Did you know that one of the most frequent reasons German Shepherds see the vet is for stomach problems?
And your German Shepherd’s bothersome belly can be just as troubling for you.
This is especially true if you don’t know the root cause!
The good news?
You can learn how to recognize German Shepherds’ common digestive problems and make a plan for their gut health.
Even better?
I’ve listed the most pressing concerns and causes of stomach issues in German Shepherds and how to keep their tummies happy and healthy at home.
Let’s jump in and take a closer look at some German Shepherd stomach problems and issues you need to know so that your GSD looks and feels her best.
Do German Shepherds have stomach problems?
Yes, German Shepherds have inherited a number of digestive and gastrointestinal diseases that can give them stomach problems. Canine genetic experts and veterinary practitioners agree that the illnesses described below are common and have a significant impact on the GSD. As a result, German Shepherds are more likely than other breeds to experience digestive problems such as bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). And owners report stomach sensitivity as another common concern. While your German Shepherd is more vulnerable than other breeds, that doesn’t mean she’ll have these issues.
Even if your dog does become sick, when you’re able to recognize the typical digestive problems German Shepherds experience, you’ll act more quickly and give your dog the necessary therapy to get well.
It’s better to have a strategy for their digestive health than to panic and worry if you don’t.
How can I tell if my German Shepherd has stomach problems or gut issues?
You can tell when your German Shepherd has stomach problems by their symptoms. Vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea are the issues that German Shepherds experience the most frequently when having stomach problems. Other digestive problems include gas, grumbling sounds in the stomach and bowels, a change in your dog’s usual appetite, and unusual behavior such as low energy or a depressed mood. Stomach aches may cause your German Shepherd to become nervous, grumpy, or shy away from petting. Whether it’s a case of milder stomach upset or a more serious gastrointestinal disease, your German Shepherd will generally show symptoms of stomach issues.
Some owners might even tell you that their German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach to describe their dog’s digestive distress. Tummy problems can range from mild and occasional to severe and life-threatening.
Stomach Issues and Symptoms in German Shepherds
If you suspect your German Shepherd has stomach problems, some of the classic signs you might notice include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or an increased amount of feces
- Straining to poop (constipation)
- Gas and rumbling sounds from the stomach and bowels
- Changing appetite from their normal eating habits
- Abdominal pain (doesn’t want to be touched or petted; might have a curved back as they tense up in pain)
- Weight loss in spite of eating healthy food
- Lower than normal energy levels, tiredness, acting depressed
You might worry about your dog because they’re so sick.
Even worse?
You’re at a loss as to what caused your German Shepherd’s stomach issues in the first place.
Don’t panic.
There are some ways to figure out why your dog is sick and what to do to help them recover at home.
Let’s look at some of the most typical gut issues you might see with GSDs.
What causes a German Shepherd’s stomach issues?
Numerous stomach issues in German Shepherds might have identical symptoms and are challenging to distinguish. Take note of the frequency of your dog’s symptoms because they can help you determine why your dog is ill.
These are the most typical stomach problems and issues in German Shepherds:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Food allergy or sensitivity
- Parasites
- Parvovirus
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Bloat
- Cancer
Keep track of and record your dog’s symptoms so you can assist her in recovering as quickly as possible.
You should pay close attention to the following stomach problems and their treatments since you’re more likely to deal with them in your dog.
1. Diarrhea
Generally speaking, diarrhea is defined as an increase in fecal fluidity, frequency, and volume of defecation.
But, I’m sure you’re already aware of the stress a German Shepherd’s bowel problems can cause them!
The most common accompanying features of diarrhea include vomiting, lack of appetite, and weight loss.
Luckily, the majority of cases of diarrhea in German Shepherds and digestive upset are minor, so home treatment is appropriate in some cases. However, there are instances where a case may be life-threatening and call for prompt veterinary assistance.
2. Constipation
Another type of German Shepherd bowel problem is the malfunctioning of their large intestines, which can result in excessively hard stools, known as constipation. Constipation is characterized by difficulty in passing feces that are overly dry and don’t pass out the bowels smoothly.
