To be well-behaved, German Shepherds need early socialization and ongoing training. They need to be mentally stimulated 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 medications.
Avoid vigorous exercise before or after eating to avoid the bloating. Provide your German Shepherd with lots of shade and water when exercising in hot weather.
Diet
A German shepherd's muscular, strong body requires a balanced diet full of nutrients. It is important to choose foods that are high in natural protein, such as lamb, beef or turkey. The food should be high-quality carbs, such as barley and rice, in order to supply energy to the German shepherd. The best food should include supplements of minerals and vitamins, like calcium and phosphorus, to ensure good bone and joint health.
The breed is prone to hereditary health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be managed with exercise, weight maintenance and a diet high in glucosamine and chondroitin, which improve joint health. Allergies are another frequent issue in German shepherds which can cause itchy skin and ears or digestive upset including vomiting and diarrhea.
A balanced and healthy diet is the basis of good german shepherd dog care and your vet can assist you in deciding what kind of food to feed your pet. Make sure your german shepherd is getting the proper amount of food daily according to its size as well as its levels of activity, sex and age.
It's a good idea stay clear of foods that are not healthy for dogs, like avocados, onions, chocolate, and products containing the artificial sweetener xylitol, since they can cause digestive problems or nutritional imbalances. Avoid feeding your German shepherd table scraps as well as human food. This can cause gastrointestinal problems and weight gain.
Carbohydrates like oats, barley and rice are easy for German shepherds to digest and provide energy for active play throughout the day. Avoid foods that contain wheat and corn because they are difficult to digest and have less nutritional value. Like many large dogs, the German shepherd is susceptible to stomach torsion and bloating which is why a diet with a low fat content is recommended. It is also recommended to limit the amount of treats your german shepherd consumes as they can upset the diet. Always keep a bowl full of clean, fresh water for your dog. It will appreciate the chance to stay hydrated as often as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds require a lot of exercise to burn off their energy, prevent frustration and boredom, which can cause undesirable behavior such as excessive barking and chewing furniture. They thrive on a daily routine including walking, running and interactive games as well as mental stimulation.
As herding dogs German Shepherds are bred to be agile and endurance-based and therefore require more vigorous exercise than lower-energy breeds such as Bulldogs. To help your dog meet their requirements for exercise, make sure to include an exercise routine prior to intense activities and cool down with a slower walk at the end of each session. To reduce joint wear and tear, it's essential to alter the surface of your workouts. Running and jogging on tough surfaces like asphalt or concrete can be hard on your dog's knees, so you should try alternating it by using soft dirt trails or grass for added health benefits.
It's also crucial to take care of your German Shepherd's health, including vaccinations. This includes scheduling regular vet checkups to detect any potential issues and catch them before they become serious, and also giving your dog flea and tick prevention medication to protect against parasites.
A few of the most frequent German Shepherd health concerns are hip dysplasia, heart disease, and eye disorders. It is best to keep your dog indoors during the brightest part of the day. The two ailments are usually linked to exposure to UV light. You should also get your German Shepherd's eyes checked frequently, especially if you spend time outdoors. This will allow you to identify cataracts caused by environmental factors or hereditary.
Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating as German Shepherds can bloat. A leisurely walk or a game of fetch are ideal after meals to allow your German Shepherd to digest their food without stressing out the muscles in their stomachs and abdomen. If your dog lives in an area with a hot climate or a in a tropical area, make sure they have plenty of shade and water available when exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds are covered with two coats that help to keep them cool in summer and warm in the winter. According to the people at German Shepherd Corner, their outer guard hairs provide shade and fend off water, dirt and insect bites. Meanwhile, the soft, fuzzy undercoat shields them from heat and cold. Shaving a GSD removes these protective barriers and leaves them vulnerable to heat exhaustion, sunburn and insects. It also takes away their gorgeous coloring and markings, leaving them with a dull muted cream, gray or beige all over.
Grooming is a vital aspect of GSD grooming. They should be brushed at least once every other day or more often depending on the amount they shed and the length of their coats. This reduces the amount of fur left around the house, and is a great way to bond with your pet.
Check their ears and toes as well for debris, dirt and infections. GSDs are prone to yeast infections between the paw pads. It is therefore important to wash these areas at a minimum of once each week with anti-fungal soap or shampoo. Their nails should be trimmed every month or more often, depending on how quickly they grow. There are special cutters made specifically for dogs. They are easy to use and will not hurt your German Shepherd.
Regular brushing is a good way to check for problems like ticks and fleas on your German Shepherd also. It also gets them used to being brushed, and helps to relax when grooming. A brush made of metal is a must since it's more efficient than a plastic one in removing hair from the tougher parts of their bodies, like the shoulders and neck.
GSDs might be anxious when they groom, especially if you are not used to it. You might want to invest in an arm that wraps around the neck of your GSD and creates the swaddle effect. These are available online and at several pet stores.
Training
German shepherds are intelligent and can be trained, but they require early socialization and ongoing training to ensure they behave well. Enroll your dog in classes in obedience and schedule regular home training sessions to reinforce positive behaviors.
They are extremely active dogs that thrive on lots of mental and physical stimulation. They were bred to be herders, therefore they have a strong desire to work and require something to do in order to not get bored. This can result in undesirable behaviors like barking and chewing things, so be sure to keep your German shepherd entertained by playing with toys, puzzles and training exercises.
GSDs are very loyal and affectionate towards their owners, but they are also protective of their family and cautious of strangers. It's a natural part of their character however, you must train them to control this instinct early on. From the time they're puppies, it is important to provide them with frequent physical contact, such as petting and strokes. This will help them feel loved and secure as they grow older, which is essential for a happy, healthy life.
Take your German Shepherd to the vet regularly to have check-ups and vaccinations. Also, flea/tick preventative is highly recommended. It's also important to feed your dog a high-quality food. You can split their daily allowance into two meals to avoid bloat.
Like all breeds, blaue schäferhunde German Shepherds can be prone to certain health conditions. This breed is particularly susceptible to heart disease, particularly the dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular disorders. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice any signs of heart disease. Treatment could include medications to improve blood flow to your dog's heart, as well as diet changes to reduce the amount of sodium they consume.
To ensure that your dog's teeth are in good health, you should also cut your German Shepherd's nails at least twice per month. Cleanse your dog's face and ears with a wet cloth to remove any earwax. It is recommended to wash your dog regularly but not every day because this could strip the coat of its natural oils.
