Owning a dog is always a huge commitment. This is even truer for owners of German Shepherds, the world’s second most popular dog breed. 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.
For example, German Shepherds are at a huge risk for hip dysplasia, a condition that affects a dog’s hips and mobility. 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.
Read below to learn some of the most common German Shepherd health problems.
1. Allergy
Every dog can develop allergies, but some dog breeds are more prone than others. German Shepherds tend to be very allergy prone, especially with fleas, food, chemical products, and other allergens. They develop allergies that affect their skin the most. Common German Shepherd allergies include fleas, corn in their food, and chemical irritants found in common household cleaning products.
When they come in contact with allergens, a harmful reaction irritates their skin and causes general discomfort. 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.
What causes an allergic reaction in a German Shepherd?
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. This happens because their immune system mistakenly identifies a threat and makes an attempt to get rid of the suspected threat.
An allergic reaction results in a series of symptoms affecting the skin. Every time a German Shepherd is exposed to an allergen that affects them, they will have a reaction similar to the ones they had before. Symptoms of allergies can be severe, and they usually will not go away on their own. As a German Shepherd owner, you must be proactive in treating your dog for allergies.
What are the symptoms of allergies in a German Shepherd?
German Shepherd’s allergy symptoms can range anywhere from a mild discomfort to a severe reaction. Usually, their reaction will be on their skin. Some of the symptoms you will see on your German Shepherd’s skin include;
- Rash
- Hot spots
- Itchiness
- Bald spots
Sometimes, the symptoms can become even more severe than what has been listed above. Itchiness from allergic reactions can lead to excessive scratching, which could cause a potentially serious infection. It’s important to stay vigilant and watch for an infection in your German Shepherd. The symptoms of an infection are;
- Swelling
- Discharge
- Excessive redness
- Foul odor
If you believe your German Shepherd, you need to see a veterinarian immediately to prevent the infection from spreading.
2. Hip
Large breed dogs are often prone to hip problems, and German Shepherds are no exception. One common genetic disorder German Shepherds are often born with is called hip dysplasia, which is a misaligned hip joint. As these dogs grow older, they become prone to another hip condition called Degenerative Myelopathy, or DM. This disease causes severe hip pain and weakness. It is common for dogs to develop arthritis, which will also cause significant hip pain and swelling.
What can you do for hip problems with your German Shepherd?
- Prevent
Prevention is the best thing you can do for your German Shepherd’s hip problems. Before adopting a German Shepherd, be sure to educate you on all potential health problems. Ask the breeder to disclose you on any known health problems the dog has.
Keeping your German Shepherd at a healthy weight will also do wonders to prevent hip problems as overweight dogs are much more prone. Regular exercise is also good as it will help him build up good, strong muscles around his hip.
When your German Shepherd begins to show signs of experiencing hip problems, you should start doing non-weight bearing exercises. For example, swimming is easier on the hips than walking or running. Some experts believe regular massage sessions or regular acupuncture could help alleviate hip pain. Orthopedic beds could also reduce the stress on your German Shepherd’s hip.
- Hip Medications
If your German Shepherd’s hip problem becomes severe, they may benefit from a prescription medication. There are a few different kinds of anti-inflammatory and pain medications available, and your vet is able to guide through the pros and cons of each one. Together, you could find the best medication for your Shepherd. Some of these medications are available topically, others are available as oral medications or injectable medications.
3. Joints
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. Canine arthritis can occur in any dog, but it is especially likely in German Shepherds. Arthritis is caused by the cartilage covering the bones beginning to break down.
The bones rub at the point they come together, which causes pain and discomfort as the only layer of protection no longer exists. You want to know that this is happening early on. Some common signs of joint problems include;
- Decreased interest in normal activities such as walking and playing
- Whimpering and/or yelping while moving
- Taking a while to get up
- Limping
- Lethargy
- Aggression
Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis once the symptoms set in. Cartlidge will usually begin to break down long before the German Shepherd shows any symptoms. For this reason, prevention is the number one step against arthritis. Exercise regularly with your German Shepherd; it’s a good bonding experience, it’s good for your own help, and it can help prevent arthritis.
