German Shepherd Dog Care: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier
German Shepherd Dog Care
To be a good dog, German Shepherds need early socialization and ongoing training. They must be stimulated mentally in order to avoid destructive behavior and boredom.
Several inherited diseases cause recurring vomiting or diarrhea in German Shepherds. They require regular veterinary checks and preventative medicines.
Avoid vigorous exercise before or after eating to prevent bloat. Make sure you provide your German Shepherd with lots of water and shade when exercising in hot weather.
Diet
Due to its strong muscular physique Due to its strong, muscular build, the German shepherd needs a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients. It is crucial to select foods that are high in protein, derived from natural sources, like turkey, lamb, or beef. The food should be high-quality carbs, such as barley and rice, to provide energy to the German shepherd. The best food should include supplements of minerals and vitamins, like calcium and phosphorus to support the development of healthy joints and bones.
The breed is susceptible to hereditary health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, that can be minimized through exercising, weight management, and a diet rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to improve joint health. Allergies are another frequent issue among German shepherds which can cause itchy ears and skin or digestive discomfort including diarrhea and vomiting.
A healthy, well-balanced diet is the foundation of good german shepherd dog health, and your vet can help you decide what type of food to feed your dog. Be sure that your german shepherd is getting the proper amount of food every day based on their size, activity, age and sex.
It is a good idea to avoid foods that are unhealthy for dogs, like chocolate, onions, avocados and other foods that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol as they can trigger digestive issues or nutritional imbalances. Avoid feeding your German shepherd table scraps and human food items. This could cause stomach problems and obesity.
German shepherds can easily digest carbohydrates from rice, barley, and Oats. They also supply energy to keep them active throughout the day. But, it is best to avoid foods that contain wheat and corn, as they are more difficult to digest and have less nutritional value. A low-fat diet should be adhered to by the German shepherd, since it can cause stomach torsion, bloating and other problems. You should also restrict the amount of treats your German shepherd eats since they can cause upset to the diet. Always keep a bowl full of clean and fresh water at your dog's disposal. They will be delighted to have the opportunity to stay hydrated as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds require a lot of exercise to burn off their energy, avoid boredom and frustration that can result in undesirable behavior such as excessive chewing on furniture and barking. 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 built for speed and endurance and therefore require more intense exercise than less energetic breeds such as Bulldogs. To help your dog meet their fitness requirements, make sure to incorporate a warm-up walk prior to high-intensity exercises and cool down with a slower walk at the end of every session. It is also essential to change the surface you use for your workouts to lessen wear and tear on joints. Try to avoid running or jogging deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen entzückendescäferhundwelpen on surfaces that are hard like asphalt or concrete. Instead, consider using dirt paths or soft grass to reap the health benefits.
It's also important to take care of your German Shepherd's health needs, including vaccinations. This includes scheduling regular vet visits to identify any potential problems and catch them early before they become serious, as well as giving your dog treatment for ticks and fleas for protection against parasites.
Hip dysplasia is a common German Shepherd problem, as are heart disease and eye problems. It is best to keep your dog indoors during the brightest part of the day. The latter two conditions are often linked to exposure to UV light. It is also recommended to have your German Shepherd's eyes examined frequently, especially if you spend time outdoors. This will help detect cataracts that are inherited or caused by the environment.
Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after eating since German Shepherds are known to get bloated. A stroll or playing fetch is ideal after meals, allowing your German Shepherd to digest their food without stressing the muscles in their stomach and abdomen. If your dog is in a hot climate or tropical area, make sure they have plenty of shade and water available when exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds are covered with two coats that help to keep them cool during the summer and warm in the winter. According to the folks over at German Shepherd Corner their outer hairs provide shade and ward off dirt, water, and insect bites, while the soft, fluffy undercoat shields them from heat or cold. Cutting off a GSD could expose them to sunburns, heat exhaustion and insects. It also takes away their gorgeous coloring and markings and leaves them with a bland, muted cream, gray or beige all over.
Because of this, grooming a GSD is an essential aspect of their care. GSDs should be groomed every other day or more frequently depending on their length and the amount they shed. This will reduce the amount of fur left behind around the house and it is a great time of bonding for pet parents.
Examine their ears and toes as well for dirt, debris, and infection. GSDs tend to develop yeast infections in their paws, and it is essential to clean these areas with anti-fungal shampoo or soap at least once per week. The nails should be cut every month or more often, depending on the speed at which they grow. There are dog-specific cutters that are easy to operate and won't hurt your German shepherd.
Regularly brushing can also aid in identifying fleas and ticks in your German Shepherd. This will also aid them in getting used to being brushed, and relax during grooming sessions. Metal teeth are superior to brushes made of plastic in removing hairs from tougher areas of the body, like the shoulders and neck.
GSDs may be nervous when they groom particularly if you're not used to this. You might want to purchase an arm that wraps around the neck of your GSD and creates the swaddle effect. They are available at pet stores as well as online.
Training
German shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, however they require early socialization and consistent training to be well-behaved pets. Participate in regular obedience classes as well as home training sessions to reinforce good behavior.
They are extremely active dogs that require plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They were born to be herders which is why they have an instinct to work and need something to do in order to not get bored. This can lead to unwanted behaviors like barking and chewing things, so be sure to keep your German shepherd entertained with puzzles, toys, and exercises for training.
GSDs can be very loyal to their owners and affectionate but they are also protective of their family. They might even be cautious of strangers. It's a natural aspect of their personality However, you must train them to control this instinct as early as possible. When they are puppies, it's important to provide them with regular physical contact with their owners, like petting or the stroking. This helps them to grow up feeling loved and secure, which is a critical basis for a healthy and happy life as a pet.
Take your German Shepherd to the vet regularly for check-ups and vaccinations. Also, flea/tick preventative is advised. It's also important to feed your dog with a high-quality diet. You can divide the daily allowance between two meals to avoid bloat.
Like all breeds, German Shepherds could be prone to certain health issues. Heart disease, specifically the valvular and dilated cardiomyopathy is a common occurrence in this breed. If you notice any symptoms of heart disease, talk to your veterinarian immediately. Treatment may include medications to aid in increasing blood flow to your dog's heart as well as diet changes to reduce the amount of sodium they consume.
To ensure that your dog's teeth are in good health, you should also cut your German Shepherd's nails at least twice a month. You should also keep your pet clean by cleaning their ears and face with a damp, clean cloth to remove any earwax and debris. You should bathe your dog occasionally but not every day, as this can remove the coat of its natural oils.