DOG TRAINING EQUIPMENT

German Shepherds by and large are very healthy, no more prone to illness than any other breed and healthier than many. But there are certain conditions that tend to occur among some breeds more often than others. Ear inflammations are a case in point.

As a long-eared breed a condition called Otitis Externa, an inflammation of the outer ear canal, occurs in about 20% of individuals from time to time. There are a dozen different possible causes.

Some German Shepherds are sensitive to wheat or corn in their diet, which is a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods. The resulting sensitivity can prompt an allergic reaction that manifests itself, in one way, as Otitis Externa.

But even simple 'mechanical' things can encourage ear inflammations. Water retained from a bath is one possibility. Even though Shepherds will shake their head vigorously, some water can stay inside the canal. Occasional treatment with a half and half mixture of 5% vinegar and water can help prevent that.

Hair trapped in the canal, from shedding or scratching, can create blockage and provide a medium for bacterial growth. Wax can do the same. In either case, keeping the ear canal free of material will help encourage good air flow which assists in keeping ears dry and germ free.

Those germs can take a number of forms. Ear infections are caused variously by fungus, bacteria or parasites. The parasites themselves don't usually do the major damage, but they carry bacteria and viruses that are injected when they feed. Ear mites are responsible for about 10% of cases.

In rare cases, the cause can be the result of an autoimmune system disorder. With poor breeding programs, that rely too much on too-closely related individuals, the odds of that go up substantially. Endocrine (hormone) imbalances can occur, allergies are more likely.

Sometimes the cause is a simple case of overactive sebaceous glands. The exudate (the material released) clogs pores and that can lead to an inflammation.

Apart from the simple care routines described above, only a vet can determine if more serious treatments are needed. Cytology (sample cell examination under a microscope) can identify bacteria, yeast, parasites and other causes too small to see with the naked eye.

Many dogs will use their claws and paws to scratch an itch. They'll scrape their heads across the carpet or grass. Eliminating all of that behavior is virtually impossible. But when it becomes regular, you should examine the ears for possible problems. Depending on what they have trapped in their nails or are picking up from the ground, they may well be causing the very problem they're trying to treat themselves. Soil often contains harmful bacteria.

Keeping up with regular cleaning with vinegar or Nolva Cleanse solution will eliminate most problems before they occur. Trimming hair at the base of the ear is a good preventative, provided you don't cut too close to the skin and cause ingrown hairs. When that's not enough, seek out your local vet.

Depending on where your German Shepherd walks the most, nail care may be needed often or only very rarely. Long walks on city sidewalks can slowly wear down a dog's nails to an acceptable level. But if you live in the country, or the dog spends almost all its time in the house or the back yard, you may need to trim his nails about once a month.

As with any dog, it's important to use the proper tools and technique. Dogs have a small blood vessel called a quick that runs from the foot out to about midway into the nail. If you nick that quick while cutting the nail it hurts the dog and produces blood. Keeping the nail trimmed, while avoiding injury requires some care and practice. Start conservatively.

There are three different types of tool to use and personal preference varies.

Guillotine cutters slice the nail like a guillotine, but from the opposite direction. They clamp it on the top and slice it from the bottom. It's possible to reverse the direction, just one of the problems with using this type of tool. They also tend to put more pressure on the nail, potentially squeezing the quick uncomfortably. Scissor-style cutters, if properly sharp, can do a great job of slicing cleanly and quickly with just a little practice.

An alternative to cutters is some type of grinding method. A nail file is an option, but a slow one. Dremel tools, which operate like a small wood grinding drill, have to be used with great care, however. They have a round end on an attachment and a drill that can grind the nail down to the desired length.

But at high speed they can become too hot too quick. Test one by grinding something nail-like, then touching the end after it's stopped spinning. If it's too hot to hold, it's too hot to apply to your dog's nail.

Get your German Shepherd on the floor on its back. If the dog is over six months old and you've developed a good bond, fussing is usually minimal. It's important they stay calm and don't jerk a foot at the wrong moment.

One way to judge where the dog's quick begins is to make it more visible. Washing the nail makes the pinkish vessel stand out more against the dark nail. Never get closer than about an 1/8th of an inch. Even if you don't clip the quick, pressure from walking can cause pain if the nail is cut too close.

Clip or grind each nail in turn, taking special care with any dew claw nail, if your dog still has them. To keep any hair out of the way (the dog's, not yours), you can take a baby sock and poke a hole for the nail, then slide it over the foot. That will push the hair back away from the nail. With most German Shepherds, though, it won't be necessary.