As a result, a German Shepherd has to exert increasing amounts of effort in order to defecate.
Although acute constipation is typically treatable at home, your GSD needs medical attention if she hasn’t been able to poop in the last 48 hours or you see blood in her bowel movements.
When your German Shepherd is constipated you’ll want to find remedies and treatments that you can start at home.
3. Vomiting
There are many potential causes of intermittent vomiting in GSDs. One of the most pressing concerns when your German Shepherd vomits is dehydration.
But, vomiting in a German Shepherd that’s otherwise healthy (has a normal activity level and appetite, and there is no blood in the stool or vomit), is generally treated with some at-home first aid. These natural cures typically entail supportive care, such as providing a bland diet, keeping track of hydration, and allowing them time to recover.
When symptoms deteriorate or at-home care is ineffective, additional veterinary assistance is needed to prevent further health complications.
4. Food Allergy or Sensitivity
In several dog breeds, including the German Shepherd, food allergies are fairly common. More than 30% of dogs suspected of having food allergies are found to be gluten sensitive, per tests. While some GSDs may have just a slight food sensitivity, others may have severe stomach issues as a result of a food allergy.
Although food allergies or sensitivities can manifest in German Shepherds at any time during their lives, symptoms often appear after 9 months of age. This is because the dog’s body needs some time to become sensitive to the harmful element.
The inability to maintain body weight, weight loss despite eating, and loose stools are the most common symptoms when your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients.
There are lots of sensitive and limited-ingredient dog food diets available. You can find the best dog food for German Shepherds with digestive problems listed here.
Want even more help?
There’s even an easy, at-home kit that takes just a few strands of fur from your dog for testing food intolerances right here.
Sometimes a veterinarian may even recommend a hydrolyzed diet to treat gastrointestinal problems in German Shepherds who are allergic to certain proteins, but this is very expensive and requires a prescription to purchase.
5. Parasites
When intestinal parasites find their way into the GI tract, they can cause stomach issues in your German Shepherd. Parasites have the ability to embed themselves in the intestine’s wall, reproduce quickly, and harm the healthy tissue they come into contact with.
As a result, when they have a parasitic infection, our Shepherds may experience severe diarrhea and vomiting, lose weight, and become lethargic.
Though you might not think of it at first, maintaining your dog’s recommended deworming treatments and monthly heartworm prevention is crucial for their digestive health.
6. Parvovirus
The vile parvovirus, which targets the intestines, can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration in German Shepherds. It spreads by feces particles and is very contagious.
Unvaccinated German Shepherd puppies under 6 months old usually experience the most severe parvovirus illness symptoms.
A dog with this sickness needs supportive treatment, anti-vomiting medications, antibiotics, and antacids until the parvovirus runs its course. Call your veterinarian as soon as your German Shepherd exhibits parvovirus signs to arrange an urgent visit.
Wait outside the clinic with your GSD until you are called in order to prevent spreading parvovirus to the other dogs in the waiting room. As soon as you discover symptoms, take your German Shepherd to the vet. Dogs who get immediate vet attention have a considerably higher chance of surviving the parvovirus.
6. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a syndrome caused by insufficient pancreatic secretion and production of digestive enzymes. Although it affects many breeds, German Shepherds are especially vulnerable.
In general, the condition primarily affects young adult dogs under the age of 5 years old.
Pancreatic enzymes are necessary for the assimilation of all main food components. The necessity for these enzymes can cause digestive issues in dogs with EPI.
Overeating, weight loss, and diarrhea are the most often stated signs and symptoms. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter vomiting and an appetite reduction. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in many German Shepherds is treated by incorporating pancreatic enzymes—either powdered or derived from live tissue—into every meal.
To ensure a speedy recovery for your German Shepherd with EPI, follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian and stick to their treatment plan.
7. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
The term “inflammatory bowel disease” refers to a variety of conditions that impact the digestive tract, including those that have lingering symptoms and unclear inflammation. No known cause is believed to exist for inflammatory bowel illness.
Food sensitivities and allergies are considered lesser-known causes of IBD; however, they can occasionally play a role. For instance, recurrent allergic reactions to food can create inflammation, which can then contribute to the development of disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease appears to affect dogs of all ages, genders, and breeds.
But German Shepherds may be more susceptible than other breeds. In addition to frequently lasting for a long time, indications might sometimes arise and disappear. There could be diarrhea, constipation, appetite changes, and weight loss.
It’s difficult for owners and veterinarians to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease because many of the symptoms are also found in other disorders.
8. Bloat (GDV)
In dogs with deep, narrow chests, bloat, also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) or bloat, frequently occurs. This means that your Shepherd is more vulnerable than other breeds.
Bloating occurs when a dog’s stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting interrupts the blood flow to the stomach and, in certain cases, the spleen. If left untreated, the condition can be lethal in as little as 30 minutes.
Due to gastrointestinal discomfort, your German Shepherd may heave or retch, act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or even adopt the “prayer position” (front feet down, rear end up). Sometimes it’s hard to recognize a bloated abdomen because of the dog’s posture.
Take your German Shepherd right away to an emergency vet hospital if you notice any signs that look like bloat.
Bloat can’t be treated at home!
10. Cancer
Dogs of all breeds can get cancers of various forms, but German Shepherds are more likely than other dog breeds to develop hemangiosarcoma.
This malignancy is caused by harmful cells that coat small blood vessels. The most common age range for diagnosis in German Shepherds is between 9 and 12.
The spleen and heart are the organs that are most frequently affected by hemangiosarcoma, although this type of cancer can also cause stomach issues like anorexia, vomiting, and weight loss. Although it can occasionally appear as a bump on a German Shepherd’s body, the cancer is aggressive and typically grows inside with no visible signs.
Another cancer that can cause vomiting, weight loss, and other stomach-related symptoms in German Shepherds is gastric cancer. As this type of cancer is predominantly located in the GI system, stomach problems are more noticeable.
While occasionally extending your German Shepherd’s life, chemotherapy and surgery are unable to cure cancer.
Taking Care of Your German Shepherd’s Stomach Problems at Home: Routine, Diet, and Exercise
Your dog may experience recurrent vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss due to a number of genetic digestive disorders. But the best place to start for your German Shepherd’s happiness and health is at home, where you have a lot of control over it.
To help prevent some stomach problems in German Shepherds, practice the following home care techniques:
1. For delicate digestion, only feed sensitive-stomach dog food.
This article can point you in the right direction for sensitive dog foods for your German Shepherd’s stomach.
Avoid fatty foods and table scraps at all costs.
Treats with a lot of fat, sodium, or artificial ingredients (like human food) will particularly upset your GSD’s digestive system.Some owners find that going grain-free has helped their dog’s digestion, while others find switching to a higher-quality dog food sits better with their dog’s tummy.
Other times, you might feel the need to look into giving your German Shepherd supplements for her sensitive stomach.
2. Exercise your German Shepherd frequently, both physically and mentally.
German Shepherds are an energetic breed that requires a range of activities. When your dog is feeling better, incorporate a variety of movements into her regular activity. To keep her moving find some new GSD fitness routines and ideas.
On the other hand, if your dog is having an upset stomach, avoid any vigorous activities and stick to slow walks with lots of sniffing to avoid further belly problems.
And, as if that’s not enough…
You must keep their minds engaged and in shape too!
Using mental games can decrease stress and help keep your GSD happy and occupied when they’re feeling under the weather.
Try a few of these fun brain games for German Shepherds.
3. Make it a regular routine to clean your German Shepherd’s ears and brush her teeth.
Even though cleaning your German Shepherd’s ears and teeth may seem like a lot of work, doing so can help you identify uncommon symptoms in the mouth, ear canals, and gums that could help prevent future health issues.
