Saint Bernards are gentle, very large dogs that can be aloof or protective with unfamiliar people; give them calm space at check-in. Heavy drooling and panting are common baseline behaviors, especially in warm rooms or after mild excitement, and the breed generally tolerates cold better than heat. As a giant, deep‑chested breed, they have an elevated risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (“bloat”); owners may report restlessness, unproductive retching, sudden abdominal enlargement, or profuse drool as ‘nausea’—these are emergency red flags. When scheduling or rooming, minimize heat exposure (avoid hot cars/warm lobbies) and note any signs occurring around meals, rapid eating, or exercise near mealtimes, as these contexts can be relevant to bloat risk.
Front desk script: Thanks for bringing your Saint Bernard—these big dogs can drool and pant a lot, which is often normal. Just to be safe, is the drooling new, and is there any retching without anything coming up, a suddenly swollen belly, or unusual restlessness? If any of those are happening now, this is an emergency—please come in immediately or go to the nearest emergency hospital. Otherwise, we’ll note timing around meals/exercise and get you into a cool, quiet room as soon as possible.
Saint Bernards are giant, deep‑chested dogs with several known predispositions: life‑threatening gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); orthopedic issues such as elbow dysplasia and cruciate ligament injury (watch for new or worsening lameness or limb swelling); eyelid conformational problems (entropion/ectropion) that can cause squinting, tearing, or eye discharge; and heat sensitivity in warm weather. Breed club guidance also highlights hip/elbow dysplasia and cardiac issues as screening priorities. Sudden non‑productive retching with a tight, rapidly enlarging belly or collapse should be treated as an immediate emergency.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know you have a Saint Bernard—this breed can be at higher risk for bloat (GDV). If you ever see unproductive retching, a rapidly swollen/tight belly, restlessness, or collapse, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way. For new eye redness/squinting or any new limping or limb swelling, we recommend a same‑day appointment so our team can assess promptly.
Saint Bernards are giant, gentle working dogs that shed seasonally and drool routinely—plan for weekly brushing and a “drool rag.” They do best with daily, moderate walks and cool environments; their heavy coat and size make them heat‑sensitive. Know two key red flags: 1) bloat/GDV risk in large, deep‑chested breeds, and 2) overheating—if you ever see a tight, rapidly enlarging belly with unproductive retching, sudden weakness/collapse, or extreme panting with confusion or inability to cool down, go to a 24/7 ER immediately. Early training and supervision around kids are important simply because of their size.
Front desk script: Saint Bernards are friendly, very large dogs that shed and drool; a quick weekly brush and keeping towels handy helps. They need daily walks but don’t tolerate heat well—please limit activity in warm weather. If your Saint has a swollen, tight abdomen with gagging/retching but no vomit, or is collapsing or severely overheated and panting, this is an emergency—please head to the nearest ER now and we can call ahead. For wellness or breed‑risk questions, we’re happy to schedule a visit.
Front-desk teams most often hear from Saint Bernard owners about: possible bloat/GDV (sudden tight belly with unproductive retching, restlessness), heat stress or collapse in warm weather (giant size, heavy coat), ear irritation/odor and head-shaking (otitis externa), eye discharge/redness from eyelid conformation (ectropion/entropion), drool-related lip-fold skin irritation, and mobility or difficulty rising/acute limping typical of giant-breed orthopedic concerns. If a caller reports a rapidly enlarging, hard abdomen with dry retching, pale gums, collapse, or severe overheating, advise this is an emergency and direct them to the nearest 24/7 ER immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—Saint Bernards commonly present for bloat concerns, overheating, ear infections, eyelid irritation, lip‑fold skin issues, and sudden lameness. Can I quickly check: is the belly distended and tight, is your dog retching without producing anything, struggling to breathe, collapsed, or extremely overheated? If yes to any, this is life‑threatening—please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us from the car so we can alert them. If none of those apply, I’ll book the earliest available visit today and note the specific signs for the veterinarian.
Saint Bernards have a dense double coat (short/smooth or longer) that sheds year-round with heavier seasonal sheds, so expect regular brush-out/de‑shedding and longer grooming appointments. Because thick undercoats dry slowly, trapped moisture and matting can predispose to hot spots; thorough drying after baths or swimming is important. Their pendulous ears and moist lip/face folds can trap debris and moisture, increasing risk for ear infections and fold dermatitis—plan routine ear and fold checks during grooming. Escalate same day if owners report a rapidly enlarging wet/painful skin sore, strong skin odor/discharge, or head shaking with ear redness or odor.
