German Shepherd Dog Care
To be well-behaved, German Shepherds need early socialization and ongoing 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 checkups and preventative medicines.
Avoid strenuous exercise just before or after eating to prevent the bloating. When exercising in hot weather, make sure to give your German Shepherd plenty of water and shade.
Diet
A German shepherd's muscular, strong body requires an optimum diet full of nutrients. It is crucial to select an item that is rich in protein from natural sources, like turkey, lamb or beef. The food should have high-quality carbs, such as rice and barley, to provide energy to the German shepherd. The best food also contains supplements of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, to ensure healthy joint and bone development.
Exercise, weight management and a diet that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin and other nutrients that promote joint health can reduce the breed's hereditary health problems. Allergies are another frequent issue among German shepherds, causing itchy skin and ears or digestive discomfort, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Your vet can guide you on the appropriate food for your german shepherd. Make sure that your german shepherd is getting the right amount of food per day, based on its size and levels of activity, sex and age.
Avoid foods that are not good for dogs. These include chocolate, onions and avocados. Also avoid products that contain sugars such as xylitol (an artificial sweetener) because they can cause digestive problems or nutritional imbalances. Avoid feeding your German shepherd table scraps and human food. This can cause gastrointestinal upsets and obesity.
Carbohydrates such as oats, barley and rice are simple for German shepherds to digest and provide energy to play all day. But, you should avoid eating foods that contain corn and wheat, which are harder 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 problems. Also, you should limit the amount of food your german shepherd consumes as they can alter the diet. Always keep a bowl full of clean, fresh water for your dog. schäferhund kaufen will be happy to be able to stay hydrated as much as you are!
Exercise
German Shepherds need a lot of exercise to burn their energy, avoid frustration and boredom that could result in undesirable behavior such as excessive barking and chewing on furniture. They thrive on a daily routine including walking, running and engaging games and mental stimulation.
As dogs that herd German Shepherds are designed to be agile and endurance-based They require more vigorous exercise than lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs. To help your dog meet their requirements for exercise, make sure to include a warm-up walk before high-intensity exercises and cool down with a slower walk at the end of each session. To reduce joint wear and tear, it's essential to alter the surface of your workouts. Beware of running or jogging your dog on surfaces that are hard such as concrete or asphalt. Instead, consider using soft grass or dirt paths for added health benefits.
It is also essential to take care of your German Shepherd's health including vaccinations. This includes scheduling regular vet checkups to detect any potential issues and catch them before they become more 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 eye diseases and heart disease. 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 during the brightest parts of the day. It is also an excellent idea to have your German Shepherd's eyes examined often, particularly in the case of outdoor activities to identify any genetic or environmental causes of cataracts.
Avoid vigorous exercise right after eating since German Shepherds tend to be bloated. After meals taking a stroll or playing a game of fetch is the best to allow your German shepherd to digest their meal without straining their stomachs or abdominal muscles. If your dog lives in a hot or tropical climate, ensure that you provide them with ample shade and water while they are out exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds have two coats that help to keep them cool during the summer and warm in winter. According to the folks at German Shepherd Corner, their outer guard hairs provide shade and protect them from water, dirt and insect bites, while the soft, fuzzy undercoat insulates them from heat and cold. Shaving a GSD removes these protective barriers and leaves them susceptible to sunburn, heat exhaustion and insects. It also takes away the beautiful markings, coloring and leaves them with a bland gray, beige or cream color.
Grooming is an important aspect of GSD care. GSDs should be brushed every two days, or more frequently depending on their length and the amount they shed. This helps reduce the amount of fur that is left behind around the house and it is a great time of bonding for pet owners.
Examine their ears and toes as well for debris, dirt, and infections. GSDs tend to develop yeast infections in their paw pads, so it is essential to clean these areas with anti-fungal soap or shampoo at least once a week. The nails should be cut once a month or more often, depending on the speed at which they grow. There are specially designed cutters created specifically for dogs that are simple to use and will not harm your German Shepherd.
Regular grooming is a great method to identify any issues like fleas and ticks on your German Shepherd as well. It will also aid them in getting used to being brushed and will help them relax during grooming. Metal teeth are better than plastic brushes at removing hairs from tougher areas of the body, like the neck and shoulders.
GSDs can be a little anxious when grooming time comes around particularly if they're not used to grooming, so you might need to invest in a grooming arm that wraps around their necks and gives a swaddle-like effect. They are available at pet stores as well as online.
Training
German shepherds are smart and can be trained, but they need early socialization and ongoing training to ensure they behave well. Enroll 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. They were bred to be herders and have a solid work ethic. They need to keep active to avoid boredom. This can lead to undesirable behaviors like barking and chewing things, so be sure to keep your German shepherd entertained by playing with toys, puzzles and training exercises.
GSDs are very loyal and affectionate towards their owners, but they are also protective of their family and cautious of strangers. This is a natural, normal part of their nature However, it is important to teach early and with care to control these instincts. This means frequent physical contact, such as petting and cuddling, from the time they are still puppies. This allows them to grow up feeling safe and loved, which is a critical foundation for a healthy, happy life as a pet.
Keep your German Shepherd healthy by taking your dog to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations, and flea/tick preventive. A good quality dog food is also important and it's a great idea to divide your daily allowance into two meals to prevent the bloat.
Like all breeds, German Shepherds may be susceptible to certain health conditions. Heart disease, especially the valvular and dilated cardiomyopathy, is particularly common in this breed. Consult your veterinarian if you spot any signs of heart disease. Treatment could include medications to help increase the blood flow to the heart of your dog as well as diet changes to decrease the amount of sodium they consume.
Make sure you brush your German Shepherd's teeth twice per week and trim their nails frequently to maintain good dental hygiene. Wipe your dog's face as well as ears with a wet cloth to remove any earwax. Bathing your dog should be done at least once a week, but not too often since it could remove their coat of the natural oils that keep it shiny and soft.