Genetic Research Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease May Lead To New Treatments
When a German Shepherd Dog experiences idiopathic diarrhea and vomiting, veterinarians generally suspect canine inflammatory bowel disease . This is because the breed is predisposed to the chronic gastrointestinal condition. A disease that occurs more commonly in middle-aged large-breed dogs, IBD cannot be cured. Veterinarians manage the condition using medications to address the signs.
Efforts to learn more about IBD in German Shepherd Dogs led to the recent discovery of polymorphisms in the TLR4 and TLR5 genes. The research was supported by the Morris Animal Foundation and the American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation .
Lead investigator Karin Allenspach, Dr.med.vet., Ph.D., head of the Clinical Investigation Center at The Royal Veterinary College of the University of London, says, “It appears German Shepherd Dogs with chronic enteropathies have a distinctly different microbiome from healthy dogs, as well as from other breeds with IBD. This includes overrepresentation of certain traditionally labeled ‘beneficial’ bacteria in the duodenum, specifically sequences of the order of Lactobacilalles.
The need for consistencies diagnosing and determining the severity of gastrointestinal diseases sparked the formation of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association International GI Standardization Group in 2004. Ultimately, the group developed standards to be used by veterinarians when diagnosing IBD and other gastrointestinal-related diseases.
Diagnosing & Treating IBD
Why Is My German Shepherd So Skinny
Ever notice how your German Shepherd seems to be so skinny? Its not just you it is a common problem among many German Shepherd owners. Skinny German Shepherds are often the result of genetic or dietary factors, but there are also other reasons that could lead to an unhealthy weight for your dog. Here at TrainYourGSD, I want to give you all the information you need to take care of your skinny German Shepherd and help them maintain a healthy weight.
Whats causing this issue with my dog being so skinny? Is it something Im doing wrong? Well get into what might be going on below!
Change The Feeding Routine And Slow Down Speed Eating
You can also change your dogs feeding routine by spreading their meal times and providing smaller portions throughout the day which helps them eat smaller amounts of food at a time.
This provides fewer chances for intestinal bacteria to react with indigestible substances in their food.
For fast eaters, you can also use slow feeding bowls that allow your dog to eat smaller portions of food and prevents gulping of food and air which causes flatulence.
Recommended Reading: Is My German Shepherd Pregnant
Pick The Right Formula For Their Age
There are different formulas for puppies, mature dogs, and senior dogs make sure you choose the right one, so they receive all of the nutrients they need.
If they are puppies, they need puppy food, and adult active dogs may need an active formula that contains higher protein and other nutrients to help them recover after an intense workout.
Older dogs may have special dietary needs as well. For instance, senior German shepherds have weaker joints and require nutrients like calcium to make them stronger. Look for a formula that has glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help keep your dogs joints healthy as they age.
Diagnostic Tests And Diagnosis
We performed a complete blood count, a serum chemistry profile, a urinalysis, and an abdominal and thoracic radiographic examination. The complete blood count revealed an elevated hematocrit, an elevated hemoglobin, an elevated red blood cell count, and a leukocytosis with a segmented neutrophilia, lymphopenia, and monocytosis. Abnormal results of the serum chemistry profile included an elevated blood urea nitrogen concentration, hypokalemia, and hypochloremia. These findings were attributed to and consistent with vomiting, anorexia, and dehydration. The elevated blood glucose concentration was most likely a physiologic response to stress.
Table 1 : Laboratory Test Results
The results of a urinalysis on a sample collected by cystocentesis revealed a specific gravity of 1.052 , mild hematuria , and mild proteinuria . The urine specific gravity indicated that the dog was concentrating urine appropriately in the face of dehydration. We attributed the hematuria to the collection method, and we did not consider the proteinuria to be clinically relevant because the urine was concentrated and hematuria was present. We submitted a urine sample for bacterial culture, which resulted in no growth.
Figures 1-4
Read Also: Realistic German Shepherd Drawing
Other Causes Of Diarrhea In German Shepherds
When your German Shepherd is experiencing chronic diarrhea that does not seem to respond to the usual remedies, it is always time to look deeper.
But sometimes diarrhea, like life, just happens and then it passes. When the episode is brief, you may not ever know exactly what caused your GSD to have diarrhea.
As VCA Animal Hospital points out, dietary indiscretion is perhaps the most common cause of occasional bouts of canine diarrhea.
In other words, your German Shepherd ate something they shouldnt have eaten. This may range from garbage to garden mulch, lawn mushrooms to cat poop.
PetMD explains that there are four basic categories of canine diarrhea when it is not related to an underlying disease:
1. Motility issues. With motility issues, the gut pushes the food through too fast.
2. Intestinal exudation. Ulcers in the intestinal tract can cause blood and fluid to seep in or out.
3. Oversecretion. When the intestinal tract is exposed to a pathogen it will secret too much liquid to try to cleanse itself.
4. Osmotic imbalance. When too many food molecules crowd into the intestines together, this draws in water and causes diarrhea.
