Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
German Shepherds are considered large breed dogs and have a life expectancy that is shorter than that of small breeds.
Caring for a German Shepherd in their senior years requires extra attention to their joints, heart, and cellular health.
Longevity15™ is a supplement that can support your German Shepherd from the cells up, giving you a chance to love them even longer.
German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They make great family pets but are also used for police and military work due to their exceptional trainability and bravery. These high-energy dogs weigh between 50 and 90 pounds when fully grown and require open spaces to run and play.
As a large dog breed, German Shepherds have average life spans between seven and 10 years of age. This means that a German Shepherd will become a senior dog between the ages of six and eight.
Ensuring German Shepherds are able to live healthfully and comfortably as seniors means paying close attention to their diets and activity levels, and supporting their bodies with a valuable supplement that their dog food could be missing.
German Shepherds have a relatively short lifespan compared to smaller dogs. Experts agree that the best way to determine a dog’s lifespan is by considering its breed and size. Typically, the larger a dog is, the shorter their lifespan will be, placing German Shepherds in a category with dogs that have much shorter lifespans.
Just because they have a shorter lifespan, however, does not mean they are not capable of living longer. Reducing your German Shepherd’s risk of developing age-related illness can help them live longer, fuller lives.
If you own a German Shepherd, here are some of the most common health concerns your dog could experience.
Larger dogs suffer from joint and bone health problems more frequently than smaller dogs, likely due to their size and activity levels. One problem German Shepherds may be predisposed to is hip dysplasia. This is a condition that can cause lifelong pain in the hips. They can also develop elbow dysplasia, which can affect their front legs and cause them to walk with a limp.
About 20% of all German Shepherds will experience hip dysplasia in their lifetimes. You can support your German Shepherd by making sure they maintain a healthy weight, get plenty of exercise, and by ensuring their kibble has the essential vitamins and nutrients they need to thrive.
German Shepherds may get cancer in the late stages of life. Certain types of cancers are more frequent in large dogs. German Shepherds are prone to bone, lung, and intestinal cancer. Some cancers may be treatable, but others may require palliative care.
Many breeds suffer from spine and spinal cord issues. German Shepherds may develop a condition known as degenerative myelopathy, a condition that causes a slow paralysis of the back legs. While there is no treatment or cure for this condition, physical therapy can help slow the progression and give your dog a better quality of life.
Practically all breeds suffer from dental issues, and German Shepherds are no exception. German Shepherds may develop periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues system-wide.
Unfortunately, about 80% of dogs over age three have gum disease, but few of their owners know about it. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to decay, pain, tooth loss, and even organ failure.
Heart problems can be common for German Shepherds. Heart murmurs, valvular disease, and dilated cardiomyopathy can develop and lead to further complications. Have your dog’s heart checked each year when your dog sees their veterinarian. Some dogs with heart disease will benefit from medication, while others may need to change their diet to promote heart health.
Although numerous health issues could affect your dog, there are ways to support your German Shepherd and help them live a longer, healthier life.
German Shepherds often need more exercise than other breeds. They’ll need several walks and/or play times each day to burn off their energy and maintain a healthy weight.
In addition, giving your German Shepherd food that meets their needs is key to supporting their overall wellness. Just like humans, dogs have nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for their bodies to thrive. Essential means they must have them, but their bodies cannot readily make them on their own. Instead, they must get these nutrients from food or supplements.
While most dog food contains the ingredients your German Shepherd needs to thrive, three out of five dog foods tested were completely void of one key, crucial fatty acid known as pentadecanoic acid, or C15:0 for short.
C15:0 is an odd-chain, saturated fatty acid that is essential for mammals. While studying dolphins, researchers discovered that animals with higher circulating levels of C15:0 have fewer age-related illnesses than those with lower levels of this nutrient.
C15:0 works by supporting your dog’s cells by:
Your dog needs C15:0, but chances are they aren’t getting it in their food. Because C15:0 is only found in trace amounts in full-fat dairy products (like whole milk) and some parts of some fish, it can be hard to ensure your dog is getting enough, especially when their food may not contain it.
A solution? Longevity15.
Longevity15 is a dog supplement that helps support your dog’s overall health so they can live as long as possible and maintain their health. Inside each packet of Longevity15 is FA15™, the sustainably sourced version of pentadecanoic acid.
Your German Shepherd is incredibly smart, brave, and loyal. You owe it to them to protect their ability to age healthfully and enjoy their senior years. Giving your dog Longevity15 is one of the easiest and smartest ways to support your German Shepherd’s health and protect their longevity.
Sources:
Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs? | AKC
German Shepherd Dog Breed Health and Care | PetMD
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
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