As devoted dog lovers, we know that every breed comes with its unique set of delights and challenges. Newfoundlands, often affectionately called “Newfies,” are no exception. This gentle giant not only captures our hearts with its sweet disposition but also comes with a notable responsibility: ensuring their health and well-being.
Did you know that Newfoundlands have an average lifespan of only 8 to 10 years? This statistic, common among many giant breeds, highlights the importance of understanding the specific health problems that can affect this wonderful dog. By being proactive and informed, you can provide the best care possible and help your beloved Newfie live a longer, happier life.
Newfoundlands are part of the Working breed group. They were originally bred to be strong, tireless workers, excelling as water rescue dogs and companions for fishermen. This history is why they are so powerful and devoted. But their sheer size and fast growth rate also make them prone to certain conditions.
This guide will walk you through the most important health concerns in Newfoundlands. We’ll discuss everything from common joint issues to life-threatening emergencies, giving you actionable steps to take right now to protect your furry family member.
Newfoundland Health Problems
When you own a giant breed, the sheer scale of their body means certain systems face extra stress. The most prevalent health issues for Newfies fall into three main categories: structural, cardiac, and gastrointestinal.
These aren’t just things to worry about; they are conditions we can often manage and sometimes even prevent with the right knowledge and partnership with your veterinarian.
Newfoundland Health Care Issues
A responsible approach to Newfoundland care starts with a solid foundation of preventative health. Because Newfies are genetically prone to certain conditions, regular screening is a non-negotiable part of owning this breed.
The Role of Genetics
Many of the most serious Newfoundland health problems are inherited. If you are getting a puppy, always choose a reputable breeder who performs all necessary health screenings on the parents. These screenings typically include:
- OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Certifications: Checking hips and elbows for dysplasia.
- Heart Clearances: Screening for Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) and other cardiac issues.
- Cystinuria Testing: A test for a genetic condition that causes painful urinary stones.
Getting a puppy from health-tested lines is the absolute best way to start your journey toward a healthy Newfie.
Preventative Care Checklist
For your adult Newfie, a successful long-term health plan should include:
- Routine Vet Visits: At least once a year, or twice a year as they enter their senior years (around age seven).
- Annual Blood Work: To check for underlying issues like hypothyroidism, which is common in the breed.
- Weight Management: This is critical. Every extra pound puts stress on their already susceptible joints and heart. A lean Newfie is a healthier Newfie.
- Joint Support: Discuss high-quality supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3 fatty acids with your vet starting early in their life.
Newfoundland Dog Common Health Problems
Let’s dive into the three major areas of health concern for Newfoundland: their bones, their heart, and their stomach. Understanding these will help you spot early warning signs and act quickly.
Orthopedic and Joint Issues
Their large, fast-growing body structure makes joint problems incredibly common.
Hip Dysplasia
This is an inherited condition where the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip socket. Instead of sliding smoothly, the joint components rub and grind against each other.
- What it leads to: Over time, this rubbing causes joint deterioration, pain, and crippling arthritis.
- What to watch for: Limping, reluctance to run or jump, difficulty standing up, a swaying gait, or a decrease in activity level.
- Actionable Takeaway: Maintain a lean body weight. This is the single most important non-surgical step you can take. Your vet can also recommend anti-inflammatory medications and specialized physical therapy.
Elbow Dysplasia
Similar to hip dysplasia, this involves the abnormal development of the elbow joint. It’s actually a group of disorders that cause instability and pain in the front legs.
- What to watch for: Limping in the front legs, a stiff gait, or reluctance to bear weight on one leg. Signs often appear early, around 4 to 12 months of age.
- Growth Plate Care: For Newfie puppies, never over-exercise them. Too much hard running, jumping, or climbing stairs before their growth plates close (around 18 months) can permanently damage their developing joints. Keep exercise controlled, not crazy.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
This is a developmental condition where the cartilage in the joint doesn’t attach properly to the bone underneath. It most commonly affects the shoulder joint.
- What it causes: Pain, inflammation, and lameness, usually appearing in puppies between 6 and 9 months old.
- Management: If caught early, some mild cases can be managed with rest and diet adjustments. Severe cases often require surgery to remove the damaged cartilage.
Heart Conditions
Newfoundlands are sadly prone to several serious heart diseases that can significantly impact their lifespan.
Subaortic Stenosis (SAS)
This is the most common heart problem in the breed. It is a congenital (present at birth) defect where there is a narrowing (stenosis) just below the aortic valve.
- What it does: The heart has to work much harder to pump blood through the narrowed passage. This causes the heart muscle to thicken, leading to failure or, in severe cases, sudden death.