Proceed carefully and give your dog a reward afterward.

German Shepherds require only modest grooming effort. They have a double layered coat, with the outer layer composed of medium-length, coarse hair and an undercoat that is soft and dense. The outer section provides protection against bushes and ground while the inner layer keeps the dog warm and protected from sunlight.

Proper care for a German Shepherd's coat starts before you ever take out a brush - with a good diet. Feeding your dog high quality food that's appropriate to its nature as a carnivore is key. High protein, high fat kibble or well-prepared chicken, lamb or beef are great for this. If you choose to make your own dog food, though, take some care to get the right balance of needed components.

Dogs have relatively straight stomachs, unlike humans. That means they don't have the means to so easily digest vegetable matter, which take a long time to break down. Wheat, corn and other plant material should make up a very small portion of the total.

Once you have a good diet in place, grooming practices take the forefront.

Brushing that double-layer coat twice a week is needed in order to keep skin oils well distributed and undo tangles in hair near the skin. It helps remove dead hair and skin cells and keeps the skin well aerated. A standard metal rake-style brush or slicker is a good tool, provided it's properly used. But supplement that with other types of brush, as well. Take care not to scrape the skin and create a lesion.

Brushing should be done against the direction of the hair to get up any matted areas, followed by brushing in the direction of growth. Using a variety of brushes will help cover all the bases.

Bathing intervals vary considerably depending on where you live and the dog's typical routine. If you live in very dusty conditions, such as a ranch or farm, once a month or more may be required for optimal health. Even living in some cities can mean there's enough grime in the air to warrant a regular bath. In a typical suburban neighborhood every two or three months may be enough.

One way to judge is simply by feel. If you pat the dog and a dust cloud flies off, it's time to put Rex into the tub. If the coat feels very greasy that's a signal that they need a bath. Naturally, since dogs love to roll in foul smelling things, any time there are feces, mud or other things built up on the coat it's time for a wash off.

Proper shampoo selection is important. German Shepherds, like many other breeds, can be sensitive to wheat or exhibit other evidence of an allergic reaction. A good oatmeal shampoo can provide soothing relief. But those do build up material on the hair quicker, so bathing will need to be more frequent. A good aloe shampoo can also help with this problem.

With regular care your German Shepherd's coat can be kept healthy and beautiful. That will benefit your dog and please you.

One of the most potentially serious conditions a German Shepherd can suffer from is something called Bloat. In scientific terms, it's more commonly referred to as GDV, or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. The stomach becomes bloated with air or fluid, often accompanied by a twist (volvulus), as it rotates around the esophagus and the duodenum.

The condition is painful, unhealthy and potentially life-threatening. Why it occurs isn't completely understood, but the condition and treatment are well known, provided it can be caught in time.

One sign to look for is any 'unproductive' vomiting or inability to belch. If your Shepherd is unable to regurgitate after trying for a few minutes, don't panic. It may be that they simply don't have anything to bring up. But if it occurs when they've just had a meal, proving they have stomach contents, a call to the vet is in order. Sometimes they will be able to produce some material, but if it appears foamy then make that call.

Though the causes are still murky, there are several factors that may be involved. Genetics is clearly one of them, but diet and eating habits may be more relevant. Peas, onions, beans and other foods can cause an excess of gas to build up. If the stomach twists that gas can get trapped. Feed only high quality dog food always, and reduce the size of meals if you suspect GDV.

Hyperventilation may produce an excessive intake of air which can become trapped. This can lead to breathing difficulties, especially for older dogs. Avoiding stressful situations when possible is called for. Shepherds aren't particularly fearful dogs, but some react badly in the face of thunderstorms and other loud noises. Try to provide a quiet room and a calming voice.

An extended stomach is a possible sign of Bloat. By the time this stage is reached, the problem is serious and you should seek a vet's attention. Feel the dog's stomach when he is in a standing position. It should feel relatively soft and aligned with the body. If it's hard, extended or sounds hollow when tapped gently, you may be dealing with a case of Bloat.

GDV can cause a disruption of proper blood flow, as the vessels become constricted from pressure and twisting. This can interfere with a number of important body systems. Oxygen levels in the blood may become reduced, stomach cells may begin to die, and toxins and bacteria can be released into the bloodstream. Kidney failure is a possibility. Cardiac Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat can occur. All of these require professional medical treatment as soon as possible.

If you suspect your German Shepherd has GDV or Bloat, stay calm. Look for the signs and get on the phone with your vet. He or she can best decide whether drug treatment or surgery is warranted.