Hip dysplasia. He is our baby and don't know how to control these allergies. Other signs may include a hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia, leucopenia (a low white blood count), or a symmetrical dermatitis, especially over the bridge of the nose ("butterfly lesion,"). You can opt to use these toothbrushes with a special formula of dog toothpaste, or you can simply use water. Some lines of GSDs are more likely to have this issue than others, which are likely to manifest when the dog is still young. Only saw it today, now that I'm extending the article with 4 more German Shepherd health issues (17 instead of 13). The dog should be taken to the vet immediately, otherwise, he could die. Common food allergens include; You will want to do an elimination diet. Excess moisture promotes this disease, which must be treated early by a veterinarian. As our dogs get older, it is more likely that they develop various health problems. The sooner you recognize signs of joint pain in your German Shepherd, the better quality of life they will for the rest of their lives. If affected, your pup will likely limp occasionally or constantly and appear less active. Regular exercise is also good as it will help him build up good, strong muscles around his hip. This condition can usually be managed by changing the dog’s diet. With the knowledge of what causes behavior issues in your German Shepherd Dog, we can now take a look at 7 of the most common behavior problems in German Shepherds. It is one of the most common problems facing the German Shepherd breed. Last month, we lost two. Keeping your German Shepherd at a healthy weight will also do wonders to prevent hip problems as overweight dogs are much more prone. In German Shepherds, it commonly affects the spine, which will drastically reduce mobility. you are sharing great knowledge. German Shepherds are very intelligent, loyal, and obedient. It was sudden ,in the middle of the night he tried to get up and was falling down and couldn't get his balance and when I jumped out of bed he was lying there with his head tilted . EPI is diagnosable with a blood test. When they come in contact with allergens, a harmful reaction irritates their skin and causes general discomfort. Instead of being an issue with the hip joint, this issue is with the elbow joint. It’s important to stay vigilant and watch for an infection in your German Shepherd. Here are the most common health problems in German Shepherds, how to spot them, and what can be done to help with these issues, if anything. Sam Shepards (author) from Europe on February 25, 2020: I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Before deciding to adopt a German Shepherd, be sure to educate yourself on all possible health problems and make sure you can afford the problem down the line. If left untreated for too long they can result in serious chronic health issues, bladder and kidney damage being the most common. The vet said ,it was in the worst area and most likely would not survive an operation and even if he did and was put on chemo the best prognosis would be 3 months . Weight affects your dog’s overall health and mobility, and this is especially true as your dog ages and becomes less active. You need to be aware of this syndrome as it is often fatal and can kill your dog very quickly. Extreamly professional! Because of their large size and their tendency to overeat if they can get the food, diabetes is fairly common in German Shepherds. These deformities may include: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): This is a temporary blood vessel in a fetal puppy that should close shortly after he's born. German Shepherd Health Problems Since the past few years, hereditary health issues have become common in dogs because of indiscriminate breeding. Of course, not all health problems are related specifically to inbreeding (though hip dysplasia is); some are simply related to the size of these dogs, the kind of work that they do, and simply to just being a dog. A healthy diet will also help your dog live a long, healthy life, arthritis-free. The conditions cause an abnormality in the elbow or hip joint of your big guy. This is sometimes a genetic disease and sometimes a disease that develops because of the environment—whatever the cause. Usually, their reaction will be on their skin. My advise is to talk to a vet to dive deeper into the issue if you want answers about your dog(s) specifically. An older dog carrying extra weight is more vulnerable to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, certain cancers, skin problems, joint issues… Dogs should be checked for spinal abnormalities when they are relatively young. If you notice your German Shepherd is scratching more than normal, his food may be to blame. While this article aims to shed light on some of the most common health conditions faced by German shepherds, it is no substitute for a veterinarian’s professional opinion. List of German Shepherd health problems. Scabies. It is hereditary and comes from an improperly formed hip. These are German Shepherd health problems that can easily be avoided with good food and proper dental care. There are certain signs of EPI that you may be able to notice, such as. Dog toothbrushes are easy to find at pet stores. Im devastated as he just turned 9yrs old. German Shepherds are sometimes prone to skin problems, often as a result of some type of allergy. Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. You may even see him running into things that he once was able to avoid. Additionally, they can also develop heart disease. barbarathomson@aol.com on February 24, 2020: I have a 6 year old King Shepherd who has always had allergies and now developed a yeast infection feeg and legs. Go for a run, throw a ball, take a walk, anything helps. Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is relatively frequent in the German Shepherd breed. You can usually see this happening to a dog with short or medium-length fur, though long-haired German Shepherds’ coats can hide this issue. Great work! Most owners can tell when this issue is starting to occur, not only by the slightly cloudy look in the dog’s eyes, but also because the dog does not seem as able to navigate news spaces as he once was. My 2yrs. Sam Shepards (author) from Europe on August 07, 2019: I seem to have missed your comment here a long time ago. This happens because their immune system mistakenly identifies a threat and makes an attempt to get rid of the suspected threat. Canine arthritis can occur in any dog, but it is especially likely in German Shepherds. In This video I will discuss 7 health related issues of German shepherd and their management one by one. It can be treated by using a steroid which will reduce the swelling. They were originally used to help farmers to … Remember, your vet is the best source of information, so when you notice the signs of arthritis, take your German Shepherd in as soon as possible. It was the first one to go, I had him and trained him since I was 13 years old. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, also referred to as EPI, occurs when your German Shepherd’s pancreas is incapable of producing enough enzymes. Common German Shepherd allergies include fleas, corn in their food, and chemical irritants found in common household cleaning products. Hip Problems in German Shepherds Approximately 20% of all German Shepherds will develop hip problems resulting from hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. Your German Shepherd may have a heart deformity that's causing a heart murmur or another health condition (like problems eating or with blood circulation). We have lost at least 3 dogs over the years to this disease. These dogs can develop major food sensitivities, vomit more than most, and be prone to certain food allergies. German Shepherds tend to be very allergy prone, especially with fleas, food, chemical products, and other allergens. Like with humans, the symptoms are fatigue, dry mouth, excessive drinking, excessive urinating, and swelling in the feet. A vet can recommend what pills are best, but even Benadryl or Claritin formulated for humans can be given to a German Shepherd. Like all large animals, humans included, German Shepherds can have serious problems with their spines, especially as they age. Often times, when we think of back problems, we think of older dogs. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. An ulcer is a sore that resulting from a break in the lining of your German Shepherd’s stomach. This is especially true for dogs with other digestive issues, as ulcers are a common side-effect pf the pain medication. If you notice that your German Shepherd is experiencing any of the following health problems, you may want to take them to the vet to see what kind of treatment is available. The symptoms of an infection are; If you believe your German Shepherd, you need to see a veterinarian immediately to prevent the infection from spreading. If your dog is suffering from EPI, he won’t be able to absorb nutrients for food, which can lead to weight-loss, starvation, and even death. Mild cases will often worsen over a dog’s life, making it very uncomfortable to walk. Dogs who are fed too much, exercised too hard, or injured when they are young can damage their hips. Together, you could find the best medication for your Shepherd. Common German Shepherd allergies include fleas, corn in their food, and chemical irritants found in common household cleaning products. If it stays open, blood may bypass your dog's lungs. Sinusitis is another fairly common form of nasal infection, marked by the inflammation of the actual sinus passageways in your dog’s nose. So i assure you that you did pretty good (consitering your most likely not a vet) i own 3 german shepards, and 5 chiwawas! He slowly recovered and got up and he walked into the kitchen . Most breeders try to avoid breeding these dogs, since they usually pass on the issue to their offspring, just as they got the issue from their parents. Infections – German shepherd’s can suffer from a number of potential infections, these are often caused by foreign bodies on their skin, in their eyes and their teeth.Of all dog health problems, infections are the easiest to prevent. Urinary tracts can cause a number of symptoms. General Health Information for your German Shepherd Dog Dental Disease. @Theodore, I'm sorry to hear that, I have had 3 german shepherds, one of them I lost early at 10 years old on the operation table with a large tumor. Learn how to treat heart disease in your German shepherd so you can keep