Parasites, worms, viruses, bacteria, and fungus can cause diarrhea. Liver and kidney disease can also trigger bouts of diarrhea. Ingestion of poisons and toxins may also give rise to diarrhea and other symptoms.
How To Train An Akita X German Shepherd Mix
Begin teaching and training them from the time of adoption. Allow them to socialize more and more each day, and help them mix with other pets and guests. Teach them to know you as the leader with an authoritative persona, power of command, and confidence. Always let your dog follow your footsteps, especially when you take it outdoors.
Don’t Miss: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
What Can Dogs Drink Other Than Water
Dogs can drink special rehydration fluids that help them recover after vomiting or diarrhea. Few dogs are intolerant to lactose, so dairy products are not recommended.
Giving dogs tasty water as chicken stock encourages them to drink, but these should be used with caution as they have high salt levels.
Why Your German Shepherd Pants At Night
Each of the different reasons why your German Shepherd pants at night will likely come with a number of clues in the way that it does it.
In the following sections, Ill show you a number of reasons why it might be doing it, things to consider and what you can do about it.
Its hot
The reason why it pants a lot could be that it gets hot at night. This would be more likely to be the reason if the room that it sleeps in is normally quite hot. In this case, it would help to let it sleep in a cooler room or to try to cool the room down itself.
It has just been active
If your German Shepherd tends to get exercise in the evening or it tends to become very active in the evening then it would be likely to be the cause of the panting. In this case, it would not be an issue to be concerned with.
Anxiety
The reason why it has been panting a lot at night could be that it is anxious. This would be more likely if it started doing it when something happened that might make it anxious or if there is something in its environment that could make it anxious. It could be that someone mistreated it, there tends to be loud noises such as wind or sirens or that it has recently moved homes and it is unsure of its environment.
It is dreaming
Illness or injury
In this case, the best option for you would be to take it to a vet.
Age
Read Also: American Bulldog Vs Pitbull Who Would Win
What Are The Symptoms Of An Underweight German Shepherd
A skinny dog is always going to look underweight compared to a healthy dog.
However, the real problem occurs when your dog does not have the body fat they need for normal functioning. This can cause a wide range of health problems, like a weak immune system and irregular organ function.
Now you need to know the difference between a healthy skinny and an unhealthy one.
In an unhealthy dog, their skin and coat may appear flaky or dull and may even have bald patches. There can also be a lot of wrinkles in their skin because they are losing too much fat around the face.
Skinny German Shepherds often have dark circles under their eyes, an indication that they are lacking energy. In addition, they may often urinate due to kidney problems, and their breathing may be heavier than normal.
Their hip bones and ribs may protrude because they are malnourished, and you can feel their spine when you pet them. They may also prefer to rest rather than playing with other dogs or chasing toys since they dont have the energy to do so.
Their stomach is usually sunken in, especially if they are lacking protein. Their teeth and gums might be more yellow than usual and more prominent because of the lack of fat around the face. These dogs may also have diarrhea or constipation due to problems with their digestion.
When To Be Concerned
Because vomiting is not that unusual in dogs, pet parents are typically not fazed if a dog throws up occasionally. But when should you worry?
The Animal Hospital of North Asheville notes that there are few dog vomit scenarios that should be cause for concern:
- Other signs are present: If your dog has not only thrown up, but is also acting strangely such as sleeping more than usual, refusing to eat or having diarrhea you should call your veterinarian.
- There are signs of blood: If you see blood in the vomit or if your dog is throwing up something that looks like coffee grounds dried blood call the vet. The blood can be a sign of serious problems, such as gastric ulcers, or a dog who has eaten a sharp foreign object, such as a bone or toy.
- Your dog won’t stop vomiting: While occasionally throwing up isn’t unusual, if a dog throws up routinely or excessively, consult a vet to find out why.
If you’re concerned at all about the different ways your dog vomits, don’t hesitate to call your vet for advice.
Recommended Reading: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
Eating Too Fast And Swallowing Of Air
Eating too fast leads to increased swallowing of air which ends up in the gastrointestinal tract of your dog.
The only way to release this air is through farting and this is a reason your German Shepherd may be having excessive flatulence.
If your German Shepherd is a fast eater, this is likely to happen as they ingest a lot of air which ends up in the stomach and intestines.
What Is With The Vomiting
Once you have established that your German Shepherd is in fact vomiting, and not regurgitating, the question then becomes: why does my German Shepherd vomit after eating?
The very purpose of vomiting is natures way of cleaning the esophagus to maintain the dogs ability to breath.
It is also the means of making sure that dogs, who are prone to eating just about anything they can get into their mouths on, are prevented from choking on something that they ingested. Although it is not always a cause for alarm when your German Shepherd vomits after eating, it is still advised to determine what may, in fact, be the root cause.
There are several reasons as to why vomiting after eating may occur, and we will present and take a look at a few of these reasons below.
