Common diseases of the German Shepherd

What are the most common diseases of German shepherds?

Each dog tends to tend to possible health problems concrete of each race. The German shepherd tends to a number of certain diseases both genetic, such as viral, parasitic and bacterial. In addition, they usually have (usually when they are older) certain general ailments Typical in this type of dog. Find out what these pathologies are and how they can be prevented, so that your dog enjoys good health and lives the best he can.

Genetic or inherited diseases of the German shepherd

• Glaucoma: It is an eye pain, in which, the dog rubs it with the paw, or against something for relief. Intraocular pressure is increasing and this hurts. When the pupil is opaque and dilated, it is a clear symptom. The ailment is treated by surgery. This disease can be detected at 2 or 3 years of age.
• Hip dysplasia: It is a congenital inherited disease, it is inflammation and pain in the joint between the hip and the femur of the dog. This produces limp and decalcification of the bones. When he lies down it is difficult to get up. It is combatible by controlling the diet and restricting exercise.

Bacterial diseases of the German shepherd

• Canine Brucellosis: It is an infectious and contagious disease that affects dogs, caused by the intake of infectious waste and also transmitted by sex. In males it produces testicular inflammation and sterility and in pregnant females it produces abortions. It is treated by antibiotics.
• Mastitis: Inflammation of the mammary glands that affects females. The treatment varies depending on the severity, although it is always treated with antibiotics.
• Leptospirosis: It is produced by drinking water contaminated with rat urine (puddles, stagnant waters …). The symptoms are: Cough, fever, vomiting, muscle pain and respiratory problems. There are preventive vaccines.
• Pyramid: Infectious disease characterized by the presence of pus inside the female uterus. The most common treatment used to cure canine pymetra is surgical.

Parasitic diseases of the German shepherd

• Scabies: They can be two types of mange, demodectic mange or sarcopathic mange. Both should be treated by the veterinarian. Intense hygiene should be done at home, especially in areas where the dog is most.
• Pododesmatitis: This parasitic disease causes sores, pus, pain when walking … caused by excess moisture. It must be treated by the veterinarian.

Is my German shepherd going to suffer from all this or several things from these?

• It doesn’t have to. You may enjoy a healthy life and only have the typical old-age health problems at an advanced age, they may even be very subtle in some cases. But we should not rule out the possibility of these diseases and pathologies, since they are usually the most common In this breed of dog.

How to prevent these diseases and health problems in German shepherds?

• Take your German shepherd to the veterinarian regularly for vaccinations, reviews and deworming periodic.
• Provide one Quality food and a comfortable home where it doesn’t pass cold or heat.
• A good hygiene of their food and water dishes daily and a Clean home and tidy.
• Show affection and take him for a walk and exercise regularly.
• Acquire an animal with guarantees: Demand a certificate that indicates the absence of dysplasia in the parents of the puppy, although this does not ensure the absence of problems in our new friend 100%.
• Any questions or concerns call or visit your veterinarian.