German Shepherd owners, as well as the owners of most large-breed dogs, are concerned that their companions are affected by various unique health issues. Of the many issues that afflict German Shepherds in particular, the two most prominent would be musculoskeletal issues such as hip dysplasia, and skin problems perceived as "allergies".
The German Shepherd breed is a very popular breed. Their stunning good looks, ruggedness, and intelligence make them quite desirable as pets and for home protection. This aspect has led to over breeding, many times by less than reputable breeders who profit from their sales. Over breeding leads to deficiencies, that are then passed on to the next generation and the next and so on. In addition, the "breed standard" calls for the top line to be slanted slightly downward, applying more pressure on the hip structure. This is a point of some controversy among fanciers of the breed. The purpose of this article is not to take sides, only to point out factors involved in joint related issues.
Affecting many dogs, is a condition known as Hip Dysplasia, which is a developmental malformation or subluxation of the hip joints, eventually resulting in Arthritic issues. Quite often, dog hip dysplasia is a genetically inherited musculoskeletal disorder. With hip dysplasia being a developmental condition, the primary cause can usually be attributed to muscle laxity during the early months of growth and development. In this 'puppy' timeframe, if muscle tone is inadequate, or if bone growth rate exceeds that of muscle development, the femoral head pulls away from the socket, a process known as subluxation. Subluxation then leads to abnormal wear and erosion, or 'Hip Dysplasia', which usually results in mild to severe arthritic issues for the animal.
How Proper Nutrition and/or Supplements can help your German Shepherd with Hip Dysplasia or other Joint Related Issues
There are a multitude of success stories revealing that pets with these issues find help and restored mobility by using all-natural supplements, such as Antioxidant Treats or Sprouted Granules, which are designed to support the body's ability to provide proper and well-functioning lubrication (synovial fluid) for healthy joint function, and thereby greater comfort. This supplemental nutrition is utilized by the body to support the manufacture of a diverse series of metabolic and antioxidant enzymes which, it turn, support the body's proper levels, cleanliness, and viscosity of synovial fluid. Obviously, using a nutritional supplement is not going to revert a misshapen joint back to a perfect state. That would require surgery which is both risky, and pricey, and requires a long convalescence. Instead, the 'Live Food Enzymes' they contain provide the body with a resource for the production of Antioxidant Enzymes. These enzymes, such as Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutithione Peroxidase are nature's agents involved in ridding the body of toxins. This in turn affects the processes of inflammation, restoring of Synovial fluid (joint lubricant), and in greater release of energy. As a result, many dysplastic dogs can resume a normal range of motion and activity.
"Allergy" troubles in German Shepherds.
German Shepherds are not the only breed to have troubles in this area, but many are afflicted all the same. Symptoms of itching, biting, scratching, chewing, hair loss, odor, blackening skin, elephant skin, weeping sores, chewing paws, ear infections, eye infections, UTI's or more can all be a part of this issue. Vets often address these problems by administering antibiotics and steroids to help calm the surface symptoms. Even though this approach often works in the short term, as soon as these medications wear off, the symptoms will often return with a vengeance. This may be attributed to the fact that these issues are not caused by allergies at all. Did you ever consider that the Antibiotics, though killing off bad bacteria on the surface were at the same time killing off friendly bacteria in the GI tract? Did you ever consider that the steroid's deadening of the immune system, lowering inflammation, also lowers the body's ability to fight infection?
What has been described above is the perfect scenario for a Systemic Yeast Infection. What is that, exactly? It is a condition brought about by the diminishing of the good, friendly bacteria found in the GI tract allowing for the expansion of fungal yeast (already present), creating an imbalance. As the yeast expands and grows, it puts out toxic by-products that leak into the bloodstream and are carried to the extremities to be filtered out at the surface.
You might be asking how your dog got this way to start with. There are many contributing factors, with the following being the most frequent:
1. Pet foods and snacks. Many of your big name brands are loaded with preservatives, additives and artificial colorings. These all have a negative impact on the friendly bacterial flora. At the same time, these foods are grain-based instead of meat based. Since yeast loves starch, this is a recipe for disaster.
2. Over vaccination. We are led to believe that vaccines are good for us, and that they are protecting us from harm, but often that is not the case. When we hear of a young dog with this problem, we can almost always trace the origins to the time of vaccination. This is not to say that a dog should not ever receive vaccines, but certainly not a 3-in-1 or a 5-in-1 shot. This can cause tremendous insult to the immune system, creating massive die-off of good bacteria.
3. Flea treatments and heartworm medications. Even though these products are usually effective against these critters, they are a poison, and can even contribute to neurological issues. We suggest finding natural alternatives where possible.
4. Chlorinated water. They put chlorine in the water to kill bacteria. We recommend filtered water for your pet.
5. Antibiotics. This goes without saying. There are many instances where antibiotics are necessary. If so, it is paramount that you supplement with a probiotic to help lessen the damage to good bacteria.
If your dog does have an SYI, what can you do to reverse it? To do reverse this involves a comprehensive approach designed to kill off the overgrowth of yeast, support the body for healing, repair and detoxification, and rebuild the good bacteria. The rest is a matter of time. This is NOT a quick-fix. It can take some months to get things turned around, but you can take comfort in knowing that you are getting to the ROOT of the problem, not just patching things up.
