Life’s more fun and exciting when you live with an energetic dog. However, finding ways to calm them down is a common challenge that involves creative solutions. Sound therapy is one creative method proven to help some dogs manage their anxiety and hyperreactivity.

Sound Oasis has been creating sleep and sound therapy products since 1993. They have a notable team of doctors with decades of experience in sleep and sound research. Along with making sound machines, Sound Oasis produces sound samples that are scientifically proven to promote relaxation and sleep.

While I usually welcome my dog’s playful antics, I also work from home and need my dog to remain calm while I work and log into meetings. I was ready to try out a new product that could soothe my dog and prevent me from getting distracted from work.

I tested out the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System, which had a noticeably positive effect on my dog’s reactivity. Despite its small size, the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System has convenient features and high-quality sound options. My review is here to provide everything you need to know about the Pet Sound Therapy System and how you and your dog can benefit from using it.

Overview

Our Experience

While sound therapy isn’t the silver bullet for anxiety or hyperreactivity in dogs, it can help them stay calm when incorporated into a healthy lifestyle routine. My Cavapoo Nora has previously shown a positive response to other forms of sound therapy, so I was looking forward to testing out the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System. I wanted to see how it would compare to other sound machines I’ve used.

Despite being 10 years old, Nora remains easily excitable. The tiniest noise can pique her interest and cause her to start barking. I’ve had to come up with many different ideas to manage her hyperreactivity, and this became especially important when I started working from home. I couldn’t have a dog that started barking at every little noise made both inside and outside the house.

I’ve used several different sound therapy devices, and I have to say that I’m quite impressed with the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System. The first thing that I noticed was the superior sound quality. Other sound machines I’ve used often start to buzz or hum once they exceed a certain volume. This sound machine consistently emitted clear, high-quality sounds that made it pleasant for both Nora and me to listen to.

I spent time testing out each of the 20 built-in sounds. I appreciated how they all played continuously for 8 hours without any gaps of silence. The nature sounds, including rain, streams, and woodlands, seemed to be the most effective in masking outdoor noises. Nora was less likely to pick up on noises and start barking. The ambient sounds were all very calming and soothing, but they didn’t really seem to mask other sounds. There were several times when Nora would wake up from a noise and start barking or whining.

Another notable feature was its Bluetooth connection. It does take some time to manually toggle between the different built-in sounds when using the sound machine’s buttons. So, the Pet Therapy By Sound Oasis mobile app was a game changer for convenience. Connecting to the sound machine via Bluetooth was a quick and straightforward process. The app also had a user-friendly interface, and I could easily switch between sounds and adjust the volume with just a couple of swipes.

The only minor inconvenience I experienced with the Pet Sound Therapy System was the battery life and charging time. When completely charged, the sound machine could play sounds for a little under 5 hours. It took about 30 minutes of charging for the sound machine to operate after being completely depleted, and it took about 3 hours to fully charge a drained battery. This could cause an inconvenience for days when you have to leave your dog at home for over 5 hours. Fortunately, the sound machine still works when it’s charging and can play sounds for much longer than 5 hours when plugged in.

Overall, I would recommend the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System to anyone interested in trying out sound therapy with their pets. Because it’s convenient and easy to use, it provides a positive experience for first-time users. The many different sound options enable people to experiment and discover sounds that effectively calm and soothing their dogs.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

How It works

The Pet Sound Therapy System emits sounds designed to soothe your dog’s stress and anxiety. It also helps to block other distressing or distracting noises like thunder, traffic, and people walking past your home.

There are two ways to use the Pet Sound Therapy System. It comes with an SD card that contains 20 unique sounds. The sound machine has buttons for switching between sounds and adjusting the volume. If you want to listen to other kinds of sounds, you can download mp3 files to another SD card and insert it into the sound machine.

You can also play sounds using the Pet Sound Therapy System’s Bluetooth connection. Once you pair your mobile device or computer and download the Sound Oasis mobile app, you’ll have access to a variety of calming sounds. You can use the app to adjust the volume and set the playtime duration to 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes.

What to Expect

The Pet Sound Therapy System is available for purchase through Sound Oasis’ website or Amazon store. Sound Oasis offers free shipping within the continental US and standard ground shipping timeframes.

