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american bulldog puppies illinois - Sep 1, Share Determining the causes of a loss of appetite in your German Shepherd is often tricky. The symptom is non-diagnostic and can point to so many reasons. It can indicate minor things or something more serious. Is there nausea or vomiting? Is your pet experiencing GI distress? You should be aware of anything unusual. When symptoms appear together, it can give your veterinarian a shortlist of things to check. Just saying that my German Shepherd is too skinny is vague. It can make learning the root of the problem more difficult. Remember that canines have a keen sense of smell with over 16 times the sensory receptors and 40 times the brain capacity. That means dogs are often more sensitive to different foods. Image Credit: Angeleses, Pixabay 2. You probably know about chocolate. However, there are also several obscure ones, such as avocados and macadamia nuts. Eating Is Painful Dental problems are often a culprit that can turn your pup off its food. Severe cases might make it too painful for your dog to eat. That makes regular dental care imperative. Image Credit: PixieMe, Shutterstock 4. Common types include chemotherapy drugs, pain meds, and some antibiotics. Luckily, the symptoms resolve quickly after your pet goes off the things causing the problems. Fortunately, many are specific to the condition, which makes diagnosis easier. Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss occurs with several of them, including stomach worms, roundworms , and threadworms. They also resolve quickly once they are identified. It can have a similar effect on your canine friend as it does on humans. Think of how you feel in a tense situation. Probably the last thing you want to do is eat. Your body—and that of your German Shepherd—allocate its resources to escaping the threat instead of passive ones like eating. They sometimes experience separation anxiety if they are kept alone for long stretches. It can manifest in many ways, including a loss of appetite. Counterconditioning therapy can help your pup cope better with your absences. Image Credit: DanaTentis, Pixabay 8. Veterinarians can tell you a plethora of stories about the things dogs have swallowed, from socks to rocks to Super Balls. A loss of appetite, vomiting, and pain are the telltale symptoms. The list includes a broad range of conditions, from liver disease to bacterial problems to urinary tract infections. Your vet will likely begin with a complete blood profile. Image Credit: Goran Horvat, Pixabay .Your Pup Has Cancer Cancer often causes a decrease in appetite, too. It can result from the disease or its treatment. The difference is that it can often result in a dramatic weight loss that is visible quickly and noticeably. Keeping your German Shepherd will give your pup its best defense against this disease. Final Thoughts Dogs differ from cats in that they often wear their symptoms on their proverbial sleeves. Related Read:. Reasons why your German Shepherd is not eating As pet parents, we all want our four-legged family members to get the best nutrition to keep them strong and healthy, so it can be worrying if their appetite changes. Your dog is stressed or anxious Stress hormones can suppress the appetite. Dental problems Gum recession, tooth root abscesses, fractured teeth, or teething can all cause pain in the mouth that might mean chewing is uncomfortable for your dog. Dogs with dental disease might drop their food, throw it around their mouth, or struggle with dried kibble. If their food is causing some vomiting or diarrhea regularly due to allergies, your dog might not be keen to eat it if they know it makes them feel poorly. Your dog will pick up on this change and might not be hungry at the new feeding time or might be feeling stressed. German Shepherds need around 2 hours a day for adults. Less than this and they might only want a small portion of food to avoid overeating and weight gain. How can I get my German Shepherd eating again? Getting your pup to eat again after a period of inappetence can be challenging, and you want to be sure you are offering your dog the right food to get them back to their usual selves. Here are our top tips to help get your German Shepherd eating again: Switch their food Dogs like variety, so switching up their food by mixing wet and dry or adding some water, or even changing brands every few months can keep them interested. Feed at a specific time each day and stick to a routine Dogs are creatures of routine, and German Shepherds are very sensitive to change. Establish a routine when your dog is a puppy and introduce changes gradually. Your dog will learn to expect and want their food around a certain time, and they may not be hungry outside of it. A behaviorist can help you here, and some simple training techniques will help. Make mealtimes fun Games, interactive feeders, and slow feeding bowls can make mealtime more interesting for your dog, stimulate their senses and make them more enthusiastic about their food. When to see the vet A lack of appetite can be worrying for any pet parent. The vet will examine your dog and might want to do tests to find out what the problem is and get your dog the treatment they need. