How to Protect a Newfoundland Dog From Health Problems

Newfoundlands are awesome dogs, especially for families. In fact, a recent program on the Animal Planet network said that Newfies may be the absolute best dog for a family with children. Even though they can weigh as much as 200 lbs. (or more), they are gentle, loving, loyal dogs that do well in a variety of environments.
Because of their giant size, however, Newfoundlands are prone to a lot of health problems when they get older. The trick to protecting a Newfie from many of these problems starts when she is a puppy, and continuing to monitor life long. Here's how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glucosamine chondroitin
• Fish oil capsules
• Ester-C
• Calcium
• Healthy treats

1. Start with supplements. Many breeders of large dogs, including Newfoundlands, feed their puppies supplements around the time they start ingesting solid food, and recommend continuing the supplements for the first three years of the dog's life.
   These supplements: glucosamine chondroitin, fish oil, Ester-C and calcium (either in pill or food form) given once daily help the large puppies build bones strong enough to support their weight and also proactively help prevent (or at least postpone) arthritis and other joint problems when the Newfie gets old. These supplements can be continued when the dog is old and starting to show signs of arthritis for long-term pain relief.

2. Stop the puppy chow early. Puppy food is nutritionally designed to help puppies grow. However, a large breed like Newfoundlands don't really need the help after a certain point. In fact, rapid growth after a certain age can be detrimental to the puppy's organs and bones---they have a hard time keeping up with the body's demands. Many breeders of large dogs recommend switching from puppy food to adult food at 8 months of age so the large puppy's body doesn't outgrow the frame and organs that support it.

3. Keep your Newfoundland at a healthy weight. Any dog, but particularly a large breed dog like a Newfie, should be maintained at a healthy weight throughout her life. Just like with people, packing a few extra pounds can lead to heart disease, liver and kidney problems, diabetes and more chronic, fatal health issues. Check with your vet regularly to make sure your dog is an appropriate weight for her size and breed.

4. Keep his ears clean. Newfoundlands, in general, love the water. Even though their ears are designed to keep water out, check and clean your Newfie's ears on a weekly basis---more often if he is a regular swimmer. A solution of three parts water and one part vinegar will keep the ears clean and yeast-free.

5. Brush, brush, brush. Newfies have gorgeous coats, whether they're black, brown, or black and white. They also have those coats for a reason---as protection in cold water. In order to keep your Newfie healthy in all weather and if he's wet or dry, groom him on a weekly basis. A healthy coat is the sign of a healthy body---and the fish oil you're feeding him will add an extra shine.

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