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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 veterinary checks and preventative medicines. Avoid strenuous exercise just before or after eating to prevent bloat. Make sure you provide your German Shepherd with plenty of water and shade when exercising in hot weather. Diet A German shepherd's muscular, strong body requires a balanced diet full of nutrients. It's especially important to choose foods that are high in protein from natural sources, like turkey, lamb, or beef. The food should also have high-quality carbohydrates, like barley and rice, to provide energy for the active German shepherd. The best food is also rich in supplemental vitamins and mineral like calcium and phosphorus to ensure healthy joint and bone development. The breed is prone to health issues that are hereditary like hip and elbow dysplasia, that can be minimized through exercises, weight-management and a diet that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which promote joint health. German shepherds also suffer from allergies which can lead to itchy ears, irritated skin, and digestive problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Your vet can guide you on the best food for your german shepherd. Make sure that your german shepherd gets the proper amount of food every day according to their size, activity, age, and sex. It is a good idea to avoid eating foods that are harmful for dogs, like avocados, onions, chocolate and other foods that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol because they can trigger digestive issues or nutritional imbalances. Avoid feeding your German shepherd table scraps, as well as human food items. This can lead to stomach issues and weight gain. German shepherds are able to easily digest carbs from rice, barley, and Oats. They also supply energy to keep them active throughout the day. Avoid food items which contain wheat and corn because they are difficult to digest and possess less nutritional value. Like Read Homepage are German shepherd is susceptible to bloating and stomach torsion and a diet that is low in fat is recommended. It is also a good idea to reduce the amount of food your dog's diet contains, as they can unbalance the diet. Also, make sure you have a bowl of clean, fresh water for your german shepherd at all times. It will appreciate the chance to stay hydrated as often as you do! Exercise German Shepherds are extremely active dogs that need lots of exercise to help burn off their energy and avoid boredom or anger, which can lead to unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or chewing on furniture. They thrive on a routine that includes running, walking and engaging games and also plenty of mental stimulation. German Shepherds, as herding dogs, are designed for endurance and agility as well as strength. They require more vigorous exercise compared to breeds with lower energy like Bulldogs. To assist your dog to meet their requirements for exercise, make sure to include a warm-up walk prior to high-intensity exercises and cool down with a slower walk at the end of each session. It is also crucial to change the surface you use for your workouts to lessen wear and tear on joints. Running and jogging on tough surfaces like asphalt or concrete can be a strain on your dog's knees, so try switching it up with some soft dirt trails or grass to reap the health benefits. In addition to regular physical activity It is crucial to stay on top of your German Shepherd's vaccinations and other health-related needs. This includes scheduling regular vet checkups to identify any potential problems and identify 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 frequent German Shepherd problem, as are eye diseases and heart disease. These are usually 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 eye checked regularly, particularly when you are outside. This will allow you to identify hereditary or environment-related cataracts. It's also important to stay clear of vigorous exercise immediately after eating, since German Shepherds are more prone to bloat. After meals an easy walk or game of fetch is the best to allow your German shepherd to digest their meal without straining their stomachs and abdominal muscles. Also, if your dog lives in a tropical or hot climate, make sure to give them plenty of shade and water when they exercise. Grooming German Shepherds wear 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 shield them from dirt, water and insect bites, while the soft, fuzzy undercoat insulates them from heat and cold. Shaving a GSD removes these protective barriers and leaves them prone to sunburn, heat exhaustion and insects. It also takes away their beautiful coloring, markings and leaves them with a dull beige, cream or gray color. Grooming is a crucial aspect of GSD care. GSDs need to be groomed every other day, or more often based on their length and the amount they shed. This reduces the amount of fur that is left around the house, and is a great time to bond with your pet. Check their toes and ears for debris, dirt and infections. GSDs are more prone to developing yeast infections between their paw pads. It is therefore important to clean these areas at least each week with soap or shampoo that is anti-fungal. Their nails should be trimmed every month or more often, depending on the speed at which they develop. T here are dog-specific cutters available that are easy to operate and won't cause any harm to your German shepherd. Regular brushing is a good way to check for problems like ticks and fleas on your German Shepherd as well. It also helps them get familiar with the sensation of being brushed, and helps them relax when grooming. Metal teeth are superior to brushes made of plastic in taking hairs out of tougher areas of the body, like the neck and shoulders. GSDs can be a little nervous at grooming time particularly if they're not familiar with grooming. You may consider investing in an arm for grooming that wraps around their necks and gives the appearance of a swaddle. These are available online and in numerous pet stores. Training German shepherds are extremely intelligent and trainable, but they require early socialization as well as consistent training to be well-behaved dogs. Participate in regular obedience classes as well as home training sessions to reinforce good behavior. They are extremely active and thrive on physical and mental stimulation. These dogs were bred as herders and have a solid work ethic. They must be kept active to avoid boredom. This can result in undesirable behaviours like chewing and barking things, so be sure to keep your German shepherd entertained with puzzles, toys, and training exercises. GSDs are very loyal and affectionate towards their owners, but they are also protective of their family and cautious of strangers. It's a natural part of their character however, you must train them to manage this instinct early on. This means frequent physical contact, like cuddling and stroking as soon as they are young. This will make them feel safe and loved as they grow older which is crucial for an enjoyable, healthy life. Take your German Shepherd to the vet regularly for check-ups and vaccinations. Also, a flea/tick prevention is advised. A high-quality dog food is also important, and it's a good idea to divide their daily allowance into two meals to avoid the bloat. Like all breeds, German Shepherds may be susceptible to certain health conditions. This breed is susceptible to heart diseases, especially dilatable cardiomyopathy and valvular diseases. If you notice any symptoms of heart disease, talk to your veterinarian right away. Treatment could include medications that increase blood flow to the heart of your dog, and diet changes to reduce sodium intake. Make sure you brush your German Shepherd's teeth at least twice a week and trim their nails on a regular basis to ensure good dental hygiene. It is also important to keep your pet clean by wiping their face and ears with a damp cloth to remove any earwax and debris. Bathing your dog is recommended at least once a week, but not too often since it could strip their coat of the natural oils that keep it soft and shiny.