Okay, so today I wanted to talk a bit about my Bernese Mountain Dog, big guy, love him to death. But I’ve been noticing some things lately that got me a little worried, and I figured I’d share my experience, what I did about it, and what I found out.
My Dog’s Symptoms
So, my dog, he’s a big ol’ Berner, right? They’re known for being these fluffy, lovable giants. But lately, he hasn’t been his usual, energetic self. It started with him just seeming a bit more tired than usual. I thought, “Okay, maybe he’s just getting older.” But then I noticed he wasn’t eating as much, and that’s when my alarm bells started going off.
I started paying closer attention. He was limping a little, not all the time, but enough for me to notice. And he just seemed, I don’t know, sad? Not his usual tail-wagging, happy-go-lucky self.
My First Steps
First thing I did was call my vet. We got an appointment for the next day, thank goodness. I spent that night just observing him, making notes of everything that seemed off. I also did some reading online, which, you know, can be a blessing and a curse. You find so much information, but not all of it is helpful, or even accurate.
- Calling the Vet: This was my go-to move. Always the best first step.
- Observation: I kept a close eye on him, noting his eating habits, his energy levels, the limping.
- Online Research: I did a bit of digging online, just to get a general idea of what might be going on.
What I Learned at the Vet
The vet did a thorough check-up. We discovered the cause of his limping after examination. The vet also mentioned that Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain health issues, which I kind of knew, but it’s different when it’s your own dog, you know? I learned that cancer is a big concern for this breed, unfortunately. Also, these dogs should have a diet high in Omega-3 and eat twice a day, not from an elevated bowl.
And that they really need their exercise. I mean, I knew that, but it became clear that maybe I need to step up our walks and playtime. They love to work and herd, so that’s something to keep in mind too.
Moving Forward
I’m not gonna lie, hearing all this was a bit of a blow. But I’m glad I caught it early. We’re making some changes. We’re adjusting his diet, making sure he gets plenty of Omega-3. We’re also being more consistent with his exercise. And, of course, we’re keeping a closer eye on him, making sure we catch anything unusual early on.
It’s a journey, for sure. But it’s all worth it for my big, furry buddy. I just want him to be happy and healthy for as long as possible. And I hope that by sharing my experience, maybe I can help someone else catch something early too.
I’m no expert, just a dog owner who’s learning as I go. But I think that’s okay. We just do the best we can for our furry friends, right?