them healthy. It most often manifests itself in between five and fourteen months of age and is often called “growing pains,” by those who notice that their dog is only using three of his four legs or otherwise limping. While most people are concerned with hip dysplasia, there are many different diseases, infections, disorders, allergies and other problems the breed is … You don’t want him to mope around all day, it could cause his condition to worsen. Your German Shepherd is a large, energetic herding dog. Because this is one of the most common German Shepherd health issues, ethical breeders will make sure that both parents are free of elbow dysplasia before they are bred. More commonly, however, they are very painful for your dog and can be very difficult to pass. It is important to note that German Shepherds with a shorter or thinner coat are more likely to have this reaction as they have less protection from allergens. Before beginning to brush your German Shepherd’s teeth, you should make sure that they’re comfortable having your hands in and around their mouth. As a German Shepherd owner, you must be proactive in treating your dog for allergies. Large breed dogs are often prone to hip problems, and German Shepherds are no exception. It's not really one of the German Shepherd illnesses that is on my mind often. A well-bred German Shepherd will usually not have any serious health problems; however, all GSDs are susceptible to a few health conditions. This condition is characterized as “wandering lameness” or sometimes just called “Pano” by veterinarians. Essentially, this occurs when the dog eats too much food too quickly and then does too much physical activity, which then causes gas to build up in the stomach. Food intolerances are quite common. The first thing you can do when you believe your dog has a food allergy would be to check the label on his dog food. German Shepherds can develop allergies when they come in contact with and have a reaction to something that is normally harmless, such as food or fleas. It's not the one in the top picture, that one never had any issues and became 14 years old. From some days he was suffering from fever, he was having problem in natural call,he even vomit yesterday night.I have a female GSD too.So I have fear about her.So could you please tell me which type of disease is this? This usually has an environmental cause, like eating dog foods that are too high in fat when the dog is not accustomed to eating this kind of food. Some of the more hereditary health conditions can be checked for when buying a puppy, not buying from breeders where the parent dogs are already showing signs etc. Diabetes can be easily controlled with the right diet and exercise. Too bad Karen is professional but can't spell. Common food allergies include chicken, corn, rice, and gluten. There are a few stomach issues that they are especially prone to, including the following; Toxic gut syndrome is most likely to appear in German Shepherds than any other breed of dog. Exercising will also prevent your German Shepherd from becoming overweight, which adds a strain on his hips and joints. Also known as Disc Degenerative Disease, this German Shepherd genetic problem usually presents symptoms at age 8-9. German Shepherd’s allergy symptoms can range anywhere from a mild discomfort to a severe reaction. I am a level four vet in las vegas, and i am professional. Take a few days — even a week — doing this to ensure that your dog doesn’t get uncomfortable with you going too quickly. The bones rub at the point they come together, which causes pain and discomfort as the only layer of protection no longer exists. Coined for being the ‘wear and tear’ ailment, the symptoms typically include pain and difficulty when using the affected joint. While this condition is visible on an x-ray machine, it is not congenital, nor is it permanent. An owner of a dog with this condition will need to check the dog regularly for any lumps or bumps that may be blood pockets forming under the skin and will need to be extra careful when exercising this dog to make sure he does not do anything too strenuous or too dangerous. The condition is difficult to treat, and usually, we need surgery to remove the problem tissue. Though epilepsy is genetic and is incurable, there are a number of medications that help an Alsatian manage his symptoms. If you suspect that your dog may be affected by any of the conditions listed here, consult your vet for a professional diagnosis. I just had to put my best Pal and wonderful German Shepherd to sleep . I do my best to share knowledge about health problems in German Shepherds. I'm not really sure were the weaknesses in stomach and bowel come from yet. Yes, his food could be the culprit. Please visit www.h2oinaction.com. They may experience a running nose, a change in their appetite, or frequent sneezing. Genetic predisposition and weaknesses are indeed often related to inbreeding. German shepherds are well-known for their loyalty, aloofness and big ears, but they're also synonymous with hip and elbow dysplasia. For example, German Shepherds are at a huge risk for hip dysplasia, a condition that affects a dog’s hips and mobility. Nose and teeth, your dog's toolbox, take good care of them. Every dog can develop allergies, but some dog breeds