German Shepherds are a very popular breed. Unfortunately this has lead to large numbers of breedings looking for very specific traits. A German Shepherd bred for Schutzhund has to have the required characteristics to compete in three different disciplines in a competitive sport. A dog bred for show, must have the correct look, color and presence. Some dogs have been bred for size, color, or even profit. This has meant that many breeders have overlooked minor health issues.
There has been a movement towards reducing hip dysplasia and more serious life-threatening health issues such as mega-oesophagus, but many German Shepherds still have milder health issues which may lower their potential for work. This is a collection of some of the problems I have had experience with and have sometimes found alternative treatments to help conquer. A change in management, food or supplements can sometimes help.
Note: This is not a substitute for veterinary advice!
Health problems in the German Shepherd Dog:
- Allergies
- Hot Spots
- Interdigital Cysts
- Ear Infections
- Diarrhea
- Panosteitis
- Hypothyroidism
- Useful Links
Allergies :
Some German Shepherds suffer from a variety of allergies, ranging from contact allergies to food allergies. Allergy symptoms in dogs are similar to those in people. If your German Shepherd is scratching, licking at his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, suspect that it has an allergy and have him checked by your vet.
Many dogs and humans currently seem to be suffering with allergies. These often manifest in dogs as itching, dry or red skin, and may be a factor in recurring ear infections or hot spots. Allergy tests can be done at a veterinary clinic to pinpoint food or environment related causes. An elimination diet may also be useful in diagnosing the cause. With more severe problems, where the dog is clearly uncomfortable and has open sores or large red areas you should see your veterinarian.
Shampoos which can help with the itching include oatmeal and tea tree preparations. One of these is Purepet Shampoo which can be bought online and at various pet stores. A tea tree rinse after shampooing can also help. This is made by adding ½tsp Tea tree oil to one pint of water. This rinse is poured over the dog and left on.
There are other causes of scratching, particularly the ears. Ear infections and mange mites can also cause the ears to become itchy and inflamed. These are usually easily treated by topical preparations available from your vet. It is always a good idea to have your vet check your itchy dog, and run a blood test and any other diagnostics before you assume the itching is due to a specific cause.
Many dogs and humans currently seem to be suffering with allergies. These often manifest in dogs as itching, dry or red skin, and may be a factor in recurring ear infections or hot spots. Allergy tests can be done at a veterinary clinic to pinpoint food or environment related causes. An elimination diet may also be useful in diagnosing the cause. With more severe problems, where the dog is clearly uncomfortable and has open sores or large red areas you should see your veterinarian.
Shampoos which can help with the itching include oatmeal and tea tree preparations. One of these is Purepet Shampoo which can be bought online and at various pet stores. A tea tree rinse after shampooing can also help. This is made by adding ½tsp Tea tree oil to one pint of water. This rinse is poured over the dog and left on.
There are other causes of scratching, particularly the ears. Ear infections and mange mites can also cause the ears to become itchy and inflamed. These are usually easily treated by topical preparations available from your vet. It is always a good idea to have your vet check your itchy dog, and run a blood test and any other diagnostics before you assume the itching is due to a specific cause.
Hot Spots :
Also known, perhaps more colloquially, as “hot spots,” pyotraumatic dermatitis is a skin disease affecting German Shepherd dogs, which can cause itching, pressure, irritation, and pain all over the dog's body. These skin lesions are usually both caused and eventually worsened by the dog's biting, licking, scratching, or nipping on himself. The name of the syndrome is derived etymologically from the Greek pyo – referring to “pus” - and trauma, referring to the “trauma” of the dog's “traumatic” experience (dermatitis referring of course to skin). External parasites can also cause these “hot spots,” as can allergies and allergic reactions. These hot spots are not fatal, but they are uncomfortable and even painful for your German Shepherd dog, so take care to treat them with sensitivity.
Introduction
Dog Hot spots, or acral lick dermatitis, are localized infections usually caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus intermedius. In most cases, the cause of hot spots remains unknown, although they are often due to some underlying factor such as fleas, mites, bacteria, allergies, or irritants.
Definition of Hot Spots :
Acute moist dermatitis, also called acral lick dermatitis, pyotraumatic dermatitis or “hot spots,” is a localized and rapidly progressive superficial skin infection typically secondary to trauma self-inflicted in an attempt to relieve pain or pruritis.