Front desk script: This breed’s thick double coat needs consistent brush‑outs and de‑shedding, with extra time during heavier seasonal shedding. Their droopy ears and lip/face folds can trap moisture, so we recommend routine ear and fold checks at grooming visits. If you notice a rapidly growing wet sore on the skin or strong ear odor with head shaking, we should book a same‑day exam. For routine baths and coat maintenance, we can refer you to a groomer experienced with giant, double‑coated breeds.
Saint Bernards are giant, deep‑chested dogs with elevated risk for life‑threatening bloat (GDV)—during intake, screen for non‑productive retching, a tight/swollen abdomen, sudden restlessness, collapse, or pale gums; if any are present, direct immediately to the nearest emergency hospital. Because heavy coats and large body mass increase heat stress risk, ask about recent heat exposure and signs such as excessive panting, thick drool, weakness, disorientation, or collapse—these require emergency referral. Common non‑urgent but important breed issues include eyelid disorders (entropion/ectropion) and orthopedic problems (hip/elbow dysplasia): route eye redness/discharge or lid rolling to a same‑week problem exam, and lameness to same‑day if non‑weight‑bearing/acute or next‑available if mild/chronic. Also screen for cough, fainting, exercise intolerance, or labored breathing (possible cardiac involvement); book same‑day urgent or ER if collapse or respiratory distress. Expect likely follow‑ups to include imaging and ophthalmic evaluation, with breed‑risk education at wellness visits.
Front desk script: Because Saint Bernards are at higher risk for bloat, is your dog having unproductive retching, a tight/swollen belly, marked restlessness, collapse, or very pale gums? If yes, this may be an emergency—please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and do not wait. For eye redness/discharge or eyelid rolling, I can book a same‑week problem exam; if the eye seems painful or vision is affected, we’ll see you today. For limping, if your dog won’t bear weight we’ll schedule a same‑day urgent visit; otherwise we’ll book the next available problem exam.
Puppy (to ~15–16 months): expect rapid growth and giant‑breed nutrition questions—schedule frequent weight/growth check‑ins and confirm a large‑breed puppy diet; reinforce early training/socialization. Adult (~1.5–7 years): owner questions often shift to heat intolerance, weight control, and activity; book routine wellness, and if clients ask about orthopedic clearances, note that definitive OFA hip/elbow certifications are done at ≥24 months. Senior (often ≥7–8 years): anticipate mobility and stamina concerns and arrange more frequent wellness check‑ins given a shorter average lifespan (~7–10 years). At any age, watch for possible bloat/GDV red flags (non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, pale gums, restlessness/weakness)—this is an emergency and should be directed to an ER immediately, not scheduled routinely.
Front desk script: For Saint Bernard puppies, we’ll set regular growth and nutrition visits through about 15–16 months. As adults, we’ll schedule routine wellness and, if you’re pursuing hip/elbow certifications, those are booked at 24 months or older. Once your Saint reaches the senior stage (often 7–8+ years), our doctor may recommend more frequent wellness check‑ins. If you ever see non‑productive retching or a tight/bloated belly with restlessness, pale gums, or collapse, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Saint Bernards are giant, deep‑chested, heavy‑drooling, and heat‑sensitive dogs—set expectations early: offer help from the car, a ground‑floor entry/non‑slip mat, and a slightly longer, calm check‑in; seat them in a cool area and keep cleanup supplies handy. Use clear screening questions: “Any sudden change in drooling, repeated attempts to vomit with nothing coming up, a tight/bloated belly, or restlessness?” (possible bloat/GDV). Also ask on hot or humid days: “Any heavy, unrelenting panting, collapse, or confusion today?” If owners report these red flags, instruct immediate ER care and to call en route; do not triage at the desk.
Front desk script: “Because Saints are giant and deep‑chested, they can be at higher risk for dangerous bloat and they don’t tolerate heat well. If you ever see a swollen or tight belly, trying to vomit without anything coming up, or a sudden surge in drooling with restlessness, this is an emergency—please head straight to the nearest 24/7 ER and call us on the way. For today’s visit, we’ll get you checked in quickly, seat you in a cool spot with a non‑slip mat, and we’re here to help from the car if you need it.”
Saint Bernards are giant, deep‑chested dogs at increased risk for life‑threatening bloat (GDV)—flag owners on red‑flag signs (sudden unproductive retching, rapid belly swelling, restlessness/drooling, collapse) and advise immediate ER care. At routine wellness visits, prioritize weight/joint check‑ins (hip/elbow dysplasia risk) and quick eye checks, as this breed is prone to eyelid laxity (entropion/ectropion)—book sooner if eyes look red, goopy, or squinty. In warm months, this breed doesn’t tolerate heat well; if heavy panting or weakness occurs at rest, arrange a same‑day call/visit, and treat collapse or confusion as an emergency.
