Caring For A German Shepherd Husky Mix
Shepskies tend to be highly trainable, so an experienced dog owner should be able to train them at home using basic positive reinforcement training.
However, they arenât necessarily recommended for first-time owners, since their size and strength can make them difficult to handle if something does go wrong.
They are relatively large dogs and tend to have a lot of energy, which means they arenât ideal for apartment living or being left alone in small spaces.
Shepskies do best when they have a large backyard where they can spend their energy. Remember, they can be escape artists, which means they need a space that is securely fenced. Fences at least six feet tall are recommended.
In addition to having plenty of space, Shepskies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken outside at least twice a day for a minimum of 30-60 minutes at a time.
Dog parks where they can run around off-leash are ideal, as it lets them stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Just make sure they have been properly socialized before letting them loose.
These dogs enjoy human companionship, so they wonât like to be left at home for long periods of time. They are not ideal pets for people who spend most of the week in the office or traveling for work.
Expect your Shepsky to engage in destructive behavior when they are feeling the stress of abandonment.
German Shepherd Allergy Treatment And Management
Unfortunately, German shepherds are one of the breeds more susceptible to many allergens. Though all allergies can be treated, not all can be cured .
Like everything else medical, allergy treatment depends on the type of allergy.
Two general methods exist: medicinal treatment and environmental control. Sometimes a nice balance can be found managing between the two!
Why Is My Australian Shepherd So Itchy
Like us, dogs can have respiratory or digestive problems caused by allergies, but most likely they will itch when exposed to something they are allergic to. Allergic reactions are rarely fatal for dogs. Allergies are a persistent nuisance and, for some especially sensitive dogs, a source of ongoing misery.
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How Much To Feed Your German Shepherd
Portions that you feed to your canine buddy are very much dependent on his age as well as the quality of dog food you are using. You can expect that pups will grow rapidly in the first 12 months, so it is imperative that they get adequate portions of high quality formulations.
Puppies Up To Six Weeks
Ideally, six-week-old puppies should still be nursing in order to continue receiving nourishment from mineral-rich mothers milk. You would be hard pressed to find a dog food that can replicate or match the micro- and macro-nutrients as well as anti-bodies provided by a mothers milk at this stage.
Eight to 10 Weeks
At this stage, you can start weaning your pup off mothers milk and gradually introduce them to puppy food. An ideal puppy food is one that is 85% moisture as it prepares the puppies gut for the transition to solid food.
Puppies do not know how to regulate their food intake. For this reason, you should feed them up to four times a day with small portions of food.
12 Weeks
When your German shepherd puppies hit the 12-week mark, you slowly transition them from wet food to dry food. This process should also be gradual in order to avoid diarrhea and vomiting. Start with incorporating 10% dry food mixed with the wet food and gradually increase the percentage of dry food by 5% after every week. Continue to feed small portions four times a day.
14 weeks
Four Months
Eight Months
One Year
Worst: Saint Bernards And Bulldogs Are Known For Excessive Saliva
If youre allergic to dog saliva, steer clear of slobbery breeds of dogs like bulldogs and Saint Bernards. Both are known for excessive drooling. Regardless of the type of dog, it is best to refrain from letting the dog lick you if youre allergic. Also, soak slobbered-on chew toys in hot, soapy water at least once a week.
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How Many German Shepherd Mixes Are There
There are many German Shepherd mixes. German Shepherds are noted for their intelligence, loyalty, and urge to protect, so they are a popular parent breed for mixes.
The Dog Breed Info website provides a list of German Shepherd mixes. Unfortunately, many of them would be bad for people with allergies.
As already mentioned, German Shepherds tend to trigger allergic reactions in people. So do dogs like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.
Crossing a German Shepherd with either of these would produce a mix that would be just as likely to cause allergies as either parent breed.
The only way to produce a hypoallergenic German Shepherd mix is to cross a German Shepherd with a hypoallergenic dog like a Poodle. In fact, such a dog does exist.
The Shepadoodle is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Standard Poodle, which is the largest of the three poodles. It is the best-known and most common hypoallergenic German Shepherd mix.
Other German Shepherd mixes that might be hypoallergenic include the Sheptese and the German Yorkie Shepherd.
The Sheptese is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Maltese, while the German Yorkie Shepherd is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Yorkshire Terrier.
Some of the other terriers are also hypoallergenic, so crossing them with a German Shepherd could produce a hypoallergenic German Shepherd mix.
Best And Worst Dog Breeds For People With Allergies
Allergic to dogs and desperate for a furry friend? These dog breeds may be perfect for you.
What do you do when you love dogs, but you or a family member is allergic? You do what many people do: Get one of a number of dog breeds touted as hypoallergenic. Theyre described as the best types of dogs for people with dog allergies because they tend to shed less than other breeds.
