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German Shepherd Health Guide

German Shepherds are loyal and intelligent, but their deep chests and sloped backs make them prone to digestive and joint issues.

9-13

Years Lifespan

65-90

Pounds (Adult)

Moderate

Health Risk

#4

AKC Popularity

Know the Signs of Bloat & DM

German Shepherds are at high risk for bloat (GDV), a life-threatening emergency. They're also prone to degenerative myelopathy, which causes progressive hind leg weakness. Early recognition of both conditions is critical.

What Makes German Shepherds Unique

German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal working dogs, but their breeding history has led to specific health vulnerabilities:

  • Sloped back conformation: Show line breeding for sloped backs has increased hip/spine issues
  • Deep chest: Body shape increases bloat risk significantly
  • Genetic DM mutation: High carrier rate for degenerative myelopathy gene
  • Sensitive digestive system: Prone to EPI, food sensitivities, and GI issues
  • Skin sensitivity: Common allergies and perianal fistulas

Major Health Conditions

1. Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

19-20% affected

Joint malformation is one of the most common issues in German Shepherds. The breed's sloped back conformation in some lines has worsened hip problems.

Watch for:

  • • Bunny-hopping when running
  • • Difficulty rising or lying down
  • • Reluctance to climb stairs
  • • Swaying or wobbling gait

Management:

  • • Maintain lean body weight
  • • Joint supplements early
  • • Controlled exercise (avoid jumping)
  • • Surgery for severe cases

2. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Progressive

A devastating progressive disease of the spinal cord, similar to ALS in humans. Caused by a genetic mutation common in German Shepherds. Typically starts after age 8.

Progression signs:

  • • Knuckling of back paws
  • • Dragging rear feet (worn nails)
  • • Hind leg weakness, wobbling
  • • Eventually paralysis of hind legs

What to know:

  • • DNA test available (SOD1 gene)
  • • No cure exists
  • • Physical therapy slows progression
  • • Mobility carts help quality of life

3. Bloat (GDV)

Life-threatening

German Shepherds are one of the most at-risk breeds for bloat. The stomach fills with gas and may twist (volvulus), cutting off blood supply. Can be fatal within hours.

Emergency Signs:

  • • Distended, hard abdomen
  • • Unproductive retching (trying to vomit, nothing comes up)
  • • Restlessness, pacing, drooling
  • • Go to emergency vet immediately

4. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

GSD predisposed

The pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes. German Shepherds are the most commonly affected breed. Usually develops between ages 1-5.

Symptoms:

  • • Weight loss despite eating lots
  • • Large, greasy, foul-smelling stool
  • • Increased appetite (ravenous)
  • • Poor coat condition

Treatment:

  • • Enzyme supplements with every meal
  • • B12 supplementation often needed
  • • Highly digestible diet
  • • Lifelong management, good prognosis

5. Skin Allergies & Hot Spots

Very common

German Shepherds are prone to environmental and food allergies. Their dense double coat can hide skin issues until they're severe.

Watch for:

  • • Excessive scratching or licking
  • • Red, inflamed skin
  • • Hot spots (moist dermatitis)
  • • Ear infections

Management:

  • • Regular brushing to check skin
  • • Apoquel or Cytopoint for allergies
  • • Identify and avoid triggers
  • • Flea prevention essential

6. Perianal Fistulas

GSD predisposed

Painful draining tracts around the anus. German Shepherds account for 80%+ of cases. Thought to be immune-mediated and worsened by their low tail carriage.

Signs:

  • • Straining to defecate
  • • Licking at rear end
  • • Foul odor
  • • Visible sores around anus

Treatment:

  • • Immunosuppressive medications
  • • Cyclosporine often effective
  • • Diet changes may help
  • • Surgery in severe cases

7. Hemangiosarcoma

High risk breed

An aggressive cancer of blood vessel cells. German Shepherds are one of the most affected breeds. Often affects the spleen or heart and may cause sudden collapse.

Warning signs:

  • • Sudden weakness or collapse
  • • Pale gums
  • • Distended abdomen
  • • Unexplained weight loss

Screening:

  • • Regular vet exams after age 6
  • • Abdominal ultrasound screening
  • • Monitor for sudden changes
  • • Know emergency vet location

Bloodwork Considerations for German Shepherds

When reviewing your German Shepherd's bloodwork, keep these breed-specific factors in mind:

  • TLI (Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity): The diagnostic test for EPI—should be checked if symptoms present
  • B12 and folate: Often deficient with EPI or GI issues
  • Anemia indicators: Can signal internal bleeding from hemangiosarcoma
  • Liver enzymes: Monitor for abnormalities as they age

Use our blood test value checker to interpret your German Shepherd's results.

Preventive Care for German Shepherds

Daily Care

  • Monitor mobility — watch for early signs of hip issues or DM
  • Maintain lean weight — extra weight accelerates joint problems
  • Feed smaller meals — 2-3 smaller meals reduce bloat risk vs. one large meal
  • No exercise after eating — wait 1-2 hours to reduce bloat risk
  • Regular brushing — check skin underneath that thick coat

Recommended Health Screenings

✓
Hip & elbow evaluation
OFA or PennHIP at age 2
✓
DM DNA test
SOD1 gene test available
✓
Cardiac exam
Check for heart issues
✓
TLI test
If GI symptoms present
✓
Abdominal ultrasound
Cancer screening after age 6
✓
Annual bloodwork
Baseline and monitoring
✓
Senior wellness screening
Bi-annual exams for dogs 7+

When to See the Vet Immediately

Emergency Signs - Seek Immediate Care:

  • Distended abdomen with unproductive retching (bloat)
  • Sudden collapse or extreme weakness
  • Pale or white gums
  • Sudden onset hind leg weakness or dragging
  • Inability to stand or walk
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Rapid, labored breathing

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average lifespan of a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds typically live 9-13 years, with an average of about 11 years. Lifespan is influenced by genetics, diet, exercise, and management of breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.

What is degenerative myelopathy in German Shepherds?

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive spinal cord disease that causes hind leg weakness and eventually paralysis. It typically begins after age 8 and is caused by a genetic mutation. There is no cure, but physical therapy can help maintain mobility. DNA testing can identify at-risk dogs.

What are the most common German Shepherd health problems?

The most common health problems in German Shepherds are: Hip and elbow dysplasia (affects 19-20%), degenerative myelopathy, bloat (GDV), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), skin allergies, and perianal fistulas.

Are German Shepherds prone to bloat?

Yes, German Shepherds are one of the breeds most at risk for bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus). Their deep chest makes them susceptible. Signs include distended abdomen, unproductive retching, and restlessness. Bloat is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.

What is EPI in German Shepherds?

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a condition where the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes. German Shepherds are the most commonly affected breed. Signs include weight loss despite ravenous appetite, large greasy stools, and poor coat condition. It's manageable with enzyme supplements.