German Shepherd Dog Care
To be a good dog, German Shepherds need early socialization and constant training. They also need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and engaging in destructive behavior.
Several inherited diseases cause recurring vomiting or diarrhea in German Shepherds. They require regular vet checkups and preventative medications.
Avoid vigorous exercise before or after eating to prevent the bloating. If you exercise in hot weather, give your German Shepherd plenty of shade and water.
Diet
A German shepherd's strong, muscular body requires a balanced diet that is full of nutrients. It's especially important to choose a food that is high in protein from natural sources, like turkey, lamb or beef. deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung should also contain high-quality carbohydrates, like rice and barley, to fuel the active German shepherd. The best food should include supplements of minerals and vitamins, such as calcium and phosphorus, to ensure healthy bone and joint development.
The breed is prone to hereditary health issues, such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia that can be minimized through exercise, weight maintenance and a diet that is rich in chondroitin and glucosamine to help improve joint health. German shepherds can also suffer from allergies, which can lead to itchy ears, irritated skin and digestive issues, like vomiting and diarrhea.
Your vet can help you choose the best food for your german shepherd. Make sure your german shepherd gets the right amount of food daily, based on its size as well as its level of activity, sex, and age.
It is a good idea to avoid foods that are unhealthy for dogs, such as chocolate, onions, avocados, and products containing the artificial sweetener xylitol, since they can cause digestive issues or nutritional imbalances. Also avoid feeding table scraps and human food, as this can cause stomach upset and weight gain in German shepherds.
Carbohydrates from barley, oats and rice are easy for German shepherds to digest and offer energy for active play throughout the day. Avoid food items that contain wheat and corn as they are difficult to digest and possess less nutritional value. A low-fat diet must be followed by the German shepherd, since it is susceptible to bloating, stomach torsion and other ailments. It is also an ideal idea to limit the amount of treats your German shepherd consumes because they can disrupt the diet. Always keep a bowl of clean fresh water for your dog. It will appreciate the chance to stay hydrated as much as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds require a lot of exercise to burn off their energy, avoid frustration and boredom, which can result in undesirable behavior such as excessive barking and chewing furniture. They thrive on a daily routine that includes running, walking and engaging games as well as plenty of mental stimulation.
As dogs that herd German Shepherds are bred to be agile and endurance-based and therefore require more vigorous exercise than lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs. To aid your dog in meeting their fitness requirements, make sure to include an exercise routine prior to high-intensity activities and cool down with a slow walk at the end of each session. To reduce joint wear and tear, it is important to change the exercise surface. Beware of running or jogging with your dog on surfaces that are hard like asphalt or concrete. Instead, try using soft grass or dirt paths to reap the health benefits.
In addition to regular physical activity It's also crucial to stay on top of your German Shepherd's vaccinations and other health requirements. This includes scheduling regular vet visits to identify any potential problems and catch them before they become serious, and also giving your dog treatment for ticks and fleas for protection against parasites.
A few of the most frequent German Shepherd health concerns are hip dysplasia, heart disease, and eye diseases. It is best to keep your dog inside during the brightest part of the day. The two conditions are often related to exposure to UV light. It is also a good idea to get your German Shepherd's eyes checked often, particularly in the case of outdoor activities to determine if there are any genetic or environmental causes for cataracts.
It is also essential to avoid strenuous exercise right after eating, as German Shepherds are more prone to bloat. After meals an easy walk or game of fetch is a great way to allow your German shepherd to digest their meal without straining their stomachs and abdominal muscles. If your dog is in a hot climate or tropical area, make sure they have plenty of shade and water while exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds are equipped with two coats that help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. According to the people at German Shepherd Corner, their outer hairs protect them from sun and fend off dirt, water and insect bites, while the soft, fuzzy undercoat protects them from cold and heat. Cutting off a GSD could expose them to sunburns, heat exhaustion and even insects. It also takes away their gorgeous coloring and markings, leaving them with a bland muted cream, gray or beige throughout.
As such, grooming a GSD is a crucial aspect of their care. GSDs should be groomed every other day, or more often depending on their length and how much they shed. This will reduce the amount of fur that is scattered around the house, and is a great way to bond with your pet.
You should also take the time to check their ears and toes for debris, dirt and infections. GSDs are more prone to developing yeast infections in the paw pads. It is therefore essential to clean these areas at a minimum of once per week with anti-fungal soap or shampoo. The nails should be trimmed at least once per week, or more often depending on the rate at which they grow. There are special cutters made specifically for dogs that are simple to use and will not hurt your German Shepherd.
Regular brushing is a great method of identifying problems like fleas and ticks on your German Shepherd, too. This can also allow them to get used to being brushed, and also relax during grooming sessions. Metal teeth are better than brushes made of plastic for removing hairs from tougher areas of the body, such as the neck and shoulders.
GSDs can be nervous when they groom particularly if you're not used to this. You may want to invest in an arm that wraps around the neck of your dog and creates a swaddle. They are available at pet stores as well as online.
Training
German shepherds are intelligent and trainable dogs, however they require early socialization and constant training to become well-behaved. Insist your dog is in classes in obedience and schedule regular home training sessions to reinforce positive behaviors.
They are extremely active and enjoy physical and mental stimulation. They were bred to be herders and have a solid work ethic. They must be kept busy to avoid boredom. This can lead to undesirable behaviors like barking and chewing things, so be sure to keep your German shepherd occupied with puzzles, toys, and exercises for training.
GSDs are loyal to their owners and affectionate but also protective of their family. They might even be suspicious of strangers. This is a natural and normal aspect of their character, but it's important to train early and with care to control these instincts. This includes regular physical contact, like cuddling and stroking at the time they are still puppies. This helps them feel secure and loved which is the most important base for a healthy, happy life as a pet.
Take your German Shepherd to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations and other checks. Also, a preventative treatment for ticks and fleas is advised. A high-quality dog food is also important, and it's a good idea to split their daily allowance into two meals in order to prevent the bloat.
German Shepherds are prone to certain health problems, just like any other breed. Heart disease, especially dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular disease is very common in this breed. If you notice any signs of heart disease, speak with your veterinarian right away. Treatment could include medications to help increase the blood flow to your dog's heart as well as diet changes to decrease the amount of sodium consumed by your dog.
To maintain good dental health, you should also trim your German Shepherd's nails at least twice per month. You should also keep your dog clean by wiping their face and ears with a damp cloth to get rid of any earwax or debris. Bathing your dog is recommended occasionally but not too often because it could strip their coat of natural oils that keep it soft and shiny.