German Shepherd Dog Care
To be a good dog, German Shepherds need early socialization and ongoing training. They also require plenty of mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and engaging in destructive behavior.
Several inherited diseases cause recurring vomiting or diarrhea in German Shepherds. They require regular vet checkups and preventative medications.
Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before or after eating in order to avoid bloating. If you exercise in hot weather, ensure your German Shepherd plenty of shade and water.
Diet
A German shepherd's strong, muscular body requires an optimum diet rich in nutrients. It's especially important to choose a food that is high in protein from natural sources like turkey, lamb, or beef. The food should contain high-quality carbohydrates, such as rice and barley, to supply energy to the German shepherd. The best food is also rich in supplements of vitamins and minerals like calcium and phosphorus to ensure healthy joint and bone development.
The breed is susceptible to health issues that are hereditary like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia that can be minimized through exercising, weight management and a diet that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which improve joint health. Allergies are a common issue in German shepherds that cause itchy ears and skin or digestive upset like diarrhea and vomiting.
king shepherd kaufen www.entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de balanced and healthy diet is the foundation of a good german shepherd dog care and your vet can help you decide what type of food to feed your pet. Make sure your german shepherd is getting the proper amount of food daily, based on its size, level of activity, sex, and age.
It is a good idea to stay clear of foods that are not healthy for dogs, like avocados, onions, chocolate and other foods that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, because they can cause digestive issues or nutritional imbalances. Also, avoid eating table scraps or human food, which could cause gastrointestinal upset and obesity in German shepherds.
Carbohydrates from barley, oats, and rice are easy 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, as they are harder to digest and offer less nutritional value. Like many large dogs and breeds, the German shepherd is susceptible to bloating and stomach torsion, so a low-fat diet is recommended. It is also recommended to limit the amount of food your german shepherd consumes as they can cause upset to the diet. Lastly, always have a bowl of clean, fresh water for your german shepherd at all times. They will be thrilled to have the opportunity to drink as as you are!
Exercise
German Shepherds require plenty of exercise to burn their energy, prevent frustration and boredom, which can cause undesirable behavior such as excessive barking and chewing furniture. They thrive on a regular routine including walking, running and interactive games as well as mental stimulation.
German Shepherds, who are herding dogs, are designed for endurance agility, strength, and agility. They require more vigorous exercise compared to lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs. Warm-up walks prior to high-intensity workouts and a cool-down walk at the end each session are crucial to help your dog meet the requirements of exercise. To lessen joint wear and tear, it's important to change the workout surface. Beware of running or jogging with your dog on surfaces that are hard like asphalt or concrete. Instead, consider using dirt or soft grass for added health benefits.
It is also essential to take care of your German Shepherd's health, including vaccinations. This includes regular vet visits to identify potential problems early and prevent them from becoming serious. It also involves giving your dog flea-and-tick prevention medication.
Some of the most common German Shepherd health concerns are hip dysplasia, heart disease and eye disorders. The latter two are often associated with exposure to UV light, so it is recommended to keep your dog inside in the hottest times of the day. You should also have your German Shepherd's eyes checked regularly, particularly if you spend time outdoors. This will allow you to identify cataracts caused by environmental factors or hereditary.
It's also important to avoid strenuous exercise right after eating, since German Shepherds are known to bloat. After eating taking a stroll or playing a game of fetch is a great way to allow your German shepherd to digest their food without stressing their stomach and abdominal muscles. Likewise, if your dog is living in a hot or tropical climate, make sure to provide them with plenty of shade and water when they exercise.
Grooming
German Shepherds have a double coat which helps keep them warm during winter and cool during summer. According to the people at German Shepherd Corner, their outer hairs protect them from sun and shield them from dirt, water and insect bites. Meanwhile, the soft, fuzzy undercoat insulates them from heat and cold. Cutting off a GSD can leave them vulnerable to sunburns, heat exhaustion, and insects. Also, it removes their beautiful coloring and markings, leaving them with a dull, muted cream, gray or beige throughout.
Grooming is a crucial aspect of GSD care. GSDs should be groomed every other day or more often depending on their length and how much they shed. This will reduce the amount of fur left behind around the house and is a great time of bonding for pet parents.
Also, make sure you check their toes and ears for debris, dirt and infection. GSDs tend to develop yeast infections between their paw pads, so it is crucial to wash these areas with an anti-fungal shampoo or soap at least once per week. Their nails should be trimmed once a 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 cause any harm to your German shepherd.
Regular brushing is a great method of identifying problems such as fleas and ticks on your German Shepherd as well. It also gets them used to being brushed, and helps to relax when grooming. Metal teeth are better than brushes made of plastic in getting rid of hairs from more difficult areas of the body, such as the neck and shoulders.
GSDs can be a little nervous when it comes to grooming, especially if they are not familiar with it, so you may want to invest in a grooming arm that is wrapped around their necks and creates an swaddle-like appearance. These are available at pet stores and online.
Training
German shepherds are extremely intelligent and trainable, but they require early socialization and regular training to become well-behaved dogs. Insist your dog is in classes in obedience and plan regular home training sessions to reinforce positive behavior.
These dogs are extremely active dogs that require plenty of 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 lead to undesirable behaviors such as chewing and barking so keep your German Shepherd occupied with toys and puzzles.
GSDs are very loyal and affectionate with their owners, however they can also be protective of their families and cautious of strangers. This is a natural, normal aspect of their character However, it is important to teach them early and carefully to control these instincts. As puppies, it's important to give them frequent physical contact like petting and strokes. This will make them feel secure and loved as they grow older and is essential to a happy, healthy life.
Take your German Shepherd to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations and other checks. Also, a flea/tick prevention is recommended. It is also essential to feed your dog a high-quality, high-quality diet. You can divide their daily allowance between two meals to avoid bloat.
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health problems like every other breed. Heart disease, especially dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular disease is a common occurrence in this breed. Consult your veterinarian if you observe any signs of heart disease. Treatment could include medication that increases blood flow to the heart of your dog, as well as changes in diet to decrease sodium intake.
To maintain good dental health, you should also trim your German Shepherd's nails at least twice per month. Cleanse your dog's face and ears with a moist cloth to remove any earwax. It is recommended to bathe your dog at least once a week but not every day since this can remove the coat of its natural oils.