The ever-loyal German shepherd consistently ranks at the top of the most popular dog breeds and is celebrated for its impressive balance of power and grace. With its confident demeanour, this protective breed is eager to please and quick to learn. These large dogs are steadfastly loyal.
These dogs are hardly ever spotted lazing around. They are high-energy, active and playful dogs. However, in Indian Climate they become high-maintenance dogs and require additional care due to their less heat tolerance and double coat.
German shepherds require a good balance of vitamins, proteins, fats and carbohydrates in their diet. They should not be fed normal Indian food, especially with spices because…….. The best diet would be duck dog food, any other dog food, fruits, eggs or chicken and rice (We recommend red meat over chicken as it is easier to digest in the Indian climate). While buying dog food, please ensure that it is high-quality food with a minimum of 27% protein as it’s needed to maintain their super active lifestyle. It is best to feed them 3 times a day from the age of 8-12 weeks and twice per day thereafter.
German shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs and require the exercise of about 2-3 hours per day. This should include walks and off-leash exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. Avoid taking them out between 12-4 P.M. in summer as they could get a heat stroke.
The recommended temperature to keep your pooch in is 30 degrees Celsius or less. In summer make sure to keep them in air-conditioned rooms. Also, ensure that they have access to cool and clean drinking water throughout the day. We also recommend reducing their intake of chicken during the hot summer months as it can cause excessive hair fall and skin allergies. If you think that your pooch is feeling hot, you can feed them cold yoghurt or even ice and sprinkle some cold water on them. If your pooch is sleeping throughout the day during summer, do not disturb them as sleeping helps them reduce heat stress.
German Shepherds are more prone to health issues in India like:
- Skin issues are usually caused by a mite infestation
- Food allergies. These dogs should not be fed normal Indian food and need a proper diet.
- Hip Dysplasia i.e., abnormal formation of the hip socket, can occur in these dogs if not bought/adopted from a reputable breeder.
- A few other ailments that are usually seen in these breeds are diabetes, Haemophilia i.e., inherited blood clotting disorders etc
German Shepherds are beautiful dogs. Living with them is a wonderful and rewarding experience. So, if you are planning to get a pup or already have one take extra care and pay more attention to them. Also, ensure to follow the above-mentioned points as not only will they help in keeping your pup healthy but also happy and energetic!