The Pet Sound Therapy System includes the BST-80-20P sound machine, an SD card with therapeutic sounds, a charging cable, and a pet relaxation and sleep guide. Once you receive your Pet Sound Therapy System, you can start using it right away. It can play sounds wirelessly for up to 5 hours when fully charged. It comes with a USB charging cable and will be fully charged within 2 to 3 hours.

The Pet Sound Therapy System also includes private listening options. It has a headphone jack for you to plug in your own headphones or pillow speakers. The sound machine can also be used as a speaker, and you can play your own sounds or songs on your mobile device via Bluetooth.

Pet Therapy By Sound Oasis App

One of the most convenient features is the Pet Therapy By Sound Oasis App. This free mobile app is available for both Apple and Android mobile devices and includes several different sound options with unlimited run times. Sound connoisseurs will appreciate the app’s equalizer, which enables customizations to create the perfect sound. You can also overlay every sound with a cat’s purring or a steady heartbeat for added comfort and relaxation.

About Sound Oasis

Is the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System a Good Value?

Considering its Bluetooth capabilities, portability, and wide range of sound options, the Pet Sound Therapy System is a good value. It may be slightly more expensive than other sound machines of its size, but most of these sound machines don’t have Bluetooth and other wireless features. Many also don’t have a rechargeable battery and must remain plugged in and stationary at all times.

You can experience additional savings throughout the year, as Sound Oasis regularly offers discounts to customers. You can also register your product online to receive discounts on other Sound Oasis products.

How We Tested

It’s important to note that I tested the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System on a dog with previous exposure to sound therapy. Because of Nora’s sensitivity to noises, I used sound therapy in her puppyhood to help her to remain calm when she hears thunderstorms, fireworks, sirens, and other loud, distressing noises. Therefore, she’s already used to hearing white noise and nature sounds, and she associates these sounds with calmness and relaxation.

I used my previous sound machine to compare the Pet Sound Therapy System’s performance. I tested out the Pet Sound Therapy System for a week and kept an eye out for any noticeable differences in Nora. Other than switching products, I kept everything else the same. There weren’t any changes in Nora’s routine, and I placed the Pet Sound Therapy System in the same location as my previous sound machine.

The Verdict

The Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System performed equally well as the system I have been successfully using in the past, but didn’t have any noticeably different effects on Nora. For me, the benefits of the Sound Oasis product are about the interface and ease of use, rather than it having any vastly different effects on my dog.

Using the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System helped both me and my dog share a relaxing space where she can sleep and I can get on with my day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the warranty for the Pet Sound Therapy System?

Sound Oasis has a 1-year warranty for their BST-80-20P sound machine. They will replace the product at no charge if there are any defects in materials or workmanship within 1 year of the product purchase date. The warranty doesn’t cover any damages caused by misuse, lack of reasonable care, and accidents.

How do I change the sounds on the Pet Sound Therapy System?

The BST-80-20P sound machine doesn’t have separate buttons for switching between sounds. You must press the volume buttons twice to change sounds or play a previous sound. You can more easily choose between different sounds when using the app.

How can I play more sounds on the Pet Sound Therapy System?

Sound Oasis has an extensive library of therapeutic sounds that you can purchase and download through their website. Every sound comes in an mp3 format and is accessible and playable on both Apple and PC computers. Once you purchase a sound, you can download it onto an SD card. Once you insert the SD card into the BST-80-20P sound machine, the sound machine will begin playing the new sounds.

What is the Bluetooth connectivity range for the Pet Sound Therapy System?

The Pet Sound Therapy System has a wireless range of 30 feet or 10 meters. You can connect your mobile device or computer to the sound machine. The sound machine can pair with one device at a time.

Why is it better than a regular speaker?

The main features that make this system stand out are the quality of the sound that is produced from a very small device, particularly when compared to similar speakers available, and the types of sounds included. Not only are you getting a very high-quality speaker, but it comes preloaded with sounds that have been specifically chosen for their positive effects on pets, as well as being pleasant to our ears.

Conclusion

The Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System provided a calming and relaxing experience for both my dog and me. The high-quality sounds created an easy listening experience, and the sounds were the perfect background noise that kept Nora calm without distracting me from work.

It’s rare for both dog owners and their dogs to directly benefit from the same product, but this sound therapy system can provide you both with a pleasant experience as you immerse yourselves in a peaceful soundscape.

The post Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System Review 2025: Vet Approved Benefits & Our Verdict appeared first on PangoVet.

