[VonnieF]

Hi

I just wondered if anyone knows anything about St Bernards. We have just adopted my mother-in-law's St Bernard as she has found it difficult to cope with him after the death of my father-in-law. I'm not worried about his size, being a Dane owner, but all the fur and slobber (my Dane is not very slobbery lol) and general smelliness is really getting me down and I'm struggling to keep on top of cleaning the house. :( My husband did not want the dog rehomed because he was his dad's "baby" - which I totally understand so its something I've just got to learn to live with.

My main thing is though that he has this smelly patch on his chest - the dog, not my husband :rolleyes: . I'm not sure if its the fur from where he slobbers or if he maybe has a skin infection. I have washed him, brushed him, tried doggy shampoo, doggy anti-smell spray, but it still smells. Does anyone know if this is common or do you think he does have some kind of infection.

TIA for help.

[Liesa15]

maybe hes missing a barrel??

[VonnieF]

Liesa15, on 29 July 2010 - 09:46 PM, said:

maybe hes missing a barrel??

That's not the first time I've heard that today! Groan groan its even worse than the dane/horse jokes! :P

[Liesa15]

lol sorry.... :D :D :D

[Scooby]

sense of humor does not exist <_<

[Rachael]

can you part the hair & see what the skin is like?
it is very possible he has got an infection there, either due to the hair or the slobber-- or even a combination of both.
very hairy dogs can get 'hot spots' or moist dermatitis under the amount of hair, certainly be worth getting it checked out.

[val]

i have a friend with one the slobber patch is normal so unless you are going to put a bib on him or follow him to towel him off all day it's something you will have to except sorry.


sarah

[Yvette]

I had a St Bernard - and yes he slobbered, but he did not have a patch like you describe. It certainly shouldn't smell. I would get a vet check, it sounds like an infection - my lab had smelly patches which were an infection, Malaseb wash and antibiotics should clear it up.

I didn't find St Bernards any worse than Danes for house trashing, and they sleep alot ;)

Yvette
xx

[Hazel]

I'd say go with your gut instinct as far as that patch is concerned and have it checked out.

With regard to information about the breed, there is a St Bernard rescue (I believe it took some of the Wardana dogs a couple of years back, so it is active), plus if you know who the breeder is you could always contact him/her. Any reputable breeder will be pleased to help and happy that you are prepared to care for the dog.

Hazel

[Nelson-son]

This site might be handy once he's got that patch cleared up : http://www.bigdogshop.co.uk/index.htm

[Droolakiss]

We have St Bernards & Danes, can you post a picture.
They do get big drool stains on the front and you need to part the fur and look for infection, is the bernard a rough coat?

[buddy]

We seen a gorgeous one at a dog show recently and he had a huge doggy bib on.
The owner said he cuts away alot of spare hair that gets stained & nasty.
Good luck with him.
would also love to see pics.
What does your dane make of him?

[kimscot]

Don't know anything about SB's but would love to see some pics..
Hope you get the 'smell' thing sorted..
Kim x

[VonnieF]

Thanks for your replies. We got him checked out and he has a nasty case of dermatitis. I'm picking him up from the vet in about half an hour as they had to sedate him a little to shave the hair off.

I will post pics on the photo forum. They all get on fine he is a lovely dog and very good natured I'm just having to get used to the extra cleaning duties!!!

[kimscot]

Good to hear you've got the smell sorted, bless him...http://www.greatdaneowners.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif
Looking forward to the pics..
Kim x