How To Help Keep Your GSD Healthy

LaRen616 · 01-10-2012, 01:35 PM

I was thinking that we should make a thread on how to help keep our GSDs healthy or to help ensure they live a long healthy life.

My thoughts

1) Feeding a nice quality kibble or RAW.
2) Keeping them at a nice ideal weight, keeping them on the thin side is better.
3) Making sure they get plenty of exercise.
4) Supplements can make a big difference especially for their joints.

Let's share our ideas and opinions on how to keep them healthy and happy.

elisabeth_00117 · 01-10-2012, 01:41 PM

My personal way to keep my dogs healthy:

1. Feed a balanced, raw diet with a good variety of protein sources.
2. Supplement when and where needed.
3. Minimally vaccinate - titer instead.
4. Keep intact unless other health reasons dictate otherwise.
5. Keep at an ideal weight for body structure.
6. Mentally and physically active.
7. Ensure you check your dog regularly for injuries or illnesses.
8. EDUCATE yourself on dog illness and signs/symptoms.
9. Allow your dog the chance to be a dog.
10. Train, socialize and be consistent.

fuzzybunny · 01-10-2012, 01:42 PM

I'm going to add mental stimulation to the list. Sometimes if dogs are bored they will engage in obsessive behaviours.

elisabeth_00117 · 01-10-2012, 01:44 PM

That's on my list as well (check #6).

fuzzybunny · 01-10-2012, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elisabeth_00117

That's on my list as well (check #6).

You hadn't responded yet while I was typing my response. I guess you were a few seconds faster

elisabeth_00117 · 01-10-2012, 01:52 PM

LOL.. sorry!

Josie/Zeus · 01-10-2012, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elisabeth_00117

My personal way to keep my dogs healthy:

1. Feed a balanced, raw diet with a good variety of protein sources.
2. Supplement when and where needed.
3. Minimally vaccinate - titer instead.
4. Keep intact unless other health reasons dictate otherwise.
5. Keep at an ideal weight for body structure.
6. Mentally and physically active.
7. Ensure you check your dog regularly for injuries or illnesses.
8. EDUCATE yourself on dog illness and signs/symptoms.
9. Allow your dog the chance to be a dog.
10. Train, socialize and be consistent.

Yup, agree with everything above.

chicagojosh · 01-10-2012, 02:43 PM

hug and pet your dog should be added

01-10-2012, 01:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
LaRen616 Crowned Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 10,582	How To Help Keep Your GSD Healthy I was thinking that we should make a thread on how to help keep our GSDs healthy or to help ensure they live a long healthy life. My thoughts 1) Feeding a nice quality kibble or RAW. 2) Keeping them at a nice ideal weight, keeping them on the thin side is better. 3) Making sure they get plenty of exercise. 4) Supplements can make a big difference especially for their joints. Let's share our ideas and opinions on how to keep them healthy and happy. __________________ ~ Sinister 3 yr old black male GSD 3.11.09 ~ Malice 9 mth old black female GSD 6.19.11 Cats: Chaos, Monster, Wicked

01-10-2012, 01:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
elisabeth_00117 Crowned Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Posts: 7,246	My personal way to keep my dogs healthy: 1. Feed a balanced, raw diet with a good variety of protein sources. 2. Supplement when and where needed. 3. Minimally vaccinate - titer instead. 4. Keep intact unless other health reasons dictate otherwise. 5. Keep at an ideal weight for body structure. 6. Mentally and physically active. 7. Ensure you check your dog regularly for injuries or illnesses. 8. EDUCATE yourself on dog illness and signs/symptoms. 9. Allow your dog the chance to be a dog. 10. Train, socialize and be consistent. __________________ Battleborn Hundesport Wild Winds Archangel Raphael "Stark", HIC (2009-04-10) Wild Winds Zephyr "Zefra" (2011-04-15) *Beau* 03/08/97 to 06/07/10

01-10-2012, 01:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
fuzzybunny Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa Posts: 1,818	I'm going to add mental stimulation to the list. Sometimes if dogs are bored they will engage in obsessive behaviours. __________________ Carolyn Jazz, Shiloh Shepherd, 2.5 years old, CGC HIC Bunny, GSD X, 5.5 years old

01-10-2012, 01:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
elisabeth_00117 Crowned Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Posts: 7,246	That's on my list as well (check #6). __________________ Battleborn Hundesport Wild Winds Archangel Raphael "Stark", HIC (2009-04-10) Wild Winds Zephyr "Zefra" (2011-04-15) *Beau* 03/08/97 to 06/07/10

01-10-2012, 01:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
elisabeth_00117 Crowned Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Posts: 7,246	LOL.. sorry! __________________ Battleborn Hundesport Wild Winds Archangel Raphael "Stark", HIC (2009-04-10) Wild Winds Zephyr "Zefra" (2011-04-15) *Beau* 03/08/97 to 06/07/10

01-10-2012, 02:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
chicagojosh Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wicker Park, Chicago Posts: 1,789	hug and pet your dog should be added __________________ A tired puppy is a good puppy CODY - Sable GSD Born 11/15/09 MANDI - GSD/Husky/Lab Mix Born 6/3/06

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