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are highly intelligent and sensitive dogs, so they can go off their food for reasons as simple as a change in routine or environment, or stress such as separation anxiety. Most adult dogs can go a day or two without food. Puppies cannot go as long without food. When should I worry about my dog not eating? If your dog is not eating for 24 hours or more, or it is a long-term problem then get them checked at the vet. Why does my dog suddenly not want to eat? Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. There are many reasons why a dog might throw up, some are non-life threatening and some are a sign of a serious health problem. No matter the reason, cleaning up dog barf is gross. Some causes of vomiting are obvious, such as the dog overeating or eating garbage. However, there are also gastric causes of vomiting, which are due to diseases of the stomach and upper intestinal tract. There are also non-gastric causes, which are caused by diseases of other organs that result in an accumulation of toxic substances in the blood. These toxic substances stimulate the vomiting center in the brain, which makes the dog throw up. Dogs also puke two different ways: Vomiting and regurgitating. It will help them decide which tests to run and make it easier to determine what might be wrong. Dog Vomiting Symptoms When a dog vomits, they eject the contents of their stomach and upper intestines. Their body tenses as they gag, retch, and heave before upchucking. They simply lower their head and expel the contents of their esophagus without making much noise. The food is effortlessly coughed up, sometimes covered with mucus, without the muscle contractions and noise that happens when they vomit. It can happen for many reasons. In otherwise healthy pets, the vomiting or regurgitation is usually a single episode with no other symptoms. In other words, the dog seems fine and is going about their day, business as usual. After that, feed a small meal of a bland diet, such as boiled chicken with the fat removed and rice. If the dog holds down the food, slowly mix the bland diet in with their regular food for a few meals. During this time, allow the dog to drink water. Here is a list of additional foods that can also help a dog with an upset stomach. When to See Your Vet For Vomiting As mentioned above, there are some serious health conditions that may cause vomiting in dogs. Some Serious Health Conditions Associated with Vomiting Pancreatitis Can occur after eating something high in fat or greasy, like fried food, cheese, butter, or garbage, etc. Symptoms usually come on very quickly and may not always be associated with diet indiscretion. As toxins that are normally flushed out by the kidneys accumulate in the blood, the dog becomes sick and begins to throw up. It can be caused by heatstroke, cancer, infection, bacteria, viruses, diabetes, and copper storage disease, a condition the German shepherd breed can be prone to. Inner Ear Infection An inner ear infection can cause vomiting and may be accompanied by walking in circles or tilting the head. Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS causes inflammation in the lining of the bowels and results in stomach and intestinal upset. It's usually chronic and can lead to symptoms like nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhea. Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth Chronic diarrhea and weight loss is usually a symptom of SIBO but dogs suffering from this problem may also vomit. Bowel Obstruction A complete or partial blockage of the stomach can cause vomiting and other symptoms such as, diarrhea, lethargy, bloating, pain, and more. Parvo A dangerous virus primarily happens to puppies that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. Megaesophagus A disorder that causes the esophagus the tube that carries food and liquid between the mouth and stomach to get larger and lose its ability to move food into the stomach. Happily, most cases of vomiting pass and are not a sign of anything serious. However, vomiting can be a sign of a serious health problem. Please feel free to share with your family and friends. In more severe cases, an obstruction may occur. This type of problem needs immediate attention! A rapid food change. A rapid diet change may cause stomach issues in dogs who are used to eating one particular type of food and are then suddenly given another type of diet. Dietary sensitivity to a particular food or ingredient. Like us, some German Shepherds have food sensitivities to certain ingredients. Eating some foods may make them sick to their stomach. Common foods that could cause nausea in German Shepherds include: soy dairy While generally not life-threatening, the reactions to eating these foods can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Look