Pet hair or pet dander is a common cause of allergic rhinitis, a chronic disease that affects 40 million to 60 million Americans and more than 600 million people worldwide. Commonly known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis happens when the body overreacts to something that does not cause a problem in other people.
More than 200 million people worldwide also suffer from allergy-related asthma, and researchers say both conditions are underdiagnosed and undertreated .
Most people are not actually allergic to dog hair. Rather, they’re allergic to dander or saliva. Hair does have something to do with it, though: Sometimes other indoor allergens like dust, or outdoor allergens like grass or tree pollen, can build up on a dogs furry coat and trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, nasal swelling, asthma and rashes. Many people with dog allergies complain about red, itchy eyes.
If you already have a dog, here are a few tips to prevent pet allergies:
Heres some more information on the best breeds for people with dog allergies.
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Mobility Support Service Dogs
People with cerebral palsy and other similar mobility disorders may need some extra help getting around. Service dogs help provide a counterbalance for them. They also perform tasks like opening and closing doors.
A 55-pound German Shepherd is tall and strong enough to provide this service to people up to 130 pounds. For anyone larger than that, youll need to find a heavier German Shepherd or choose a larger breed such as a Newfoundland or a St. Bernard.
Its also important that these dogs not have any hip dysplasia or other problems that would prevent them from doing their job. Mobility support dogs dont typically begin working until at least 2 years of age to ensure that their bones and joints have finished forming properly.
How Pets Can Affect Breathing Issues Like Asthma:
Pet allergies can show themselves in many ways, such as an itchy throat and a runny nose. But, in severe cases, symptoms can include rashes and labored breathing. Plus, if someone in your home already has a breathing issue like asthma, excessive pet hair can worsen those symptoms too.
We can even be allergic to pet saliva which might show itself as red and irritated skin any place your dog licks you.
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Avoid Giving Table Scraps
You should also avoid giving your shepherd table scraps because dogs cant process some substances in human food.
Allergy symptoms can be reduced by fatty acids if the allergen has nothing to do with food.
Steroids, antihistamines, and some other medications can also help.
They usually come with some side effects that can include drowsiness.
Best Diet For An Allergic German Shepherd
Your veterinarian will recommend a limited ingredient dog food as weve mentioned above. You can also find foods labeled allergenic or hypoallergenic.
Try this! Is your GSD allergic to your chicken or beef diet? Give tuna, venison, or turkey a try!
Protein antiallergenic food is treated and hydrolyzed, which means your dog does not see it as foreign, and therefore does not react to it.
What is the best supplement for itchy skin?
Omega-3 fatty acids are the best supplement to help itchy skin.
There are anti-inflammatory properties in these fatty acids, and they have been particularly good at decreasing skin irritations. They also have other health benefits!
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German Shepherd Dog Food Allergies
Did you know dogs can be allergic to certain foods?
To be clear, it is a certain protein in a particular ingredient some might be allergic to.
Food allergies are easy to treat! Once youve determined it is a food allergy, and not something else, your veterinarian will recommend a limited ingredient dog food. These foods only have a few ingredients, instead of many like normal dog foods.
If your dog still reacts, this means it must be one of those few ingredients causing the reaction.
Your veterinarian might then recommend a completely different food without those ingredients!
True food allergies result in an immune response, which can range in symptoms from skin conditions , gastrointestinal signs or a combination of both .
What Foods are German Shepherds Allergic to?
Food allergies can impact any breed, and GSDs arent always going to be allergic to anything. The most common ingredients that cause food related allergic reactions in dogs are:
- Beef
Are German Shepherds Allergic to Chicken?
Not necessarily. Not all GSDs are allergic to chicken.
If your GSD does have a food allergy, chicken is high up on the possibilities.
German Shepherd Dog Breed Information Personality Health Grooming And Nutrition
There are almost no people who have never seen a film starring a German Shepherd. This breed is not only in America but one of the best known and most popular dog breeds in the world. This is no coincidence. Its beautiful wolf-like appearance is associated with impressive intelligence and other positive abilities. They are extremely versatile dogs. From my article, you can learn a lot about the history of this breed, personality, grooming and feeding tips, and other useful information. I hope you get to know these dogs better and you get the urge to adopt one of them.
Lets start!
- Height: 24-26 inches , 22-24 inches
- Breed Group: Herding Dogs
- Weight: 65-90 pounds , 50-70 pounds
- Life span: 7-10 years
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Allergy Alert Service Dogs
Like bomb- and drug-sniffing dogs, allergy alert service dogs are trained to alert their owner when they detect the scent of a certain allergen. They may also wear a special vest containing medication for their owner.
As German Shepherds have a good sense of smell, it makes them great allergy alert service dogs.