How Hot Spots Affect Dogs :
Affected areas of skin are moist, weeping and covered with matted hair and dried exudates. These sores are usually isolated, well-demarcated, ulcerative, very painful and itchy. Dogs tend to lick and chew at the area excessively and frantically. Superficial “hot spots” are most frequent on the lower areas of the legs.
Causes of Dog Hot Spots :
Anything that initiates an itch-scratch cycle can predispose a dog to developing “hot spots.” In most cases, the exact cause is unknown, although “hot spots” are often caused or exacerbated by self-trauma due to an underlying factor such as fleas, mites, lice, ticks, bacteria, fungi, ear infections, allergies, anal sacculitis or topical irritants. In some cases, a severe essential fatty acid deficiency may be a contributing factor. “Hot spots” typically are exacerbated by licking, biting, rubbing and scratching.
“Hot spots” are more common in hot, humid environments and in thick-coated, long-haired breeds. They often occur after a dog has been swimming. Dogs that are prone to allergies also tend to get hot spots more readily than non-allergic dogs. Certain breeds are over-represented, including Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards and German Shepherds, although these breeds tend to develop a deeper bacterial dermatitis on the face or cheek region without obvious evidence of self-trauma.
Preventing Hot Spots :
Prevention of acute moist dermatitis in dogs is difficult, if not impossible, unless the underlying cause can be determined. Medicated shampoos may help sooth affected areas and can help reduce the risk of recurrence. Essential fatty acid supplements may also be beneficial. Early detection and treatment of hot spots is also important.
Superficial hot spots are easily treated by clipping the hair around the affected area, cleansing it with medicated soap and water and applying an appropriate topical treatment. Deep hot spots should be treated with antibiotics or antifungals, in addition to the topical treatment protocol.
Treating Hot Spots :
At one time, all hot spots were thought to be the same and, as a result, were all treated the same way. However, research has shown that there are actually two distinct forms of hot spots (also known as acute moist dermatitis), namely superficial hot spots and deep hot spots. Correctly identifying which type of hot spot your dog has helps the veterinarian to determine the correct treatment and possibly even the cause.
Superficial Hot Spots :
Superficial hot spots are, as the name implies, on the skin surface and appear as a moist patches of inflamed, ulcerated, itchy skin with matted hair. They are easily treated by clipping back the hair from the affected area, then cleansing with a medicated soap and water, followed by application of an appropriate topical medication.
Deep Hot Spots :
The second type of hot spot is the deep hot spot. It is quite different from the superficial form in that there is itchiness, ulceration, and inflammation but also a very deep infection and oozing. Unlike the superficial kind of hot spot, these hot spots must be treated with antibiotics as well as topical treatment. They are seen most often in young dogs and in Golden Retrievers and Saint Bernards.
Introduction
Dog Hot spots, or acral lick dermatitis, are localized infections usually caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus intermedius. In most cases, the cause of hot spots remains unknown, although they are often due to some underlying factor such as fleas, mites, bacteria, allergies, or irritants.
Definition of Hot Spots :
Acute moist dermatitis, also called acral lick dermatitis, pyotraumatic dermatitis or “hot spots,” is a localized and rapidly progressive superficial skin infection typically secondary to trauma self-inflicted in an attempt to relieve pain or pruritis.
How Hot Spots Affect Dogs :
Affected areas of skin are moist, weeping and covered with matted hair and dried exudates. These sores are usually isolated, well-demarcated, ulcerative, very painful and itchy. Dogs tend to lick and chew at the area excessively and frantically. Superficial “hot spots” are most frequent on the lower areas of the legs.
Causes of Dog Hot Spots :
Anything that initiates an itch-scratch cycle can predispose a dog to developing “hot spots.” In most cases, the exact cause is unknown, although “hot spots” are often caused or exacerbated by self-trauma due to an underlying factor such as fleas, mites, lice, ticks, bacteria, fungi, ear infections, allergies, anal sacculitis or topical irritants. In some cases, a severe essential fatty acid deficiency may be a contributing factor. “Hot spots” typically are exacerbated by licking, biting, rubbing and scratching.
“Hot spots” are more common in hot, humid environments and in thick-coated, long-haired breeds. They often occur after a dog has been swimming. Dogs that are prone to allergies also tend to get hot spots more readily than non-allergic dogs. Certain breeds are over-represented, including Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards and German Shepherds, although these breeds tend to develop a deeper bacterial dermatitis on the face or cheek region without obvious evidence of self-trauma.
