Transcription Audio

Hello and welcome to today's podcast, where we dive into a topic close to my heart and one that might resonate with many of you, especially if you're a proud owner of a Bernese Mountain Dog. Let's talk about avoiding some key health mistakes that could potentially break your heart, just like it nearly did mine. A few months ago, I was at a local park in Melbourne, having a chat with another Bernese owner, Emily. We were watching our dogs, Max and Bella, having a great time when, out of nowhere, Emily shared something that stopped me in my tracks. "I just don't get it," she said. "I've been doing everything right, but Bella's still having health issues." Emily's frustration was palpable, and it got me thinking about the common mistakes we might unknowingly make with our beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs. As the sun cast its afternoon glow over the park, Emily opened up about Bella's ongoing health challenges. She'd been dealing with digestive issues for months, irregular bowel movements, and even a lack of enthusiasm for meals. Emily was at her wit's end, having tried various approaches with little success. She thought she was feeding Bella a premium diet and ensuring she got regular exercise, yet something just wasn't adding up. Listening to Emily, I felt a mix of empathy and curiosity. As someone who’s been working in optimal health for dogs for several years, I recognized that each case, like Bella's, has its unique nuances. Bernese Mountain Dogs, despite their robust history, are prone to specific conditions requiring specialized attention. Digestive health is critical for them, with studies showing around 40% of Bernese experience digestive sensitivity at some point. Emily's dedication was clear in the way she monitored every meal and behavior change, yet it became apparent that something was missing. So, I decided to dig deeper into these issues, not just for Emily and Bella, but to enhance my understanding too. One of the first things I did was examine the local Australian pet food market. Many owners believe that more expensive equals better quality. However, I found many so-called premium brands still used fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients might not be harmful to all dogs but can trigger digestive upset in sensitive breeds like the Bernese. The week after our park chat, Emily and I met for coffee. I asked if she'd ever scrutinized Bella's food ingredients. Her eyes widened as she admitted she trusted the brand's reputation. This was a classic case of overlooking crucial details. We discovered that corn was Bella's food's second ingredient, followed by wheat gluten and artificial preservatives. For a dog with digestive issues, this was like pouring fuel on a fire. Moreover, while Emily ensured regular exercise, it was clear Bella needed more than just daily walks around a suburban neighborhood. Bernese Mountain Dogs are powerful creatures that require varied and engaging exercise routines. While Emily's routine was consistent, it wasn’t enough to meet Bella's mental and physical needs. The Australian Veterinary Association suggests these dogs need at least one to one and a half hours of varied exercise each day. This should include not just walking, but activities that stimulate their bodies and minds. The lack of mental stimulation can lead to stress-related digestive issues, creating a vicious cycle of worsening physical symptoms and behavioral problems. With this newfound understanding, Emily and I set out to overhaul Bella's care routine. We switched to a locally sourced, grain-free diet focusing on natural ingredients like kangaroo meat, which is leaner and easier to digest. We also revamped her exercise routine to include more mental engagement and variety. It was a journey filled with learning, not just for Emily, but for me too. Seeing Bella's gradual improvement reaffirmed the importance of being vigilant about our pets' health and recognizing when changes are needed. So, if you're listening today and you have a Bernese Mountain Dog or any pet for that matter, take a moment to consider these aspects. Pay attention to their diet, scrutinize those ingredient labels, and ensure they're getting the right kind of exercise and mental stimulation. It could make all the difference in their wellbeing and happiness. Thank you for joining me today. I hope this has been as enlightening for you as it was for me. Until next time, take care of yourselves and your furry friends.