Warming Up The Muscles
Warming up before any form of exercise is especially important for dogs with weak hind legs, and ensuring that you help your dog to do this can help to prevent injuries. Start by walking slowly with your dog for a few minutes until they are moving freely, then up the pace to a very slow jog or trot. Move in large circles with your dog, both one way and then the other, to ensure that the four sets of muscle groups that control the hind legs all get the chance to loosen up and move freely.
German Shepherds Sloped Backs: A Controversial History
As The Independent explains, a public outcry began after video footage of the 2016 winner of the Crufts competition, a German Shepherd, who appeared to be struggling to move.
The public got very upset and many questioned whether the exaggerated slope of the dogs back was behind the dogs obvious anxiety and hesitation to obey the trainers commands.
While the owner of that dog, Susan Cuthbert, pushed back, saying her German Shepherd had been passed through with a clean bill of health to compete, people around the world have accused the owner and the dog show of animal cruelty.
Since then, a BBC film called Pedigree Dogs Exposed fanned the flames when it took a look at then and now pictures of early German Shepherds and GSDs today. The change in appearance is obvious even to casual viewers.
In fact, as The Telegraph later reported, as a result of the international upset, the Crufts dog show actually changed their own entry rules following the 2016 show results.
The report by the Royal Veterinary College highlighted survey results from 430 clinics in its report of exaggerated breed standards and how they are causing cruel health problems for German Shepherd dogs today.
Run With Your Dog In Two
If you go for jogging or biking, take your German Shepherd along for the company. It will allow your pet to burn some calories that it may have accumulated sitting idle at home.
You can determine the speed and distance as per the stamina and convenience of both of you. If you love skating, you can show your dog your skills on such trips and make him proud of you.
German Shepherd dogs are strong and full of stamina. They can give you company on the jogging trails as well as walk for long distances. While running or walking, teach your pet to keep a distance from you so that it does not collide with you.
You May Like: Tri Color German Shepherd
Include More Protein In Your Dogs Diet
Your pets bones can grow and stay healthy with the right amount of protein. Consuming less protein limits calcium absorption, which, in turn, affects bone health.
You can include protein-rich food like chicken, beef, tuna, and milk to your pets diet for healthier bones. Plant-based protein sources are good for your dog, as well as pumpkin seeds, potatoes, and oats.
Dealing With Medical Conditions Affecting A Dogs Back Legs
First, in DM, it is important to maintain an optimal weight for your German Shepherd. An obese or overweight will experience increased mobility challenges. Second, regular exercising especially walking and swimming is important. Swimming may be more up the German Shepherds alley because it does not have to exert weight on the body but still gets in some aerobic movements in the hind legs. Lastly, consult your vet on supplements or medications that may slow down the progression of DM.
In any case, for these medical conditions, keep an eye out for changes in movement and contact your vet if there are any concerns. Some common symptoms that your German Shepherd may show include a wobbly walk, slipping on the floor, sitting crooked, hips giving way, swelling, lesser muscle mass in the back legs, and having a shorter stride on the hind legs.
Keep in mind that most dogs will not express pain or discomfort at first, so it is up to you to be keen to spot the symptoms if they do appear this is especially important for the degenerative conditions because for treatment purposes, the earlier the better!
Don’t Miss: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
A German Shepherd With Back Leg Problems
This week our featured question is from a worried owner whose elderly German Shepherd had a sudden problem with her hind legs where they suddenly gave way without warning.. hopefully our vet Alice can shed some light on this frightening problem..
Here is our members question
I just wondered if anyone had any further advice please, we have been to the Vets but are not entirely confident in the diagnosis.
We have a German Shepherd bitch that we got from a rescue agency, we dont know her age for definite but best guess is 9 or 10. We have owned her for 5 years now. She was in a terrible physical condition when we received her and it took a long time for her to recover from her previous owners lack of care.
She has always enjoyed long walks with us in the forest, sometimes up to 3 hours or more, completely free to run and explore
She is quite small for her breed, probably due to being neglected as a pup? Now she is at an optimum weight.
About 3 weeks ago her hind legs just gave way underneath her but she just carried on and kept walking along as usual, didnt yelp or anything. This then happened more and more regularly and also coincided with a lot of stiffness when getting up from rest.
