Whether your German Shepherd is a puppy or an old dog, you’ll want to make sure that they stay healthy and fit. Here are some of the things to do to help keep your dog healthy. Learn about symptoms, treatments, and special foods.

Symptoms

German shepherds are susceptible to a variety of health problems. Nasal impaction and infections are two common problems. Both can be aggravated by allergies. Allergic reactions in your dog can lead to itchy bumps, discharge, and sores. If you see one of these symptoms, it’s time to take your pet to the vet. Treatment for both conditions is usually the same – antibiotics.

Cataracts can be a problem for older dogs. Older German shepherds are susceptible to this eye disease, which can cause your dog to lose their vision. Fortunately, your dog can live a long and healthy life with the proper care. To detect a problem early, you must examine your dog’s eyes and note any changes. Your dog’s eyes may become cloudy or droopy, or it may lose its vision completely.

Similarly, some German Shepherds suffer from pannus, an eye problem caused by inflammation. This condition affects the cornea and causes a grey film in the dog’s eye. If you notice this in your dog’s eyes, it’s time to consult a veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to curing pannus. If the disease doesn’t go away, it can return later in life, so it’s vital to act quickly.

Urinary tract infections are another common problem in German shepherds. These infections can be extremely painful and irritating. They can also lead to more serious problems. In more severe cases, your dog may require surgery to remove the infected tissue. A veterinarian will be able to diagnose this problem and prescribe the appropriate medication.

German Shepherds may also develop degenerative myelopathy, a condition that affects the nerves in the spinal cord. It can cause lameness, limping, and arthritis. It’s important to monitor your dog’s weight as it’s linked to the onset of the condition.

Treatments

German Shepherds can suffer from various health problems as they age, but some of these can be avoided by making lifestyle changes. For example, if your Shepherd has hip dysplasia, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help your dog live a longer life. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

Some of these health issues are treatable, but others can be quite painful. The following are some of the most common: Fistulas, which are open drainage tracts in the perianal skin. At first, they appear as pinholes in the skin surrounding the anus. They can become infected, or produce exudate. Fistulas are common in German shepherds and are a sign of autoimmune disease. In recent years, treatments for fistulas have advanced significantly. Currently, common medications include cyclosporin and topical tacrolimus.

Another common problem that can cause long-term pain in your German Shepherd is intervertebral disc disease. This is caused by the jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae slipping. The resulting disc presses against the spinal cord and causes pain. In extreme cases, your dog may be unable to move and even refuse to eat. You can prevent this painful condition by ensuring your dog stays thin. Excessive body weight can aggravate the condition and lead to the need for surgery.

Another common problem with older German shepherds is skin cysts. While they affect many breeds, older German Shepherds are more prone to developing them. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain. In severe cases, your dog may even lose hair. Most skin cysts are treatable, and veterinarians can remove the lining of the cyst.

Exercise

German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, which leads to a number of health problems. The condition is a complex process in which the femur (the soft tissue between bone ends) does not meet the socket properly. It has a hereditary component, but other factors can contribute.

Physical problems in German shepherds can lead to mental problems as well, so exercising them regularly is essential. A poor physical condition can make your dog lethargic, unhappy, and unmotivated. If your German shepherd is suffering from a physical condition, you may notice changes in activity levels, sleep patterns, and daily routines. He may also appear lethargic and lose interest in his favorite activities.

Exercise for older German shepherds can be as simple as a game of tug-of-war. Your dog will enjoy this mentally stimulating game. Try it three to four times a week, starting at the easiest level and increasing it gradually. This will ensure that your dog gets plenty of rest afterward.

While German shepherds tend to live longer than other breeds, they are still susceptible to developing health problems as they age. As they become sedentary, they can become overweight, and the vision in their eyes may suffer. Besides aging, German shepherds also suffer from hip dysplasia, which is a serious condition that can lead to a slowdown and pain.

As the German shepherd ages, the type of exercise he needs changes as well. As he grows older, it’s important to limit the amount of high-impact exercises he gets. Depending on the condition of his joints, he may need less exercise than an active adult.

Special food

Older German Shepherds often have problems with their livers and kidneys. Thankfully, these ailments can be prevented or managed through proper nutrition and exercise. Several supplements may be recommended by veterinarians to address the problem. These supplements may include glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, and MSM. In some cases, a multivitamin is also prescribed.

Older German Shepherds may also develop joint problems or become overweight. For these reasons, it is important to feed them a special food that addresses the needs of senior dogs. While a puppy food is important for healthy development, a more balanced diet with a lower calorie content is recommended for older German Shepherds. Older German Shepherds also require more exercise to keep them limber and healthy.

Senior German Shepherds should be fed a high-quality dog food that contains omega-3 fatty acids to help support their joints. Chondroitin and glucosamine are also important to maintain healthy skin and coat. German Shepherds should not be overweight as it will only aggravate common health problems.

Another food to consider is Blue Buffalo Large-Breed Chicken Dinner. This nutritious food is rich in protein, providing essential amino acids that support healthy muscle maintenance. It can be given as a treat or as a complete meal. It contains chicken and vegetables, which are beneficial for the health of your German shepherd.

As an active breed, German Shepherds are likely to experience joint and hip problems as they age. The best dog food for this purpose should include supplements to prevent or treat these conditions.

Check-ups

German shepherds are prone to various health problems, but most of these conditions are preventable. The best way to protect your dog is to have regular check-ups and keep an eye out for signs of disease. In addition to a regular check-up, he should also be regularly exercised and given a nutritious diet.

Urinary tract infection is another common problem in German shepherds. A UTI is an infection caused by bacteria colonizing the urinary tract. The most common bacteria that causes UTIs in dogs are E. coli and C. difficile, but other bacteria may also cause this infection. German Shepherds should be treated with canine antibiotics if they suffer from this problem.

Other issues related to aging German shepherds are joint pain and dental problems. These conditions can limit your dog’s mobility. If you notice that your German shepherd is not moving around much, he may be suffering from joint pain or dental problems. Having regular check-ups will help you identify the problems early on and prevent them from becoming serious.

German Shepherds can also have issues with their hips and GI tract. To prevent these issues, it’s best to schedule annual checkups for your dog. You should also make sure that he has regular x-rays. German shepherds have a keen sense of smell, so it’s important to be aware of any objects that might irritate his stomach.

Cataracts are another common German shepherd health problem, which cloud the dog’s natural eye lens and cause blurry vision. They can be caused by disease, infection, or genetics. If left untreated, the condition can lead to blindness.