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German Shepherd Dog Care German Shepherds require early socialization as well as consistent training to become well-behaved. They require to be stimulated mentally to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. Several inherited diseases cause recurring vomiting or diarrhea in German Shepherds. They require regular veterinary checkups and preventative medications. Avoid strenuous exercise right before or after eating to avoid weight gain. Provide your German Shepherd with lots of water and shade when exercising in hot weather. Diet A German shepherd's strong, muscular body requires a balanced diet rich in nutrients. It's especially important to choose an item that is rich in protein from natural sources like lamb, turkey or beef. The food should also contain high-quality carbohydrates, like rice and barley, in order to supply energy for the active German shepherd. The best diet will include supplemental vitamins and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, to ensure good bone and joint health. The breed is susceptible to health issues that are hereditary like elbow and hip dysplasia which can be controlled with exercise, weight maintenance and a diet that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health. German shepherds also be afflicted by allergies, which can lead to itchy skin, ears, and digestive problems, such as diarrhea and vomiting. A balanced and healthy diet is the foundation of a good german shepherd dog care and your vet can help you choose the kind of food you should feed your dog. Make sure that your german shepherd is getting the proper amount of food each day according to its size and level of activity, sex, and age. Avoid foods that are bad for dogs. These include chocolate, onions and avocados. Also avoid foods that contain sugars such as xylitol (an artificial sweetener) since they could cause digestive problems or nutritional imbalances. Avoid feeding your German shepherd table scraps, as well as human food. This could cause stomach upsets and weight gain. German shepherds are able to easily digest carbohydrates from rice, barley, and Oats. They also have energy to help them stay active throughout the day. Avoid foods that contain wheat and corn because they are difficult to digest and possess less nutritional value. Like many large dogs, the German shepherd is prone to bloating and stomach torsion which is why a diet with a low fat content is recommended. Also, you should limit the amount of food your German shepherd eats since they can alter the diet. Always keep a bowl full of clean fresh water for your dog. They will be thrilled to be able to stay hydrated just as as you are! Exercise German Shepherds require a lot of exercise to burn off their energy, avoid frustration and boredom that could result in undesirable behavior such as excessive chewing on furniture and barking. They thrive on a daily routine that involves running, walking, and interactive games, and also plenty of mental stimulation. As herding dogs, German Shepherds are built for speed and endurance, so they require more intense exercise than lower-energy breeds such as Bulldogs. Warm-up walks prior to high-intensity workouts and an exercise that cools down at the end each session are essential to ensure that your dog is meeting the requirements of exercise. It is also important to change the surfaces you choose to use for your workouts to lessen wear and tear on joints. Running and jogging on hard 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 for added health benefits. It is also essential to take care of your German Shepherd's health including vaccinations. This includes regular visits to your vet to identify potential problems early and stop them from becoming serious. It also includes giving your dog flea-and-tick prevention medication. A few common German Shepherd health concerns are hip dysplasia, heart disease and eye disorders. These three are typically associated with exposure to UV light, which is why it is recommended to keep your dog indoors during the most bright times of the day. It is also recommended to have your German Shepherd's eyes examined regularly, particularly when you are outdoors. This will help identify cataracts caused by environmental factors or hereditary. It's also important to stay clear of vigorous exercise immediately after eating, as German Shepherds are known to gain weight. A relaxing walk or a game of fetch are ideal after meals to allow your German Shepherd to digest their food without stressing the muscles in their stomachs and abdomen. If your dog is in a hot climate or tropical region, ensure that they have plenty of shade and water available when exercising. Grooming German Shepherds wear double 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 offer shade and repel water, dirt and insect bites while the soft, fluffy undercoat shields them from cold or heat. Cutting off a GSD can leave them vulnerable to sunburns, heat exhaustion, and insects. Also, it removes the beautiful markings and coloring and leaves them with a dull, muted cream, gray or beige throughout. Grooming is a vital aspect of GSD grooming. They should be groomed at least every other day or more often depending on how much they shed and the length of their coats. This can reduce the amount of fur left in the house, and is a great time of bonding for pet parents. Examine their ears and toes as well for debris, dirt, and infections. GSDs tend to get yeast infections in their paws, and it is crucial to wash these areas with an anti-fungal shampoo or soap at least once per week. The nails should be cut once a month or more frequently, depending on how quickly they develop. There are specially designed cutters created just for dogs that are simple to use and will not harm your German Shepherd. Regular brushing can also help you identify fleas and ticks in your German Shepherd. It also gets them familiar with the sensation of being brushed and can help them relax when grooming. A brush with metal teeth is a must, as it is more effective than a plastic brush in removing hair from the tougher parts of their bodies such as the shoulders and neck. GSDs can be a bit nervous at grooming time, especially if they are not familiar with grooming. You may want to invest in a grooming arm that is wrapped around their neck and provides a swaddle-like effect. These are available at pet stores and online. Training German shepherds are extremely intelligent and trainable, but they require early socialization as well as consistent training to be well-behaved pets. Involve your dog in regular obedience classes and home training sessions to reinforce good behavior. These dogs are very active dogs that require lots of mental and physical stimulation. They were bred to be herders, so they have a strong drive to work and need something to do to avoid becoming bored. This can result in undesirable behavior like barking and chewing so keep your German Shepherd entertained by playing with toys and puzzles. GSDs are extremely loyal and affectionate with their owners, however they can also be protective of their family and be wary of strangers. It's a normal aspect of their personality, but you need to train them to control this instinct early on. As puppies, it's essential to provide them with regular physical contact with their owners, like petting or stroking. This allows them to grow up feeling safe and loved which is the most important basis for a healthy and happy life as a pet. Take go to the website to the vet regularly to have check-ups and vaccinations. Also, flea/tick preventative is highly recommended. A high-quality dog food is also essential and it's a good idea to split their daily allowance into two meals in order to prevent the bloat. Like all breeds, German Shepherds could be prone to certain health issues. Heart disease, especially the valvular and dilated cardiomyopathy is a common occurrence in this breed. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of heart disease. Treatment options include medications that aid in increasing blood flow to your dog's heart, as well as diet changes to reduce the amount of sodium consumed by your dog. To maintain good dental health, it is recommended to trim your German Shepherd's nails at least twice per month. Wipe your dog's face as well as ears with a moist cloth to get rid of any earwax. It is important to bathe your dog at least once a week but not daily, as this can remove the coat of its natural oils.