellent water rescue dogs due to their innate swimming abilities. It is very important to keep these lifesavers healthy and in tip top shape so that they can continue their noble duties. Here are some health issues Newfoundlands may encounter and how you can prevent them:
Cystinuria
This condition is described as the formation of stones in the dog’s bladder. It can be detected primarily through blood in the dog’s urine. Prevention of cystinuria involves adequate water intake of your Newfoundland. Make sure to adjust the dog’s diet by reducing salt and protein intake. Providing supplemental citrate (acidic substance to lower the alkalinity of the urine) may be done as well but must be consulted with a veterinarian first.
Dysplasia
In layman’s term, it is called joint dislocation. This happens when the bone is displaced from the socket of the joint, commonly the hips and elbows. Dysplasia causes difficulty in walking and is painful to the dog. Avoiding this condition would be to manage the Newfoundland’s size and weight. Adjustments to the diet must be done by avoiding high calorie and fat foods. Burning excess calories can be done through exercise such as brisk walking and of course, swimming.
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
SAS is a congenital heart problem that involves defective heart valves. It is very fatal to the dog so the first thing to do would to have your Newfoundland puppies checked by the vet for heart murmurs. If your dog is diagnosed to have this condition, a lifestyle change for the dog is a priority. Unfortunately, strenuous activities such as running or swimming are prohibited because these may overwork the heart and may lead to cardiac arrest. Balanced diet is a requirement too. Regular check-ups are required to detect progression and give proper treatment.