Recommended Reading: What Colors Do German Shepherds Come In
Help My Dog Is Throwing Up Undigested Food: The Complete Guide
Dogs throw up and usually in the worst places – like hello, do you really need to throw up on the bed, carpet or couch?. Why does this happen and is it something you as a pet parent should be concerned about?
Anyone who has owned a dog for a long time will tell you that sometimes vomiting just happens. Your dog might throw up and then go on with their day like it never happened. How do you know if this is the case or if something more serious is going on? These tips will help you know when its no big deal and when to seek medical attention.
Increase Their Food Intake
You can also try adding an extra meal if you find your dog is not eating enough. As long as your dog finishes the food you give them, you dont have to worry about giving them too much.
If you are worried about your dog gaining too much weight, keep track of their weekly weight gain with simple note-taking or a Google sheet.
Recommended Reading: How To Trim A German Shepherds Nails
Prevent Attempts To Escape
Prevent attempts to escape or gain access to an area by your German Shepherd by burying rocks, sticks, or bricks at the edge of the fencing area.
The rocks should be sturdy enough that they will not be able to move when digging.
Another way is to place mesh wire underneath the soil at the fencing area of the yard. When your dog attempts to dig, they will feel the mesh on their nails which will be uncomfortable and this will discourage them from continuing to dig.
Why Throwing Up In The Morning Occurs In Dogs
Reflux Gastritis
While reflux gastritis sounds horrible, it occurs when your dogs stomach is no longer able to tolerate a large buildup of the acid that in the stomach that occurs when they rest for long periods of time, such as at night. Most dogs go to bed with an empty stomach so there is no food within the stomach to act as a buffer for the acid. Giving your dog a small snack before bed can help alleviate reflux gastritis and stop them from throwing up in the morning.
Pregnancy
Just like with humans, dogs can experience morning sickness when they are pregnant. The morning sickness should go away once she whelps.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is when there is inflammation in the pancreas. It can cause your dog to throw up bile in the mornings. You may notice your dog is lethargic, weak and has a decreased appetite, and this is a serious condition requiring medical care. Your veterinarian can run diagnostic tests to help determine if your dog is indeed suffering from pancreatitis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Also known as IBD, inflammatory bowel disease can cause your dog to throw up in the morning. IBD develops for a number of different reasons. Your dog may suffer from gastric immobility and that may cause IBD to occur. When your dog first wakes up and becomes active, they may vomit anything that is in their stomach. Your veterinarian can suggest diet change and possible medications and dietary supplements.
Colitis
Also Check: When Do German Shepherd Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth
When Should You Worry About Your Dog Throwing Up
If a dog throws up the water they drink, they quickly become dehydrated.
When they are dehydrated, they need treatment to stop them from vomiting and sometimes fluids by drip to rehydrate them.
If your dog does not eat, loses weight, becomes dull and lethargic, or has abdominal pain or bloating, this may indicate a more serious problem and you should consult a vet immediately.
When Should You Seek Veterinary Care For Your Vomiting Dog
As noted previously, not all cases of canine vomiting should be managed at home. If inspection of your dogs vomit suggests potential toxicity, seek immediate veterinary care. Youll also want to seek medical attention if your dog vomits multiple times in one day, vomits for more than 24 consecutive hours, or shows any of these symptoms along with vomiting:
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Unusual or severe lethargy
- Increased or decreased urination
You May Like: How Much Do You Feed German Shepherd Puppy
Sensitive Stomach And Food Allergies
German Shepherd dogs are more likely to have sensitive stomachs and food allergies than are many other dog breeds. As PetMD explains, vomiting is a very common sign of sensitive stomach and food allergies.
Veterinary researchers dont fully understand why some dog breeds are more likely to suffer from stomach sensitivity and food intolerances than are other breeds.
Similarly, sometimes one German Shepherd will have more sensitivity than another, just like some people can eat anything and not suffer while others have to have a limited diet.
What Should I Do For My German Shepherd Dog
A brisk walk around the block will probably be enough for most German Shepherds. If your dog has health problems, we recommend speaking to your vet about how it might affect their exercise needs. Toys can be particularly useful for dogs who are reaching their senior years. Often, dogs at this age need a little extra encouragement to exercise.
You May Like: German Shepherd Color Variations
What Is The Difference Between Vomiting And Regurgitation
The Animal Medical Center of Marquette in Michigan explains that there is a difference between vomiting and regurgitation. They explain that: Vomiting has many causes, but results in the stomach ejecting its contents through the mouth. Very active vomiting can also cause intestinal fluid to be brought up. When vomiting, a dog will often precede the act by retching, actively using the abdominal muscles, to force the contents up and out of the body. The process is often strenuous and dynamic.
This is different from regurgitation which comes from problems with the esophagus. A dog that is regurgitating will just burp up material. There is no active movement from the abdominal muscles pressing on the stomach. When a dog regurgitates, the food is not digested as it had not yet made its way to their stomach.