Life’s more fun and exciting when you live with an energetic dog. However, finding ways to calm them down is a common challenge that involves creative solutions. Sound therapy is one creative method proven to help some dogs manage their anxiety and hyperreactivity.

Sound Oasis has been creating sleep and sound therapy products since 1993. They have a notable team of doctors with decades of experience in sleep and sound research. Along with making sound machines, Sound Oasis produces sound samples that are scientifically proven to promote relaxation and sleep.

While I usually welcome my dog’s playful antics, I also work from home and need my dog to remain calm while I work and log into meetings. I was ready to try out a new product that could soothe my dog and prevent me from getting distracted from work.

I tested out the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System, which had a noticeably positive effect on my dog’s reactivity. Despite its small size, the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System has convenient features and high-quality sound options. My review is here to provide everything you need to know about the Pet Sound Therapy System and how you and your dog can benefit from using it.

Overview

Our Experience

While sound therapy isn’t the silver bullet for anxiety or hyperreactivity in dogs, it can help them stay calm when incorporated into a healthy lifestyle routine. My Cavapoo Nora has previously shown a positive response to other forms of sound therapy, so I was looking forward to testing out the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System. I wanted to see how it would compare to other sound machines I’ve used.

Despite being 10 years old, Nora remains easily excitable. The tiniest noise can pique her interest and cause her to start barking. I’ve had to come up with many different ideas to manage her hyperreactivity, and this became especially important when I started working from home. I couldn’t have a dog that started barking at every little noise made both inside and outside the house.

I’ve used several different sound therapy devices, and I have to say that I’m quite impressed with the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System. The first thing that I noticed was the superior sound quality. Other sound machines I’ve used often start to buzz or hum once they exceed a certain volume. This sound machine consistently emitted clear, high-quality sounds that made it pleasant for both Nora and me to listen to.

I spent time testing out each of the 20 built-in sounds. I appreciated how they all played continuously for 8 hours without any gaps of silence. The nature sounds, including rain, streams, and woodlands, seemed to be the most effective in masking outdoor noises. Nora was less likely to pick up on noises and start barking. The ambient sounds were all very calming and soothing, but they didn’t really seem to mask other sounds. There were several times when Nora would wake up from a noise and start barking or whining.

Another notable feature was its Bluetooth connection. It does take some time to manually toggle between the different built-in sounds when using the sound machine’s buttons. So, the Pet Therapy By Sound Oasis mobile app was a game changer for convenience. Connecting to the sound machine via Bluetooth was a quick and straightforward process. The app also had a user-friendly interface, and I could easily switch between sounds and adjust the volume with just a couple of swipes.

The only minor inconvenience I experienced with the Pet Sound Therapy System was the battery life and charging time. When completely charged, the sound machine could play sounds for a little under 5 hours. It took about 30 minutes of charging for the sound machine to operate after being completely depleted, and it took about 3 hours to fully charge a drained battery. This could cause an inconvenience for days when you have to leave your dog at home for over 5 hours. Fortunately, the sound machine still works when it’s charging and can play sounds for much longer than 5 hours when plugged in.

Overall, I would recommend the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System to anyone interested in trying out sound therapy with their pets. Because it’s convenient and easy to use, it provides a positive experience for first-time users. The many different sound options enable people to experiment and discover sounds that effectively calm and soothing their dogs.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

How It works

The Pet Sound Therapy System emits sounds designed to soothe your dog’s stress and anxiety. It also helps to block other distressing or distracting noises like thunder, traffic, and people walking past your home.

There are two ways to use the Pet Sound Therapy System. It comes with an SD card that contains 20 unique sounds. The sound machine has buttons for switching between sounds and adjusting the volume. If you want to listen to other kinds of sounds, you can download mp3 files to another SD card and insert it into the sound machine.

You can also play sounds using the Pet Sound Therapy System’s Bluetooth connection. Once you pair your mobile device or computer and download the Sound Oasis mobile app, you’ll have access to a variety of calming sounds. You can use the app to adjust the volume and set the playtime duration to 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes.

What to Expect

The Pet Sound Therapy System is available for purchase through Sound Oasis’ website or Amazon store. Sound Oasis offers free shipping within the continental US and standard ground shipping timeframes.

