German Shepherd Dog Care 10 Things I d Like To Have Learned Sooner
German Shepherd Dog Care
To be a good dog, German Shepherds need early socialization and ongoing training. They need to be mentally stimulated to avoid boredness and destructive behavior.
Several inherited diseases cause recurring vomiting or diarrhea in German Shepherds. They need regular veterinary checks and preventative medication.
Avoid strenuous exercise right before or after eating to avoid bloat. Make sure you provide your German Shepherd with lots of shade and water when exercising in hot weather.
Diet
A German shepherd's strong, muscular body requires a balanced diet rich in nutrients. It is important to choose foods high in natural protein like beef, lamb or turkey. The food should also include high-quality carbohydrates like rice and barley, to fuel the active German shepherd. The best food is also rich in supplemental vitamins and mineral like calcium and phosphorus, to ensure a healthy joint and bone development.
The breed is susceptible to health issues that are hereditary, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, that can be minimized through exercising, weight management and a diet high in chondroitin and glucosamine to promote joint health. Allergies are another common problem among German shepherds, causing itchy ears and skin or digestive discomfort, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Your vet can assist you in choosing the best food for your german shepherd. Make sure your german shepherd is getting the right amount of food per day, based on its size, levels of activity, sex and age.
Avoid eating foods that are harmful for dogs. This includes avocados, onions, and chocolate. Also avoid foods that contain the ingredient xylitol (an artificial sweetener) since they could cause digestive issues or nutritional imbalances. Avoid feeding your German shepherd table scraps as well as human food. This could cause stomach upsets and weight gain.
Carbohydrates from barley, oats and rice are simple for German shepherds to digest and provide energy for active play throughout the day. But, it is best to avoid foods that contain wheat and corn, which are more difficult to digest and have less nutritional value. A low-fat diet should be followed by the German shepherd, as it can cause stomach torsion, bloating and other issues. It's also recommended to restrict the amount of treats your dog's diet contains because they can disrupt the diet. Always keep a bowl of clean, fresh water at your dog's disposal. They will appreciate the opportunity to stay hydrated as much as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds are extremely active dogs who require lots of exercise to burn off their energy and prevent boredom or frustration, which can lead to unwelcome behaviors like excessive barking or chewing furniture. They thrive on a routine that involves running, walking and games that are interactive, and also plenty of mental stimulation.
As dogs that herd, German Shepherds are built for endurance and agility and therefore require more intense exercise than breeds with lower energy levels such as Bulldogs. To aid your dog in meeting their requirements for exercise, make sure to incorporate a warm-up walk prior to high-intensity activities and cool down with a slow walk at the end of each session. It is also important to vary the surface you choose for your workouts to reduce wear and tear on joints. Try to avoid running or jogging your dog on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. Instead, you can use dirt paths or soft grass to get additional health benefits.
It's also important to take care of your German Shepherd's health needs which includes vaccinations. This includes regular visits to your vet to detect potential issues early and avoid them becoming serious. Also, it is important to give your dog flea-and-tick prevention medication.
A few common German Shepherd health concerns are hip dysplasia, heart disease and eye disorders. The latter two are often caused by exposure to UV light, which is why it is recommended to keep your dog in a dark place in the hottest times of the day. It is also a good idea to get your German Shepherd's eyes checked frequently, particularly when they are outdoors to identify any genetic or environmental causes of cataracts.
It's also important to avoid strenuous exercise right after eating, since German Shepherds are known to bloat. After meals, a leisurely walk or game of fetch is the best to allow your German shepherd to digest their meal without straining their stomachs and abdominal muscles. If your dog is in an area with a hot climate or a tropical region, ensure that they have plenty of shade and water available when exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds wear double coats that help to keep them cool in the summer and warm in winter. According to the people at German Shepherd Corner, their outer guard hairs provide shade and protect them from dirt, water and insect bites. Meanwhile, the soft, fuzzy undercoat insulates them from heat and cold. Shaving a GSD can leave them vulnerable to sunburns, heat exhaustion, and insects. It also takes away their beautiful coloring, markings and leaves them with a dull gray, entzückendescäFerhundwelpen.de beige or cream color.
Because of this, grooming a GSD is an essential part of their care. GSDs need to be groomed every other day or more often based on their length and the amount they shed. This can reduce the amount of fur left around the house and it is a great way to bond for pet owners.
Check their ears and toes as well for debris, dirt and infection. GSDs are prone to yeast infections between their paw pads. Therefore, it is important to wash these areas at least once every week with anti-fungal shampoo or soap. Nails should be trimmed at least once a month, or more frequently, depending on how quickly they grow. There are special nail cutters designed specifically for dogs that are simple to use and will not cause harm to your German Shepherd.
Regularly brushing can also help you identify ticks and fleas in your German Shepherd. It also gets them used to the feeling of being brushed and can help them relax when grooming. A brush with metal teeth is a must, as it's more efficient than a plastic brush at removing hair from the tougher parts of their bodies, like the shoulders and neck.
GSDs might be anxious when it comes to grooming especially if you're not used to it. You might want to purchase an arm that wraps around the neck of your GSD and creates the swaddle effect. These are available online and in numerous pet stores.
Training
German shepherds are intelligent and can be trained, but they require early socialization and continuous training to be well behaved. Involve your dog in regular obedience classes as well as home training sessions to reinforce good behavior.
These dogs are extremely active dogs that thrive on lots of mental and physical stimulation. These dogs were bred as 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 be sure to keep your German shepherd entertained by playing with toys, puzzles and exercises for training.
GSDs are very loyal and affectionate with their owners, however they are also protective of their family and be wary of strangers. It's a normal, natural part of their personalities, but you need to train them to control this behavior early on. This includes frequent physical contact, such as petting and cuddling at the time they are still puppies. This will help them feel loved and secure when they get older and is essential to an enjoyable, healthy life.
Take your German Shepherd to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations and other checks. Also, flea/tick preventative is advised. A high-quality dog food is also crucial and it's a great idea to split their daily allowance into two meals to avoid the formation of bloat.
Like all breeds, German Shepherds may be prone to certain health issues. Heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular disease, is particularly common in this breed. If you observe any symptoms of heart disease, speak with your veterinarian right away. Treatment could include medications to improve blood flow to the heart of your dog and diet changes to reduce their sodium intake.
To ensure good dental health, it is recommended to trim your German Shepherd's nails at least twice per month. Wipe your dog's face as well as ears with a moist cloth to remove any earwax. It is recommended to bathe your dog occasionally but not every day because this could remove the coat of its natural oils.