Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

5 Emergency Red Flags for Newfoundland Owners: If Your Dog Does These, Rush Them to The Vet

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| June 23, 2023

Newfoundlands, or “Newfies” as they are affectionately known, are large, gentle dogs known for their swimming ability and their loving, patient nature. Like all breeds, they have their share of breed-specific health risks. Being aware of these risks and knowing when to seek emergency care is crucial for ensuring your pet’s health and longevity. Here are five red flags that should prompt immediate veterinary attention.

1. Difficulty Breathing or Excessive Panting

Newfoundlands are prone to heart conditions, including Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS), a potentially serious condition that can cause difficulty breathing, excessive panting, or fatigue. If you notice any of these symptoms, particularly if they occur suddenly or are accompanied by fainting or loss of consciousness, seek immediate veterinary attention.

2. Sudden Lethargy or Decreased Activity

These gentle giants typically enjoy playtime and walks. If your Newfoundland becomes unusually lethargic, disinterested in play, or shows a significant decrease in energy levels, it could be a sign of an underlying issue such as heart disease or hypothyroidism. Any sudden change in your dog’s behavior or energy level warrants immediate veterinary consultation.

3. Changes in Gait or Difficulty in Movement

Newfoundlands can be predisposed to certain orthopedic issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. If your Newfie starts limping, shows difficulty moving, or reluctant to run or jump, these could be signs of a severe condition that needs immediate attention.

4. Excessive Thirst and Frequent Urination

Increased thirst and urination can be symptoms of several serious health issues, including diabetes and kidney disease. If your Newfoundland is drinking more water than usual or urinating more frequently, especially if these changes are accompanied by weight loss or changes in appetite, consult with your vet immediately.

5. Bloating or Distended Abdomen

Newfoundlands, like other large breed dogs, are at risk for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat. If your dog’s abdomen appears distended or bloated, or if your dog appears anxious, is drooling excessively, trying to vomit without bringing anything up, or showing signs of discomfort, this is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary intervention.

In conclusion, being a responsible Newfoundland owner means keeping an eye out for any changes in your dog’s behavior, appearance, or habits. If you notice any of these red flags, it’s crucial to rush your dog to the vet. When it comes to your pet’s health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog

Loading Checkout...

United StatesClose
Flag of United States
Powered by
duty and tax information for United States

Looks like your ad blocker is on.

×

We rely on ads to keep creating quality content for you to enjoy for free.

Please support our site by disabling your ad blocker.

Continue without supporting us

Choose your Ad Blocker

  • Adblock Plus
  • Adblock
  • Adguard
  • Ad Remover
  • Brave
  • Ghostery
  • uBlock Origin
  • uBlock
  • UltraBlock
  • Other
  1. In the extension bar, click the AdBlock Plus icon
  2. Click the large blue toggle for this website
  3. Click refresh
  1. In the extension bar, click the AdBlock icon
  2. Under "Pause on this site" click "Always"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Adguard icon
  2. Click on the large green toggle for this website
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Ad Remover icon
  2. Click "Disable on This Website"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the orange lion icon
  2. Click the toggle on the top right, shifting from "Up" to "Down"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Ghostery icon
  2. Click the "Anti-Tracking" shield so it says "Off"
  3. Click the "Ad-Blocking" stop sign so it says "Off"
  4. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the uBlock Origin icon
  2. Click on the big, blue power button
  3. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the uBlock icon
  2. Click on the big, blue power button
  3. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the UltraBlock icon
  2. Check the "Disable UltraBlock" checkbox
  1. Please disable your Ad Blocker
  2. Disable any DNS blocking tools such as AdGuardDNS or NextDNS

If the prompt is still appearing, please disable any tools or services you are using that block internet ads (e.g. DNS Servers).