Checking your dog’s ears and gums may alert you to parasites or other infections that may affect her gut.
4. Keep a food and health journal of your German Shepherd’s stomach reactions.
Take notes on what types of food and treats you feed your German Shepherd. Then, write down how your dog acted after they eat the foods and treats.
Was she sick to her stomach?
Did she have diarrhea?
No problems at all?
Think of all the foods, even the tiny bits you know you sneak to her when you eat dinner, and write them down. Keeping a detailed food journal can give your German Shepherd better gut health and is a useful tool should you need information for your vet.
You can also get more nutrition and diet tips for your German Shepherd here.
5. Regularly brush your German Shepherd and check for skin issues.
You can examine the health of her coat and her greatest organ, the skin barrier, by grooming down the fur all the way to the skin. Observe any unusual colorations or lumps and bumps.Keep a regular brushing routine, like this one, and also look for any fleas, ticks, or other parasites.
id you know that some skin issues could indicate poor digestion and food intolerance or allergies?
But here’s the kicker:
Rest assured, there are plenty of dog foods for German Shepherds with skin allergies to choose from here.
Brushing isn’t just good for a shiny, tangle-free coat, it’s also essential to spotting health concerns.
6. Follow your vet’s advice for checkups and vaccines.
Your veterinarian will perform the appropriate examinations at these appointments and be able to detect or test for illnesses and ailments that are common in German Shepherds, especially those that are related to stomach problems.
You can also let your vet know of any issues you’ve noticed using your food and health journal so they can investigate further conditions.
7. Join a pet health insurance program.
My German Shepherd recently had cancer.
I wouldn’t have been able to get her the treatment she sorely needed without pet insurance.
The insurance covered overnight stays at a specialized cancer treatment facility, chemotherapy, radiography, and medical exams.
Though it’s difficult to imagine that our Shepherds could get sick at some point, it’s best to be covered in case they do. I was able to give her a better chance of survival because I had great pet health insurance.
By maintaining healthy stomach habits, you have the opportunity to spot any little issues before they become serious ones.
And while you might think you wouldn’t overlook something wrong with your German Shepherd, sometimes we all get busy with our lives and need a reminder.
There are plenty more tips and advice in this article about German Shepherd Upset Stomach Remedies that you can use to help your dog at home.
The Digestive Health of Your German Shepherd: Home Treatment and Care
A structured healthcare routine helps your Shepherd to live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Make your dog’s health a priority and fit it into your schedule.
Use the following stomach care routine at home to help keep your GSD’s gut health in proper working order.
| Routine | Action |
|---|---|
| Supervise where she goes. | Keep doors closed, use baby gates as necessary, and don’t leave food or chemicals out that she can easily reach. |
| Feed her highly digestible dog foods. | Dog foods that are crafted for stomach sensitivities are easy to digest and help with some stomach issues. |
| Keep her diet consistent. | As long as she’s healthy and maintaining a good weight, stick to one food. Don’t keep trying different foods to see what else she likes or you could upset her stomach. |
| Feed her an age-appropriate diet. | In order to maintain nutrition levels and avoid malnourishment, feed your German Shepherd food specifically made for her age group (puppy, adult, senior, weight maintenance). |
| Schedule her exercises at the right times. | Some stomach issues, such as bloat, can be prevented by avoiding exercise for a couple of hours on either side of when your dog eats. And digestive upset is less likely to occur when their stomachs aren’t full and they’re performing vigorous exercise. |
Although you can prevent and lessen some stomach issues with nutrition, exercise, and regular examinations, there are situations when you’ll need to seek emergency veterinarian care.
How soon should I take my German Shepherd to the vet for stomach issues?
Any strange symptom can be an indication of a dangerous sickness, or it might just be a little issue that will go away on its own.
It’s important to know when and how urgently to seek veterinarian assistance.
Let’s find out when you ought to take your German Shepherd to the vet for her digestive problems.