Preventing Hot Spots :
Prevention of acute moist dermatitis in dogs is difficult, if not impossible, unless the underlying cause can be determined. Medicated shampoos may help sooth affected areas and can help reduce the risk of recurrence. Essential fatty acid supplements may also be beneficial. Early detection and treatment of hot spots is also important.
Superficial hot spots are easily treated by clipping the hair around the affected area, cleansing it with medicated soap and water and applying an appropriate topical treatment. Deep hot spots should be treated with antibiotics or antifungals, in addition to the topical treatment protocol.
Treating Hot Spots :
At one time, all hot spots were thought to be the same and, as a result, were all treated the same way. However, research has shown that there are actually two distinct forms of hot spots (also known as acute moist dermatitis), namely superficial hot spots and deep hot spots. Correctly identifying which type of hot spot your dog has helps the veterinarian to determine the correct treatment and possibly even the cause.
Superficial Hot Spots :
Superficial hot spots are, as the name implies, on the skin surface and appear as a moist patches of inflamed, ulcerated, itchy skin with matted hair. They are easily treated by clipping back the hair from the affected area, then cleansing with a medicated soap and water, followed by application of an appropriate topical medication.
Deep Hot Spots :
The second type of hot spot is the deep hot spot. It is quite different from the superficial form in that there is itchiness, ulceration, and inflammation but also a very deep infection and oozing. Unlike the superficial kind of hot spot, these hot spots must be treated with antibiotics as well as topical treatment. They are seen most often in young dogs and in Golden Retrievers and Saint Bernards.
Inter-digital Cysts :
Note for Pet Owners:
This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.
You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.
Description :
Interdigital cysts are common in some breeds of dog . They are soft to firm fluid-filled swellings that form in the web of skin between the toes. They sometimes rupture and discharge fluid or pus, and sometimes open sinus tracts form.
Interdigital abscesses may form as a result of the penetration of the skin by a foreign body - frequently grass awns.
Cause :
The underlying cause of interdigital cysts is usually unknown and in fact they are not true cysts, but they form as a result of inflammation.. Bacterial infection is thought to be a secondary complication if it is not associated with a foreign body penetration.
Breed Occurrence :
The following breeds of dog are said to develop interdigital cysts commonly :
Signs :
The common signs are :
Bacterial infection is a secondary complication.
Diagnosis :
It is based upon the typical location and appearance of the swellings in the interdigital skin. XRays may be taken to detect foreign material eg metal, or underlying involvement of bone, and a biopsy may be taken to eliminate the possibility of cancer.
Treatment :
Medical treatment involves the use of corticosteroids (eg prednisolone) which are effective in some cases.
Surgical exploration of the cysts will help to identify and remove any foreign material eg grass awns.
Surgical removal (excision) off the swellings is the usual outcome if a patient does not respond to medical treatment. Unfortunately recurrence at the same site or in another interdigital web is common.
Long term problems
This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.
You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.
Description :
Interdigital cysts are common in some breeds of dog . They are soft to firm fluid-filled swellings that form in the web of skin between the toes. They sometimes rupture and discharge fluid or pus, and sometimes open sinus tracts form.
Interdigital abscesses may form as a result of the penetration of the skin by a foreign body - frequently grass awns.
Cause :
The underlying cause of interdigital cysts is usually unknown and in fact they are not true cysts, but they form as a result of inflammation.. Bacterial infection is thought to be a secondary complication if it is not associated with a foreign body penetration.
Breed Occurrence :
The following breeds of dog are said to develop interdigital cysts commonly :
- English Bulldogs
- German Shepherd Dogs
- German Short-haired Pointers
- Great Danes
- Pekingese
- Scottish Terriers
- West Highland White Terriers
Signs :
The common signs are :
- Matted hair over the interdigital space
- Pigmentation of the skin and hair between the toes (red-brown-black)
- Soft to firm swelling(s) in the web of skin between the toes
- Discharging sinus in the interdigital skin
- Increased licking or biting of the feet between the toes
- Lameness
Bacterial infection is a secondary complication.
Diagnosis :
It is based upon the typical location and appearance of the swellings in the interdigital skin. XRays may be taken to detect foreign material eg metal, or underlying involvement of bone, and a biopsy may be taken to eliminate the possibility of cancer.
Treatment :
Medical treatment involves the use of corticosteroids (eg prednisolone) which are effective in some cases.
Surgical exploration of the cysts will help to identify and remove any foreign material eg grass awns.