The Pet Sound Therapy System includes the BST-80-20P sound machine, an SD card with therapeutic sounds, a charging cable, and a pet relaxation and sleep guide. Once you receive your Pet Sound Therapy System, you can start using it right away. It can play sounds wirelessly for up to 5 hours when fully charged. It comes with a USB charging cable and will be fully charged within 2 to 3 hours.

The Pet Sound Therapy System also includes private listening options. It has a headphone jack for you to plug in your own headphones or pillow speakers. The sound machine can also be used as a speaker, and you can play your own sounds or songs on your mobile device via Bluetooth.

Pet Therapy By Sound Oasis App

One of the most convenient features is the Pet Therapy By Sound Oasis App. This free mobile app is available for both Apple and Android mobile devices and includes several different sound options with unlimited run times. Sound connoisseurs will appreciate the app’s equalizer, which enables customizations to create the perfect sound. You can also overlay every sound with a cat’s purring or a steady heartbeat for added comfort and relaxation.

About Sound Oasis

Is the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System a Good Value?

Considering its Bluetooth capabilities, portability, and wide range of sound options, the Pet Sound Therapy System is a good value. It may be slightly more expensive than other sound machines of its size, but most of these sound machines don’t have Bluetooth and other wireless features. Many also don’t have a rechargeable battery and must remain plugged in and stationary at all times.

You can experience additional savings throughout the year, as Sound Oasis regularly offers discounts to customers. You can also register your product online to receive discounts on other Sound Oasis products.

How We Tested

It’s important to note that I tested the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System on a dog with previous exposure to sound therapy. Because of Nora’s sensitivity to noises, I used sound therapy in her puppyhood to help her to remain calm when she hears thunderstorms, fireworks, sirens, and other loud, distressing noises. Therefore, she’s already used to hearing white noise and nature sounds, and she associates these sounds with calmness and relaxation.

I used my previous sound machine to compare the Pet Sound Therapy System’s performance. I tested out the Pet Sound Therapy System for a week and kept an eye out for any noticeable differences in Nora. Other than switching products, I kept everything else the same. There weren’t any changes in Nora’s routine, and I placed the Pet Sound Therapy System in the same location as my previous sound machine.

The Verdict

The Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System performed equally well as the system I have been successfully using in the past, but didn’t have any noticeably different effects on Nora. For me, the benefits of the Sound Oasis product are about the interface and ease of use, rather than it having any vastly different effects on my dog.

Using the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System helped both me and my dog share a relaxing space where she can sleep and I can get on with my day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the warranty for the Pet Sound Therapy System?

Sound Oasis has a 1-year warranty for their BST-80-20P sound machine. They will replace the product at no charge if there are any defects in materials or workmanship within 1 year of the product purchase date. The warranty doesn’t cover any damages caused by misuse, lack of reasonable care, and accidents.

How do I change the sounds on the Pet Sound Therapy System?

The BST-80-20P sound machine doesn’t have separate buttons for switching between sounds. You must press the volume buttons twice to change sounds or play a previous sound. You can more easily choose between different sounds when using the app.

How can I play more sounds on the Pet Sound Therapy System?

Sound Oasis has an extensive library of therapeutic sounds that you can purchase and download through their website. Every sound comes in an mp3 format and is accessible and playable on both Apple and PC computers. Once you purchase a sound, you can download it onto an SD card. Once you insert the SD card into the BST-80-20P sound machine, the sound machine will begin playing the new sounds.

What is the Bluetooth connectivity range for the Pet Sound Therapy System?

The Pet Sound Therapy System has a wireless range of 30 feet or 10 meters. You can connect your mobile device or computer to the sound machine. The sound machine can pair with one device at a time.

Why is it better than a regular speaker?

The main features that make this system stand out are the quality of the sound that is produced from a very small device, particularly when compared to similar speakers available, and the types of sounds included. Not only are you getting a very high-quality speaker, but it comes preloaded with sounds that have been specifically chosen for their positive effects on pets, as well as being pleasant to our ears.

Conclusion

The Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System provided a calming and relaxing experience for both my dog and me. The high-quality sounds created an easy listening experience, and the sounds were the perfect background noise that kept Nora calm without distracting me from work.

It’s rare for both dog owners and their dogs to directly benefit from the same product, but this sound therapy system can provide you both with a pleasant experience as you immerse yourselves in a peaceful soundscape.

The post Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System Review 2025: Vet Approved Benefits & Our Verdict appeared first on PangoVet.

