Common Health Concerns for German Shepherds

German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds around the globe. They are easy to please, intelligent, and loyal. In addition, they are known to be excellent working dogs and serve various roles in our communities, from service animals to canine cops. It is crucial to understand the medical predispositions associated with German Shepherds so that you can make it easier to identify the signs early on. Below is a list of some of this breed’s most common health concerns.

Epilepsy – Seizures are the sudden onset of electrical disturbances in the brain that lead to convulsions. Epilepsy is a condition where dogs develop seizures for unknown reasons.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – Dysplasia is the abnormal development of a specific part of the body. In German Shepherds, it is possible to develop abnormal hip and elbow joints, or hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, respectively.

Pannus – This is an autoimmune condition that affects the eyes. It starts as pink tissue that stretches across the cornea’s surface, and the tissue eventually becomes inflamed. German Shepherds who work outside should have their eyes protected.

Degenerative Myelopathy – Degenerative Myelopathy is a spinal cord disease that gradually worsens over time, starting with the hind limbs and moving toward the forelimbs. Unfortunately, German Shepherds are the most common breeds affected.

Knowing the signs of these various illnesses can help you intervene and ensure that your German Shepherd is on track for better health. These dogs help humans in many ways with companionship and life tasks, so we must help them when they are sick (amongst other dogs). We recommend that you complete your research about German Shepherds’ most common health concerns.