Common Health Issues in German Shepherds. Full Guide with Preventions
German Shepherd is well well-known dog breed and it is one of the most popular breeds in the world. They are intelligent and loyal dogs and are generally used for work as well as perfect as pets and with families.
Yet, like most of the dog breeds, German Shepherds are not protected against genetic disorders. Even people who have a basic knowledge of the German Shepherd breed may not be aware of these diseases, that’s why it is important to study them all to avoid the appearance of these diseases.
In this article, the writer will aim to highlight the diseases that are frequent among German Shepherds, ways of preventing these diseases, as well as proper grooming of the coat and the general body of the dog. No matter what black-brown German Shepherd, white German Shepherd, or, any other breed of German Shepherd, the guide will be insightful. To have a deeper understanding check out What are the skills of a German Shepherd? .
Health Issues in German Shepherds
These dogs have few genetic and perinatal health problems, but they are inherent to some fixed Generic and Behavioral health conditions. Below are some of the most common German Shepherd health problems:
1. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are some of the common diseases prevalent in the German Shepherds and they are among the most known diseases in dogs in general.
This is a genetic disease that influences the joints; thus, it entails pain, arthritis, and constricted mobility. Dysplasia is a condition in which the ball and socket of the joints do not fit correctly and with time they wear out.
Prevention:
• Exercise is an essential component in the care for the joints, but it can be stressful, especially for young or old, or during ill health.
• Proper nutrition where appropriate nutrients are eaten in adequate amounts, especially those that enhance joint health, will help eliminate dysplasia.
• They should take their dogs for check-ups with the veterinarian frequently to assess the joint’s condition and act immediately if there is a sign of dysplasia.
2. Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy is an autoimmune affliction that is characterized by gradual deterioration of the spinal cord, thus causing a loss of coordination and the development of paralysis. This condition affects elderly GSD and has similar symptoms as that of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) that affects human beings.
Prevention:
• Currently, there is no known treatment for DM, but the symptoms can be controlled by making sure that your dog stays at a healthy weight and giving the dog frequent but low-impact exercise.
• It is advised that breeding dogs should undergo such tests so as not to pass this disease to the offspring.
3. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Bloat or gastric dilatation volvulus is a condition that arises when the tummy becomes filled with gas and then twists around its axis. This condition is a breeding ground for infections and serious complications, which demand attention from the veterinarian.
Prevention:
• As you feed your German Shepherd, try to split the amount into several meals throughout the day rather than giving him or her one large meal at a time so that bloat may be avoided.
• Do not exert yourself after taking meals especially those that require a lot of energy such as rigorous exercise.
• It is highly recommended that you invest in a slow feeder bowl in a bid to slow down your dog’s eating process.
4. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
EPI is another disease that affects the pancreas and which results from poor production of enzymes, weight loss, and diarrhea. This condition is very prevalent in the German Shepherds, especially the young ones.
Prevention:
• Even though EPI cannot be prevented, positive diagnosis and treatment with the enzyme supplements can enable proper control of the situation.
• Maintenance of a decent schedule when it comes to vet checkups is crucial if you are to track your dog’s digestive system.
5. Allergies and Skin Conditions
The health problems that affect German Shepherds are allergy and skin diseases and it’s found that both black brown German Shepherds and white German Shepherds are affected. These can be as a result of food, the environment, or parasitic infections such as fleas.
Prevention:
• Some of the easily preventable conditions include skin irritations and these can be prevented by grooming and bathing the dog with hypoallergenic shampoos.
• A diet, that includes no products containing substances such as wheat, dairy products, eggs, or seafood, which cause allergic reactions in many people, can also help.
• Flea and tick repellents are useful in avoiding skin problems hence they should be used often.
6. Ear Infections
Another problem that Gambles mentioned is the large, upright ears which makes it very easy for German Shepherds to suffer from ear infections. Their ears tend to accumulate some form of moisture and debris that causes them to be prone to get infected if not cleaned.
Prevention:
• It is also advisable to have the ears cleaned by using vet recommended cleaning solution from time to time because it can prevent ear infections.
• You have to avoid having your dog’s ears wet whenever you are bathing your pet or letting it swim since the moisture is a key factor in contributing to infections.
7. Hemangiosarcoma
For example, there is a breed known as German Shepherds, and they are prone to a disease called hemangiosarcoma, a kind of blood vessel cancer that is quite invasive. It can occur in any organ of the body, such as the spleen, liver, and heart among others.
Prevention:
• It is advised that dogs Diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma should be frequently checked by the veterinarian and some blood tests done frequently can help check for this type of cancer.
• Aside from this, it is also important that your dog be fed the proper diet and be given adequate exercise to minimize the chances of having cancer.
In order to get a better understanding How to Take Care of a German Shepherd Puppy Guide .
Preventive Measures for German Shepherd Health Risks
It is now necessary to emphasize that the main idea of getting close to the German Shepherd breed’s health is prevention.
Here are some essential preventive measures to keep your black-brown German Shepherd, white German Shepherd, or any of the different types of German Shepherd healthy:
1. Regular Veterinary Care
Getting your pet to the vet as often as possible is important to ensure he or she is healthy and that any diseases are detected early. From the annual examinations, your vet can check on your dog’s health status, update the dog’s vaccinations, and advise on subsequent measures against parasites.
