How Can You Tell If Your Dog Has Allergies
The diagnosis of flea, environmental, or food allergy in dogs can be difficult and lengthy as many symptoms will overlap. Approximately 30% of pets with food allergies also have seasonal or flea allergies.
Besides, some dog allergies, for example, seasonal pollen allergies, can temporarily go away. Some symptoms can also be a sign of a completely separate condition.
Food allergies are often diagnosed using an elimination diet.
Getting to the root of your German Shepherds allergy can take a bit of detective work! However, heres a general list of signs and symptoms that may indicate your GSD is suffering from an allergy:
- Dry, itchy skin, skin rashes
- Red, inflamed skin, hot spots
- Thickened, dark skin
- Excessive scratching, biting, or licking
- Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids
- Ear infections and itchy ears
- Bacteria or yeast skin infections
- Itchy, red, watery eyes, sneezing, pink nose
- Loss of fur
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Check out this short video from veterinarian Dr. Greenway from Healthcare for Pets. He describes the challenges vets face in diagnosing allergies in dogs:
Isabella Colored German Shepherds
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So, how can you know what an Isabella German Shepherd is? Weve already said this color is similar to blueish-purple, but how will you know whether your pooch is a blue or an Isabella GSD?
The biggest clue is your dogs nose color.
According to the breed standard, GSDs should have black noses. However, when you add dilution genes to the mix, this black color changes shades. A blue dilution causes a black nose to become blue or grey, while a liver dilution will cause a GSDs nose to become brown.
Weve already mentioned that Isabella is the result of the dilution of the liver color. This is why you should always look at dogs with brown noses.
Many dog lovers think that black and red German Shepherds are liver because of their prominent mahogany color.
However, their nose stays black, which is a true indication that there isnt a dilution gene present.
Not just that, but a liver dog cannot have black hair on him. All black color should be diluted, which also means diluted hairs.
While Isabella is a double dilution as it comes when a specific gene dilutes the liver color, these pups dont have as bright of noses as you might think. Some might have pink noses, but many will have liver-colored ones or even dark grey ones.
Genetics Behind The Isabella German Shepherd
Isabella German Shepherds are the result of many different genes. Lets explain.
Weve already mentioned the agouti gene, and stated that it is responsible for the dogs base coat color. However, other types of genes can affect this color.
For example, there is a specific liver gene that is located on the B-locus. This gene is what turns black dogs into brown or rather, liver.
In other words, liver is a dilution of the black coat color. This recessive gene suppresses the expression of black pigmentation on the German Shepherds coat.
Any black color your dog might have will turn into brown, with the only exception being tan areas. The nose, lips, and paw pads will become brown or pink, and the eyes will usually be a lighter shade of brown.
This dilution gene will turn bi-color, or will turn recessive black German Shepherds into solid liver German Shepherds, while black and tan German Shepherd puppies will become liver and tan.
Something similar happens to blue German Shepherds. A blue coat color is caused by the blue dilution gene located at the D-locus. However, the blue gene will dilute black without removing the pigmentation entirely. This results in puppies with various shades of blue a color that is similar to grey, but with a recognizable bluish tint.
Blue German Shepherds usually have blue or grey eyes. They are different from silver dogs. Silver German Shepherds are just a variant of black and tan. If you look at their noses, youll notice they are black.
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How Old Should A 10 Year Old German Shepherd Be
10-year-old German Shepherd Unfortunately, a German Shepherds expected lifespan is between 9 and 13 years old, and their time left here is getting short. It is common for German Shepherds to face arthritis, skin problems, decreased activity, dental issues, weight gain or loss, or even cancer at this age and older.
Do German Shepherd Colors Affect Health
The color white has long been associated with deafness, but a good breeder will always make sure their dogs are free of genetic defects before breeding them.
With that said, we believe that this is the only time that color should be a concern.
As a large breed dog, they are prone to shoulder or hip dysplasia, and bloat. This is due to the breed itself and NOT due to their coloration.
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Causes Of Snow Nose In Dogs
Cold weather may not be the sole cause of snow nose but no one really knows what causes this condition. Weather changes, the amount of daylight, and an enzyme called tyrosinase are also theoretical causes of snow nose but little research has been done to determine the reason for the pigmentation alteration of the nose.
Snow nose has been noted more often in certain breeds than others so there may also be a genetic reason for this change. Siberian huskies, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and Bernese mountain dogs are most commonly seen with snow nose but it can still affect any breed of dog.
How Will I Know If It Will Change
If your puppy has a splotchy nose that is pink and black, then its probable it will turn black within 8 to 12 weeks. If your puppy has a splotchy nose that is pink and liver color, then its probable they will end up with a liver color nose.