Surgical removal (excision) off the swellings is the usual outcome if a patient does not respond to medical treatment. Unfortunately recurrence at the same site or in another interdigital web is common.
Long term problems
- Recurrence
- Osteomyelitis if underlying bone gets involved with infected "cysts".
Ear Infections :
Ear Infection (Canker or Otitis Externa) :
Ear Infections usually affect the outer ear (Otitis Externa), which is painful. If untreated, they quickly grow to affect the inner ear too, which is not only painful but highly disturbing for your dog. Since a dog’s ears are so crucial to its wellbeing (dogs listen more and better than they watch, we watch more and we listen hardly), you must ensure the best care for the ears of your German Shepherd.
Who Gets Ear Infections
Ear Infections are most common in dogs with floppy ears that do not get enough air to absorb moisture. Therefore German Shepherds are somewhat lucky here since their ears are generally upright anyway. However, moisture and dirt particles can get trapped in the ear and an infection can quickly form if you are not watchful. German Shepherd puppies with their floppy ears need extra care.
Both fungus and yeast are common factors in Ear Infections, in particular while the ears are floppy. Also common are Ear Infections as a result of ear mites, bacteria, food allergies in general, bad hygiene, or an environmental object or substance that got into the ear and now causes problems.
Particularly high risks are swimming in standing (and therefore often infested) water, prowling through the woods or high bushes, fights with other dogs, a draft at your dog’s crate (or wherever you have your German Shepherd sleep or doze), and dust.
Warning Signs
The warning signs of an Ear Infection are excess ear wax, red inflammation, bad odor from the ears, constant scratching, shaking the head frequently, or general discomfort in your dog’s behaviour.
Avoiding and Treating Ear Infections
To avoid Ear Infections, inspect your dog’s ears and ear canal daily or at least every other day and look out for the warning signs mentioned above. Clean your dog’s ears very carefully and remove the wax buildup, but don’t use anything with a sharp end. You can use this top ear cleanser and these cotton buds. Carefully roll the cotton buds inside the ear, but do not get deep into the ear! You must always be able to still see the cotton-covered end clearly, or else you would affect the delicate inner ear! The same applies when you use cotton buds for your own ears.
To treat an existing Ear Infection, you should initially visit the vet, so that they can diagnose the cause of the infection and make sure that the inner ear has not yet been affected. Note that an Ear Infection poses a severe threat to your dog’s overall health and wellbeing, and it is crucial to prevent that the infection affects the ear drum and inner ear too. Inner Ear Infections can easily spread to other parts of the body or create damaging high fevers that could kill your German Shepherd.
Again, typically many vets will then prescribe antibiotics – which are unnecessary here and often ineffective too. Instead, antibiotics will most likely make the Ear Infection chronic.
Diarrhea :
Not a condition in itself but a symptom of illness or stomach upset, diarrhea is more common in some dogs than others. Some dogs are sensitive to very fatty meats, or a change in diet from cooked to raw and vice-versa. The most effective way to stop diarrhea is to withold food for 24 hours, and then offer half a can of pure pumpkin with 2tbsp of yoghurt (for a 50lb dog), an additional enzyme/probiotic might also help. I love B-Naturals Digestion Blend for dogs with sensitive stomachs and my female who can't eat yoghurt.
Are Certain Dogs Prone to Diarrhea?
There are certain breeds that may be predisposed to developing conditions that lead to diarrhea. German shepherds, for example, are known to have an increased prevalence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in the breed. Bernese mountain dogs are prone to gastrointestinal cancers. Young dogs are more likely to have infectious and parasitic-related diarrhea than adult dogs.
How Can I Prevent Diarrhea?
Keep in mind that even perfectly healthy dogs will sometimes get diarrhea. Here are tips to reduce the likelihood of occurrence:
Ear Infections usually affect the outer ear (Otitis Externa), which is painful. If untreated, they quickly grow to affect the inner ear too, which is not only painful but highly disturbing for your dog. Since a dog’s ears are so crucial to its wellbeing (dogs listen more and better than they watch, we watch more and we listen hardly), you must ensure the best care for the ears of your German Shepherd.
Who Gets Ear Infections
Ear Infections are most common in dogs with floppy ears that do not get enough air to absorb moisture. Therefore German Shepherds are somewhat lucky here since their ears are generally upright anyway. However, moisture and dirt particles can get trapped in the ear and an infection can quickly form if you are not watchful. German Shepherd puppies with their floppy ears need extra care.
