| Often the German Shepherd is a very healthy breed | | | | Taking your dog to the veterinarian on a regular basis |
| that is capable to living an average of 12 to 16 years. | | | | is the best way to care for your German Shepherd. |
| For those with a well-bred German Shepherd it is | | | | All vaccinations should be current and you should |
| unlikely that they will have any major health problems. | | | | have a regular physical and health exam done. It is |
| However, all German Shepherds are susceptible to | | | | best to choose a veterinarian that is familiar with the |
| certain health conditions. This includes Canine Hip | | | | health problems specific to a German Shepherd and |
| Dysphasia or CHD in which the skeleton has a | | | | can deal with any specific hereditary disease of the |
| developmental problem and the femur doesn't sit | | | | breed. |
| correctly within the hip socket. Another condition is | | | | Maintaining good German Shepherd health relies |
| Von Willebrand's Disease, which is a blood disease | | | | greatly on diet. An adult German Shepherd can eat at |
| that affects the ability to the dog's blood to form | | | | least forty pounds of dry food a month, although this |
| clots. Without proper care and regular baths a | | | | amount can change for a dog with a higher |
| German Shepherd can also develop skin allergies. | | | | metabolism or a dog with an increased activity level. |
| An important part of caring for your German | | | | For example, a younger dog that is more active will |
| Shepherd's health is a balanced diet. You need to give | | | | require more fuel in the form of food than an older |
| them fresh food in order for them to have a long | | | | dog or one that is more inactive. |
| and happy life. Fresh meats such a turkey, chicken | | | | Most owners choose to feed a high quality |
| and beef are okay. Although you should also mix in | | | | commercial food and then supplement it two to |
| some vegetables, rice and eggs for a balanced diet. | | | | three times a week with a little bit of meat. Again |
| By feeding a good and healthy diet, brushing the | | | | the amount of food you feed depends on the dog's |
| teeth as often as possible, regular grooming and | | | | activity level but most will take two cups of food a |
| providing plenty of exercise and attention you can | | | | day and you should take away any uneaten portions |
| make sure you keep your German Shepherd in | | | | after thirty minutes. |
| excellent health. In order to spot any common | | | | You want a food that will be high in protein so it |
| German Shepherd health conditions before they | | | | should focus on lamb, fish or chicken rather than |
| become serious it is a good idea to perform a | | | | wheat, rice or corn. Meat based foods will benefit |
| weekly home health exam. This can also help you to | | | | your German Shepherd in the long run even though |
| easily detect any changes that can occur due to | | | | they are more expensive. It is also best to avoid |
| injury, disease or dog related emergencies because | | | | feeding your dog anything that has additives if |
| you will be aware of your dog's body. | | | | possible. |