Common Health Concerns for German Shepherds and Shepherd Mixes

Hi, fellow Shepherd lover!

As your veterinarian, we’re here to help you keep your German Shepherd or Shepherd Mix happy and healthy for years to come! GSDs are smart, loyal dogs, but they’re also prone to certain health issues that every owner should be aware of. Here are the top five concerns and how we can help detect them early:

1. Bone & Joint Issues 

German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, where the hip joints don’t develop properly, leading to instability and abnormal wear over time. They are also at risk for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, a common injury that can cause sudden pain and limping. These joint problems often progress to arthritis, a chronic condition that causes stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility, especially as your GSD gets older. 

Early screening, diagnosis, and proper management are essential to help your German Shepherd stay active, comfortable, and enjoy a good quality of life. 

How we can help: 

• Physical Examination – We carefully observe your GSD’s movement, including how they walk, sit, and stand. During the exam, we also assess range of motion in the joints and perform gentle palpation to check for pain, stiffness, swelling, or abnormal joint movement, all of which can be early signs of joint disease. 
• Genetic testing – Since hip dysplasia often has a hereditary component, genetic screening can help identify whether your GSD is at increased risk, assisting with early intervention. 
• X-rays – X-rays allow us to see the internal structure of the joints, helping us identify abnormalities in bone development, joint alignment, and early arthritic changes that may not be visible on the outside. 
• Medical Management – For dogs diagnosed with joint issues, we often recommend a combination of joint supplements, prescription diets, pain medications, and physical therapy. These treatments can slow disease progression, manage discomfort, and improve your GSD’s quality of life. 
• Surgical Intervention – In more advanced or severe cases of joint disease or injury, surgery may be the most effective option to significantly reduce pain, improve joint function, and help your dog return to a more active, comfortable life. 

2. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

German Shepherds are prone to degenerative myelopathy (DM), a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord, leading to weakness and loss of coordination in the hind legs. This condition typically appears in middle-aged to older dogs and gradually worsens over time, eventually causing difficulty walking, stumbling, and even paralysis if untreated. 

Early detection and management are crucial to help slow progression and maintain your GSD’s mobility and quality of life for as long as possible. 

How we can help: 

• Physical Examination – We closely observe your Shepherd’s gait, balance, and coordination. During the exam, we check for signs like hind limb weakness, muscle wasting, or changes in reflexes that could indicate neurological issues. 
• Genetic Testing – Since DM has a strong genetic link in German Shepherds, testing can identify if your dog carries the gene associated with this disease. This information helps with early diagnosis and breeding decisions. 
• Neurological Assessment – In some cases, additional neurological exams or advanced imaging (like MRI) may be recommended to rule out other causes of weakness and confirm the diagnosis. 
• Medical and Supportive Management – While there is currently no cure for DM, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and assistive devices (like harnesses or carts) can help maintain mobility and improve quality of life. Anti-inflammatory medications or supplements may also be used to support nerve health. 
• Ongoing Monitoring – Regular follow-ups allow us to track your dog’s condition, adjust treatments, and provide support as the disease progresses. 

3. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV) 

German Shepherds are at risk for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, trapping gas and cutting off blood flow. This can cause rapid swelling, severe pain, shock, and requires immediate emergency treatment. 

Because GDV progresses quickly, recognizing early signs and acting fast is critical to saving your dog’s life. 

How we can help: 

• Recognizing Symptoms – Watch for signs like a swollen or distended abdomen, unproductive vomiting, restlessness, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, or collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
• Emergency Care – GDV is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment involves stabilizing your dog, decompressing the stomach, and often emergency surgery to untwist the stomach and prevent recurrence. 
• Ongoing Monitoring – After recovery, regular checkups help monitor your dog’s health and prevent future episodes. 
• Preventive Measures – Feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding exercise before and after meals, and using slow feeder bowls can help reduce risk. In GSDs, we often recommend a surgical procedure called gastropexy, which is when we tack the stomach in place and prevent twisting. 

4. Pancreatic Enzyme Issues (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, EPI) 

German Shepherds are predisposed to Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), a condition where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to poor nutrient absorption. Without these enzymes, food isn’t properly digested, which can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and increased appetite despite eating normally. 

Early diagnosis and proper management are essential to help your GSD maintain a healthy weight and good quality of life. 

How we can help: 

• Physical Examination – We evaluate your dog’s overall condition, including body weight, coat quality, and signs of digestive issues such as diarrhea or poor muscle condition. 
• Blood tests – We begin with baseline bloodwork to assess overall organ function and rule out other potential causes of symptoms. Following this, more specific blood tests measuring pancreatic enzyme levels are performed to confirm a diagnosis of EPI. 
• Dietary Management – Supplementing with pancreatic enzymes and feeding highly digestible prescription diets help your dog absorb nutrients properly. 
• Long Term Support – We perform regular monitoring and make adjustments to treatment to ensure your German Shepherd stays healthy and comfortable. 

5. Allergies and Skin Problems 

German Shepherds’ beautiful coats and upright ears are part of their iconic look, but these features can also make them prone to certain health issues like ear infections and skin problems. Dirt and debris can accumulate in their ears, leading to infections if not cleaned regularly. Their thick double coat can sometimes make their skin sensitive, especially in warm or humid weather, causing irritation, hot spots, or allergic reactions. 

If your GSD is scratching at their ears or skin, shaking their head, licking or chewing at certain areas, or seems generally uncomfortable, it might be time for a check-up. Redness, odor, discharge, scabs, or hair loss are all signs that something’s not right.

How we can help: 

• Skin / Ear Cytology – We examine samples under a microscope to check for infections like bacteria, yeast, or mites. This helps us choose the most effective medication based on what’s actually causing the problem. 
• Culture Testing – This goes a step further than cytology. It helps us identify the exact type of bacterial or fungal infection that’s making your GSD uncomfortable and determines which medications will work best to treat it. 
• Allergy Tests – Blood or skin testing can reveal environmental allergy triggers. This helps us tailor your German Shepherd’s diet and develop a personalized allergy treatment plan. 
• Food Trials – If we suspect a food allergy, we may try different diets to determine if food is the underlying issue. 
• Medications – We provide options for both immediate relief and long-term management of skin and ear issues related to allergies or infections. 

We’re here to care for your GSD or Shepherd Mix like one of our own. Schedule a visit today so we can work together to keep your loyal, energetic companion happy, healthy, and thriving. Give us a call at (954) 473-8090 or book an appointment here!