

Because young GSDs are high-energy, exercise always helps keep them calm and focused. If you live in a setting where your puppies will have easy access to the outdoors, it will be that much easier to help them meet their exercise needs. Better socialization makes all the difference. Puppies raised together are likely to bond quickly.Īs puppies that show the promise of becoming large dogs very quickly, getting both puppies used to going on walks or other activities is essential for them to get used to interacting with new people. When you start training early and are consistent, your puppies will understand what they are supposed to do very easily. However, one advantage this breed offers is how eager even puppies are to learn. And remember-if your dog has any of these diseases, they should be treated by a veterinarian.6 Is Aggression Between German Shepherds Easy to Overcome? It does give you an idea of diseases you may not have heard of that could develop. This guide doesn’t list all the conditions and diseases that could affect your German Shepherd. However, if dilated cardiomyopathy is detected early, and the dog is medicated and managed property, it can still live for some time with a good quality of life. It can be mitigated with certain drugs, like ACE inhibitors, but it is a chronic disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian.ĭilated cardiomyopathy can be fatal. If your dog has dilated cardiomyopathy, they might tire easily, have trouble breathing, cough often, struggle to exercise, or suffer fainting spells. Also, dilated cardiomyopathy can cause fluid to build up in the lungs. In some cases, changes in heart rhythm will also be a result of the thinned chamber walls. The heart becomes enlarged, and its ventricular walls get thinner. German Shepherds, like other large dog breeds, are vulnerable to dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart disease.Ī heart affected by dilated cardiomyopathy is inefficient at pumping blood, and oxygenated blood is not adequately distributed through the body. Dilated Cardiomyopathy in German Shepherds In extreme cases, the dog may need a wheelchair.

Your dog can experience better quality of life through physical therapy or anti-inflammatory drugs if their case is not severe. Hip dysplasia can be treated and managed. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms. Dogs with hip dysplasia will show a reluctance to exercise, move slowly, and might favor one leg over another. Hip dysplasia starts when your dog is a puppy, but it might not be noticeable until the dog is well into maturity. If your German Shepherd suffers from hip dysplasia, they will eventually develop joint pain, damaged cartilage, and arthritis. The bones will eventually begin to scrape against each other in the dog’s hip joint. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that causes German Shepherds’ leg bones to fit poorly into their hip sockets. Custom made dog wheelchairs by K9 Carts can help your dog stay mobile and preserve their quality of life. German Shepherds that become partially paralyzed by degenerative myelopathy are good candidates for wheelchairs. And, because your German Shepherd will be spending more time sitting and lying down, they are at greater risk for bedsores. You can also give them a comfortable bed: they’ll need it, because of the mobility problems. Kinesiology tape has been used successfully to help dogs with degenerative myelopathy. But if your dog has the disease, you can take a few steps to reduce their suffering. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. Dogs with degenerative myelopathy can become paralyzed by the disease. The dog might also struggle to get up because the disease causes muscles to atrophy. Your dog might struggle to get up, and, as the disease progresses, and your dog could lose bowel and urinary control. Over time, the weakness will get even worse. If your German Shepherd suffers from degenerative myelopathy, you’ll begin to notice them losing motor function in their hind legs.

Degenerative Myelopathy in German Shepherdsĭegenerative myelopathy is a nerve disease that starts in a dog’s spinal cord. German Shepherds are more likely than dogs of other breeds to suffer from degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Like all dog breeds, German Shepherds are uniquely vulnerable to certain diseases. Originally bred for herding, modern-day German Shepherds work with police and search and rescue units across the world because they are task-oriented, curious, and creative. German Shepherds are very intelligent, loyal, and obedient. Your German Shepherd is a large, energetic herding dog.