2. Balanced Diet
It is very possible to take care of your German Shepherd by providing your dog with the nutritional needs it requires. Protein, vitamins, and minerals that are contained in high-quality dog food will assist in enhancing the immune system of the dogs besides skin as well as coat.
3. Regular Exercise
It is a known fact that this breed is very active; thus, requires a lot of exercise to live a healthy life. Exercise ensures they do not gain excessive weight, reduces their chances of joint problems and your mind stays active.
However, the type and the frequency of exercises to be taken should correspond to the different classes of the German Shepherd and the age factor.
4. Grooming and Coat Care
Coat of a German Shepard whether black brown, white, or any other color needs to be groomed frequently. This is also good because when you do this it is easy to see if they have skin problems, parasites, or anything abnormal with them.
• Brushing: The present activity of grooming involves brushing of the skin which prevents the formation of matted hair on the skin in different types of German Shepherds especially those with long coats.
• Bathing: Bathing should be as required and one should use a mild dog shampoo that will not make the skin dry and the hair brittle.
• Shedding: This is one of the breeds that will shed vigorously, especially during the change of season from one season to another. There are ways how to reduce the amount of fur that your pet sheds one of which is grooming them often.
5. Dental Care
Most of the time dental health is not given much attention, but it is a critical component of your German Shepherd’s health.
The health of the teeth should be insisted on with an example of dental diseases that are popular among dogs and which can be avoided by daily brushing of your dog’s teeth and giving him/her chewing goods.
Types of Coats in German Shepherds
As it has been stated the coat types of the German Shepherds may vary and they have short, medium, and long coats. Each coat type has specific grooming needs:
• Short Coat: Needs to be washed at least once a day to get rid of the shedding skin and dirt particles. This coat type is relatively easier to care for though it also means that one needs to be keen to avoid dealing with shedding problems.
• Medium Coat: Requires more brushing to reduce tangling and matting of its coat, especially at the back near the neck and the tail.
• Long Coat: It is necessary to bring understanding for the long-haired sort of hamsters as it is necessary to brush it every day to prevent appearing of matted fur and to deal with shedding. This type also requires more baths than the first one because of its hairless nature which makes them sensitive to dandruff and bad smells.
In order to understand better check out Types of German Shepherds: Everything You Need to Know .
Common Coat Issues and Prevention
Some skin problems that are related to the GSD include dry skin, flaky coat, and coat tangling and shedding. These problems can be due to various reasons such as poor diet, an allergic reaction, or infestation by parasites.
Prevention:
• Nutrition: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids should be included in pets’ diets to make the coat shiny. These nutrients are available either in fish oil supplements or in canine diets intended to promote hair health.
• Regular Grooming: As pointed out earlier, grooming is important since it helps to prevent the build-up of dead hair while spreading the natural oils.
• Hydration: Make sure your German Shepherd drinks lots of water since lack of water can contribute to a dried-up dull coat.
Understanding Different Types of German Shepherds
German Shepherds are of various types and this paper will explain different German Shepherds.
The German shepherd breed itself comes in many types that have different features from the other. Such variations can be an issue of physical appearance or a matter of health and require a certain kind of care.
1. There is a working line that deals with day-to-day occurrences and a show line comprising elaborate performances.
• Working Line German Shepherds are produced to perform in police, military, or other occupations. Well, by and large, they are more active people when it comes to physical activities, self-motivated, and hardly get exhausted.
• Like most other breeders, Show Line German Shepherds are selected mainly on looks in terms of breeder’s standards. It may have a steeper back and they are popular in the shows for dogs.
2. Black Brown German Shepherd
The most popular color that German Shepherd comes in is black-brown, this variety is a dog that is purely black with tan markings and this is what people will refer to as a German Shepherd.
3. White German Shepherd
This breed comes in four color variations of which the white German Shepherd is less common and often people think that the dog is from a different breed.
However, they are scientifically known to be purebred German Shepherds with similar characteristics and traits as those that have colors.
Conclusion
German Shepherds are a popular breed of dogs that are intelligent, loyal, and have multi-task abilities. They are however also susceptible to some dog health problems which should be given special consideration.
Irrespective of the color of your black-brown German Shepherd or white German Shepherd, or even if you are trying to know more about the breed of German Shepherd, it becomes essential to know about German Shepherd health issues and how to avoid them.
Making sure that you take your German Shepherd for a vet check, feed him/he properly, groom him/her, and exercise daily are some of the ways through which you can ensure that your German Shepherd has a long, healthy, and happy life.
That way you can ensure the best for a German Shepherd and also be a part of the family of one of the most magnificent breeds of dogs.
FAQs
Q1: How often should I groom my German Shepherd?
Daily brushing is advised but if it cannot be done, then brushing should be done at least twice or thrice a week depending on the breed type, the longer-haired ones should be groomed daily.
Q2: What is the average lifespan of a German Shepherd?
On average, German Shepherds live for about 9 to 13 years only; nonetheless, this depends on heredity and other health considerations.
Q3: Can I prevent hip dysplasia in my German Shepherd?
Although hip dysplasia is hereditary, some prevention measures that can be observed include; ensuring the dog does not gain too much weight, exercising properly, and feeding the dog well on a good diet.
Q4: Are white German Shepherds prone to different health issues?
White GSD does not predispose to certain health problems more than other colors, as far as GSD is concerned.
Q5: What are the main differences between the different types of German Shepherds?
AThe major factors include working lines and show lines, respectively, coat types, and various colors like the black German shepherd or white German shepherd.