are more prone than others. Some common signs of joint problems include; Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis once the symptoms set in. Your vet will determine whether the issue is hip dysplasia or a related issue by examining your dog's mobility, checking its genetic history, if available, and performing some exams. While German Shepherds may seem like the “cool” dog, it’s important to understand that they are prone to certain diseases other dogs may not be. Unfortunately, not much is known about DM, so it’s causes are currently unclear. If your German Shepherd has DM, you can help him by encouraging light exercise. Make sure that you brush your dog’s teeth fairly frequently. Once they are comfortable with this, you can open their mouth and begin touching their teeth one at a time. Osteoarthritis in dogs is a degenerative disease that affects the joints in the body. German Shepherds are more susceptible to allergies than other breeds. 6 Most Common Health Problems and Issues With German Shepherds, Dog Food Guide 2018 – Wet, Dry, Organic, Vegeterian, Raw, 10 Principles to Strengthen Your German Shepherd’s Health, Decreased interest in normal activities such as walking and playing, Eating things they normally would not eat, such as poop. The myelin sheaths and axons waste away over time which may lead to limb and complete paralysis in GSDs. We know, gross, but it’s important for your dog’s health. Yes, as more or less endstage it is Degenerative Myelopathy, when the spinal cord is dying and ending with paralysis. But we are not sure, because for myelopathy they need to do a necropsy. If you notice that your German Shepherd is experiencing any of the following health problems, you may want to take them to the vet to see what kind of treatment is available. This means that you need to be very cautious and take the time to brush your dog’s teeth from the time that they are young. Such changes and signs often indicate that our senior dogs are developing some form of health problems. Some of the symptoms you will see on your German Shepherd’s skin include; Sometimes, the symptoms can become even more severe than what has been listed above. When a German Shepherd has an allergic reaction to his food, his skin will be the most affected. As dog parents, we have to keep a close watch on any changes and symptoms, both physical and behavioral, that our aging dogs may exhibit. Potential GSD Health Problems - German Shepherd Illness: Chronic pancreatitis (suspected genetic) - lack of enzymes that digest fat and protein; chronic weight loss . Once a dog has elbow dysplasia there is not much a breeder or an owner can do about it except make sure the dog gets the right nutrition to keep his joints lubricated and pain-free for as long as possible. Visible pain or discomfort when urinating, Dribbling urine or incontinence (being unable to hold their pee), Changes in the color or smell of their urine, Visible residue in their urine, cloudy urine. Our 3rd German Shepherd had this and it ended in rear end paralysis at age 10, but he also had some kind of bladder cancer at the same time. Ask the breeder to disclose you on any known health problems the dog has. Symptoms are similar to the previous infections, but they can be much more serious and include bleeding from the nose, pain, and swelling in the nasal area. You should work closely with your vet to find the right diet for your Shepherd to prevent any stomach issues. It rarely shows up at a young age. Cough & cold... With high body temp. For some reason, Alsatians have many problems with their endocrine levels. The biggest sign of a food allergy is dry, itchy skin. Buying your pet from a recognized breeder is the only way you can avoid bringing home a dog with a truck-load of genetic diseases. I recently find out about the Kangen water that if I known ten years ago I would not put my ten years old German Shepherd to sleep because of Degenerative Disc Disease. T his page looks at common German Shepherd health problems, such as joint problems (elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, pano), bloat, epilepsy, and other congenital diseases. Treatment, proper diet, and exercise can all help a German Shepherd suffering with this health issue. Symptoms include itchy, inflamed skin, hot spots, rash, and bald spots. If the dog does not grow out of it, however, it may be an indication of a real illness that should be brought to a doctor. The good news is, DM isn’t a death sentence. A lowered immune system can make these bacteria more likely to survive upon entering the urethra. If this doesn’t fix the allergy, you should contact your vet for more options. Over time, you may need to invest in some mobility aids. When they come in contact with allergens, a harmful reaction irritates their skin and causes general discomfort. Feeding three smaller meals a day, instead of one large one, can also prevent this problem. Some of the most common cancers include: While your German Shepherd is unlikely to suffer from all or even a few of these issues, when considering purchasing a puppy or adult dog, it is important to know what kind of health problems to look out for and what kinds of health problems you might have to face in the future. If my German Shepherd has gastrointestinal problems I'm worried most