Go for a run, throw a ball, take a walk, anything helps. Exercising will also prevent your German Shepherd from becoming overweight, which adds a strain on his hips and joints. A healthy diet will also help your dog live a long, healthy life, arthritis-free. 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.
4. Stomach
German Shepherds tend to be prone to stomach issues, which is no fun for you or them. If you own a German Shepherd, you need to feed them a healthy diet and pay close attention to bowel movements. We know, gross, but it’s important for your dog’s health. You should work closely with your vet to find the right diet for your Shepherd to prevent any stomach issues. There are a few stomach issues that they are especially prone to, including the following;
- Toxic Gut Syndrome
Toxic gut syndrome is most likely to appear in German Shepherds than any other breed of dog. You need to be aware of this syndrome as it is often fatal and can kill your dog very quickly.
German Shepherds have a naturally occurring kind of intestinal bacteria, called clostridium. Sometimes, this bacteria will reproduce and enter the dog’s bloodstream, causing a toxic effect. Unfortunately, toxic gut syndrome will usually kill a dog within a few hours. There is nothing they can do for it, which is why prevention is so important.
Some vets will recommend a yoghurt-based supplement, as it helps moderate the levels of bacteria in a German Shepherd’s intestinal tract. If you are concerned about toxic gut syndrome, you should speak with your vet about preventative measures you can take.
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, also referred to as EPI, occurs when your German Shepherd’s pancreas is incapable of producing enough enzymes. These enzymes are needed to break down starches, protein, and fat. 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. Proper treatment is the key to surviving EPI.
EPI is diagnosable with a blood test. It can be very dangerous, so you need to have your German Shepherd tested as soon as you notice any digestive issues. There are certain signs of EPI that you may be able to notice, such as
- Increased hunger
- Weight loss
- Eating things they normally would not eat, such as poop
- High amounts of flatulence and pooping
- Runny stools
- Yellow stools
- Ulcers
German Shepherds can be especially susceptible to stomach ulcers. This is especially true for dogs with other digestive issues, as ulcers are a common side-effect pf the pain medication.
What is an ulcer?
An ulcer is a sore that resulting from a break in the lining of your German Shepherd’s stomach. Ulcers can cause pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, bloody stool, weakness, anemia, and more. Since ulcers are usually caused by other issues, treating the ulcer involving solving the underlying problem. 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.
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis
If your German Shepherd is suffering from an inflamed stomach and intestines, they are likely suffering from Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis. Symptoms of Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis include;
- Chronic diarrhea, runny diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Your vet will be able to diagnose your German Shepherd by using a stool sample. It can be treated by using a steroid which will reduce the swelling.
5. Food
If you notice your German Shepherd is scratching more than normal, his food may be to blame. Yes, his food could be the culprit. When a German Shepherd has an allergic reaction to his food, his skin will be the most affected.
The biggest sign of a food allergy is dry, itchy skin. 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. Common food allergens are also often used in dog food. Common food allergens include;
- Corn
- Chicken
- Dairy
- Beef
- Wheat
- Soy
You will want to do an elimination diet. A good step to try would be to switch to a grain-free, limited ingredient food. The meat used in this food should be something your German Shepherd has never tried before. If this doesn’t fix the allergy, you should contact your vet for more options.
6. Back
Often times, when we think of back problems, we think of older dogs. However, German Shepherds are prone to early back problems. They are especially prone to degenerative myelopathy, or DM. Degenerative myelopathy is a hereditary disease that affects German Shepherd purebreds.
Unfortunately, not much is known about DM, so it’s causes are currently unclear. There are signs that your German Shepherd may be suffering from DM, however. One of the first indicators of DM is curled toes, which will cause your dog to drag his nails as he walks. As the disease progresses, this will worsen, and make it hard for the German Shepherd to walk at an even pace.
The good news is, DM isn’t a death sentence. If your German Shepherd has DM, you can help him by encouraging light exercise. You don’t want him to mope around all day, it could cause his condition to worsen. Over time, you may need to invest in some mobility aids.