Only time will truly tell if their nose will change to black or not. Although not always, their nose most likely wont remain splotchy and will change one way or another to become a complete color.
There are dogs that retain a splotchy nose color, however, which is called a Butterfly nose. These dogs are usually among the breeds in the first list in this post.
Or our guide on leaving your dog home alone, how long is OK?
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Does The White German Shepherd Have Genetic Disorders
The answer is NO!
In fact, the founder of the German Shepherd as a recognized breed, Max Von Stephanitz rebuked this claim himself. In his book The German Shepherd Dog in Word and Picture, published in 1923, he states: The coloring of the dog has no significance whatsoever for service.
Unfortunately, though, history has been unkind to this breed, and today people still have the idea that she is flawed genetically.
Other Issues Affecting Dog Noses
In addition to snow nose, other diseases and issues can affect a dog’s nose. Some changes are more concerning than just the color change that is seen in snow nose so if there is anything more than this your veterinarian should be consulted. Crusting, scaling, bleeding, irritation, open sores, and other changes to the texture of the nose may all be signs of a serious condition.
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What Does A Pink Spot On My Dogs Nose Mean
If you have ever noticed a pink spot on your dogs nose, then please dont panic. It could be there for a range of reasons. If it is growing and not going away, then you should consult with a v vet for a professional opinion, but heres all I know about pink marks, bumps, and spots on dog noses.
Firstly though, if you call your vet, they are likely to explain a few possibilities of what a pink spot on my dogs nose could mean. They will probably say it was either a condition called snow nose, a scratch, an allergy or vitiligo.
Top Best Answers To The Question Can German Shepherds Have Colored Eyes
From light brown to dark brown, from hazel to golden yellow, they can acquire various shades within this time. It is also quite normal for German Shepherd puppies to have blue eyes, but once they grow up, this blue color changes to another shade.
FAQ. Those who are looking for an answer to the question «Can german shepherds have colored eyes?» often ask the followingquestions:
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Top Best Answers To The Question Why Is My German Shepherd’s Nose Turning Pink
Allergies can make your German Shepherd’s nose turn pink.
When your German Shepherd‘s nose comes into direct contact with an allergen, his nose and lips become pink, crusted, and inflamed.
One of the most common causes of allergic reactions associated with dog noses is the one caused by plastic food bowls.
FAQ. Those who are looking for an answer to the question «Why is my german shepherd’s nose turning pink?» often ask the followingquestions:
Solid White German Shepherds
Not to be confused with the White Swiss Shepherd, White German Shepherds are caused by a masking gene that suppresses any dark pigment.
As a result of recessive genes, they can still be produced from breeding two normal-colored GSDs. This also means you can get a litter of puppies from White Shepherds without any white.
White GSDs can be AKC-registered and compete in agility or obedience trials, but they cant participate as show dogs. You may want to try with the UKC as they accept these beauties in show lines.
This solid color is completely banned in Germany that it got to the point where they cull white German Shepherd puppies. They believe that white causes hereditary issues and washes out the breeds rich colors.
Despite being disproved with modern science, this rule stayed.
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Months Old German Shepherd Puppy Feeding
At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherds dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry.
Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day.
This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day
Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppys intellectual development.
Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins, and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food.
This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition.
What Color Are German Shepherds When They Are Born
German Shepherd puppies are born black, gray, and white, though their coat will take up to eight weeks to change into its final color. Generally, a puppy that is born black will stay black. However, their coats final color will depend on what genes interact with the pigments eumelanin and phaeomelanin.27 Sept 2020
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Do German Shepherd Colors Affect Behavior
No, the color of your GSD should not dictate how he behaves. Temperament is determined by breeding, care, and training.
Germans of all colors should embody the characteristics of an alert, protective, obedient, and calm type of dog that the world has come to know and love.
However, it has been noted that White Shepherds make better family pets as they have milder personalities and less aggressive.
Ways To Manage And Avoid Allergies
- Fatty acids can help in reducing allergy symptoms if the allergen is not food related
- Antihistamines, steroids and other medications can help as well, but be prepared that they make your dog drowsy or bring other side effects
- If its pollen allergy youre dealing with, avoid walks in the early morning and late afternoon. After walks, wipe your dog with wet towels or something similar and in order to remove the pollen
- If fleas are the problem, follow a strict flea control program such as routine spot on flea treatments or collars. Anecdotally, filling your dogs bed with cedar should keep fleas away.
- When it comes to environmental allergies, washing the dogs bed in hot water and vacuuming regularly will help. If your dog sits on furniture, put a blanket or something of the kind over it so you can easily wash it in hot water.
