Greater Swiss Mountain Dog health: what owners should know

Two abdominal emergencies top the list for Swissies: bloat and splenic torsion, a twisting of the spleen. Hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans in growing joints, eyelash problems such as distichiasis, epilepsy and urinary incontinence in some females are also known in the breed. Reputable breeders hip and elbow score the parents, have eyes examined and track epilepsy in their pedigrees.

Learn the signs of bloat: a tight, swelling belly, retching that produces nothing, drooling and restlessness mean going to an emergency vet immediately. Also see a vet for lameness lasting more than a day or two in a young dog, any seizure, or urine leaking while your dog sleeps.