We took her to our vet and upon examination she said that it is arthritis, and has given us anti inflammatory tablets for when it is really bad-we have delayed giving her any until today though, we have also been giving her glucosamine.
What do you think?
Why Does A German Shepherds Tail Curl
Another inherited genetic fault that GSDs suffer from is the curled tail.A German Shepherd curled tail meaning it has a gay tail. Characterized by a tail that is carried higher than the horizontal level of the back, curling upwards, gay tail is a genetic fault. Since it is a genetic fault, chances of fixing it is next to nothing. Sadly, some owners and breeders will do anything for fame and money, so they will opt for surgery. Problem is, surgery wont keep the supposed show quality puppies from inheriting gay tail,too.
Fortunately, not all German Shepherd puppy tail curls. For some it is just a mannerism that can be eliminated by training. Clicker training method can be used to train GSD show dogs to hold their tails in a particular position when standing. This method will need time and patience from the owner.
Read Also: Average German Shepherd Weight
Should A German Shepherd Have A Straight Back Or A Sloped Back
Canto von der Wienerau
This is perhaps one of the most most debated topics of the German Shepherd breed. Should the shepherd have a straight back or a sloped back.
People all over the planet get very bent out of shape and emotional when trying to discuss the shepherds back. Some people say the straight back looks awful. Others call the sloped back a mutilation or deformity due to bad breeding. There is, however, one things nearly everyone discussing this has in common: complete ignorance.
Dont Miss: How Big Do German Shepherd Beagle Mixes Get
Your Aging German Shepherd
Much like humans, dogs age differently depending on their diet, exercise, genetics, and even stress.
It is difficult to reliably gauge when a dog becomes elderly due to these factors.
However, the first and most common sign of aging is reduced activity levels and increased amounts of sleep typical for your dogs breed.
This may be followed by lack of interest in going for walks and playing.
If you suspect that your German Shepherd is beginning to become elderly, it is advised that you take them to a veterinarian clinic for a routine check-up.
You May Like: Pitbull German Shepherd Fight
Get Your Furry Friend Moving
Walking is a great way to strengthen your dogs back legs. If youre walking your pet, keep it slow and short. After all, a long walk could end up doing more harm than good.
You could take your dog for a swim or try stretching your pets hind legs for more strength. Have your dog lie down and give their legs a good stretch.
Dental & Health Problems
If your dog already has dental problems, you might want to consider a senior dog food that is easy on the teeth.
Wet dog food is a popular choice, but smaller kibble pieces sometimes work as well.
As your dog ages, it is likely that he will experience a variety of health problems.
For many disorders, there are special diets that can prevent the disease from progressing and lessen symptoms.
It is likely that your dog will need to be switched over to one of these specialty diets eventually.
However, it is important to always speak with your vet beforehand to ensure that it is the right choice for your dog.
You May Like: How To Build A Whelping Box For Puppies
Differences Between Straight And Sloped Back Gsds
According to Captain Von Stephanitz, a GSDs back should be moderately long and straight. It should also be levelled and strong. It should be able to perform its tasks as a herding dog. And having a straight back will help them trot, herd and protect sheep quickly and smoothly. German Shepherd no slope backs and straight backs are from the working line.
Most GSDs from the show line are sloped backs. Their backs are curved with hips and knees going closer to the ground making its hindquarters to look more angulated.
Recovery Of Back Leg Weakness In Dogs
Recovery is dependent on the cause of the weakness, the severity of the condition, and how soon treatment is begun. For poisonings, timing of treatment can be essential, as some toxins can be fatal.
Many conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and degenerative myelopathy, can be managed through an appropriate diet and exercise plan that can keep your dogs weight under control and aid muscle movement. Intervertebral disc disease can be treated to return your dog to normal function, but it can also progress, and can lead to complete paralysis. Cushings disease and cancer can be treated successfully, but they can also carry a guarded to poor prognosis, depending on the extent of the disease and other factors. With lifelong treatments, diabetes and arthritis can be successfully managed. There are many different causes and outcomes for this condition, and it is always best to seek the advice of your veterinarian.
Back leg weakness can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog has back leg weakness or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the pawfect plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
*Wag! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!.