Most people were first introduced to St. Bernards through the popular 1992 film, Beethoven. This giant breed has captured the hearts of many, and their gentle, calm, and patient natures are what makes them suitable for all sorts of families, including those with older children.

These massive dogs can get as tall as 30 inches and can weigh up to 180 pounds. They come in various coat colors, such as mahogany, brown, white, red, red bridle, brownish-yellow, black, and orange. Not only are they exceptional pets, but they’ve also been around for a long time, with records of these dogs dating back to 1707. They typically live until they are between 8 and 10. They were first bred to be watchdogs, but in the years since then, their life-saving abilities have been recognized and homed in on, and these dogs are often used in search-and-rescue missions.

What’s the Average Lifespan of a St. Bernard?

The sad reality, and one that St. Bernard owners must be aware of, is that this breed doesn’t live as long as many other dog breeds. Giant breeds, such as St. Bernards, tend to have a 2-year shorter lifespan than large dog breeds, which usually live 10–12 years. They live about 5 years less than medium dog breeds, which can live up to 15 years. Therefore, you can expect a healthy St. Bernard to live between 8–10 years.

There are not actually many studies into factors affecting the longevity of dogs and their various breeds. However common sense, experience and extrapolation from human studies are likely to give us a good base line.

The 5 Reasons Some St. Bernards Live Longer Than Others

1. Nutrition

It’s important to get your St. Bernard onto a good-quality dog food that is formulated for giant breeds. Make sure that it is also the right food for your dog’s life stage, as age-appropriate dog food will have the correct nutrition for your dog and help their bodies develop properly, which will contribute to a longer life expectancy. This is especially true for St. Bernards because of their size. Feeding them adult food while they’re still puppies could increase their risk for developmental orthopedic diseases.

Always make sure the dog food you get is high-quality and from a trusted brand. Much research goes into dog food formulation, so look for a food company that employs veterinarians and board certified veterinary nutritionists. Only give your St. Bernard the recommended portions for their life stage to avoid obesity and other weight problems.

2. Environment & Conditions

A St. Bernard is a dog that loves to be a part of the family, including all the activities they’re involved with. If they’re not included, they will often sulk, so it’s important to reassure them with all the love and attention you can give them.

Regardless of their coat type, they should be brushed at least once a week. However, it’ll benefit you both if you brush them more often during shedding season. They are happy in cold climates, thanks to their thick coats, but those same thick coats are a disadvantage in hot climates, as they can cause this breed to overheat. You should think carefully about the environmental conditions where you live before deciding to own this cold tolerant dog.

3. Exercise

For the health of this breed, they do need both mental and physical exercise. If you’re not a fitness junkie, this breed will compliment your lifestyle nicely because they only require 30 minutes of exercise a day, which can be in the form of a walk or short jog. It’s important to exercise these dogs to keep them in good shape as they tend to be a bit overweight, which can play a part in issues with their joints.

Training your St. Bernard from puppyhood is a good idea because it’ll help you manage this giant dog as well as stimulate their mind. They’re pretty easy to train because they love to please their owners, but they can be stubborn.

4. Breeding History

When you get a puppy from a breeder, it is important to ask to see the puppy’s parents and find out about any health issues they may have. An untrustworthy breeder will try to sell you a puppy without clear paperwork, so look for a reputable one. They’ll have screened the parents of your puppy before the breeding process has begun to ensure that they’re healthy and not going to pass down genetic health issues to your pup. The degree of relation between the parents also plays a part as in-breeding reduces life expectancy.

5. Healthcare

Unfortunately, St. Bernards are predisposed to certain health conditions, such as bloat, hip dysplasia, and certain eye conditions. They are also at risk for parasites and should receive preventative treatment that kills fleas and ticks that come onto their body. They should also be taken for regular health checkups with the vet, and you’ll need to stay on top of all their vaccinations.

Checking their ears regularly and brushing their teeth will help prevent infections from developing. If you have any concerns about your St. Bernard, contact your vet, as it is essential to catch any health issues early before permanent damage has been done.

The 4 Life Stages of a St. Bernard

Newborn

A St. Bernard can give birth to large litters, averaging at around 6 puppies per litter, but they are known to give birth to up to 12 pups. These puppies are born fully dependent on their mother for food and care, as they are unable to see for the first 2 weeks of their lives. Their hearing usually only comes in at around 3 weeks of age, so they have to rely fully on their sense of smell to navigate the world.

