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 veterinary check-ups and preventative medicine.
Avoid strenuous activity immediately before or after eating to avoid gastric bloating. When exercising in hot weather, give your German Shepherd plenty of shade and water.
Diet
A German shepherd's muscular, strong body requires a balanced diet that is high in nutrients. It is essential to select a food that is high in protein, derived from natural sources, like lamb, turkey, or beef. The food should also include high-quality carbohydrates, like rice and barley, to fuel the active German shepherd. The best food will also include supplements of minerals and vitamins, like calcium and phosphorus, to ensure good bone and joint health.
The breed is susceptible to health issues that are hereditary, such as elbow and hip dysplasia that can be minimized through exercises, weight-management and a diet that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to help improve joint health. Allergies are another frequent issue in German shepherds that cause itchy ears and skin or digestive discomfort like vomiting and diarrhea.
Your vet can guide you on the appropriate food for your german shepherd. Be deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz that your german shepherd is receiving the right amount of food daily according to their size, activity level, age and sex.
Avoid foods that are not good for dogs. This includes avocados, onions, chocolate and chocolate. Also avoid products that contain the ingredient xylitol (an artificial sweetener) since they could cause digestive problems or nutritional imbalances. Also avoid feeding table scraps or human food, as this can cause stomach upset and overweight in German shepherds.
German shepherds can easily digest carbs from barley, rice, and oats. They also provide energy to help them stay active throughout the day. However, avoid foods containing wheat and corn, which are difficult to digest and have less nutritional value. A low-fat diet should be followed by the German shepherd, since it can cause stomach torsion, bloating and other problems. It's also recommended to limit the amount of treats your German shepherd consumes, as they can unbalance the diet. Always keep a bowl full of clean and fresh water for your dog. It will appreciate the chance to drink as often as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that need lots of exercise to help burn off their energy and avoid boredom or anger that can result in undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking or chewing on furniture. They thrive with a daily routine of running, walking and interactive games and mental stimulation.
As dogs that herd German Shepherds are bred to be agile and endurance-based and therefore require more vigorous exercise than less energetic breeds like Bulldogs. Warm-up walks prior to high-intensity workouts and a cool-down walk at the end each session are essential to ensure that your dog is meeting the requirements of exercise. To reduce joint wear and tear, it's essential to alter the exercise surface. Jogging and running on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete can be a strain on your dog's knees, so try switching it up with some soft grass or dirt trails to reap the health benefits.
In addition to regular physical activity, it's essential to be on top of your German Shepherd's vaccinations as well as other health care requirements. This includes regular visits to your vet to identify potential problems early and prevent them from becoming serious. Also, it is important to give your dog flea and tick prevention medications.
Some of the most common German Shepherd health concerns are hip dysplasia, heart disease, and eye conditions. It is best to keep your dog indoors in the brightest time of the day. The latter two conditions are often 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 detect cataracts caused by environmental factors or hereditary.
Avoid vigorous exercise right after eating, as German Shepherds tend to be bloated. A leisurely walk or playing 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 a hot climate or tropical area, make sure they have plenty of shade and water when exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds have two coats that help keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. According to the folks at German Shepherd Corner their outer hairs provide shade and block dirt, water and insect bites while the soft, fluffy undercoat shields them from cold or heat. Shaving a GSD removes the protective barriers and makes them prone to heat exhaustion, sunburn and insects. It also eliminates the beautiful markings, coloring and leaves them with a dull beige, cream or gray color.
As such, grooming a GSD is an essential aspect of their care. GSDs should be groomed every other day, or more often based on their length and the amount they shed. This can reduce the amount of fur that is left in the house, and is a great way to bond for pet parents.
Check their toes and ears for debris, dirt, and infection. GSDs are prone to yeast infections in the paw pads. It is therefore essential to wash these areas at a minimum of once per week with soap or shampoo that is anti-fungal. The nails should be trimmed every week at a minimum, or more often depending on the growth rate. There are specially designed cutters created specifically for dogs that are easy to use and will not hurt your German Shepherd.
Regular brushing is a great way to check for problems like fleas and ticks on your German Shepherd as well. This can also help them get used to being brushed, and also relax during grooming sessions. A brush with metal teeth is essential, since it is more efficient than a plastic brush at removing hair from the more difficult parts of their bodies like neck and shoulders.
GSDs might be anxious when grooming particularly if you're not used to this. You may want to purchase an arm that wraps around the neck of your GSD and creates a swaddle. They are available at pet stores and online.
Training
German shepherds are intelligent and trainable dogs, however they need early socialization and constant training to be well behaved. Involve your dog in regular obedience classes and home training sessions to reinforce good behavior.
These dogs are highly active and thrive on physical and mental stimulation. These dogs were bred as herders and have a solid work ethic. They need to keep busy to avoid boredom. This can lead to undesirable behavior like chewing and barking, so keep your German Shepherd occupied with puzzles and toys.
GSDs can be very loyal to their owners and affectionate, but they are also protective of their family. They can also be suspicious of strangers. It's a normal, natural part of their personalities However, you must train them to manage this instinct early on. From the time they're puppies, it's important to provide them with frequent physical contact like petting and strokes. This will help them feel secure and loved as they grow older which is crucial for an enjoyable, healthy life.
Take your German Shepherd to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations and other checks. Also, a flea/tick prevention is recommended. It is also essential to feed your dog with a high-quality diet. You can divide their daily allowance between two meals to prevent bloating.
Like all breeds, German Shepherds may be prone to certain health issues. Heart disease, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular disease, is particularly common in this breed. If you observe any symptoms of heart disease, talk to your veterinarian immediately. Treatment may include medication that increases blood flow to the heart of your dog, as well as changes in diet to decrease sodium intake.
Also, make sure to brush your German Shepherd's teeth twice a week and trim their nails frequently to ensure good dental hygiene. You should also keep your dog clean by wiping their ears and face with a damp cloth to remove any earwax and debris. Bathing your dog is recommended at least once a week, but not too often since it could strip their coat of the natural oils that keep it shiny and soft.