Don’t Miss: How Much Do German Shepherds Weigh Full Grown
Assess Their Laying Spot
It seems that your German Shepherd doesnt trust the safety of his bed or lying spot. It will also circle the spot to ensure there are no vermin or harmful objects that will make your pets rest uncomfortable.
There is little scientific data to prove the above 3 examples except for the idea that dogs circle before lying down to make a nest. This small study of 62 dogs implied that dogs are more likely to circle before lying down when given a soft, uneven surface to make a temporary nest to sleep in.
Dont Miss: Training Your German Shepherd
Using Surgery To Treat Dysplasia
Dont Miss: How Much Raw Meat To Feed My German Shepherd
Recommended Reading: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
What Is A Sloped
Some German shepherd breeders are not into much of this dogs working abilities. Rather, they are more satisfied with its appearance or looks. Thus they opt to have sloped back German shepherds.
Such sloped-back German shepherds tend to have exaggerated slope back lines. And if you look at their hips and knees, they are close to the ground, making this dog have angulated hindquarters.
Such a physique is present in Showline German shepherds.
German Shepherds are a dog breed that is often mentioned when it comes to mobility issues especially in their older years. Mobility is an important consideration when it comes to taking care of your dog. Not only does it affect most of the normal daily activities that the dog is able to perform, but mobility issues can affect the dogs mood, appetite, and quality of life. Therefore, in this article, we explore some of the common German Shepherd back leg problems.
Understanding German Shepherd Tail Behaviors And Meanings
To better understand GSDs, owners should begin observing tail positions and movements. Up and down tail positions show how much energy they have. While a GSDs tail has right and left muscle, it is instinctive for them to wag their tails more on the right side for positive feelings and the left for negative emotions. For example, A German Shepherd wagging tail more towards the left side almost touching their bodies means they are nervous. How high they hold their tails, shows the mood they are in. So, the higher, the more motionless their tail is, the more they are feeling stressed and can be very unpredictable. Here are some tail positions, movements and what they mean.
Don’t Miss: Furminator For German Shepherd
Temperament Character And Abilities
Sound nerves, alertness, self-confidence, trainability, watchfulness, loyalty and incorruptibility, as well as courage, fighting drive and hardness, are the outstanding characteristics of a purebred German Shepherd Dog. They make his suitable to be a superior working dog in general, and in particular to be a guard, companion, protection and herding dog.
His ample scenting abilities, added to his conformation as a trotter, make it possible for him to quietly and surely work out a track without bodily strain and with his nose close to the ground. This makes him highly useful as a multipurpose track and search dog.
Causes Of Back Leg Weakness In Dogs
The reasons behind a weakness in your dogs back legs can vary. While obvious trauma can weaken muscles and tissues, and age can contribute to the degeneration of muscles and joints, other conditions can wreak havoc on the spinal cord, nerves, and hormones. Causes of a back leg weakness can include:
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Vertebral instability, or wobbler syndrome
- Lumbosacral stenosis
Also Check: How To Draw A German Shepherd Sitting
Akita Vs German Shepherd
read all of it!!!!!!!The Akita easily They are heavier and stronger with larger headsand jaws. A larger head=more biting power.The German Shepherd is a fantastic dog, but the Akita goes farbeyond a German shepherd and for a companion and guard dog I wouldhave to go with the Akita, it is capable of killing to protect itsowner & family dependent of situation. They’re highlyintelligent and make the best protector for a family.Before world war 2 in japan when bear hunting was legal theyused to hunt bears and most of the time kill the bears if you don’tbelieve me listen to this quote Michio Ebisu says “I was walking inthe forest and my Akita was with me when suddenly I was attacked bya bear my Akita jumped at the bear and used all it’s weight totackle the bear to the ground it then it bit the bears neck holdingit in a lock and the bear was dead in no time.”lets see a German shepherd do that
Take Care Of Yourself
In the last few months of Guss life, when his back legs had all but given out, I carried him up the stairs every night like a wheelbarrow. In the morning, I would hoist him out of bed and ease him down the stairs using that trusty butt handle, which seemed to be in my hands for most of the day. I am not ashamed to admit that facilitating nearly every movement of my 80-pound dog was physically exhausting. Caring for a dog with canine degenerative myelopathy will require your strength, so make sure youre getting your own exercise in, too.
Don’t Miss: German Shepherd Adult Weight