GSDs are an intelligent, loyal, and highly protective breed of dogs. They have a keen sense of smell to help them search for drugs, bombs, people, and other required items. These German shepherds are so tough and resilient that they are primarily involved in incredible agility stunts now and then. However, since certain things are inevitable, so is the health of a German Shepherd.
Like any other dog breed, they can get sick or succumb to illnesses. And if left untreated for long, it may become life-threatening.
So, in the case of a German Shepherd getting sick, you cannot afford to take care of it by yourself because there are times when they become too weak to walk or even stand up. And without knowing the proper treatment, it’ll only worsen his health by leaving him under home care.
Looking for a healthy German Shepherd?
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Furthermore, this blog post will provide you with a brief understanding of how you should care for your German Shepherd when he’s sick. So let’s get started.
5 Easy Ways to Take care of a German Shepherd while he is sick!
1) Take your dog to the veterinarian.
Veterinarians can conduct a thorough check-up of your dog’s health condition and be able to make it better through proper treatment.
2) Stay close to your dog until he recovers
Your German Shepherd may become too weak for even essential activity, so it is a must for you to be there by his side until he can recover. Be their emotional support as this may make it easier for them to cope with this challenging phase.
3) Administer dog pain medications properly
The German Shepherd is one of the most resilient breeds in the entire canine species. Therefore, if they don’t feel any pain during the treatment, it’s a sign that you are not doing it correctly.
It would help if you gave them the prescribed dosage of painkillers so that their body adjusts the medication appropriately. If they continue to feel uncomfortable, add another dose or add another drug according to your vet’s instructions.
4) Check for sores
During sickness, the dog won’t move much, leading to soreness in that area due to constant lying. That part of its body may become stiff and cold. This may also cause an infection that may result in severe health. So when you suspect sores have been developing, it’s best to call your vet for advice immediately.
5) Feed him well
Your dog will usually lose appetite during sickness. This is the reason you should reward your dog with his favorite food. Also, make sure to hydrate the puppies in regular intervals.
Why does a German Shepherd fall sick?
German shepherds may fall sick often if they aren’t taken care of properly. So, if you have one at your home, make sure to consider these things to avoid getting him ill.
1) Lack of Physical Exercise:
Human beings and animals also require proper physical exercise to keep doing fine. And especially when it comes to German shepherds, they must get physical activity and agility training for an hour or two every day. Physical exercise is excellent for health and development.
2) Need for Dog Grooming:
As they are herding dogs, their coats need to be regularly brushed and groomed. This will keep them looking their best but also helps prevent mites, fleas, etc. From sticking to the fur that might cause health hazards to your dog.
3) Unhygienic lifestyle:
GSD is capable of detecting anything out of order around them. Also, try to provide him with a safe and healthy environment free of all hazardous substances like poisons and chemicals, which may also be harmful to his health.
4) Avoiding overfeeding:
You shouldn’t feed your German Shepherd much as it may cause indigestion and bloat, making him sick. So, please stick to the amount mentioned on the dog food package and never overdo it.
5) Avoid giving your dog raw meat and bones :
It’s best to avoid feeding him raw meat and chicken bones as it may result in intestinal blockages, which could prove life-threatening for your German Shepherd.
9 common signs of sickness in German shepherds
A few common signs indicate that your German Shepherd is sick. They include:
- Bloating
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloating
- Taking too much rest
- Epilepsy
- vomit
- diarrhea
- Diabetes
- loss of appetite
7 Things to Feed your Sick German Shepherd
There are certain foods that you may feed your German Shepherd when he’s not well. Let’s have a look at them below:
1) A cup full of the boiled liver keeps the GSD energized and strong throughout the day.
2) Feeding your dog boiled eggs can strengthen his immune system.
3) Boiled or steamed white rice with chicken breast is the best thing to feed your German Shepherd when sick. This is a complete meal for them which contains several nutrients and can improve his health condition to a great extent.
4) Canned fish like tuna and salmon are also good for your dog if he lacks protein and essential vitamins.
5) A bowl full of vitamin-rich soup is also a great choice to improve his immunity and health.
6) Green vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, etc., are also good to feed your German Shepherd when he’s sick.
7) Feed them small portions of yogurt to cure this indigestion and upset stomach. Also, make sure to keep the dogs hydrated.
Should we take the sick Black German Shepherd Puppies to the doctor or take care of him at home?
The right way to take care of a sick German shepherd puppies depends on his condition. If his disease is not that severe, you may consider treating him at home, whereas if he’s suffering from an adverse illness or struggling with some specific health issues, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
If you plan to take care of your dog at home, here are a few tips for you:
1) Place a cotton blanket over the floor and keep his favorite toys and feed bowl near him.
2)If he’s not eating food, try giving him some warm chicken broth or boiled liver.
3) To make sure that your dog is comfortable, place several pillows around him to elevate his body. This will help in relieving his pain and make him feel more relaxed.
4) Place a few drops of lavender oil on the cotton blanket as it will calm and relax your dog and keep him comfortable.
5) Keep checking his condition periodically to see if he’s feeling better or not. Also, if you notice that he’s getting worse, then visit the veterinary doctor as soon as possible.
Moreover, if you are looking to adopt purebred German shepherd pups, make sure to check their health score before making any final decision. If he’s not a healthy pup, it is best to get him a quick veterinarian check-up before he gets ill.
Moreover, if you are looking to adopt purebred German shepherd pups, make sure to check their health score before making any final decision. If he’s not a healthy pup, it is best to get him a quick veterinarian check-up before he gets ill.
Ending Note:
If you want to keep your German Shepherd healthy, they must get the proper nutrition and exercise. They also need a lot of love and attention because these dogs are like children in many ways. It may sound overwhelming at first, but we’ve provided plenty of helpful information on how to care for them through their various stages in life!
Remember, if you are looking for a healthy German Shepherd, Smith Farms German Shepherds are there for help. They can help you get the best purebred GSD puppies and adults at the best price! Also, they provide complete health updates about the dogs.