Both fungus and yeast are common factors in Ear Infections, in particular while the ears are floppy. Also common are Ear Infections as a result of ear mites, bacteria, food allergies in general, bad hygiene, or an environmental object or substance that got into the ear and now causes problems.
Particularly high risks are swimming in standing (and therefore often infested) water, prowling through the woods or high bushes, fights with other dogs, a draft at your dog’s crate (or wherever you have your German Shepherd sleep or doze), and dust.
Warning Signs
The warning signs of an Ear Infection are excess ear wax, red inflammation, bad odor from the ears, constant scratching, shaking the head frequently, or general discomfort in your dog’s behaviour.
Avoiding and Treating Ear Infections
To avoid Ear Infections, inspect your dog’s ears and ear canal daily or at least every other day and look out for the warning signs mentioned above. Clean your dog’s ears very carefully and remove the wax buildup, but don’t use anything with a sharp end. You can use this top ear cleanser and these cotton buds. Carefully roll the cotton buds inside the ear, but do not get deep into the ear! You must always be able to still see the cotton-covered end clearly, or else you would affect the delicate inner ear! The same applies when you use cotton buds for your own ears.
To treat an existing Ear Infection, you should initially visit the vet, so that they can diagnose the cause of the infection and make sure that the inner ear has not yet been affected. Note that an Ear Infection poses a severe threat to your dog’s overall health and wellbeing, and it is crucial to prevent that the infection affects the ear drum and inner ear too. Inner Ear Infections can easily spread to other parts of the body or create damaging high fevers that could kill your German Shepherd.
Again, typically many vets will then prescribe antibiotics – which are unnecessary here and often ineffective too. Instead, antibiotics will most likely make the Ear Infection chronic.
Diarrhea :
Not a condition in itself but a symptom of illness or stomach upset, diarrhea is more common in some dogs than others. Some dogs are sensitive to very fatty meats, or a change in diet from cooked to raw and vice-versa. The most effective way to stop diarrhea is to withold food for 24 hours, and then offer half a can of pure pumpkin with 2tbsp of yoghurt (for a 50lb dog), an additional enzyme/probiotic might also help. I love B-Naturals Digestion Blend for dogs with sensitive stomachs and my female who can't eat yoghurt.
Are Certain Dogs Prone to Diarrhea?
There are certain breeds that may be predisposed to developing conditions that lead to diarrhea. German shepherds, for example, are known to have an increased prevalence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in the breed. Bernese mountain dogs are prone to gastrointestinal cancers. Young dogs are more likely to have infectious and parasitic-related diarrhea than adult dogs.
How Can I Prevent Diarrhea?
Keep in mind that even perfectly healthy dogs will sometimes get diarrhea. Here are tips to reduce the likelihood of occurrence:
- Keep up to date with your dog’s vaccinations.
- Make sure your dog is free of parasites by following your veterinarian’s recommendations.
- Don’t let your dog have access to garbage, spoiled food, etc.
- When walking your dog, watch that he does not eat anything off the street, does not eat plant material or drink from puddles.
- Minimize stress in your dog’s environment.
- If you decide to switch your dog’s food, it’s a good idea to introduce it gradually, mixing it with his current food to ensure an easier transition for your pet’s GI tract.
Panosteitis :
Panosteitis (more commonly called Pano) is a common condition that some young German Shepherds may experience. Pano can affect several large breeds and is not exclusive to the GSD. Pano is usually seen in puppies and young dogs ranging from 6 to 18 months of age. Your GSD may begin to show tenderness and limp on one or more legs. Pano can affect just one leg, or it can move around from leg to leg at different times. Some dogs may show only slight signs and limp for a day or two, while others can be more severely affected and have pain and limping for several weeks or months.
If you have never experienced pano before, it can be alarming to see your puppy limp. Of course the thoughts of hip and elbow dysplasia always pop into your mind. If you are concerned, you can have your vet do an x-ray to rule out HD/ED. A vet can sometimes spot pano on an x-ray, as it can show up as a legion on the long bone.
There is no treatment to cure pano. You have to let it run its course. You can try to help ease the pain with pain medicine from your vet, but be sure to discuss the possible side effects of these medicines. Some suggest avoiding pain medications because they will mask the dog’s pain. You will want to limit your dog’s activity while he is suffering from pano, but most dogs will somewhat self limit themselves. While it can be hard watching your GSD with pano, just remember he will grow out of it! This is a temporary condition and will go away leaving no lasting effects on your German Shepherd.
