German Shepherds require early socialization as well as consistent training to be well-behaved. They must be stimulated mentally to avoid destructive behavior and boredom.
Several inherited diseases cause recurring vomiting or diarrhea in German Shepherds. They require regular veterinary check-ups and preventative medication.
Avoid vigorous exercise before or after eating to avoid weight gain. Give your German Shepherd with lots of shade and water while exercising in hot weather.
Diet
A German shepherd's strong, muscular body requires a balanced diet that is full of nutrients. It is important to choose foods that are rich in natural protein like lamb, beef, or turkey. The food should also include high-quality carbohydrates like rice and barley, in order to supply energy for the active German shepherd. The best food should also contain supplemental vitamins and mineral, such as calcium and phosphorus to ensure healthy joint and bone development.
Exercise, weight control, and a diet high in glucosamine, chondroitin and other nutrients that promote joint health can reduce the breed's health issues inherited from its parents. Allergies are another frequent issue in German shepherds that cause itchy ears and skin, or digestive issues including diarrhea and vomiting.
A balanced and healthy diet is the base of good german shepherd dog health, and your veterinarian can help you decide what kind of food to feed your dog. Make sure your german shepherd is getting the right amount of food every day based on their size, activity, age, and sexual activity.
It's a good idea stay clear of foods that are not healthy for dogs, like chocolate, onions, avocados and other foods that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol as they can cause digestive problems or nutritional imbalances. Avoid feeding your German shepherd table scraps, as well as human food items. This could cause stomach issues and weight gain.
German shepherds are able to easily digest carbs from barley, rice and Oats. They also supply energy to help them stay active throughout the day. Avoid foods that contain wheat and corn because they are difficult to digest and possess less nutritional value. Like many large dogs, the German shepherd is prone to stomach torsion and bloating and a diet that is low in fat is advised. Also, you should limit the amount of food your German shepherd eats since they can cause upset to the diet. Always keep a bowl of clean, fresh water for your german shepherd at all times. It will be grateful for the chance to drink as often as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds are extremely active dogs who require lots of exercise to release their energy and avoid boredom or frustration, which can lead to unwelcome behaviors like excessive barking or chewing on furniture. They thrive on a daily routine including walking, running and games that are interactive as well as mental stimulation.
German Shepherds, as herding dogs, are designed for endurance agility, strength, and agility. They require more intense exercise compared to lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs. To assist your dog to meet their requirements for exercise, make sure to incorporate a warm-up walk prior to intense activities and cool down with a slower walk at the end of every session. It is also important to alter the type of surface you use for your workouts to lessen wear and tear on joints. Jogging and running on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete can be a strain on your dog's knees, so you should try alternating it with soft dirt trails or grass to reap the health benefits.
It is also essential to take care of your German Shepherd's health which includes vaccinations. This includes regular vet visits to identify potential problems early and avoid them becoming serious. It also involves giving your dog flea and tick prevention medications.
Hip dysplasia is a common German Shepherd problem, as are heart disease and eye problems. The latter two are often related to exposure to UV light, which is why it is recommended to keep your dog inside in the hottest times of the day. You should also get your German Shepherd's eyes checked regularly, particularly if you spend time outdoors. This will help identify cataracts that are inherited or caused by the environment.
It's also important to stay clear of strenuous exercise right after eating, as German Shepherds are prone to gain weight. After eating, a leisurely walk or game of fetch is ideal to allow your German shepherd to digest their meal without straining their stomachs and abdominal muscles. If your dog is in a hot or tropical climate, make sure to provide them with ample shade and water when they exercise.
Grooming
German Shepherds are covered with two coats that help to keep them cool during the summer and warm in the winter. According to the people at German Shepherd Corner, their outer guard hairs provide shade and protect them from water, dirt and insect bites. Meanwhile, the soft, fuzzy undercoat insulates them from cold and heat. Shaving a GSD removes these protective barriers, leaving them susceptible to heat exhaustion, sunburn and insects. Also, it removes the beautiful markings and coloring, leaving them with a bland gray, muted cream or beige throughout.
This is why grooming a GSD is an important part of their grooming. They should be brushed at least every other day or more often depending on how much shed and the length of their coats. This helps reduce the amount of fur that is left around the house and it is a great way to bond for pet parents.
Check their toes and ears as well for dirt, debris, and infections. GSDs have a tendency to develop yeast infections in their paw pads, so it is crucial to wash these areas with an anti-fungal shampoo or soap at least once per week. Their nails should be trimmed at least once a month, or more frequently, depending on the speed at which they develop. There are special cutters made just for dogs that are simple to use and won't harm your German Shepherd.
Regular brushing can help you identify fleas and ticks in your German Shepherd. This will also allow them to get used to being brushed, and will help them relax during grooming. Metal teeth are better than brushes made of plastic in taking hairs out of tougher areas of the body, like the shoulders and neck.
GSDs might be anxious when grooming particularly if you're not used to it. You may want to purchase an arm that wraps around the neck of your GSD and creates a swaddle effect. They are available online and at several pet stores.
Training
German shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, but they require early socialization and consistent training to be well-behaved dogs. Enroll your dog in regular obedience classes and home training sessions to reinforce good behavior.
They are extremely active and thrive on physical and mental stimulation. They were bred to be herders and have a solid work ethic. They need to keep active to avoid boredom. This can lead to undesirable behaviors such as chewing and barking so keep your German Shepherd entertained with toys and puzzles.
GSDs are very loyal and affectionate towards their owners, but they are also protective of their families and cautious of strangers. It's a normal, natural part of their character, but you need to teach them to manage this instinct early on. This includes regular physical contact, such as petting and cuddling as soon as they are young. This helps them feel secure and loved which is the most important foundation for a healthy, happy life as a pet.
Keep your German Shepherd healthy by taking them to the vet for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and flea/tick prevention. A high-quality dog food is also important and it's a good idea to divide your daily allowance into two meals in order to prevent the bloat.
Like all breeds, German Shepherds can be prone to certain health conditions. This breed is susceptible to heart disease, specifically the dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular diseases. If you notice any symptoms of heart disease, talk to your veterinarian right away. Treatment could include medications to aid in increasing blood flow to your dog's heart, as well as diet changes to decrease the amount of sodium they consume.
Also, make sure to brush your German Shepherd's teeth at least twice a week and trim their nails on a regular basis to ensure good dental hygiene. Cleanse your dog's face and ears with a moist cloth to remove any earwax. It is important to bathe your dog occasionally, but not every day because this could remove the coat of its natural oils.