German Shepherd Dog Care
German Shepherds require early socialization and consistent training to be well-behaved. They also require 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 checks and preventative medication.
Avoid strenuous activity immediately before or after eating, in order to avoid bloating. Give your German Shepherd with plenty of shade and water when exercising in hot weather.
Diet
A German shepherd's muscular, strong body requires a balanced diet that is full of nutrients. It is essential to select food rich in natural protein like lamb, beef or turkey. deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich entzückendescäferhundwelpen should also contain high-quality carbohydrates like barley and rice, to fuel the active German shepherd. The best food should also contain supplemental vitamins and mineral, such as calcium and phosphorus, to ensure bone and joint health development.
The breed is prone to hereditary health issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia which can be managed with exercise, weight maintenance and a diet high in glucosamine and chondroitin, which promote joint health. German shepherds also be afflicted by allergies, which can cause itchy ears, skin and digestive issues, like vomiting and diarrhea.
A balanced, healthy diet is the basis of a good german shepherd dog health, and your veterinarian can assist you in deciding what kind of food you should feed your pet. Be sure that your german shepherd gets the proper amount of food each day based on their size, activity, age and sexuality.
Avoid foods that are bad for dogs. This includes chocolate, onions and avocados. Also, avoid products containing sugars such as xylitol (an artificial sweetener) since they could cause digestive issues or nutritional imbalances. Also avoid eating table scraps or human food, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and obesity in German shepherds.
German shepherds are able to easily digest carbs from rice, barley, and oats. They also provide energy to keep them moving throughout the day. However, avoid foods containing wheat and corn, which are harder to digest and provide less nutritional value. A low-fat diet must be followed by the German shepherd, since it can cause bloating, stomach torsion and other problems. Also, you should limit the amount of food your german shepherd consumes as they can cause upset to the diet. Always keep a bowl of clean, fresh water available to your german shepherd at all times. It will be grateful for the chance to drink as much as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds require a lot of exercise in order to burn off their energy, avoid frustration and boredom, which can cause undesirable behavior such as excessive chewing on furniture and barking. They thrive with a daily routine of running, walking and games that are interactive as well as mental stimulation.
As dogs that herd, German Shepherds are built for endurance and agility and therefore require more intense exercise than breeds with lower energy levels such as Bulldogs. Warm-up walks prior to high-intensity workouts and an exercise that cools down at the end of every session are crucial to help your dog meet its requirements for exercise. It is also important to alter the type of surfaces you choose to use for your workouts in order to minimize wear and tear on joints. Running and jogging on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt can be a strain on your dog's knees, so you should try alternating it with soft grass or dirt trails to get additional health benefits.
It is also essential to take care of your German Shepherd's health needs including vaccinations. This includes regular vet visits to spot potential issues early and avoid them becoming serious. Also, it is important to give your dog flea- and tick-prevention medication.
A few common German Shepherd health concerns are hip dysplasia, heart disease, and eye diseases. It is best to keep your dog inside during the hottest part of the day. These two conditions are often related to exposure to UV light. It is also an excellent idea to have your German Shepherd's eyes checked frequently, particularly if they spend time outdoors, to detect any hereditary or environmental causes for cataracts.
Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating since German Shepherds tend to bloat. A leisurely walk or playing fetch is ideal after meals, allowing your German Shepherd to digest their food without stressing the muscles in their stomach and abdomen. If your dog is in the hot climate or in a in a tropical area, make sure they have plenty of shade and water available when exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds are covered with double coats that help to keep them cool in the summer and warm in winter. According to the folks over at German Shepherd Corner their outer hairs protect them from sun and block dirt, water and insect bites while the soft, fluffy undercoat protects them from cold or heat. Cutting off a GSD could expose them to sunburns, heat exhaustion and insects. It also eliminates the beautiful markings, coloring and leaves them with a bland beige, cream or gray color.
Because of this, grooming a GSD is a crucial part of their care. GSDs need to be groomed every two days, or more often depending on their length and the amount they shed. This will reduce the amount of fur that is left behind around the house and it is a great time of bonding for pet parents.
It is also important to be sure to examine their ears and toes for dirt, debris and infection. GSDs tend to develop yeast infections in their paws, and it is crucial to wash these areas with anti-fungal shampoo or soap at least every week. The nails should be trimmed every week at a minimum, or more often depending on the rate at which they grow. There are specially designed cutters created specifically for dogs. They are simple to use and won't harm your German Shepherd.
Regular brushing is a good method of identifying problems like ticks and fleas on your German Shepherd, too. It also helps to get them used to the feeling of being brushed, and helps to relax when grooming. Metal teeth are better than brushes made of plastic in taking hairs out of tougher areas of the body, such as the shoulders and neck.
GSDs may be nervous when grooming especially if you're not used to this. It is possible to purchase an arm that wraps around the neck of your GSD and creates a swaddle. These are available at pet stores and online.
Training
German shepherds are intelligent and trainable dogs, however they need early socialization and continuous training to ensure they behave well. Enroll 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 physical and mental stimulation. They were bred to be herders and have a strong work ethic. They require to be busy to avoid boredom. This can result in undesirable behaviors like barking and chewing, so make sure you keep your German Shepherd entertained with puzzles and toys.
GSDs can be very loyal to their owners, and affectionate, but they also protect their family. They can also be cautious of strangers. It's a natural aspect of their personality however, you must train them to control this instinct early on. This means frequent physical contact, like cuddling and stroking, from the time they are young. This allows them to feel safe and loved which is the most important basis for a healthy and happy life as a pet.
Keep your German Shepherd healthy by taking them to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations, and flea/tick prevention. It's also important to feed your dog a high-quality, high-quality diet. You can split their daily allowance between two meals to avoid bloat.
Like all breeds, German Shepherds could be susceptible to certain health issues. This breed is particularly susceptible to heart disease, specifically the dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular diseases. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of heart disease. Treatment may include medications to aid in increasing blood flow to the heart of your dog, as well as diet changes to decrease the amount of sodium they consume.
Finally, be sure to brush your German Shepherd's teeth twice per 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. Bathing your dog is recommended occasionally but not every day since it could strip their coat of the natural oils that keep it soft and shiny.