Many people feel that feeding a diet lower in protein will help a dog through pano. It is thought that fast growth can be part of the cause. It does seem to have a genetic link as it tends to run in some lines.
Pano is considered to be self limiting, so while it is distressing for an owner to see, a sore pup will rest more and recover quicker. Make sure your pup has a comfortable bed, and limit his exercise. If your pup looks a little chubby at this point, cut down his food a little, this may help to slow his growth and limit the time he is sore. A glucosamine chondroitin supplement may also help. I currently use B-Naturals Flexile Plus for all my dogs.
If you have never experienced pano before, it can be alarming to see your puppy limp. Of course the thoughts of hip and elbow dysplasia always pop into your mind. If you are concerned, you can have your vet do an x-ray to rule out HD/ED. A vet can sometimes spot pano on an x-ray, as it can show up as a legion on the long bone.
There is no treatment to cure pano. You have to let it run its course. You can try to help ease the pain with pain medicine from your vet, but be sure to discuss the possible side effects of these medicines. Some suggest avoiding pain medications because they will mask the dog’s pain. You will want to limit your dog’s activity while he is suffering from pano, but most dogs will somewhat self limit themselves. While it can be hard watching your GSD with pano, just remember he will grow out of it! This is a temporary condition and will go away leaving no lasting effects on your German Shepherd.
Many people feel that feeding a diet lower in protein will help a dog through pano. It is thought that fast growth can be part of the cause. It does seem to have a genetic link as it tends to run in some lines.
Pano is considered to be self limiting, so while it is distressing for an owner to see, a sore pup will rest more and recover quicker. Make sure your pup has a comfortable bed, and limit his exercise. If your pup looks a little chubby at this point, cut down his food a little, this may help to slow his growth and limit the time he is sore. A glucosamine chondroitin supplement may also help. I currently use B-Naturals Flexile Plus for all my dogs.
Hypothyroidism :
German Shepherds seem to be prone to disorders associated with the immune system. One possible cause of Hypothyroidism is thought to be autoimmune disease. This is also thought to be hereditary. It often shows up between the ages of 2 and 5 and has many disparate symptoms. If your dog shows a strange change in behavior, gains weight or has skin and hair problems, it may be a good idea to have a simple test done to see if thyroid dysfunction may be a cause. The medication is inexpensive and effective but the dog must be monitored with regular blood tests to ensure the dosage is correct.
There are many useful sites on the internet with information about this problem. Here is a selection of my favorites:
Canis Major - Information and treatment details
Thyroid Info - More possible symptoms and diagnosis
Hypothyroidism Fears, Facts, Thoughts & Controversies
Sirius Dog - More technical article
Useful Links:
There are many useful sites on the internet with information about this problem. Here is a selection of my favorites:
Canis Major - Information and treatment details
Thyroid Info - More possible symptoms and diagnosis
Hypothyroidism Fears, Facts, Thoughts & Controversies
Sirius Dog - More technical article
Useful Links:
Preventative Care for your German Shepherd :
One of the most common concerns for German Shepherd owners is how to keep the animal that they love so much healthy. While of course basic principles like “feed him or her, shelter him or her, and take him or her to the vet when he or she is sick” are in effect, being a truly good dog owner, especially for a species like a German Shepherd, requires a great deal more intensive care. It is vital to recognize that one should treat a German Shepherd the way one would a member of one's own family – after all, preventative care is the best medicine, and while veterinarians are available if your dog should become sick, the better care you take of your dog, the more likely it is that he or she will remain happy and healthy well into a venerable old age.
One of the most important things to learn how to do on your own is how to perform a standard “health check” on your German Shepherd. These routine checkups at home will allow you to “check in” with your dog and make sure that each and every one of his or her parts is in good working order (and playing order too, of course). Every week or so, go through a mental checklist of questions to make sure that nothing is wrong with your German Shepherd.
Look, Listen, and Learn from your German Shepherd :
The first question you should ask yourself should be quite general: has my German Shepherd been able to move normally, in a healthy manner, or is he or she suffering from a lack of coordination or is he or she limping or walking with difficulty? Have there been any changes in weight or appetite lately for either food or drink, or in temperament – is my German Shepherd more aggressive or angry than usual, or more lethargic? Just like people, animals have personalities, and signs of anger or depression in dogs, as in humans, can be a sign of something medically wrong. Likewise, watch out for a bloated abdomen – this can be a sign of the often-fatal illness Gastric Torsion, which requires immediate (as absolute soon as possible – call an overnight vet) attention!
