The German Shepherd Online Wellness Care Guide
The German Shepherd is one the most versatile and hard-working dogs ever bred. Extremely poised with terrific protective instincts, German Shepherds are fearless but not overly aggressive. Much like most breeds, they require regular visits to the veterinarian and a certain level of care and attention to keep them healthy, active and strong.
The Use of Supplements: In Support of a Healthier German Shepherd
The German Shepherd breed is traditionally one of the most unhealthy breeds due to decades of popularity and unwise breeding. However, today's professional GSD breeders are dedicated to the health of their dogs and supporting scientific research to help eliminate genetic diseases in GSDs.
Supplements are no longer an afterthought but an important element for your German Shepherd's nutrition and care. Animal Necessity recommends consulting your veterinarian regarding the types of supplements that could benefit your dog's physical health and mental well-being.
Some of the benefits supplements may provide for your German Shepherd include:
- May help alleviate certain types of cancers, in addition to heart disease, diabetes, and cataracts caused by diabetes.
- Help keep your dog's coat healthy and shiny.
- May prevent certain types of allergies.
- Relief from chronic hip, joint, back, and muscle pain.
- Can boost your dog's intake of vital nutrients missing in its diet.
- Increase energy levels in support of an active and healthy lifestyle.
- May help alleviate certain types of cancers, in addition to heart disease, diabetes, and cataracts caused by diabetes.
- Help keep your dog's coat healthy and shiny.
- May prevent certain types of allergies.
- Relief from chronic hip, joint, back, and muscle pain.
- Can boost your dog's intake of vital nutrients missing in its diet.
- Increase energy levels in support of an active and healthy lifestyle.
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is traditionally one of the most unhealthy breeds due to decades of popularity and unwise breeding. However, today's professional GSD breeders are dedicated to the health of their dogs and to supporting scientific research to help eliminate genetic diseases in GSDs.
Fun Facts about the German Shepherd
Few breeds rival their intelligence and ability to assimilate and retain training.
Possess a unique dignity and stature with a show dog "pose" of one rear leg under the body and one extended.
Does not give affection lightly but will show serious loyalty, especially to its owner or main caretaker.
Morris Frank was the first American to benefit from having a Guide Dog. In 1928, he brought his Swiss-trained female GSD, "Buddy", to the U.S.
Pancreatic Acinar Atrophy
Pancreatic acinar atrophy (PAA) is an inherited autoimmune disease in GSDs characterized by the selective atrophy ("withering") of the acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas, which make and secrete digestive enzymes. PAA is the most common cause of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in the dog. German Shepherds are the most common breed to be affected with EPI. Affected GSDs have increased appetite, weight loss, and soft/loose stools. If not treated, the dog will starve even if they are fed a lot of food.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus)
German Shepherds are prone to developing gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), which is also called bloat, gastric torsion, or twisted stomach. This is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and other abdominal organs such as the spleen. It strikes very suddenly and a dog that is fine one minute can be dead a few hours later. Seek emergency veterinary care ASAP if you suspect that GDV is occurring!
Cancer
German Shepherds are particularly prone to a type of cancer called hemangiosarcoma - cancer of cells that line blood vessels. Organs commonly affected include the spleen, the heart, and the tissue beneath the skin. The tumor can spread to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, and intestines. The tumor is "hidden" and grows very slowly, but eventually it can rupture and the dog bleeds internally.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a slowly progressive destruction of the white matter of the spinal cord, similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease in people (ALS). It is a genetic mutation in GSDs, striking primarily older dogs, and leads to the loss of many bodily functions, including progressive paralysis - first of the hindlimbs and then the forelimbs. In one study, 2% of GSDs presented to U.S. veterinary teaching hospitals were affected.
Immune-mediated Disease
German Shepherds are "the breed" for immune-mediated disorders. A deranged immune process can commonly affect nearly every organ system of this breed. The immune system commonly attacks: the thyroid gland, the pancreas, the eyes, the GI tract, muscles, and joints. Other tissues are also fair game in the GSD. Hypothyroidism is very common in GSDs and is a lack of thyroid hormone due to destruction of the thyroid gland. Common signs are weight gain, lethargy, thinned haircoat, and skin infections.
Diabetes
Germen Shepherds are at risk for developing diabetes, which is a serious disease. It is also a sad fact that almost all diabetic dogs will soon be blinded by secondary cataracts. In addition to veterinary care and proper diet, specific nutritional supplementation can help support diabetic dogs, and also help prevent formation of secondary cataracts.
Pancreatic acinar atrophy (PAA) is an inherited autoimmune disease in GSDs characterized by the selective atrophy ("withering") of the acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas, which make and secrete digestive enzymes. PAA is the most common cause of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in the dog. German Shepherds are the most common breed to be affected with EPI. Affected GSDs have increased appetite, weight loss, and soft/loose stools. If not treated, the dog will starve even if they are fed a lot of food.
German Shepherds are prone to developing gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), which is also called bloat, gastric torsion, or twisted stomach. This is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and other abdominal organs such as the spleen. It strikes very suddenly and a dog that is fine one minute can be dead a few hours later. Seek emergency veterinary care ASAP if you suspect that GDV is occurring!
German Shepherds are particularly prone to a type of cancer called hemangiosarcoma - cancer of cells that line blood vessels. Organs commonly affected include the spleen, the heart, and the tissue beneath the skin. The tumor can spread to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, and intestines. The tumor is "hidden" and grows very slowly, but eventually it can rupture and the dog bleeds internally.
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a slowly progressive destruction of the white matter of the spinal cord, similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease in people (ALS). It is a genetic mutation in GSDs, striking primarily older dogs, and leads to the loss of many bodily functions, including progressive paralysis - first of the hindlimbs and then the forelimbs. In one study, 2% of GSDs presented to U.S. veterinary teaching hospitals were affected.
German Shepherds are "the breed" for immune-mediated disorders. A deranged immune process can commonly affect nearly every organ system of this breed. The immune system commonly attacks: the thyroid gland, the pancreas, the eyes, the GI tract, muscles, and joints. Other tissues are also fair game in the GSD. Hypothyroidism is very common in GSDs and is a lack of thyroid hormone due to destruction of the thyroid gland. Common signs are weight gain, lethargy, thinned haircoat, and skin infections.
Germen Shepherds are at risk for developing diabetes, which is a serious disease. It is also a sad fact that almost all diabetic dogs will soon be blinded by secondary cataracts. In addition to veterinary care and proper diet, specific nutritional supplementation can help support diabetic dogs, and also help prevent formation of secondary cataracts.
Care Information for Your German Shepherd
Caring for your German Shepherd is more than just a routine - it's a healthy lifestyle that is will reap great rewards for you and your dog. Given the multitude of health problems in the breed, you must be watchful and monitor for any abnormal behavior/health concerns. See your veterinarian early, rather than later. Wellness is the key to good health in your dog!
