What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are smart and easy to train and are natural workers. They need lots of exercise and are awed by adventures.
They naturally protect their owners, and so early socialization is crucial to teach them that animals and humans aren't threats. They can be afraid in unfamiliar environments.
Eyes
German Shepherds usually have brown eyes, however they may also have blue eyes. It is a genetic variation. Both parents must have recessive genes that allow their puppies to be born with blue eyes. However, the colour of a dog's eyes does not mean how healthy that dog is.
In general German Shepherds have healthy eyes and no genetic illnesses are related to their eye color. They can, however, be afflicted by a variety of health issues that are common to all dogs. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. Screening preventive can help avoid these conditions.
Blue eyes are not uncommon in other dog breeds However, they are uncommon in purebred German Shepherds. In reality, it's usually a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder which adheres to strict breeding standards and practices. It is more likely that the puppy is a mix breed, with an extensive amount of Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
Although it is a rare genetic condition, it is not uncommon for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown. This is a condition known as heterochromia, and it may be a sign of an issue with the health of the dog.
Cataracts are a different issue that is common among German Shepherds. They are characterized by areas of opaqueness on the surface of the cornea or in the deeper layers of the cornea. These can cause a loss of sight or hinder the ability to detect light. This can be easily prevented by limiting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to and urging it to spend as much time inside as is possible. It can also be treated using prescription medications or a specific pair of doggie sunglasses.
Ears
When it is time to talk about the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are easily recognizable. Though the ear's appearance is largely determined by genetics, it may be influenced by the environment and care. It is normal for your dog's ears to drop or flip over while teething. It usually happens between 16 to 20 weeks, after which the pup will be strong enough to keep his ears up. The outer layer of skin that covers the ear and the inner cartilage are joined by muscles which allow it to move.
If you notice that your German Shepherd's ear is always down, it could be a sign of an ear infection or physical trauma. Drooping ears are often caused by ear infections. The signs include itching, swelling and discharge.
Keep your German Shepherd's ear clear to avoid ear infections. Bathing your German Shepherd too often can eliminate the natural oils that keep his ears healthy. Try to bathe him only when required. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than two times per week. Keep the ear of your dog moist by taking it out to soak in water from time to time.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears may be suffering from an ear mite infection. These tiny parasites are usually found in the open air, and can lead to itching, irritation, swelling and drooping of the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has a sloppy ear, you can encourage them to stand by tying them with a small amount of vet's or medical tape. It is recommended to do this with the help of a dog trainer who is experienced or vet. Many dogs will have their ears raised in no time after you tape them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that has an undercoat that is soft and fluffy and a thick outer layer. The breed sheds throughout the year and requires regular brushing to keep its appearance. GSDs have a thick, soft undercoat that protects the skin from the elements and is covered by longer guard hairs, which can be straight or waving. Guard hairs could be between two and four inches and can also include feathering on the ear and chest, as well as the bottom line, as well as the back of the thighs. The long stock-coat resembles the wolf, with tufts of hair in the ears and feathers on the feet. Plush coats are a medium-length coat that is preferred for the show ring. They have a fuller and softer coat, with more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in various colors and patterns. This includes the classic black-andtan color everyone is familiar with and other shades such a blues, livers, and Fawns. Another variation that is popular is the sable pattern. This pattern is comprised of lighter and darker hairs mixed together to create a wolflike appearance on the body. Solid-color GSDs are also popular as are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD is also known for its strength, agility and stealth, which makes it the ideal police and military dog. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a great family companion as well. German Shepherds can be a large breed that is extremely protective of their family however, they are also calm enough to be able to get with other pets, cats and livestock. GSDs usually receive Schutzhund training which is a type or protection exercise that is designed to deter criminal activity.
Weight
Puppy puppies are small and fragile when they are born when they are dependent on their mother for food. At this stage, puppies have a small appetite but they can gain up to 2 pounds at the end of their neonatal phase.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be open, curious and willing to make advances towards everyone and all things. He or she will play with littermates, but might also choose one or two of them and assert their dominance over other puppies. These behaviors are typical for a well-bred pup.
When a puppy is around three weeks old, you can start feeding your puppy solid food, such as raw ground beef. It's usually a smooth transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to master how to consume this food and are usually eager.
By the time your German Shepherd is four months old, the rapid growth should be mostly over and the dog will be focusing on getting larger and developing adult teeth. You must make sure that your puppy is eating enough calories, especially when they are eating a diet of raw meat.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia in the adult. They are also at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal cord disorder. Certain dogs exhibit signs such as dragging their back feet or refusing to climb or jump on stairs. Some dogs may suffer from more than one disease and require treatment through physical therapy, medication or surgery.
Another issue that could be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, specifically heart disease that is dilated and valvular. A veterinarian can detect these conditions by listening to the dog's heart with an stethoscope, and taking x-rays of the chest.
Read Homepage can suffer from certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy or genetic problems. These ailments are exacerbated by excessive exercise and obesity. These ailments can be treated by buying your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a consistent feeding schedule, and avoiding foods high in sugar, salt, and fat.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutritious, containing plenty of protein as well as essential fatty acids. Puppy dogs require up to 10% fat in their food to help them grow and development. Fats are also a key energy source, providing more than twice the energy content of proteins or carbohydrates. The fatty acid composition of the diet should be a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish oils, flaxseed, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are crucial to the health of your German Shepherd puppy. This is especially true for hepatitis, and parvovirus. These vaccinations will also shield your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory illnesses which can be caused by these diseases.
A German Shepherd's immune system is senile, and they are susceptible to allergies, specifically to flea bites and food. They can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or weight loss. To avoid this, feed your dog a high-quality food that is easy to digest and avoid table food or human food as well as treats that are high in fat or sodium.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancer, particularly older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich organs such as the heart and spleen, is one frequent type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone and intestinal cancers. German Shepherds are also affected by lymphoma. This is especially true of multicentric lymphoma which causes multiple lymph nodes to expand around the body.