Guide to German Shepherd Care (Most Dog Parents Ignore This)

Published: 01 Jan 2025

German shepherds were originally bred in Germany in the late 1800s to herd sheep and protect livestock, They quickly became famous in police, military, and rescue work for their sharp minds and versatility. Proper care is essential to keeping these intelligent and loyal dogs happy and healthy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to ensure your German Shepherd is happy.

Let’s get started!

Table of Content

Daily Exercise Needs
Common Diet Mistakes German Shepherd Owners Make
Grooming: Keeping Your German Shepherd Clean and Healthy
General Health Care Of GSD
Living with a German Shepherd - The Bonding
Daily Basics In Short
Tail End Thoughts

Daily Exercise Needs

German Shepherds are full of energy, so they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. If you’re bringing one into your home, here are some great ways to keep them active:

Daily Walks: A regular walk helps them burn off energy and stay fit.

Fetch: Throwing a ball or toy to let your GSD run and play will help strengthen their body.

Tug-of-War: This game uses their muscles and provides fun interaction.

Agility Training: Set up an obstacle course to challenge them mentally and physically.

Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys or training sessions can keep their mind sharp.

Consistency is important! When you make exercise a part of their daily routine, your German Shepherd will be a well-behaved family member.

What are German Shepherd Diet Needs?
A healthy diet is one of the most important factors in keeping your German Shepherd in top shape. These dogs are active and need the right balance of nutrients to maintain their energy, build strong muscles, and support overall health. High-Quality Protein: They need protein to build and maintain their muscle mass. Look for food with meat (like chicken, beef, or lamb) as the first ingredient. Protein also helps keep their immune system strong. Healthy Fats Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for their skin, coat, and brain. These healthy fats help reduce inflammation, promote a shiny coat, and support cognitive function. Look for foods that contain fish oils or flaxseed. Carbohydrates for Energy: German Shepherds are energetic, so they need plenty of carbs to fuel their activities. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and sweet potatoes are great options. However, carbs should be balanced—too many carbs can lead to weight gain. Vitamins and Minerals: Your dog needs a variety of vitamins and minerals for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. A good quality dog food should contain the right balance of these nutrients. Water: Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water. Proper hydration is key for digestion, joint health, and energy levels.

What are German Shepherd Diet Needs?

A healthy diet is one of the most important factors in keeping your German Shepherd in top shape. These dogs are active and need the right balance of nutrients to maintain their energy, build strong muscles, and support overall health.

High-Quality Protein: They need protein to build and maintain their muscle mass. Look for food with meat (like chicken, beef, or lamb) as the first ingredient. Protein also helps keep their immune system strong.
Healthy Fats Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for their skin, coat, and brain. These healthy fats help reduce inflammation, promote a shiny coat, and support cognitive function. Look for foods that contain fish oils or flaxseed.
Carbohydrates for Energy: German Shepherds are energetic, so they need plenty of carbs to fuel their activities. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and sweet potatoes are great options. However, carbs should be balanced—too many carbs can lead to weight gain.
Vitamins and Minerals: Your dog needs a variety of vitamins and minerals for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. A good quality dog food should contain the right balance of these nutrients.
Water: Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water. Proper hydration is key for digestion, joint health, and energy levels.