Once you have finished asking yourself these general questions, check out your German Shepherd's mouth. Are the gums healthy-looking, or are they red or swollen or even bleeding; are the teeth dirty or loose, or are there any sores of the tongue or gums. Shepherds can be stinky, but particularly bad breath can be the sign of something a bit wrong, so do watch out if you can. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so if your German Shepherd is acting differently or just doesn't seem right, it's time to go to the vet.
Eyes, Nose, and Ears of your German Shepherd | Pay Attention to these Crucial Areas :
Next, pay attention to your German Shepherd's eyes. While a healthy dog has a clear, bright glee, a dog who is unhealthy might have some of the following symptoms: a tendency towards squinting, eyes that are cloudy with discolored whites, pupils that don't respond immediately or re unequal in their response, or discharge coming from the eyes. These are all warning signs that something might be wrong. Additionally, check out your German Shepherds ears for redness or crusty tips, which might be a sign of infection (pay special attention if your dog is frequently shaking or tilting his head and scratching his ears; he or she may be trying to tell you that something is wrong.) Also be sensitive to any bad odors coming out of the ears. It must be noted that German Shepherds have tendencies toward allergies and immune system problems that can often be an underlying problem causing the ear infection.
Likewise, a healthy nose is wet and black – but be aware of colored discharge coming out of the nose or a crusted top – these are both warning signs of potential health issues, such as bacterial rhinitis, infected sinuses, kennel cough, and distemper. Additionally, constant sneezing or a running nose can also be a sign of a foreign object within the nasal passage, while polyps and tumors can cause breathing difficulties if found in the nose. Though polyps are not malignant, tumor can be malignant, along with being benign also. In short, be vigilant about your German Shepherd's health at all times.
Feet, Toes, Anal Maladies (Perianal Fistulas) | German Shepherd :
Next, check out your German Shepherd's feet, making sure the toes are not swollen or misaligned, and that there are no split nails or abrasions; active dogs can sometimes also get pebbles, twigs or other small items stuck in their paws, and this can be painful and cause limping; luckily, in most cases, you'll be able to remove the item from where it's stuck. Also be sure to look around your German Shepherd's anal region to make sure there is no redness or swelling; be mindful of “scooting” along the floor (this can be a sign of perianal fistulas, a serious condition), or your dog's frequent licking of the area. German Shepherds are unfortunately quite prone to perianal fistulas, due in large part to the high number of glands in the perianal area when compared to other breeds. This can quickly become an uncomfortable situation for your German Shepherd, but there are procedures (ranging from simply clipping the hair around the anal region, to thoroughly bathing the anal area, along with even surgery) available.
Additionally, examine your German Shepherd's stool to make sure it isn't black or bloody; these can be serious warning signs. Also make sure that there are no changes in your dog's genitals or mammary regions; discharge or changes in urine can be strong health indicators. Finally, take a closer look at your dog's skin to make sure there are no sores or red spots, lumps, or hair loss; be wary also of parasites.
The Importance of Love and Attention for your German Shepherd :
One final element – too often overlooked in scientific studies – is just plain love and attention; something your German Shepherd truly needs, and every day! Remember, dogs are social creatures – don't forget that wolves are pack animals, after all – and need loving contact with other creatures in order to be happy and fulfilled. A stressed or lonely dog is never a healthy dog, and you might find that psychological maladies in your pet give way to physical ones. So remember to spend time with your dog. It's one thing to leave him or her five days a week while you're at work, but be sure that when you're at home, you're paying as much attention to your dog's social and emotional needs as you are to his or her biological ones.
A hug, a kiss, a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears all contribute to making your German Shepherd healthy – just as regular trips to the veterinarian or a strong protein-based diet do. So next time your German Shepherd comes over sniffing and looking for attention, don't just brush him or her off – spend time with them. Dogs are very intuitive animals, able to read and feel many of our emotions and moods. As such, it’s important to give them as much love and attention as you can because they’ll give it right back to you. There’s nothing better than giving your German Shepherd a big hug around that furry neck or belly scratch just to let them now special they are to you and your family.
They don't call dogs “man's best friend” for no reason – the interactions will benefit both of you – body and soul!