- The Crucial Screen: Puppies can be screened for this with an Echocardiogram (Echo), which is an ultrasound of the heart. If your breeder hasn’t provided this, have your vet check for a heart murmur as soon as possible. Mildly affected dogs can often live a long life with proper medication and monitoring.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
This condition causes the heart muscle to become weak, thin, and enlarged (dilated). It struggles to pump blood effectively, which ultimately leads to congestive heart failure.
- What to watch for: Lethargy, decreased exercise tolerance, coughing, fainting, and rapid breathing.
- Nutritional Focus: There is ongoing research into the link between certain diets and DCM in some breeds. Discuss this with your vet to ensure your Newfie’s diet includes adequate levels of taurine and L-carnitine, which are essential amino acids for heart health.
Gastrointestinal Emergency
This is the one condition every Newfie owner must know about because it is a life-or-death emergency.
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) or “Bloat”
GDV is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas (dilatation) and then twists on its axis (volvulus).
- Why Newfies are at risk: They are a deep-chested breed, which makes them highly susceptible to this condition. The twisting cuts off blood flow to the stomach and sometimes the spleen, leading to shock and death in hours if untreated.
- The Signs of Emergency:
- Swollen or tight abdomen.
- Pacing, restlessness, and anxiety.
- Excessive drooling.
- Unsuccessful attempts to vomit or retch (producing nothing or just foam).
- Actionable Takeaway: Call your vet immediately and get to an emergency clinic. Every minute counts. Preventive surgery called a Gastropexy (stomach tacking) can be done, often during a spay or neuter, which prevents the stomach from twisting. This is a highly recommended procedure for high-risk breeds like the Newfoundland.
Do Newfoundlands Have Health Problems?
The short answer is yes, like all purebred dogs, Newfoundlands have specific genetic and structural predispositions to health issues. They are classified as a ‘Category Two’ breed by The Kennel Club, meaning they have certain physical features which, if exaggerated, could cause future health concerns.
However, recognizing their common problems isn’t a cause for panic, but a guide for superior care.
Cancer
Cancer is a leading cause of death in Newfoundlands, particularly Osteosarcoma, which is an aggressive form of bone cancer common in large and giant breeds.
- What to watch for: Unexplained lameness or swelling in a limb that doesn’t go away. Since Newfies are stoic, by the time they show obvious pain, the tumor may be advanced.
- Actionable Takeaway: Be diligent with your regular veterinary check-ups. Gently run your hands over your dog’s legs and body daily to check for any unusual lumps, bumps, or swelling. Early detection is vital for the best possible outcome.
Endocrine Issues: Hypothyroidism
This is a very common hormonal disorder in dogs where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones.
- What it affects: It can lead to a host of problems, including unexplained weight gain, lethargy, a poor coat, and increased risk of skin infections.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: It is diagnosed with a simple blood test and is easily managed with daily oral medication prescribed by your vet. If your Newfie seems tired and is gaining weight despite a good diet, ask your vet to check their thyroid levels.
Other Inherited Conditions to Be Aware Of
- Cystinuria: A hereditary condition that causes the dog to excrete cystine, an amino acid, into the urine. This leads to the formation of painful bladder or kidney stones. It is more common in male Newfoundlands. It can be managed with a special low-protein diet and increased water intake.
- Eyelid Problems (Entropion and Ectropion): Entropion is when the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub on the cornea. Ectropion is when the lower eyelid droops outward, exposing the pink lining. Both can cause irritation, infection, and vision problems and often require minor surgical correction.
Why Does My Newfoundland Smell So Bad?
This is a question Newfie owners frequently ask, and it’s a valid concern! While Newfoundlands are beautiful, they can definitely get a distinctive “doggy” smell, sometimes described as musty, moldy, or sour.
A Newfoundland should never smell truly foul, and if they do, it’s often a sign of a health or hygiene issue that needs to be addressed.
Common Sources of the “Newfie Stink”
1. The Coat and Water Addiction
The Newfoundland’s thick, dense double coat is water-resistant, which is fantastic for swimming but terrible for holding onto moisture.
- The Problem: If their coat is not dried thoroughly after a swim, a bath, or playing in the rain, that moisture gets trapped deep in the coat, leading to a mildew-like or moldy smell.
- The Solution: Regular, thorough grooming. You must brush your Newfie several times a week, and after a bath or swim, use a high-velocity blower to ensure the undercoat is completely dry. A wet undercoat is a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.
2. The Drool and Wet Chin
Newfies are heavy droolers. It’s just a part of their charm!