Common Diet Mistakes German Shepherd Owners Make


Overfeeding Fact: German Shepherds are large dogs, but they can easily become overweight by overfeeding. Obesity increases the risk of joint problems, heart disease, and a shorter lifespan. Mistake: Many owners overestimate the amount of food their dogs need, thinking they should always be fed as much as they want. Portion control is important. Solution: Follow your vet’s recommendations for portion sizes based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Measure their food and avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day). Feeding Low-Quality Food Fact: Most Low-quality dog foods contain fillers like corn and soy, which don’t provide the nutrients your dog needs to thrive. These ingredients can lead to digestive issues or weight gain. Mistake: Some owners make the mistake of buying cheaper dog food without checking the ingredient list, thinking it’s all the same. Advice: Choose a high-quality dog food brand that shows real meat as the first ingredient and doesn’t have unnecessary fillers. Consult with your vet for recommendations. Not Adjusting Diet for Life Stages Fact: Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs. A puppy’s growing body needs more protein, while older dogs may need fewer calories to avoid weight gain. Mistake: Some owners don’t change their dog’s food as they age, feeding a puppy diet to an adult or senior dog. Solution: Choose a food that matches your German Shepherd’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Puppies need high protein, while seniors might need food that supports joint health and weight management. Neglecting Special Health Needs Fact: German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and allergies. Their diet should be adjusted to support joint health and skin. Mistake: Owners may not address their dog’s specific health issues through diet, such as feeding food that worsens skin problems or doesn’t support joint health. Solution: Look for dog food that contains joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs with hip dysplasia. For skin issues, choose food with Omega-3 fatty acids or consult your vet for food allergies. Treat Overload Fact: Treats are a fun way to reward your dog, but they can add extra calories and contribute to weight gain if given too frequently. Mistake: Owners often give too many treats or use them as a substitute for balanced meals. Solution: Limit treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Use healthy, low-calorie treats, and consider using part of your dog’s daily food ration as a reward. By providing your German Shepherd with a balanced diet tailored to their needs, you’ll support their long-term health and happiness. It’s always a good idea to check in with your vet regularly to ensure your dog’s diet is on track and to make adjustments as they age. Tip: If you’re ever unsure about what to feed your German Shepherd, your vet is the best source of advice. They can help you choose the right food based on your dog’s age, activity level, and health conditions. Keep an eye on their weight, and adjust their food as needed based on their activity levels.

Overfeeding

Fact: German Shepherds are large dogs, but they can easily become overweight by overfeeding. Obesity increases the risk of joint problems, heart disease, and a shorter lifespan.
Mistake: Many owners overestimate the amount of food their dogs need, thinking they should always be fed as much as they want. Portion control is important.
Solution: Follow your vet’s recommendations for portion sizes based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Measure their food and avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day).

Feeding Low-Quality Food

Fact: Most Low-quality dog foods contain fillers like corn and soy, which don’t provide the nutrients your dog needs to thrive. These ingredients can lead to digestive issues or weight gain.
Mistake: Some owners make the mistake of buying cheaper dog food without checking the ingredient list, thinking it’s all the same.
Advice: Choose a high-quality dog food brand that shows real meat as the first ingredient and doesn’t have unnecessary fillers. Consult with your vet for recommendations.

Not Adjusting Diet for Life Stages

Fact: Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs. A puppy’s growing body needs more protein, while older dogs may need fewer calories to avoid weight gain.
Mistake: Some owners don’t change their dog’s food as they age, feeding a puppy diet to an adult or senior dog.
Solution: Choose a food that matches your German Shepherd’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Puppies need high protein, while seniors might need food that supports joint health and weight management.

Neglecting Special Health Needs

Fact: German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and allergies. Their diet should be adjusted to support joint health and skin.
Mistake: Owners may not address their dog’s specific health issues through diet, such as feeding food that worsens skin problems or doesn’t support joint health.
Solution: Look for dog food that contains joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs with hip dysplasia. For skin issues, choose food with Omega-3 fatty acids or consult your vet for food allergies.

Treat Overload

Fact: Treats are a fun way to reward your dog, but they can add extra calories and contribute to weight gain if given too frequently.
Mistake: Owners often give too many treats or use them as a substitute for balanced meals.
Solution: Limit treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Use healthy, low-calorie treats, and consider using part of your dog’s daily food ration as a reward.

By providing your German Shepherd with a balanced diet tailored to their needs, you’ll support their long-term health and happiness. It’s always a good idea to check in with your vet regularly to ensure your dog’s diet is on track and to make adjustments as they age.

Tip: If you’re ever unsure about what to feed your German Shepherd, your vet is the best source of advice. They can help you choose the right food based on your dog’s age, activity level, and health conditions. Keep an eye on their weight, and adjust their food as needed based on their activity levels.

Grooming: Keeping Your German Shepherd Clean and Healthy

German Shepherds have thick, double-layered coats that require regular grooming to stay healthy and comfortable. Their beautiful fur can shed a lot, so it’s important to keep up with grooming to prevent mats, tangles, and excessive shedding. Here’s what you need to do about grooming your German Shepherd.