- Bathe with hypoallergenic dog shampoo to keep the allergic skin from drying out. Shampoos that contain tea tree oil or oatmeal are also meant to help.
- Keep your dog away from humid parts of the house, like the basement or the laundry room
- Immunotherapy is a possibility
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Types Of Infectious Skin Diseases
Mucocutaneous pyoderma is a common condition that may affect the nasal planum. MCP is a bacterial infection usually caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. German shepherd dogs are the most commonly affected breed. MCP affects the mucocutaneous junctions of the nasal planum and lips primarily, but other mucocutaneous junction sites are usually concurrently affected. If the nasal planum is affected, there is an initial erythema and swelling of nasal planum, typically at the alar folds. Crusts then fissures and erosions develop. A thick purulent exudate is revealed beneath elevated crusts and one can observe the erosive to ulcerative dermatitis. Diagnosis is made via dermatologic examination, cytology and response to treatment. Cytology of exudate reveals bacteria and inflammatory cells. Bacterial culture and susceptibility testing of revealed purulent exudate from under a protected crust is indicated if there is a failed response to appropriate antibiotic therapy. If cytology does not reveal bacteria, a bacterial culture is sterile, and there is a failed response to antimicrobial therapy, submission of a tissue biopsy for dermatohistopathology is indicated, as Discoid lupus erythematosus is a condition with similar clinical appearance. A fungal culture may also be indicated, as some fungal diseases share clinical features with MCP. Treatment of MCP involves topical therapies and systemic antibiotics. Maintenance topical therapy is recommended for long term control.
What Causes Dog Snow Nose
Were not sure what causes it, but since it occurs most often in winter or cold weather climates, we think it might have something to do with the temperature or possibly certain enzymes, explains Dr. Sandra Koch, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Dog snow nose is most often seen in winter, but it can also occur in summer or even in tropical areas, says Dr. Koch. We have very limited information on it there has been little research done, and most of the information we have is anecdotal, says Dr. Koch.
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What Genetic Factors Contribute To The Blonde Gsd Coat
Two forms of natural pigment called melanin determine the color of a dogs coat. These are phaeomelanin and eumelanin. By default, eumelanin produces the color black while phaeomelanin produces the color red.
Genes modify these pigments to produce a wide variety of coat colors. For example, gene dilution in the eumelanin pigment can produce liver or blue german shepherds.
On the other hand, phaeomelanin can produce red in different shades. Genes can also influence it to produce orange, gold, and yellow coats.
Do German Shepherd With Blue Eyes Have Health Problems
Generally speaking, blue-eyed German Shepherds are as healthy as their brown-eyed relatives. There are, however, some unfortunate exceptions.
Liam Barnes, a writer for the PlayBarkRun website, describes the merle gene that causes random pigment dilution on the dogs body.
Dogs with the merle gene will thus have white patches on their body and face, and theyll often have blue eyes.
While this sounds harmless and even attractive, dogs that inherit the merle gene from both parents often have birth defects.
These dogs, which are called double merle, are often born blind, deaf, or both. Mating two carriers of the merle gene is thus considered inhumane and strictly forbidden.
Fortunately, German Shepherds arent among the breeds that carry the merle gene. However, a German Shepherd mix can have the merle gene.
Such examples of breeds affected by the merle gene include the Australian Shepherd, the Collie, the Great Dane, and the Shetland Sheepdog.
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Why Does My German Shepherd Have A Pink Nose
Allergies can make your German Shepherds nose turn pink. When your German Shepherds nose comes into direct contact with an allergen, his nose and lips become pink, crusted, and inflamed. One of the most common causes of allergic reactions associated with dog noses is the one caused by plastic food bowls.
Long Haired Isabella German Shepherds
Most Isabella German Shepherds come with a medium-length double-coat. However, some GSDs are long-haired. Believe it or not, this slight difference in coat length can affect your doggie quite a lot.
Most GSD owners have claimed that their long-haired Isabella German Shepherds are much calmer and friendlier compared to standard GSDs. The history behind this will likely tell us why.
Long-haired German Shepherds arent suitable to do many jobs that German Shepherds would normally do. This is why they are kept as family pets, and this is how they have been treated for generations.
Also, long-haired German Shepherds dont have an undercoat as standard Isabella GSDs do. This makes them unsuitable to withstand cold winter weather, which is why they are bound to spend many nights indoors. This makes them perfectly adjusted to family life.
While the AKC considers long-haired German Shepherds a genetic fault, this doesnt change much for an Isabella German Shepherd owner. These pups cannot participate in dog shows as it is, so this feature doesnt really make any difference.
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