Front desk script: For Saint Bernards, please watch for bloat: if you ever see unproductive retching, a suddenly swollen belly, severe restlessness, or collapse, go to the ER immediately—don’t wait. Between emergencies, we like to schedule regular weight/joint check‑ins and a quick eye check; I can add those to your next wellness visit. In hot weather, if he’s panting heavily or seems weak at rest, call us the same day.
Giant, typically calm and people‑oriented “gentle giants,” but very strong; expect heavy drool and leaning. For intake/rooming, approach slowly and low‑key; use a wide entry, non‑slip footing, a slip‑lead or harness; plan a two‑person assist for transfers/weighing and use a larger room. Keep waits short and cool, as size and thick coat can reduce heat tolerance. Front‑desk watch‑outs: this breed is higher‑risk for life‑threatening bloat/GDV—if an owner reports sudden non‑productive retching, a tight/bloated abdomen, restlessness/pain, collapse, or pale gums, immediately alert the medical team and direct to emergency care; common visit drivers also include lameness/orthopedic concerns (hips/elbows/knees) and sagging‑eyelid irritation/discharge.
Front desk script: “Saint Bernards are big, gentle dogs—we’ll keep things calm, use a slip lead, and have two team members help if needed. We’ll take you to a larger room and have towels ready for drool.” “If you ever see gagging/retching without bringing anything up or a suddenly tight, bloated belly, please tell us immediately or come straight in—that can be an emergency in this breed.” “For today, should we flag any eye irritation, limping, or heat‑sensitivity for the doctor?”
Saint Bernards are giant, heavy-coated dogs that often do poorly in warm weather and may drool heavily—plan for oversized kennels/crates, two-person handling, cool/ventilated transport, and non‑slip flooring. As a large/giant breed, they have elevated risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); reduce mealtime stress, avoid vigorous exercise right before/after meals, and encourage adopters to use multiple smaller meals. Front-desk emergency red flags: non‑productive retching, sudden firm abdominal distention, collapse, extreme restlessness with drooling, or signs of heat distress (excessive panting, disorientation, weakness/collapse)—advise immediate ER care. Because of size, orthopedic issues (e.g., hip/elbow dysplasia) and loose lower eyelids/ocular irritation may be encountered; schedule routine follow-up for mobility or eye concerns rather than diagnosing at intake. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-breeds/saint-bernard))
Front desk script: Thanks for adopting a Saint Bernard—they’re gentle but heat‑sensitive and at higher risk for bloat. If you ever see unproductive retching, a swollen hard belly, severe overheating, collapse, or sudden extreme restlessness with drooling, go to the nearest emergency clinic now and call us on the way. For intake today we’ll note weight, mobility, and eye comfort and set a follow‑up within 1–2 weeks; please keep transport cool and avoid heavy activity around meal times. ([merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/diseases-of-the-stomach-and-intestines-in-small-animals/gastric-dilation-and-volvulus-in-small-animals))
Typically calm, gentle, and people-oriented but extremely strong; may be aloof with unfamiliar people and protective of family, and heavy drooling is common. Heat sensitive due to giant size and dense coat—minimize lobby time, room promptly, and choose the coolest, largest path/space available. Maintain at least one body length from other dogs; avoid crowding, slippery floors, and tight turns; confirm a sturdy leash and capable handler before moving. For handoff, note any mobility limits, overheating tendency, or anxiety triggers. If you observe non-productive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, collapse, or severe, unrelenting panting, alert the medical team immediately—this is an emergency. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-breeds/saint-bernard))
Front desk script: Welcome! We’ll take you straight to a spacious, cool room and give extra distance from other pets since Saints are large and can overheat easily. Please keep a firm leash while we guide you along a wide, non‑slip path. If you notice heaving/retching without vomit, a suddenly swollen belly, collapse, or intense distress, tell us immediately so we can alert the medical team.
Saint Bernards (giant, deep‑chested) have a high risk of gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat): emergency red flags are repeated attempts to vomit with nothing produced, a rapidly enlarging or tight belly, heavy drooling, restlessness/pacing, pale or blue gums, rapid or labored breathing, weakness, or collapse—if any are reported, instruct the client to go to the nearest emergency hospital now. Also treat as an emergency any heavy panting that does not settle with rest, marked drooling, confusion, vomiting/diarrhea (may be bloody), seizures, or collapse during heat or exertion (possible heatstroke). Any sudden collapse, severe breathing difficulty, or unresponsiveness warrants immediate ER transfer.
Front desk script: Because Saint Bernards are at high risk for life‑threatening bloat and heatstroke, the signs you’ve described require immediate care. Please proceed to the nearest 24‑hour emergency veterinary hospital now; do not wait for a regular appointment. I will alert our clinician and can call the ER to expect you. If you need the closest ER location, I can provide directions right away.