Puppy

Your puppy will get the food source from their mother until they start to wean off the milk and onto solids at around 4 weeks old. At this stage, all their senses will have kicked in, and they will have developed some independence. By the time they reach 2 months of age, they should only be eating solid food.

However, some vets may recommend that you have it done earlier than a year. It is important to start taking your puppy to obedience and training school once they’ve had their initial vaccinations. Your vet will tell you which vaccinations your dog will need, and there will be quite a few, but they are essential.

Sterilizing your St Bernard should be discussed with your vet who will recommend what age this should be performed.

Adult

Your St. Bernard is a giant breed, which means they’re going to take longer to reach their full size than other smaller breeds. They’ll only be fully mature from the age of 2–3 years, so your dog will be in the puppy phase for quite some time. From around 24 months of age, you can start transitioning your St. Bernard onto giant-breed adult dog food.

Senior

Your dog will reach their last life stage at around 8 years old. They may develop some health conditions by this stage, so it is important to take them for regular health checkups and put them on the treatment your vet recommends. You’ll also need to change their food to giant-breed senior dog food. These last few years should be filled with lots of cuddles and making your dog feel comfortable.

How to Tell Your St. Bernard’s Age

A St. Bernard can take 2 years to reach their full size, so if yours is much smaller than the average size, they’re likely still puppies. If their paws look too large for their body or they have a lot of loose skin, these could be other indicators that they’re still young. However, gender and genes can affect their size.

A dog’s teeth are a big giveaway, as puppies should have all of their adult teeth by about 24 weeks. If they’re stained and not in the best condition, your dog is likely older.

Summary

A healthy St. Bernard can live between 8–10 years, which is quite short. However, most giant breeds have a similar life expectancy as they don’t live as long as smaller dog breeds. It’s important to feed your St. Bernard dog food specifically formulated to their size as well as their life stage.

Giving them daily exercise, keeping them up to date with their vaccinations, and taking them for regular checkups are great ways to keep your dog healthy.

Featured Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock

The post How Long Do St. Bernards Live? Vet Reviewed Average Lifespan, Data & Care Guide appeared first on PangoVet.

Most people were first introduced to St. Bernards through the popular 1992 film, Beethoven. This giant breed has captured the hearts of many, and their gentle, calm, and patient natures are what makes them suitable for all sorts of families, including those with older children.

These massive dogs can get as tall as 30 inches and can weigh up to 180 pounds. They come in various coat colors, such as mahogany, brown, white, red, red bridle, brownish-yellow, black, and orange. Not only are they exceptional pets, but they’ve also been around for a long time, with records of these dogs dating back to 1707. They typically live until they are between 8 and 10. They were first bred to be watchdogs, but in the years since then, their life-saving abilities have been recognized and homed in on, and these dogs are often used in search-and-rescue missions.

What’s the Average Lifespan of a St. Bernard?

The sad reality, and one that St. Bernard owners must be aware of, is that this breed doesn’t live as long as many other dog breeds. Giant breeds, such as St. Bernards, tend to have a 2-year shorter lifespan than large dog breeds, which usually live 10–12 years. They live about 5 years less than medium dog breeds, which can live up to 15 years. Therefore, you can expect a healthy St. Bernard to live between 8–10 years.

There are not actually many studies into factors affecting the longevity of dogs and their various breeds. However common sense, experience and extrapolation from human studies are likely to give us a good base line.

The 5 Reasons Some St. Bernards Live Longer Than Others

1. Nutrition

It’s important to get your St. Bernard onto a good-quality dog food that is formulated for giant breeds. Make sure that it is also the right food for your dog’s life stage, as age-appropriate dog food will have the correct nutrition for your dog and help their bodies develop properly, which will contribute to a longer life expectancy. This is especially true for St. Bernards because of their size. Feeding them adult food while they’re still puppies could increase their risk for developmental orthopedic diseases.

Always make sure the dog food you get is high-quality and from a trusted brand. Much research goes into dog food formulation, so look for a food company that employs veterinarians and board certified veterinary nutritionists. Only give your St. Bernard the recommended portions for their life stage to avoid obesity and other weight problems.

