german-shepherd-ballMost people assume that their dog’s hip problems come from either too much activity, or too little activity. This may be true, but it’s more often the result of poor breeding. This is why it pays to go with a reputable German shepherd breeder.

Serious hip problems like hip dysplasia are most often passed down through genetics. Sure, your dog can get all sorts of leg and hip issues if it’s too sedentary, or possibly overworked. But if a dog has bad genes, they could have problems with their hips by their first or second birthday, regardless of lifestyle.

What is Hip Dysplasia

Simply put, hip dysplasia is a mismatch (in either size, shape, or both) in your dog’s ball and socket hip joint.

This causes movement to rub and grind, instead of moving smoothly. This, obviously, can be very painful for your dog. It can show up early in a dog’s life, or it may not be a factor until their later years.

It is more prevalent in bigger dogs, with more body weight.

How Can I Tell if My Dog Has Hip Problems?

Hip problems will give your dog difficulty doing just about anything. They will have difficulty rising from a sitting or lying position. And they will show a reluctance to climb stairs or run. You may even hear the problem. There could even be an audible clicking noise when your dog walks.

These issues can be very taxing on your dog emotionally, because all they want to do is run and explode like a bolt of lightning. So it may completely change your dog’s demeanor or temperament.

How to Avoid Hip Problems With Your Dog

First and foremost, always choose an accredited and certified breeder. Bad breeding is always going to lead to health problems of any sort. Particularly in a German Shepherd’s hips.

The second thing you can do is make sure your dog has a good diet of high-quality food, while ensuring that they get the right amount of exercise.

Don’t overwork your young puppy while they’re developing. Keep walks to around 20 minutes or so. Of course, you can play lots of fetch and hide the ball with them to keep them mentally stimulated as well.

Invest in Your Dog’s Health. Work with an Accredited Breeder

Again, you can avoid most common health problems by choosing a dog breeder that’s committed to the integrity and quality of the bloodline.

We are committed to the rules and regulations set out by the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) in Germany. The SV established guidelines for good breeding over 100 years ago, standards we believe are essential to healthy and happy German Shepherd puppies.
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