Pet Allergies: What They Are And How To Stop Them
Pet dander can be a nightmare for allergy sufferers, but the right tips for managing your allergy will make your time with your pet a lot more fun.
It’s your birthday. Your family tells you they have a surprise for you. Your wife walks in with a German Shepherd. You’re all about some German Shepherds, and you’ve always wanted one. Your new companion runs up to you to say hi. Everything is great, until the first sneeze hits. Then comes two more. Your eyes begin to water and itch. Something is happening. Something not good.
Congratulations! You have a pet allergy. In fact, you’re one of around 30 million Americans that have such an affliction . A pet allergy is definitely not fun, especially if you’re a dog or cat lover, but with the right approach, you can overcome this common condition.
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Taking Care Of Your German Shepherd Dog At Home
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual . Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Shepherds. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs.
West Highland White Terrier
Highlights: Obedient, Positive, Entertaining.
This Scottish terrier is brimming with bold confidence despite their small stature. They are amazing dogs and they ii know it. The West Highland White Terrier, also called the Westie, can be very entertaining dogs for the whole family.
They will often make people laugh with their quirkiness and mischievous acts. Additionally, theyre naturally friendly and cheerful, extending love to everyone around them .
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Excessive Shedding In German Shepherds
Excessive or abnormal shedding can be a sign of poor skin and coat health. This is not the same as hair loss, in which dogs lose patches of hair that dont grow back. Other signs of poor coat health include matted, dull, dry, and brittle fur or fur that is smelly and greasy to touch, whilst unhealthy skin is often dry, irritated, and flaky.
Poor skin and coat health in German Shepherds can be caused by a few things, most commonly poor diet, poor hygiene, and food allergies. Dogs also shed more as they get older because their fur becomes more brittle with age.
Dogs with poor nutrition may be under or overweight, lethargic, smell bad, and experience lots of skin and digestive issues. Common food allergies in dogs include grains, soy, and certain proteins found in meat, dairy, and eggs. Allergies can also cause digestive disturbances.
Less common but more serious explanations for a dramatic increase in shedding include hormonal issues, infections, parasites, immune diseases, and cancer. However, these should all have more apparent signs and symptoms, like changes in behavior and appearance or stomach upsets.
Stress can also cause a sudden increase in shedding, as adrenaline causes more hair to be released from the follicles. Common causes of stress include life changes, boredom, separation anxiety, illness, trauma, and grief.
Your Daily Allergic Controllers
- Brush your dog daily, especially during shedding season in a ventilated area or outdoors. You can wear a mask or ask a non-allergic member to do it.
- Invest in a vacuum cleaner and use it regularly to remove the floating furballs and dander around the home.
- Protect your seld from dag dander by covering your bedspread with an extra sheet on top that you can remove when sleeping.
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How Sociable Are German Shepherds
Are they friendly with strangers?
Most German Shepherds are reserved with strangers. As the breed’s national club says, a good German Shepherd has:
“a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them.”
As you might imagine, this can be a fine line to walk. Without proper guidance from the owner, a German Shepherd’s natural aloofness can morph over the line to suspiciousness, distrust, and even aggression or fearfulness.
When you own an aloof breed, you need to socialize the dog thoroughly. This means a careful program of teaching him to pay attention to you and mind you in the presence of other people and other dogs. He doesn’t have to like them, but he must accept them.
One thing I should mention: many German Shepherds who bark and lunge at strangers or other dogs aren’t being either protective or aggressive. Rather, this kind of reactivity can be the dog’s attempt to hide his own insecurities behind a blustering facade.
There are also legal liabilities to consider when you acquire a German Shepherd. For example, your homeowner insurance policy might be cancelled or the rates hiked, because people are often quicker to sue if a “guard dog breed” does anything even remotely questionable.
Are German Shepherds good with children?
Are German Shepherds good with other pets?
Common German Shepherd Allergies
If you suffer from allergies, you know how uncomfortable it is to be around irritants. While it may come as a surprise to many, dogs are susceptible to allergic reactions, too. It’s more common than you would think.
It’s estimated that one out of every seven dogs suffers from some kind of allergy. Some dog breeds are more prone to these issues than others. German Shepherds are known to be quite sensitive.
Despite their tough demeanors and thick coats, it doesn’t take much for an allergen to wreak havoc on their bodies.
Sometimes, those allergic reactions are quite serious. Canine allergies tend to be a bit tougher on the body. Not only can your dog experience physical discomfort in the form of rashes and itchiness, but they could also display some flu-like symptoms.
The best way to care for a German Shepherd with allergies is to avoid irritants altogether. Understanding how your dog reacts to certain allergens is the first step. Here are some of the most common German Shepherd allergies.
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