When people think of K9 units or military dogs, they typically picture a German Shepherd. This is a testament to the breed’s intelligence, trainability, loyalty, and protective nature. Beyond these occupations, German Shepherds are also popular as guard dogs, service dogs, and beloved pets.
Hardly anyone imagines German Shepherds as herding dogs, even though the breed came from various herding dogs and still retains some of that herding instinct.
Regardless of their role, German Shepherds are excellent companions. If you have this special dog in your life, read on to learn more about German Shepherd care and German Shepherd health issues in this guide, prepared by Sploot Vets.
Is It Hard to Take Care of a German Shepherd?
With a thorough understanding of the German Shepherd’s disposition, health issues, and care needs, this breed won’t be difficult to take care of.
However, these dogs are year-round shedders, requiring regular de-shedding to prevent mats. In this aspect, German Shepherds are moderately high maintenance.
In addition, some German Shepherds can exhibit a high prey drive along with their inherent herding instincts, which can lead to reactive or aggressive encounters with other animals and strangers. This is best managed with proper training and early socialization, ideally during puppyhood.
Do German Shepherds Have Health Problems?
Yes, like most other breeds, German Shepherds have a few common health problems that they are predisposed to. Some of the most noteworthy German Shepherd health issues include:
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) – a genetic, spinal cord disease that leads to the gradual loss of mobility and coordination. Unfortunately, this disease is highly prevalent in German Shepherds.
- Hip & Elbow Dysplasia – hereditary developmental conditions wherein the hip and/or elbow do not form properly, leading to joint issues and potentially causing pain. These commonly affect large dogs, including German Shepherds.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) – a life-threatening condition wherein the stomach becomes bloated with gas or fluid and rotates on itself, potentially blocking blood flow. This condition is more common in large, deep-chested dog breeds like German Shepherds.
- Pannus (Chronic Superficial Keratitis) - this is an autoimmune condition wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks corneal tissue, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pigmentation. This is relatively common in German Shepherds and can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
- Perianal Fistulas (Anal Furunculosis) - this is an immune-mediated painful condition, wherein anal tissue gets attacked by the immune system leading to open crevices, pus formation, and pain. This condition is most common in German Shepherds. If left untreated, affected dogs might suffer debilitating complications.
How to Keep Your German Shepherd Healthy & Happy
1. Health & Veterinary Care for German Shepherds
Similar to other dog breeds, it is highly recommended to stay on top of your German Shepherd’s routine care, which includes yearly or bi-yearly pet wellness exams, up-to-date canine vaccinations, and heartworm preventives.
Note: Regular pet wellness exams are not only great for getting personalized care recommendations, these also provide opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment of common German Shepherd health issues. During your German Shepherd’s wellness exam, you can also explore the option of getting preventive surgery for GDV (gastropexy).
2. Dental Care for German Shepherds
Regular dental care for German Shepherds helps prevent common dental issues in dogs like plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath.
Here are a few helpful tips:
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly
- Provide dental chews for dogs
- Schedule annual dental exams and dog teeth cleanings with your vet
3. German Shepherd Nutrition & Diet
When it comes to German Shepherd nutrition, we recommend choosing AAFCO-certified dog food from a trusted brand. The certification ensures that the dog food provides the daily required nutrients for your German Shepherd.
You can also look for these key features in your dog’s food:
- High-quality protein for muscle health & maintenance
- Joint & bone support (e.g. glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s)
- Probiotics, prebiotics, & fiber to support sensitive stomachs, which many German Shepherds have
Note: It is also important to maintain portion control to help prevent excess weight or obesity. Obesity in dogs is generally not healthy; for German Shepherds specifically, obesity can be detrimental to joint health, potentially accelerating inherited joint issues in some dogs. In addition, overeating can trigger GDV in German Shepherds.
4. German Shepherd Exercise & Mental Stimulation
It is important to remember that German Shepherds come from a line of herding dogs. As such, they require plenty of exercise: a minimum of 2 hours per day. German Shepherds typically benefit from long walks, hikes, agility training, fetch, swimming, and the like. This highly intelligent breed can also be mentally enriched by activities like obedience training, hide-and-seek, nose work, and puzzle toys.
5. German Shepherd Grooming Tips
Most German Shepherds have a medium-length double coat, with some dogs having longer hair than the breed’s standard. Regardless, German Shepherds shed year-round and require brushing and de-shedding at least once a week, along with a monthly bath using a gentle dog-friendly shampoo.
It is also recommended to clean your German Shepherd’s ears once a month (best after bath time) using a mild vet-approved dog ear cleaner.
→ Learn more - Routine Dog Care for Health & Well-Being [Vet-Approved Checklist]
How To Take Care Of A German Shepherd Puppy
Caring for a German Shepherd puppy starts with a comprehensive puppy exam, which is best done after bringing them home. The vet will help you choose the best age- and size-appropriate puppy food. You can also discuss breed-specific puppy food options, like the German Shepherd Puppy Food by Royal Canin.
In addition, to lay the foundation for great behavior, we recommend early training and proper puppy socialization for German Shepherd puppies.
→ Learn More - How to Take Care of a New Puppy 101: The 1st Year [Vet-Approved]
Expert German Shepherd Care at Sploot Vets
Get personalized German Shepherd care at Sploot Vets! We provide primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services, all under one roof. Our experienced team will help you navigate German Shepherd health issues and help keep your furry companion at their healthiest and happiest.
In addition, our Fear Free Certified medical team prioritizes your dog’s comfort and well-being, ensuring stress-free vet visits that your pet can look forward to.
Give your German Shepherd the next-level care they deserve! Our vet clinics in Denver, Chicago, and Colorado Springs are open 365 days a year, accepting same-day appointments and urgent intakes!
Book an appointment here or through the Sploot Vets app.
