# German Shepherd Health Care Guide
Preventive health care for the German Shepherd centers on regular vet visits, vaccinations, dental care, and early detection of breed-specific issues. Here’s the year-round plan.
## Vet Visit Schedule
– **Puppy (8–16 weeks):** every 3–4 weeks for vaccinations
– **Adult (1–7 years):** annual wellness exam
– **Senior (8+ years):** twice yearly, with bloodwork each visit
The German Shepherd has a typical lifespan of 9–13 years; catching issues early adds years.
## Core Vaccinations
Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza are core for all dogs. Add leptospirosis, Lyme, and Bordetella based on your region and your dog’s lifestyle. Your vet should explain titer testing if you want to space out boosters.
## Parasite Prevention
Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is the single highest-value spend in dog health care. Skipping months to save money costs far more in treatment later.
## Dental Care
Brush teeth 2–3 times per week. Professional dental cleanings every 1–2 years under anesthesia remove tartar that brushing can’t reach. Dental disease is linked to heart and kidney disease in older dogs.
## Breed-Specific Screening
For the German Shepherd, ask about screening for: hip dysplasia (very common — health-test parents), elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy. Many of these can be tested for via OFA, PennHIP, or genetic panels — discuss timing with your vet.
## Weight Management
Maintain ideal body condition (you should feel ribs easily, see a tucked waist from above). Excess weight worsens nearly every health problem this breed faces.