You do not always need a doctor just to suspect that a German Shepherd is ill. An experienced owner can often make an initial judgment by observing the eyes, nose, or body temperature and by noticing what seems abnormal. This may help you form a preliminary idea of what kind of illness the dog has.
Lack of energy
If a German Shepherd develops a physical problem for any reason, one of the most common signs is reduced vitality and a low spirit. If a dog that is normally active and lively suddenly becomes inactive and barely responds when called, there is a good chance it is unwell.
Loss of appetite
Another common sign is poor appetite. If the dog no longer wants to eat and even ignores foods it usually likes, illness should be considered.
Raised body temperature
When a dog is sick, increased body temperature is common. Conditions such as a cold, diarrhea, canine distemper, or parvovirus may all cause fever. A dogs normal temperature is higher than a humans and may reach around 38 degrees Celsius. However, once it rises above 39.5 degrees Celsius, illness is likely.
Eye abnormalities
In a healthy dog, the eyes and the area around them are usually fairly clean. If the dog becomes sick, there may be pus like discharge, dryness, more eye crust, noticeable blood vessels, and even sensitivity to light.
Check the nose
A healthy dogs nose is usually moist and feels cool. A sick dogs nose is often dry, and in some cases the surface may even begin to peel. When that happens, the owner should become more alert.
These observation methods do not apply only to German Shepherds. They can be used with many other dog breeds as well. As a dog owner, you should pay close attention to your dogs condition during walks and feeding, because early discovery usually means earlier treatment.