# German Shepherd Health Issues
Every breed has predictable health problems. For the German Shepherd, the most common conditions are listed below — with what to look for and what to do.
## 1. Hip Dysplasia (Very Common — Health-Test Parents)
This condition appears in German Shepherd populations at higher rates than in mixed-breed dogs. Early signs vary, but most owners notice changes in movement, appetite, energy, or coat. Annual vet exams catch most issues before they become serious; ask your vet about breed-specific screening tests for German Shepherds.
## 2. Elbow Dysplasia
This condition appears in German Shepherd populations at higher rates than in mixed-breed dogs. Early signs vary, but most owners notice changes in movement, appetite, energy, or coat. Annual vet exams catch most issues before they become serious; ask your vet about breed-specific screening tests for German Shepherds.
## 3. Degenerative Myelopathy
This condition appears in German Shepherd populations at higher rates than in mixed-breed dogs. Early signs vary, but most owners notice changes in movement, appetite, energy, or coat. Annual vet exams catch most issues before they become serious; ask your vet about breed-specific screening tests for German Shepherds.
## 4. Bloat (Gdv)
This condition appears in German Shepherd populations at higher rates than in mixed-breed dogs. Early signs vary, but most owners notice changes in movement, appetite, energy, or coat. Annual vet exams catch most issues before they become serious; ask your vet about breed-specific screening tests for German Shepherds.
## 5. Perianal Fistulas
This condition appears in German Shepherd populations at higher rates than in mixed-breed dogs. Early signs vary, but most owners notice changes in movement, appetite, energy, or coat. Annual vet exams catch most issues before they become serious; ask your vet about breed-specific screening tests for German Shepherds.
## Reducing Risk
Buy from breeders who health-test their breeding pairs. Maintain a healthy weight (extra pounds worsen joint issues), feed an age-appropriate diet, and keep up with annual bloodwork starting at age 6. For the German Shepherd specifically, watch for hip dysplasia (very common — health-test parents) as the highest-priority concern.
## When to See a Vet Immediately
Sudden lethargy, vomiting that won’t stop, distended abdomen (especially in deep-chested breeds), inability to urinate, pale gums, or collapse are emergencies. Don’t wait until morning — find a 24-hour clinic.