- The Problem: Drool accumulates on their chin, neck, and chest folds. If not wiped away, it begins to break down and sour, causing a very distinct, unpleasant odor.
- The Solution: Use an absorbent drool bib, and change it out frequently. Wipe their face and neck folds several times a day with a clean cloth, especially after they eat or drink.
3. Hidden Infections
A bad smell that doesn’t go away with a bath is often a sign of an underlying medical problem.
- Ear Infections: Newfies have big, floppy ears that trap moisture, making them prone to yeast and bacterial infections, which smell sweet, musty, or sometimes strongly yeasty. Always clean and dry their ears after they get wet, and check them weekly.
- Skin Infections (Hot Spots/Allergies): Allergies (seasonal or food-related) can lead to inflammation and excessive oil production in the skin, resulting in a musty smell. Frequent licking or chewing can break the skin, leading to a localized, foul-smelling bacterial infection called a “hot spot.”
- Dental Disease: A truly horrible, rotten smell from the mouth means your Newfie likely has advanced periodontal disease or a tooth abscess. Daily tooth brushing and routine vet dental cleanings are essential for overall health, not just fresh breath.
- Anal Glands: A pungent, fishy odor coming from the rear end can mean the anal sacs are full or impacted. They need to be expressed by a vet or groomer.
If the smell is persistent and you can’t find the source, always consult your veterinarian. The odor is a symptom, and treating the underlying cause be it a skin infection, hypothyroidism, or dental issue is key to getting your Newfie smelling sweet again.
A Blueprint for Newfoundland Wellness
Caring for a Newfoundland requires dedication, but the reward is a loyal, loving companion. By being proactive in these key areas, you can maximize your gentle giant’s comfort and longevity.
1. Nutrition is Foundation
- Large Breed Formulas: Always choose a high-quality food designed for large or giant breeds, especially during the puppy phase. These formulas have carefully controlled calorie, protein, and calcium-to-phosphorus ratios to ensure slow, steady growth. Rapid growth is a major contributor to joint dysplasia.
- Joint and Heart Support: As noted earlier, look for formulas or add supplements rich in Glucosamine, Chondroitin, L-Carnitine, and Taurine.
- Bloat Prevention: Feed your Newfie smaller, more frequent meals (two to three times a day) instead of one large meal. Avoid vigorous exercise for at least one hour before and two hours after eating. Use a slow-feeder bowl if your dog gulps down food too quickly.
2. Weight is Everything
- The Golden Rule: You should be able to easily feel, but not see, your Newfie’s ribs. Look for a defined waistline tucking in behind the ribs when viewed from above.
- The Impact: Carrying extra weight dramatically worsens the severity of hip and elbow dysplasia, puts dangerous strain on the heart, and can shorten their lifespan by years. Be firm, feed measured portions, and limit treats.
3. Exercise Smartly
- Swimming is King: Newfies are built for the water. Swimming is the perfect exercise because it provides excellent cardio and muscle building without the high impact that stresses their joints.
- Avoid High-Impact: Limit intense jumping, sharp turns, or long-distance running, especially on hard surfaces. Stick to gentle walks and water play.
Conclusion:
The Newfoundland is a magnificent, resilient breed, but their giant size comes with a built-in need for vigilant, informed care. From understanding the life-saving urgency of bloat to the long-term management of joint issues, your role as their owner is to be their health advocate.
Partner closely with your veterinarian. Don’t hesitate to ask for specific screenings for SAS, hip scores, or thyroid function. By committing to a life of smart nutrition, dedicated grooming, and proactive veterinary care, you are giving your gentle giant the greatest gift: the opportunity for a full, happy life at your side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Newfoundlands always going to have joint problems because of their size?
A: Not always, but the risk is very high due to genetics. You can significantly reduce the severity by ensuring a lean body weight, feeding a large-breed puppy formula for slow growth, and using vet-recommended joint supplements.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a normal drool smell and an infection smell?
A: Normal drool smells faintly sour or stale and is localized to the chin. A medical smell is stronger: a yeasty odor (like dirty socks) suggests a skin/ear infection, and a foul/rotten smell from the mouth means severe dental disease. Any strong, persistent odor needs a vet check.
Q: What is the most important thing I can do to potentially extend my Newfoundland’s lifespan?
A: Maintain a lean weight to reduce strain on the heart and joints. Also, be vigilant about Bloat (GDV) signs and pursue early cardiac screening (like an Echo) for heart issues.
Q: My Newfie puppy is limping a bit. Is that just growing pains?
A: Do not assume it’s just growing pains. Any lameness in a puppy must be checked by a veterinarian immediately. It could be an early sign of permanent conditions like Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, or OCD, which require prompt treatment.
