German Shepherd Dog Care
To be well-behaved, German Shepherds need early socialization and continuous training. They also require plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom 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 exercise just before or after eating to prevent weight gain. Make sure you provide your German Shepherd with plenty of shade and water when exercising in hot weather.
Diet
A German shepherd's muscular, strong body requires an optimum diet high in nutrients. It is important to choose foods that are high in natural protein, such as beef, lamb or turkey. The food should contain high-quality carbs, 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 healthy joint and bone development.
The breed is prone to health issues that are hereditary, such as elbow and hip dysplasia which can be controlled with exercises, weight-management, and a diet rich in chondroitin and glucosamine to improve joint health. Allergies are a common issue among German shepherds which can cause itchy ears and skin, or digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen balanced and healthy diet is the foundation of good german shepherd dog care and your vet can help you choose the kind of food you should feed your dog. Make sure your german shepherd is getting the proper amount of food daily according to its size as well as its level of activity, sex, and age.
It's a good idea to avoid eating foods that are harmful for dogs, like avocados, onions, chocolate, and products containing the artificial sweetener xylitol as they can cause digestive issues or nutritional imbalances. Avoid feeding your German shepherd table scraps and human food items. This can lead to stomach upsets and obesity.
German shepherds can easily digest carbohydrates from rice, barley, and Oats. They also have energy to keep them moving throughout the day. But, you should avoid eating foods that contain corn and wheat, which are difficult to digest and provide less nutritional value. Like many large dogs and breeds, the German shepherd is susceptible to stomach torsion and bloating which is why a diet with a low fat content is advised. Also, you should limit the amount of food your German shepherd eats because they can cause upset to the diet. Always keep a bowl of clean fresh water available for your dog. It will appreciate the chance to drink as well as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds need a lot of exercise to burn their energy, avoid boredom and frustration that can lead to unwanted behavior like excessive barking and chewing on furniture. They thrive with a daily routine that includes walking, running and games that are interactive as well as mental stimulation.
As dogs that herd German Shepherds are designed for endurance and agility, so they require more vigorous exercise than lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs. Warm-up walks prior high-intensity exercise and an exercise that cools down at the end of each session are crucial to ensure that your dog is meeting the requirements of exercise. It is also essential to vary the surface you use for your workouts to reduce wear and tear on joints. Running and jogging on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete can be hard for your dog's knees, so try switching it up with some soft dirt trails or grass to reap the health benefits.
In addition to regular physical exercise It's also crucial to stay on top of your German Shepherd's vaccinations as well as other health care requirements. 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.
Some of the most common German Shepherd health concerns are hip dysplasia, heart disease and eye diseases. These are usually caused by exposure to UV light, so it is recommended to keep your dog indoors during the brightest parts of the day. It is also an excellent idea to have your German Shepherd's eyes checked often, particularly if they spend time outdoors to identify any genetic or environmental causes for cataracts.
It's also important to avoid strenuous exercise right after eating, since German Shepherds are prone to bloat. A stroll or a game of fetch are ideal after meals, allowing 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 while exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds have 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 hairs protect them from sun and fend off dirt, water and insect bites. Meanwhile, the soft, fuzzy undercoat insulates them from cold and heat. Shaving a GSD removes the protective barriers and makes them susceptible to sunburn, heat exhaustion and insects. It also removes their beautiful coloring, markings and leaves them with a bland beige, cream or gray color.
Grooming is a crucial aspect of GSD care. GSDs should be groomed every other day, or more often based on their length and the amount they shed. This helps reduce the amount of fur left in the house, and is a great way to bond for pet owners.
Also, make sure you check their toes and ears for dirt, debris and infections. GSDs are prone to getting yeast infections in the pads of their paws. It is therefore important to wash these areas at least once each week with anti-fungal soap or shampoo. Nails should be cut at least once per week, or more often depending on the rate at which they grow. There are special nail cutters designed just for dogs that are simple to use and will not harm your German Shepherd.
Regular grooming is a great method to identify any issues such as fleas and ticks on your German Shepherd as well. This will also allow them to get used to being brushed, and also relax during grooming sessions. A brush made of metal is a must since it is more effective than a plastic brush in removing hair from the tougher parts of their bodies like neck and shoulders.
GSDs may be nervous when they groom particularly if you're not used to this. It is possible to purchase an arm that wraps around the neck of your dog and creates the swaddle effect. These are available online and at many pet stores.
Training
German shepherds are intelligent and trainable dogs, but they need early socialization and ongoing training to become well-behaved. Involve your dog in regular obedience classes as well as home training sessions to reinforce good behavior.
They are extremely active dogs that require lots of physical and mental stimulation. They were born to be herders therefore they have a strong desire to work and require something to do to avoid becoming bored. This can lead to undesirable behaviors like barking and chewing things, so make sure to keep your German shepherd entertained by playing with toys, puzzles and exercises for training.
GSDs are extremely loyal and affectionate towards their owners, however they can also be protective of their families and suspicious of strangers. It's a normal, natural part of their personalities however, you must train them to control this behavior early on. From the time they're puppies, it's essential to give them frequent physical contact with their owners, like petting or the stroking. This will help them feel secure and loved as they grow up and is essential to an enjoyable, healthy life.
Take your German Shepherd to the vet regularly for check-ups and vaccinations. Also, a preventative treatment for ticks and fleas is advised. A high-quality dog food is also essential, and it's a good idea to divide their daily allowance into two meals to prevent bloat.
Like all breeds, German Shepherds can be prone to certain health conditions. Heart disease, especially dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular diseases, is particularly common in this breed. If you notice any symptoms of heart disease, speak with your veterinarian right away. Treatment options include medications that help increase the blood flow to the heart of your dog, as well as diet changes to decrease the amount of sodium consumed by your dog.
Finally, be sure to brush your German Shepherd's teeth twice a week and trim their nails regularly to maintain good dental hygiene. Wipe your dog's face and ears with a damp cloth to get rid of any earwax. It is recommended to wash your dog regularly but not daily because this could strip the coat of its natural oils.