through this list of dog foods for German Shepherds with stomach sensitivities to find your best options. Stomach problems as a result of stress. Your German Shepherd will occasionally experience stress. Things that might upset and stress your German Shepherd may include: fireworks loud noises from traffic or construction and unfamiliar environments German Shepherds may also experience stress due to: boredom fear anxiety Even a shift in routine, such as less exercise, could have an impact on German Shepherds as well. They could have bacterial infections or parasites. Parasites like worms can upset the stomachs of German Shepherds. And these pests frequently cause vomiting and even diarrhea in German Shepherd puppies. Other illnesses that can cause vomiting and diarrhea include parvovirus distemper and salmonella. Some of these illnesses can cause serious problems if left untreated. Always check with your vet for medication to treat viral and bacterial infections. Digestive issues due to medications or antibiotics. As a result resistance may be reduced unpleasant symptoms of a sensitive stomach may appear Pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, are known stomach irritants and may cause vomiting in German Shepherds. While the relief of discomfort from aches and pains is a priority for owners, there are some possible side effects from their use. A German Shepherd can vomit after taking any medication, especially one that is taken orally. An underlying organ disease or disorder. There are also a few organ diseases that could make a German Shepherd vomit. Some of these include: Colitis: Colitis is a colon inflammation that typically results in diarrhea, often accompanied by straining to poop and mucus. However, it can also cause vomiting. Numerous factors, including stress and a poor diet, can cause colitis. Pancreatitis: Another organ disease is pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. In addition to vomiting, they typically have abdominal pain and need veterinary testing and care. Inflammatory bowel disease IBD : Inflammatory bowel disease is a class of digestive system disorders. All breeds, ages, and sexes of dogs seem to be susceptible to inflammatory bowel disease, though German Shepherds might be more susceptible. IBD can cause nausea, diarrhea, changes in appetite, and weight loss. Gas builds up in the stomach, which twists and stops the blood flow. If your German Shepherd tries to vomit but is unsuccessful or you notice that her stomach is swelling, take them right away to the nearest emergency facility for immediate treatment! To treat vomiting in a German Shepherd at home, take the following steps: 1. Withhold their next meal for a brief fast. For German Shepherds that have been vomiting only for a short time but have an appetite and are bright and alert, withholding their next meal for about 12 to 24 hours is usually very effective. Typically, in mild cases, withholding their next meal may be enough to get them over their vomiting episode. As a result, the digestive system can rest, and the irritated stomach can heal. When their stomachs are upset, many dogs will naturally be reluctant to eat, but some will continue to consume almost anything you put in front of them. Remove all food bowls immediately and leave fresh water available to them to avoid dehydration. Increase their water intake. Unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian, your German Shepherd should be given fresh, cool water to keep them from becoming dehydrated. Dehydration is expected with vomiting. Withholding water can worsen the effect. Try these hydration tips when your German Shepherd is stomach sick: add a few ice cubes for German Shepherds that love cold water to entice them splash a small amount of low-salt diluted broth preferably without additional herbs and ingredients mixed with their water to encourage them to drink Make sure there are plenty of water bowls available, and monitor how much they are drinking to avoid dehydration. Offer small amounts of easily digestible foods. Temporarily feeding your German Shepherd a bland food diet is done so that their stomachs can slowly adjust to processing their normal food again. For roughly two to three days, feed your German shepherd a bland diet that is easy to digest. After that, start gradually weaning them back onto their regular diet or sensitive dog food, and watch for any signs of further sickness. Decrease their stress levels. Stress, anxiety, or disruptions to their routine that they find upsetting can also make German Shepherds vomit. German Shepherds, just like us, can experience stomach upsets and difficult times in life. Keep the family from disturbing your dog in their private area. Some German Shepherds like a fan on a white noise machine to drown out sounds and keep them calm. Many owners find that giving their German Shepherd probiotics for their digestive issues is a life changer for them. Track their symptoms. Tracking their symptoms helps you keep a tab on their health and catch any new signs of illness