Your German Shepherd can’t tell you when something’s wrong, but they do communicate through their behavior. Knowing the signs that your dog needs a check-up can make all the difference in catching health issues early.
From changes in appetite to unusual behavior, we’ll show you the key signs to look out for to ensure your German Shepherd gets the care they need. Let’s dive into the warning signs that may indicate it’s time for a visit to the vet.
1. Changes in Appetite or Water Consumption
German Shepherds typically maintain consistent eating habits. If your normally voracious eater suddenly becomes picky or loses interest in food, it’s time to pay attention. This change could indicate various issues, from dental problems to digestive disorders.
Increased appetite can be equally concerning, especially if accompanied by weight loss. This might suggest conditions like diabetes or hormonal imbalances that require professional evaluation.
Watch their water intake too. Excessive thirst or sudden disinterest in drinking could signal kidney issues, diabetes, or other underlying health concerns that need immediate attention.
2. Unusual Behavioral Changes
German Shepherds are known for their stable, confident personalities. When your usually social dog becomes withdrawn or aggressive, it might be their way of communicating discomfort or pain.
Excessive licking of specific body parts, reluctance to be touched in certain areas, or unusual restlessness can all be signs of underlying health issues. These behavioral changes often develop gradually, so keeping a mental note of your dog’s normal behavior is essential.
Remember that German Shepherds are naturally protective, but sudden aggressive behavior towards family members or other pets should never be dismissed as just a bad mood.
3. Mobility Issues or Reluctance to Exercise
As a highly active breed, German Shepherds should maintain consistent energy levels throughout their adult life. Any noticeable decrease in activity or reluctance to participate in usual exercise routines warrants attention.
Watch for subtle signs like difficulty getting up after rest, hesitation before jumping into the car, or reluctance to climb stairs. These could indicate hip dysplasia, a common condition in the breed, or other joint-related issues.
Early intervention in mobility problems can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life and prevent more severe complications down the line.
4. Changes in Coat Quality or Skin Conditions
While German Shepherds naturally shed year-round, unusual hair loss or changes in coat texture might indicate nutritional deficiencies or hormonal issues. A healthy coat should be thick, shiny, and free from bare patches.
Excessive scratching, hot spots, or skin redness shouldn’t be ignored. German Shepherds can develop allergies or skin infections that require professional treatment rather than over-the-counter remedies.
Regular grooming sessions are perfect opportunities to check for any unusual bumps, lumps, or skin changes that might need veterinary attention.
5. Digestive Issues or Changes in Bathroom Habits
Pay attention to any changes in your dog’s bathroom routine. Constipation, diarrhea lasting more than a day, or straining during elimination should prompt a vet visit.
German Shepherds can be prone to sensitive stomachs, but frequent vomiting or changes in stool consistency might indicate more serious digestive issues or parasites.
Changes in the frequency of urination, accidents in the house (especially in well-trained dogs), or signs of discomfort while urinating should never be ignored.
6. Respiratory Changes or Coughing
While German Shepherds might pant after exercise or in warm weather, any unusual breathing patterns should be noted. Listen for wheezing, persistent coughing, or labored breathing at rest.
Some German Shepherds can develop allergies or respiratory infections that manifest as coughing or excessive sneezing. These symptoms might seem minor but could indicate more serious conditions if left unchecked.
Remember that this breed can be susceptible to various respiratory conditions, so any persistent changes in breathing patterns warrant professional evaluation.
7. Eye and Ear Changes
Healthy German Shepherd eyes should be clear and bright. Any squinting, excessive tearing, redness, or cloudiness needs veterinary attention. This breed can be prone to various eye conditions that require early intervention.
Check their ears regularly for unusual odors, redness, or excessive wax buildup. German Shepherds’ upright ears actually make them less prone to ear infections than floppy-eared breeds, so any ear issues should be taken seriously.
Head shaking, ear scratching, or tilting might indicate ear infections or other problems that require professional treatment.
8. Changes in Weight or Body Condition
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for German Shepherds’ joint health and overall wellbeing. Sudden weight loss, despite normal eating habits, could indicate various health issues requiring investigation.
Similarly, rapid weight gain might suggest hormonal imbalances or other health concerns. Regular weighing and body condition assessments can help you spot concerning trends early.
Remember that a healthy German Shepherd should have a visible waist and you should be able to feel (but not see) their ribs.
9. Dental Issues or Bad Breath
While no dog has naturally minty-fresh breath, severely bad breath can indicate dental disease or other health issues. Regular dental checks should be part of your German Shepherd’s care routine.
Watch for signs of dental problems like excessive drooling, difficulty eating hard food, or pawing at the mouth. German Shepherds can be prone to dental issues that, if left untreated, can affect their overall health.
Yellow or brown teeth, bleeding gums, or loose teeth should prompt an immediate veterinary visit.
10. Age-Related Changes
As your German Shepherd enters their senior years (typically around 7-8 years), they may need more frequent health checks. Watch for signs of cognitive changes like confusion, anxiety, or altered sleep patterns.
Senior German Shepherds might show subtle signs of discomfort or reduced mobility that younger dogs wouldn’t experience. These changes shouldn’t be dismissed as “just getting old.”
Regular veterinary check-ups become even more crucial in their senior years to catch and address age-related health issues early.
Take Home Message
Your German Shepherd relies on you to be their health advocate. While these ten signs are important indicators of potential health issues, trust your instincts – you know your dog best. Regular veterinary check-ups, combined with your attentive observation, create the best foundation for maintaining your German Shepherd’s health and happiness. Remember that early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can save both money and worry in the long run. When in doubt, it’s always better to have a vet check that turns out to be nothing serious than to miss early signs of a developing health issue.