Brushing: The Basics

How Often: German Shepherds shed year-round, with heavier shedding during spring and fall. Brush your dog at least 2-3 times a week to remove loose fur and prevent mats. During shedding seasons, daily brushing may be necessary.
Tools to Use: Use a slicker brush or a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair from the undercoat. A regular comb can help remove tangles from the top coat.
Brushing Tips: Be gentle around sensitive areas like their ears, belly, and legs. Always brush in the direction of the fur growth to avoid discomfort.

Bathing: Keeping Them Fresh

Frequency: You don’t need to bathe your German Shepherd too often. Bathing once every 2-3 months is usually enough unless they get very dirty.

Shampoo: Use a dog-specific shampoo to keep their coat shiny and their skin healthy. Avoid human shampoo, as it can irritate their skin.

Drying: After bathing, make sure to dry them thoroughly with a towel or a blow dryer on a low setting. German Shepherds can get cold easily, so ensure they’re fully dry before going outside.

Ear Care: Keeping Ears Clean and Healthy

Check Regularly: Because of their floppy ears, they can trap dirt and moisture in the ears, leading to infections. Check their ears weekly for signs of redness, wax buildup, or bad odor.
Cleaning: If their ears look dirty, use a dog-friendly ear cleaner and a soft cotton ball to gently wipe the inside of the ear. Never insert anything into the ear canal.

Nail Care: Trim Those Nails

How Often: German Shepherds’ nails grow quickly and should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks. If you hear their nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim.

How to Trim: Use dog nail clippers to carefully trim the tips of their nails. Be cautious not to cut into the quick (the pink part inside the nail), as it can bleed and cause pain.

Alternative: If you’re not comfortable trimming their nails, you can take them to a groomer or vet for professional nail care.

General Health Care Of GSD

Taking care of your German Shepherd’s health is vital for a long, happy life. Regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care will help keep them in top shape and catch any potential issues early. Here’s how to make sure your dog stays healthy.

Regular Vet Check-ups

Frequency: Bring your German Shepherd to the vet at least once a year for a check-up. Puppies may need more frequent visits, and senior dogs (7 years and older) might need bi-annual check-ups.
What Happens: During these visits, the vet will check your dog’s overall health, weight, and vital signs. They’ll also check for signs of illness and answer any questions you might have.

Vaccinations

Why They’re Important: Vaccines protect your German Shepherd from harmful diseases like rabies, parvovirus, and distemper. Keeping up with vaccinations is key to their health.

Schedule: Puppies will have a vaccination schedule that starts at 6-8 weeks of age. After that, adult dogs need annual boosters to stay protected.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Why It’s Necessary: Fleas and ticks can cause serious problems, including skin infections and Lyme disease. Using preventive treatments will help avoid these issues.
What to Use: Ask your vet about the best flea and tick prevention products. Options include topical treatments, oral medications, or collars that repel pests.

Dental Health

Why It Matters: Dental issues are common in dogs and can lead to bad breath, tooth loss, and even heart disease. Regular care is essential to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

How to Care: Brush your dog’s teeth a few times a week using dog-specific toothpaste and brushes. You can also offer dental chews to help clean their teeth and keep their gums healthy.

Living with a German Shepherd – The Bonding

Living with a German Shepherd is a rewarding experience, but it comes with responsibilities. These dogs are loyal, intelligent, and active, so they need daily care and bonding time to thrive.

Daily Basics In Short

Feeding: Feed your German Shepherd a balanced diet suited to their age, size, and activity level. Most adult German Shepherds eat 2 meals a day. Puppies may need 3 smaller meals.
Exercise: As an active breed, German Shepherds need regular exercise to stay healthy and avoid boredom. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily, like walking, running, or playing.
Routine: Keep a consistent daily routine. Dogs feel more secure when they know what to expect, such as when to eat, go for walks, and rest.

Tail End Thoughts

German Shepherds are incredible companions—intelligent, loyal, and full of energy. But to ensure they live a happy, healthy life, it is important to provide them with the right care and attention. From regular grooming and exercise to socializing and bonding, every aspect of their care contributes to their overall well-being.