German Shepherd Dog Care
To be well-behaved, German Shepherds need early socialization and constant training. They must be stimulated mentally to avoid boredness and destructive behavior.
Several inherited diseases cause recurring vomiting or diarrhea in German Shepherds. They require regular veterinary check-ups and preventative medication.
Avoid vigorous activity immediately prior to or after eating, in order to avoid bloating. If you exercise in hot weather, give your German Shepherd plenty of water and shade.
Diet
A German shepherd's muscular, strong body requires an optimum diet high in nutrients. It is crucial to select foods that are high in protein from natural sources, like lamb, turkey, or beef. The food should have high-quality carbs, like rice and barley, to provide energy to the German shepherd. The best food should also contain supplements of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus to ensure a healthy joint and bone development.
The breed is prone to health issues that are hereditary, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be managed with exercising, weight management, and a diet rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to improve joint health. Allergies are another common problem in German shepherds that cause itchy ears and skin or digestive discomfort including vomiting and diarrhea.
Your vet can help you choose the best diet for your german shepherd. Be sure that your german shepherd is getting the proper amount of food each day depending on their size, activity, age and sexuality.
Avoid foods that are bad for dogs. These include chocolate, onions and avocados. Also, avoid products containing the ingredient xylitol (an artificial sweetener) since they could cause digestive problems or nutritional imbalances. Also, avoid eating table scraps or human food, as this can cause gastrointestinal upset and obesity in German shepherds.
German shepherds are able to easily digest carbohydrates from barley, rice and oats. They also provide energy to keep them moving throughout the day. Avoid food items that contain corn and wheat because they are difficult to digest and offer less nutritional value. Like many large dogs and breeds, the German shepherd is susceptible to stomach torsion and bloating, so a low-fat diet is advised. It is also a good idea to limit the amount of treats your dog's diet contains, as they can unbalance the diet. Always keep a bowl full of clean, fresh water available for your dog. It will appreciate the chance to stay hydrated as well as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds are extremely active dogs that need lots of exercise to burn off their energy and avoid boredom or anger that can result in unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or chewing on furniture. They thrive with a daily routine that includes walking, running and interactive games and mental stimulation.
German Shepherds, who are herding dogs, were designed for endurance, agility, and strength. They require more vigorous exercise compared to breeds with lower energy like Bulldogs. Warm-up walks prior to high-intensity workouts and cooling down walks at the end of every session are important to help your dog meet its exercise needs. It is also essential to vary the surface you choose for your workouts to lessen wear and tear on joints. Running and jogging on tough surfaces such as asphalt or concrete can be hard for your dog's knees, so you should try alternating it by using soft dirt trails or grass to get additional health benefits.
It is also essential to take care of your German Shepherd's health which includes vaccinations. This includes regular visits to the vet to detect potential issues early and prevent them from becoming serious. It also includes giving your dog flea- and tick-prevention medication.
A few common German Shepherd health concerns are hip dysplasia, heart diseases, and eye diseases. It is recommended to keep your dog inside in the brightest time 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 if they spend time outdoors to identify any genetic or environmental causes of cataracts.
Avoid vigorous exercise right after eating, as German Shepherds are known to be bloated. A leisurely walk or playing fetch is ideal after meals to allow your German Shepherd to digest their food without straining the muscles in their stomachs and abdomen. Likewise, if your dog is living in a hot or tropical climate, make sure to provide them with ample shade and water when they are out exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds have double coats that help to keep them cool in summer and warm in the winter. According to the folks over at German Shepherd Corner their outer hairs provide shade and ward off dirt, water, and insect bites, while the soft, fluffy undercoat helps protect them from heat or cold. Shaving a GSD could expose them to sunburns, heat exhaustion and even insects. It also takes away their gorgeous coloring and markings and leaves them with a dull muted cream, gray or beige all over.
Because of this, grooming a GSD is an essential aspect of their care. GSDs should be groomed every other day, or more often based on their length and the amount they shed. This helps reduce the amount of fur that is left around the house, and is a great way to bond with your pet.
You should also make sure you check their ears and toes for debris, dirt and infections. GSDs have a tendency to develop yeast infections between their paw pads, which is why it is essential to clean these areas with anti-fungal soap or shampoo at least every week. Their nails should be trimmed at least once a month, or more often, depending on the speed at which they grow. There are special nail cutters designed specifically for dogs. They are easy to use and will not hurt your German Shepherd.
Regular brushing can also help you check for fleas and ticks on your German Shepherd. It also gets them used to the feeling of being brushed, and helps to relax while grooming. Metal teeth are superior to brushes made of plastic for taking hairs out of tougher areas of the body, such as the shoulders and entzückendescäferhundwelpen neck.
GSDs are a bit nervous when it comes to grooming especially if they're not used to it, so you may consider investing in an arm for grooming that wraps around their neck and provides the appearance of a swaddle. These are available online and in numerous pet stores.
Training
German shepherds are extremely intelligent and trainable, however they require early socialization as well as consistent training to be well-behaved pets. Involve your dog in regular obedience classes and home training sessions to reinforce good behavior.
These dogs are very active dogs that thrive on lots of mental and physical stimulation. They were born to be herders so they have a strong desire to work and require something to do in order to not get bored. This can lead to undesirable behavior like chewing and barking things, so be sure to keep your German shepherd entertained by playing with toys, puzzles and exercises for training.
GSDs can be very loyal to their owners and affectionate but they also protect their family. They might even be uneasy around strangers. This is a natural and normal part of their nature However, it is important to teach early and with care to manage these impulses. This includes regular physical contact, like cuddling and stroking, from the time they are puppies. This helps them to grow up feeling 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 flea/tick prevention is recommended. It is also essential to feed your dog a high-quality food. You can divide the daily allowance into two meals to prevent bloating.
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues, just like any other breed. This breed is prone to heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy, and valvular diseases. If you notice any signs of heart disease, speak to your veterinarian immediately. Treatment could include medications to help increase the blood flow to the heart of your dog as well as changes in diet to lower their sodium intake.
Also, make sure to brush your German Shepherd's teeth twice per week and trim their nails frequently to maintain good dental hygiene. Wipe your dog's face and ears with a moist cloth to remove any earwax. Bathing your dog should be done occasionally but not too often, as it can remove their coat of the natural oils that keep it shiny and soft.