often. There is no cure for this disease, but these dogs can live happy, long lives with the right care. There are signs that your German Shepherd may be suffering from DM, however. Very sorry to hear of your losses. If your dog comes into contact with the feces of another dog, they may be more prone to having bacteria enter their urethra. When your vet is treating your German Shepherd for an ulcer, he may need to work to bring the dog’s fluid levels back up as well. Before adopting a German Shepherd, be sure to educate you on all potential health problems. This is a parasitic disease that causes sores, pus and pain when walking. It is painful for the dog and difficult to mitigate since it is a malformation in the joint of the hip. © 2021 Maven Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. If you think that your dog is drinking excessively, make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Many dogs have a difficult time dissolving the minerals in their urine and will require some sort of treatment to help them work through the bladder stone or have them operatively removed. The meat used in this food should be something your German Shepherd has never tried before. Some experts believe regular massage sessions or regular acupuncture could help alleviate hip pain. While a little comical at first (it’s always a little funny to see your big, gangly dog crash into a chair that he usually is able to see and avoid), if cataracts are allowed to progress, they can make it very difficult for the dog to see anything. Your German Shepherd may also have a discharge that contains pus. German shepherds are also prone to heart diseases; common symptoms include poor appetite, intolerance when exercising, coughing and lethargy. German shepherds are, unfortunately, rather prone to developing urinary stones. Did you get most german shepherd dogs from the same genetic line? Common food allergens are also often used in dog food. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is also a common German Shepherd stomach related issue. Our first one became 14 years and hasn't been sick a day in his life, the regularly had small problems and had special food needs. 7 Common German Shepherd Behavior Problems. Since ulcers are usually caused by other issues, treating the ulcer involving solving the underlying problem. Just like human, any other form of life in earth needs water to live. Are you referring to DM as "Degenerative Disk Disease"? Some vets will recommend a yoghurt-based supplement, as it helps moderate the levels of bacteria in a German Shepherd’s intestinal tract. One of the most common forms of nasal infection is referred to as rhinitis. My question is this consider hip displasia? Unfortunately, your German Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. However, if you notice that his skin is red and irritated and he is itching often, it is likely that he has a serious condition and that you should start him on an allergy regimen. Many diseases can be prevented or lessened when people know what is wrong and what to do. Feel the pain, it's ok to miss your friend. This disease causes severe hip pain and weakness. Understanding common German Shepherd health issues that they may have a predisposition to can help you maintain your dog’s well-being. Most dogs will not even notice that they have this condition, especially if they are kept out of stressful situations and are allowed to live a happy, comfortable life with an attentive family. German Shepherd at the park (Photo: Adobe Stock) Hip Dysplasia . While this can be painful and sore for a young German Shepherd, it is by no means permanent and will disappear around a year and a half to two years of age. Making sure that he does not do any strenuous physical activity after eating will also be necessary. Not every dog will be allergic to everything, and some German Shepherds will have no allergies at all. In some more severe cases, a veterinarian may prescribe a daily insulin injection to help with this disease. German Shepherds are generally a fairly healthy breed, however, health concerns do exist in the Shepherd just like they do in any breed. Here is some of the most common health issues in German Shepherds that you need to know about: 1. Either of these are often the early signs of several diseases such as: kidney failure, diabetes, thyroid problems, uterine infections, etc. Overview. Difficult to manage it and keeps coming back. Owning a dog is always a huge commitment. Symptoms include a swollen belly, retching, salivation, and … Hip Dysplasia. Sometimes, this bacteria will reproduce and enter the dog’s bloodstream, causing a toxic effect. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. If your German Shepherd’s hip problem becomes severe, they may benefit from a prescription medication. I lost one of our dogs at age 10 from cancer in the liver and bowel. Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are varied in nature — just like they are in humans. Some of these medications are available topically, others are available as oral medications or injectable medications. A German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is typically a healthy breed of dog with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years.
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