A dog renowned for its intelligence and courage, the German Shepherd is highly valued as a working dog or companion dog. However, behind this robust-looking dog hides several diseases, often of a genetic nature. If you are planning to adopt a German Shepherd or if you already have one, it is important for you to be aware of these diseases. Here is a list.

Genetic diseases that can affect the German Shepherd

Glaucoma and hip dysplasia are among the genetic illnesses that German Shepherds are prone to.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can be very painful for your dog. This disease is caused by increased pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma is very dangerous for your dog because it can cause partial or total loss of sight in just 48 hours.

Hip dysplasia, on the other hand, is a malformation of the hip that causes limping in dogs and reduced movement. This disease, characteristic of large dogs, can develop into osteoarthritis. To avoid this, your German Shepherd needs a quality diet and not do too much physical exercise.

Bacterial diseases that German Shepherds can suffer from

Leptospirosis is one of the bacterial diseases that can affect your German Shepherd. It is hazardous and can be transmitted to humans. The symptoms of the disease are hemorrhagic diarrhea, jaundice, or kidney failure. In some cases, the dog may vomit blood. Fortunately, a vaccine exists to prevent the disease. Do not wait to consult your veterinarian.

Another bacterial disease that German Shepherds are prone to be brucellosis. This bacterial infection can also be transmitted to humans. It is characterized by an infection of the dog’s genital tract. If a pregnant German Shepherd female has it, she may miscarry. Brucellosis can also be the cause of your dog’s sterility.

Viral illnesses that can affect your German Shepherd

Several viruses are harmful to the health of your German Shepherd. One of them is the one that causes distemper. Similar to measles in humans, distemper causes coughing, runny nose, sneezing, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Once affected by this disease, your dog will also have a high fever. A vaccine exists to prevent this fatal disease. It should be injected into young dogs.

Another viral illness that can affect your German Shepherd is also parvovirus which manifests as bloody diarrhea. A vaccine exists for this form of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis which can be fatal for your German Shepherd.

German Shepherd Parasitic Diseases

Parasites are the eternal problems of dogs. In the German Shepherd, they can be the cause of several diseases, including pododermatitis and mange. A mite causes this. This mite lays its eggs in the skin of your dog, under which it has dug galleries. The skin in question then turns red. Very painful for your animal, scabies must be treated as soon as possible. Pododermatitis, on the other hand, presents as sores between your dog’s paws. It is caused by fungi proliferating due to humidity. Your dog will then find it difficult to move because his paws hurt.

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