2. Environment & Conditions

A St. Bernard is a dog that loves to be a part of the family, including all the activities they’re involved with. If they’re not included, they will often sulk, so it’s important to reassure them with all the love and attention you can give them.

Regardless of their coat type, they should be brushed at least once a week. However, it’ll benefit you both if you brush them more often during shedding season. They are happy in cold climates, thanks to their thick coats, but those same thick coats are a disadvantage in hot climates, as they can cause this breed to overheat. You should think carefully about the environmental conditions where you live before deciding to own this cold tolerant dog.

3. Exercise

For the health of this breed, they do need both mental and physical exercise. If you’re not a fitness junkie, this breed will compliment your lifestyle nicely because they only require 30 minutes of exercise a day, which can be in the form of a walk or short jog. It’s important to exercise these dogs to keep them in good shape as they tend to be a bit overweight, which can play a part in issues with their joints.

Training your St. Bernard from puppyhood is a good idea because it’ll help you manage this giant dog as well as stimulate their mind. They’re pretty easy to train because they love to please their owners, but they can be stubborn.

4. Breeding History

When you get a puppy from a breeder, it is important to ask to see the puppy’s parents and find out about any health issues they may have. An untrustworthy breeder will try to sell you a puppy without clear paperwork, so look for a reputable one. They’ll have screened the parents of your puppy before the breeding process has begun to ensure that they’re healthy and not going to pass down genetic health issues to your pup. The degree of relation between the parents also plays a part as in-breeding reduces life expectancy.

5. Healthcare

Unfortunately, St. Bernards are predisposed to certain health conditions, such as bloat, hip dysplasia, and certain eye conditions. They are also at risk for parasites and should receive preventative treatment that kills fleas and ticks that come onto their body. They should also be taken for regular health checkups with the vet, and you’ll need to stay on top of all their vaccinations.

Checking their ears regularly and brushing their teeth will help prevent infections from developing. If you have any concerns about your St. Bernard, contact your vet, as it is essential to catch any health issues early before permanent damage has been done.

The 4 Life Stages of a St. Bernard

Newborn

A St. Bernard can give birth to large litters, averaging at around 6 puppies per litter, but they are known to give birth to up to 12 pups. These puppies are born fully dependent on their mother for food and care, as they are unable to see for the first 2 weeks of their lives. Their hearing usually only comes in at around 3 weeks of age, so they have to rely fully on their sense of smell to navigate the world.

Puppy

Your puppy will get the food source from their mother until they start to wean off the milk and onto solids at around 4 weeks old. At this stage, all their senses will have kicked in, and they will have developed some independence. By the time they reach 2 months of age, they should only be eating solid food.

However, some vets may recommend that you have it done earlier than a year. It is important to start taking your puppy to obedience and training school once they’ve had their initial vaccinations. Your vet will tell you which vaccinations your dog will need, and there will be quite a few, but they are essential.

Sterilizing your St Bernard should be discussed with your vet who will recommend what age this should be performed.

Adult

Your St. Bernard is a giant breed, which means they’re going to take longer to reach their full size than other smaller breeds. They’ll only be fully mature from the age of 2–3 years, so your dog will be in the puppy phase for quite some time. From around 24 months of age, you can start transitioning your St. Bernard onto giant-breed adult dog food.

Senior

Your dog will reach their last life stage at around 8 years old. They may develop some health conditions by this stage, so it is important to take them for regular health checkups and put them on the treatment your vet recommends. You’ll also need to change their food to giant-breed senior dog food. These last few years should be filled with lots of cuddles and making your dog feel comfortable.

How to Tell Your St. Bernard’s Age

A St. Bernard can take 2 years to reach their full size, so if yours is much smaller than the average size, they’re likely still puppies. If their paws look too large for their body or they have a lot of loose skin, these could be other indicators that they’re still young. However, gender and genes can affect their size.

A dog’s teeth are a big giveaway, as puppies should have all of their adult teeth by about 24 weeks. If they’re stained and not in the best condition, your dog is likely older.

Summary

A healthy St. Bernard can live between 8–10 years, which is quite short. However, most giant breeds have a similar life expectancy as they don’t live as long as smaller dog breeds. It’s important to feed your St. Bernard dog food specifically formulated to their size as well as their life stage.

Giving them daily exercise, keeping them up to date with their vaccinations, and taking them for regular checkups are great ways to keep your dog healthy.

Featured Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock

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