Emergency Stomach Problems: What to Watch Out For
Consult your veterinarian about your German Shepherd if any of the following symptoms develop:
- Refusing to eat or drink anything
- Excessive vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Repeatedly retching without throwing up
- Diarrhea with blood in it
- Trying to poop with a lot of effort, but no feces passed
- Lethargy, listlessness, or a significant drop in energy
- Fearfulness, aggression, or other unusual behaviors
Keep a close eye on your dog’s health and pay attention to any warning signs or symptoms so you can act appropriately.
Keep in mind that your veterinarian is qualified to identify frequent gastrointestinal issues in your German Shepherd early on when they are more manageable to treat.
Wrap-Up: Keeping Your German Shepherd’s Digestive Health on Track
In a perfect world, our GSDs wouldn’t have stomach issues, but gastrointestinal diseases can’t always be avoided.
Here are some happy gut tips for caring for your German Shepherd’s digestive health:
- Your German Shepherd will enjoy good quality, complete, and sensitive stomach dog food the most. Not only will it have the right balance of nutrients, but a tasty level of palatability will also ensure they really enjoy it. Yum!
- Adding unhealthy human food to a nutritionally full and balanced commercial dog food, as tempting as it is, might create digestive difficulties in German Shepherds. Stick to healthy treats made just for dogs instead.
- Stay up-to-date with your vet’s recommended checkups and vaccinations. Use phone reminders in your calendar so you don’t forget.
- Add a stomach-soothing probiotic to their diet to help keep their digestion on track. While not a cure-all, some dogs need a bit of help in the guts to keep their digestion more balanced.
- Ideally, feed your German Shepherd at regular intervals. Use the proper amount of food for your German Shepherd’s activity and age to keep your dog in peak condition.
To find out even more helpful nutrition advice, check out my guide tofeeding your German Shepherd a healthy diet.
Home treatments and remedies work effectively for some stomach issues, such as upset stomachs and moderate cases of constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Other intestinal problems, however, need immediate medical intervention.
Knowing when to take your German Shepherd to the doctor for stomach issues might not only speed up their recovery but also help them avoid some potentially fatal diseases. When in doubt, avoid delaying medical care for your dog.
Your German Shepherd doesn’t have to suffer from stomach problems when there are so many treatment options available!
Want more help? Here’s a FREE Stomach Symptom Tracker for Your GSD
While your vet should be the first stop for your German Shepherd’s stomach problems, there are also some steps you can take at home. I’ve created a FREE German Shepherd Stomach Health Tracker to help you figure out some of your GSD’s digestive concerns.
Download the PDF—no signup necessary—and then follow the instructions.
The hand-selected articles and free stomach care plan were a big help to me when my German Shepherd had digestive issues and gut problems.
I even posted the food list on my refrigerator so that my family could see the foods she should and shouldn’t eat.
I hope you find the free guide and food tracker list helpful, too!
Happy bellies aren’t out of reach with the right detective work to troubleshoot their cause and a one-on-one vet checkup.
References
“Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Dogs.” https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-stomach-and-intestines-in-dogs
K. Allenspach, et al. “Evidence for a role of innate immunity in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel disease in German Shepherd Dogs”. 2009.
Michael J. Day. “Chronic German Shepherd Dog Illness.” 2003.
“Pancreatitis and Other Disorders of the Pancreas in Dogs.” https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/pancreatitis-and-other-disorders-of-the-pancreas-in-dogs
Seim-Wikse T, Jörundsson E, Nødtvedt A, Grotmol T, Bjornvad CR, Kristensen AT, Skancke E. Breed predisposition to canine gastric carcinoma–a study based on the Norwegian canine cancer register. Acta Vet Scand. 2013 Mar 21;55(1):25. doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-55-25. PMID: 23514604; PMCID: PMC3617004.
Tello, L., & Perez-Freytes, R. (2017). Fluid and electrolyte therapy during vomiting and diarrhea. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 47(2), 505–519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.09.013
“Understanding: Hemangiosarcoma.” https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/understanding-hemangiosarcoma
