German Shepherd Dog Care
To be a good dog, German Shepherds need early socialization and ongoing training. 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 veterinary checkups and preventative medication.
Avoid vigorous activity immediately prior to or after eating to prevent bloating. When exercising in hot weather, make sure to give your German Shepherd plenty of water and shade.
Diet
A German shepherd's muscular, strong body requires a balanced diet high in nutrients. It is crucial to select a food that is high in protein, derived from natural sources, like lamb, turkey or beef. The food should also have high-quality carbohydrates like barley and rice, to provide energy for the active German shepherd. The best food should also contain minerals and vitamins, such as calcium and phosphorus to ensure healthy joint and bone development.
The breed is prone to health issues that are hereditary, such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia which can be managed with exercise, weight maintenance and a diet high in glucosamine and chondroitin, which improve joint health. Allergies are another common problem among German shepherds that cause itchy ears and skin, or digestive discomfort, such as diarrhea and vomiting.
A balanced, healthy diet is the base of good german shepherd dog care, and your vet can help you choose the kind of food to feed your dog. Make sure your german shepherd is getting the proper amount of food each day depending 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 products 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 can cause gastrointestinal issues and obesity.
Carbohydrates from barley, oats and rice are simple for German shepherds to digest and offer energy to play all day. Avoid food items which contain wheat and corn because they are difficult to digest and possess less nutritional value. Like many large dogs they are German shepherd is prone to bloating and stomach torsion, so a low-fat diet is recommended. It's also recommended to restrict the amount of treats your german shepherd eats because they can disrupt the diet. Always keep a bowl full of clean and fresh water available for your dog. It will be grateful for the chance to drink as often as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds need a lot of exercise to burn off their energy, and prevent boredom and frustration that can result in undesirable behavior such as excessive chewing on furniture and barking. They thrive on a routine that includes running, walking and games that are interactive, and also plenty of mental stimulation.
German Shepherds, as herding dogs, are built for endurance and agility as well as strength. They require more vigorous exercise compared to lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs. To assist deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen to meet their exercise needs, be sure to include an exercise routine prior to high-intensity activities and cool down with a slower walk at the end of every session. To minimize joint wear and tear, it's important to change the surface of your workouts. Running and jogging on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete can be tough on your dog's knees, so you should try alternating it with some soft dirt trails or grass for added health benefits.
It's also important to take care of your German Shepherd's health requirements which includes 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 guard against parasites.
A few of the most frequent German Shepherd health concerns are hip dysplasia, heart disease and eye diseases. It is best to keep your dog indoors during the hottest part of the day. The latter two ailments are usually linked to exposure to UV light. You should also get your German Shepherd's eyes examined regularly, particularly when you are outdoors. This will help identify cataracts caused by environmental factors or hereditary.
Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating since German Shepherds tend to be bloated. A leisurely walk or a game of fetch are ideal after meals to allow your German Shepherd to digest their food without straining the muscles in their stomachs and abdomen. If your dog is in an area with a hot climate or a in a tropical area, make sure they have plenty of shade and water when exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds are outfitted with two coats that help keep them warm during winter and cool during summer. According to the folks at German Shepherd Corner, their outer hairs protect them from sun and shield them from water, dirt and insect bites, while the soft, fuzzy undercoat shields them from heat and cold. Shaving a GSD could expose them to sunburns, heat exhaustion, and insects. It also eliminates their beautiful coloring, markings and leaves them with a dull gray, beige or cream color.
Because of this, grooming a GSD is a crucial aspect of their care. They should be groomed at least once a day or more frequently depending on how much shed and the length of their coats. This will reduce the amount of fur scattered around the house, and is a great time to connect with your pet.
Check their ears and toes for debris, dirt, and infections. GSDs are prone to getting yeast infections in the pads of their paws. Therefore, it is important to wash these areas at least per week with anti-fungal shampoo or soap. Nails should be trimmed once a month or more often, depending on the speed at which they develop. There are dog-specific nail cutters that are simple to use and won't cause any harm to your German shepherd.
Regular grooming is a great method to identify any issues such as fleas and ticks on your German Shepherd, too. This can also allow them to get comfortable with being brushed and relax during grooming sessions. Metal teeth are better than brushes made of plastic for getting rid of hairs from more difficult areas of the body, such as the neck and shoulders.
GSDs may be nervous when it comes to grooming, especially if you are not used to it. You might want to purchase an arm that wraps around the neck of your GSD and creates a swaddle effect. They are available in pet stores and online.
Training
German shepherds are extremely intelligent and trainable, but they require early socialization and regular training to be well-behaved pets. Enroll your dog in classes in obedience and schedule regular home training sessions to reinforce positive behavior.
These dogs are highly active and thrive on physical and mental stimulation. They were bred to be herders and have a solid work ethic. They need to keep busy to avoid boredom. This can result in undesirable behaviors like barking and chewing things, so make sure to keep your German shepherd entertained with puzzles, toys, and training exercises.
GSDs are very loyal and affectionate towards their owners, however they can also be protective of their families and cautious of strangers. It's a natural aspect of their personality however, you must teach them to manage this behavior early on. When they are puppies, it's important to provide them with regular physical contact with their owners, like petting or stroking. This will help them feel loved and secure when they get older, which is essential for a happy, healthy life.
Keep your German Shepherd healthy by taking your dog to the vet for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and flea/tick prevention. A good quality dog food is also essential and it's a great idea to split their daily allowance into two meals to avoid the formation of bloat.
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health problems as is every other breed. This breed is susceptible to heart diseases, especially dilated cardiomyopathy, and valvular diseases. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice any signs of heart disease. Treatment options include medications that increase blood flow to the heart of your dog, and diet changes to reduce sodium intake.
Finally, be sure to brush your German Shepherd's teeth twice a week and trim their nails on a regular basis to ensure good dental hygiene. Also, keep your dog clean by wiping their ears and face with a damp cloth to get rid of any earwax or debris. Bathing your dog should be done at least once a week, but not too often since it could strip their coat of the natural oils that keep it soft and shiny.