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 behaviors.
Several inherited diseases cause recurring vomiting or diarrhea in German Shepherds. They require regular veterinary check-ups and preventative medicine.
Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before or after eating in order to avoid gastric bloating. Give your German Shepherd with plenty of shade and water when exercising in hot weather.
Diet
A German shepherd's strong, muscular body requires a balanced diet full of nutrients. It is essential to select food rich in natural protein like lamb, beef or turkey. The food should have high-quality carbs, such as barley and rice, for energy and nutrition to the German shepherd. The best food should contain supplementary vitamins and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus to support good bone and joint health.
Exercise, weight management and a diet rich in glucosamine and chondroitin and other nutrients that promote joint health can reduce the breed's hereditary health problems. German shepherds can also suffer from allergies which can cause itchy ears, skin and digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Your vet can assist you in choosing the best food for your german shepherd. Be sure that your german shepherd is receiving the right amount of food each day based on their size, activity level, age, and sex.
Avoid eating foods that are harmful for dogs. This includes chocolate, onions and avocados. Also, avoid products containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener) because they can cause digestive issues or nutritional imbalances. Also, avoid feeding table scraps and human food, as this can lead to gastrointestinal upset and weight gain in German shepherds.
Carbohydrates such as oats, barley, and rice are easy for German shepherds to digest and provide energy for active play throughout the day. Avoid foods which contain wheat and corn because they are difficult to digest and have less nutritional value. A low-fat diet should be adhered to by the German shepherd, since it is prone to stomach torsion, bloating and other problems. It is also an ideal idea to limit the amount of treats your german shepherd eats, as they can unbalance 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 stay hydrated as often as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds require a lot of exercise to burn off their energy, and prevent boredom and frustration that can cause 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.
As herding dogs, German Shepherds are built for endurance and agility and therefore require more vigorous exercise than lower-energy breeds such as Bulldogs. To aid your dog in meeting their requirements for exercise, make sure to incorporate a warm-up walk before high-intensity activities and cool down with a slow walk at the end of every session. It is also essential to change the surfaces you choose to use for your workouts to reduce wear and tear on joints. Beware of running or jogging with your dog on surfaces that are hard such as concrete or asphalt. Instead, try using soft grass or dirt paths to reap the health benefits.
It is also essential to take care of your German Shepherd's health which includes vaccinations. This includes regular visits to your vet to detect potential issues early and stop them from becoming serious. It also includes giving your dog flea- and tick-prevention medication.
Hip dysplasia is a typical German Shepherd problem, as are eye diseases and heart disease. These are usually related to exposure to UV light, which is why it is a good idea to keep your dog in a dark place in the hottest times of the day. It is also recommended to have your German Shepherd's eyes checked often, particularly if they spend time outdoors to identify any genetic or environmental causes for cataracts.
Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after eating since German Shepherds are known to bloat. A relaxing walk or playing fetch are ideal after meals, allowing your German Shepherd to digest their food without stressing the muscles in their stomach and abdomen. If your dog lives in the hot climate or in a in a tropical area, make sure they have plenty of shade and water while exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds are equipped with two coats that help keep them warm during winter and cool during summer. According to the people at German Shepherd Corner, their outer guard hairs provide shade and shield them from water, dirt and insect bites while the soft, fuzzy undercoat shields them from cold and heat. Shaving a GSD can leave them vulnerable to sunburns, heat exhaustion, and even insects. It also takes away their beautiful coloring and markings, leaving them with a bland, muted cream, gray or beige throughout.
german shepherd kaufen is an important aspect of GSD care. GSDs should be brushed every other day, or more often based on their length and the amount they shed. This will reduce the amount of fur left around the house and it is a great way to bond for pet owners.
Also, take the time to check their toes and ears for dirt, debris and infection. GSDs are prone to getting yeast infections in the paw pads. It is therefore essential to clean these areas at a minimum of once each week with anti-fungal soap or shampoo. Nails should be trimmed at least once a month, or more often, depending on how quickly they grow. There are dog-specific nail cutters that are simple to use and won't cause any harm to your German shepherd.
Regularly brushing can also help you check for ticks and fleas in your German Shepherd. It also gets them familiar with the sensation of being brushed and helps to relax when grooming. A brush made of metal is a must, as it's more efficient than a plastic brush in removing hair from the more difficult parts of their bodies, like the shoulders and neck.
GSDs might be anxious when they groom, especially if you are not used to this. You may want to purchase an arm that wraps around the neck of your dog and creates the swaddle effect. They are available in pet stores and online.
Training
German shepherds are extremely smart and trainable, however they require early socialization and consistent training to be well-behaved pets. Insist your dog is in classes for obedience and schedule regular home training sessions to reinforce positive behaviors.
These dogs are highly active and enjoy physical and mental stimulation. These dogs were bred as herders and have a solid work ethic. They must be kept busy to avoid boredom. This can result in undesirable behaviours like chewing and barking things, so make sure to keep your German shepherd entertained with toys, puzzles, and exercises for training.
GSDs can be extremely loyal to their owners, and affectionate, but they are also protective of their family. They may even be cautious of strangers. It's a normal, natural aspect of their personality however, you must train them to control this behavior early on. When they are puppies, it is important to provide them with regular physical contact with their owners, like petting or stroking. This will make them feel safe and loved as they grow up which is crucial for living a healthy, happy life.
Take your German Shepherd to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations and other checks. Also, flea/tick preventative is highly recommended. A good quality dog food is also essential, and it's a good idea to divide your daily allowance into two meals to prevent the bloat.
Like all breeds, German Shepherds could be prone to certain health conditions. This breed is particularly susceptible to heart disease, particularly dilatable cardiomyopathy and valvular diseases. If you notice any symptoms of heart disease, talk to your veterinarian right away. Treatment may include medication to increase blood flow to the heart of your dog, and diet changes to decrease sodium intake.
To ensure good dental health, you should trim your German Shepherd's nails at least twice per month. You should also keep your pet clean by cleaning their ears and face with a damp, clean cloth to remove any earwax or debris. You should bathe your dog at least once a week but not every day since this can remove the coat of its natural oils.