German Shepherd Dog Care
To be a good dog, German Shepherds need early socialization and constant training. They need to be stimulated mentally to avoid boredness and destructive behavior.
Several inherited diseases cause recurring vomiting or diarrhea in German Shepherds. They require regular vet checkups and preventative medications.
Avoid strenuous exercise right before or after eating to prevent the bloating. Make sure you provide your German Shepherd with plenty of shade and water when exercising in hot weather.
Diet
A German shepherd's strong, muscular body requires an optimum diet high in nutrients. It is important to choose food high in natural protein like beef, lamb or turkey. The food should contain high-quality carbohydrates, such as rice and barley, to provide energy to the German shepherd. The best food also contains minerals and vitamins, such as calcium and phosphorus to ensure a healthy joint and bone development.
The breed is prone to hereditary health issues like elbow and hip dysplasia that can be minimized through exercises, weight-management and a diet high in glucosamine and chondroitin to improve joint health. Allergies are a common issue among German shepherds, causing itchy ears and skin or digestive issues including vomiting and diarrhea.
A balanced, healthy diet is the basis of a good german shepherd dog care, and your veterinarian can help you choose the kind of food you should feed your dog. Be sure that your german shepherd is getting the proper amount of food each day based on their size, activity, age, and sexual activity.
Avoid eating foods that are harmful for dogs. This includes avocados, onions, and chocolate. Also avoid deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen that contain xylitol (an artificial sweetener) since they could cause digestive problems or nutritional imbalances. Avoid feeding your German shepherd table scraps as well as human food. This can cause gastrointestinal issues and weight gain.
Carbohydrates from barley, oats and rice are simple for German shepherds to digest and provide energy to play all day. However, avoid foods containing corn and wheat, which are more difficult to digest and provide less nutritional value. Like many large dogs, the German shepherd is prone to bloating and stomach torsion which is why a diet with a low fat content is advised. It is also recommended to limit the amount of treats your German shepherd eats because they can alter the diet. Also, make sure you have a bowl of clean, fresh water for your german shepherd at all times. It will appreciate the chance to stay hydrated as much as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds are extremely active dogs that require plenty of exercise to help burn off their energy and avoid boredom or anger, which can lead to unwelcome behaviors like excessive barking or chewing on furniture. They thrive with a daily routine that includes walking, running and games that are interactive and mental stimulation.
As herding dogs, German Shepherds are built to be agile and endurance-based They require more vigorous exercise than breeds with lower energy levels such as Bulldogs. Warm-up walks prior to high-intensity workouts and cooling down walks at the end of every session are crucial to ensure that your dog is meeting the requirements of exercise. To reduce joint wear and tear, it's essential to alter the surface of your workouts. Running and jogging on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt can be hard on your dog's knees so you should try alternating it with some soft dirt trails or grass for added health benefits.
In addition to regular physical activity, it's important to keep up with your German Shepherd's vaccinations and other health needs. This involves scheduling regular vet checks to detect any potential issues and catch them early before they become serious as well as giving your dog flea and tick prevention medication to guard against parasites.
Hip dysplasia is a frequent German Shepherd problem, as are heart disease and eye problems. It is recommended to keep your dog inside during the hottest part of the day. The two conditions are often linked to exposure to UV light. It is also a good idea to get your German Shepherd's eyes checked regularly, especially in the case of outdoor activities to determine if there are any genetic or environmental causes of cataracts.
Avoid vigorous exercise right after eating, as German Shepherds can be bloated. A stroll 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 stomach and abdomen. If your dog is in a hot climate or tropical region, ensure that they have plenty of shade and water when exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds are outfitted with a double coat which helps keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. 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 protects them from cold and heat. Shaving a GSD removes the protective barriers and makes them vulnerable to heat exhaustion, sunburn and insects. It also takes away the beautiful markings, coloring and leaves them with a dull gray, beige or cream color.
Grooming is a vital aspect of GSD grooming. GSDs need to be groomed every other day, or more often based on their length and how much they shed. This can reduce the amount of fur that is left in the house, and is a great bonding time for pet parents.
It is also important to make sure you check their toes and ears for debris, dirt and infections. GSDs are more likely to develop yeast infections in their paw pads, so it is essential to clean these areas with anti-fungal soap or shampoo at least once a week. The nails should be trimmed every week at a minimum, or more often depending on the growth rate. There are dog-specific nail cutters that are simple to use and won't harm your German shepherd.
Regular brushing can also aid in identifying ticks and fleas in your German Shepherd. It also gets them used to being brushed and helps them relax during grooming sessions. Metal teeth are superior to brushes made of plastic in removing hairs from tougher areas of the body, like the neck and shoulders.
GSDs can be a little nervous at grooming time especially if they're not used to grooming, so you might want to invest in an arm for grooming that wraps around their necks and gives a swaddle-like effect. They are available at pet stores and on the internet.
Training
German shepherds are extremely smart and trainable, however they require early socialization as well as consistent training to be well-behaved dogs. Insist your dog is in classes for obedience and schedule regular training sessions at home to reinforce positive behavior.
These dogs are very active dogs who require lots of mental and physical stimulation. These dogs were bred as herders and have a solid work ethic. They must be kept active to avoid boredom. This can lead to undesirable behaviours like chewing and barking things, so be sure to keep your German shepherd entertained by playing with toys, puzzles and training exercises.
GSDs are extremely loyal and affectionate with their owners, but they are also protective of their families and suspicious of strangers. It's a normal, natural part of their character, but you need to train them to control this instinct early on. From the time they're puppies, it's important to provide them with regular physical contact, such as petting and strokes. This will make them feel secure and loved as they grow up and is essential to an enjoyable, healthy life.
Keep your German Shepherd healthy by taking your dog to the vet for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and flea/tick preventive. A high-quality dog food is also important and it's a great idea to divide your daily allowance into two meals to prevent the formation of bloat.
Like all breeds, German Shepherds could be prone to certain health issues. Heart disease, especially dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular disease is very common in this breed. If you observe any symptoms of heart disease, speak to your veterinarian right away. Treatment options include medications that improve blood flow to the heart of your dog and diet changes to decrease the amount of sodium they consume.
Also, make sure to brush your German Shepherd's teeth twice per week and trim their nails on a regular basis to ensure good dental hygiene. It is also important to keep your dog clean by wiping their ears and face with a damp, clean cloth to remove any earwax and dirt. It is recommended to bathe your dog at least once a week but not every day because this could remove the coat of its natural oils.