If you are about to get your very first German Shepherd puppy, then you’ve come to the right place. You must have many questions about German Shepherd care, but don’t worry because we will outline everything you need to know about how to care for a German Shepherd puppy.
Here is what you need to look out for:
Feed Your Puppy the Right Food
German Shepherds grow to be large dogs that require proper nutrition from animal protein food. While your puppy is still young, you can give it a specific formula made for German Shepherd puppies. You should feed your puppy in two or more small meals rather than one large meal a day. The puppy should also have access to water throughout the day.
It would be good to find out what kind of food the breeders were feeding the puppy and try to stick to the same food plan. You can also ask your vet for recommendations.
Take Care of Your Puppy’s Health
To begin with, you need to get your puppy’s vaccination records from the breeders. If any vaccinations are remaining, be sure to get them done on time. You should also take your puppy for regular checkups where the vet will do general health assessments, clip your puppy’s nails, and deworm your puppy. Unless you plan on breeding your puppy when it is older, consider getting the puppy spayed or neutered any time after it is six months old.
Groom Your Puppy Well
You should regularly trim your puppy’s nails and clean its ears. A puppy should be bathed a maximum of once or twice a month since soap and shampoos can damage the puppy’s delicate skin.
Their coats are very thick and should be brushed a few times to week to avoid mats or knots forming. See if you and your puppy are comfortable with bathing at home. If not, you can book an appointment with a professional groomer.
Keep Your Puppy Physically Active
Your puppy should be physically active, but don’t overdo it. Remember, the puppy is still young and can easily get tired or hurt. A 15-minute walk is an ample exercise, and playtime should not be too vigorous or rough.
Also, avoid letting the puppy jump off the couch or go down the stairs, which can lead to injuries. Keep an eye on how your puppy walks and moves, and look out for any changes that could mean joint problems, injured hips, or hip dysplasia. German Shepherds can be particularly prone to these problems.
Train and Socialize Your Puppy
The first day away from its mother and litter will be traumatic and stressful for the puppy. It might be a good idea to have a designated space in your house to keep your puppy in before you let it explore to avoid overwhelming it. Slowly introduce your puppy to your family members and give it enough time to become acclimatized to the new space and people. Train your puppy to follow basic commands and take it outside after meals.
Now that you know, how to take care of a German Shepherd, we can assure you that your puppy will be happy and comfortable in its new home in no time!
If you are hoping to adopt a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, get in touch with Vom Royalhaus.