quickly. Your vet will also ask about their history with vomiting, and these notes will prove invaluable to their diagnosis and treatment plan should your dog need further medical help. The best food for a vomiting German Shepherd is generally a bland diet made with boiled, boneless chicken and cooked white rice. To help them stay hydrated, refill their water. If they have finished fasting, give them a small serving of something simple to digest, like boiled chicken and rice. Noon After a nap, take your German Shepherd for a quick walk again to give them a chance to stretch their legs and prevent stress. Refill their water and give them a small serving of their bland diet. Keep a record of how frequently they get sick as well as the color and texture of their vomit. Afternoon Feed one more small serving of a simple-to-eat diet menu item. Make sure they are drinking and replenish their water. Watch out for any additional signs of illness in your German Shepherd, such as lethargy. Evening Give your German Shepherd one last small meal from the bland diet as their vomiting improves. After another brief walk, play a mind game with them to keep their minds active and reduce stress. Check that your German Shepherd has access to fresh water before you go to bed. Watch your German shepherd closely overnight and continue to keep an eye out for any changes in their stomach discomfort. How to Prevent Vomiting in German Shepherds Sometimes, you can prevent a German Shepherd from throwing up by using a bit of common sense. To keep your dog safe and healthy, follow the tips below for preventing vomiting: 1. Put all unsafe items out of reach. Take precautions to keep all medications and household dangers, including cleaning supplies, trash, and garbage, as well as strings and small toys that can be swallowed, out of reach of your German Shepherd. Keep an eye on what your puppy might find interesting to chew on and remove it immediately! Feed your German Shepherd a consistent diet. Instead, find foods for their sensitive stomachs that are soothing to their guts. Besides a consistent diet, stick to a regular feeding routine. A consistent feeding schedule can keep their stomachs from becoming too empty, which can increase vomiting in some dogs. Consider that many dogs with stomach issues may also have underlying allergies. This can stem from their foods or environmental factors and show up as skin itching and scratching, redness, and fur loss. Either way, there are dog foods for German Shepherds with allergies that may prove useful in these cases. Invest in a slow feeder bowl when you own a German Shepherd that gulps down his food. Stick to healthy treats. Feeding bones, fatty foods, and table scraps can increase the likelihood of vomiting and are not good for the stomach. When you want to reward your German Shepherd, use highly digestible treats that are less likely to cause vomiting. I recommend. Check Price on Amazon 5. If you give treats just to entice your German Shepherd to eat, you are turning him into a fussy eater! So, are German Shepherds fussy eaters? Now and again, a little healthy treat is just fine. You can also try some fruits or vegetables , especially if the treat cupboard is bare. Your German Shepherd may have also eaten something poisonous while roaming in the garden or fields. Dogs are known for eating anything they can find left lying around or even getting into the garbage! Take care with foods like chocolate or grapes , and never leave these lying around where your dog can get at them, as they can be highly toxic. If your German Shepherd has had his recent vaccinations, sometimes these can cause adverse reactions, including loss of appetite. The good news is this should only be brief — just ensure your dog is drinking plenty of water and keeping himself hydrated. If nothing else seems to be working and you are worried, you should schedule a visit with the veterinarian as soon as you can. He likes to eat at certain times of the day Just like you might not like to eat breakfast at 6 a. Though this can be concerning at first, you should be keeping track of how much food in total your German Shepherd is eating throughout the day. If he still eats about the same amount, he simply might prefer to eat at specific times of the day! On a similar note, your dog may prefer to eat little and often. My German Shepherd used to eat one meal in the morning and one in the evening. However, now that she is older, she prefers to eat both meals in the evening. Take your dog on a long walk before feeding — so he works up an appetite. Give him lots of praise when he eats from his bowl. Make feeding time fun — try putting a lid on his food, so he must remove it first. It gets over , top reviews! If your dog refuses his meal, take his bowl away after 15 minutes and then only put it down again a few hours later. Limit treats to training times only. If he senses that you are stressed and anxious about his loss of appetite, he may also become stressed and not eat at all! A sudden lack of appetite and resulting weight loss can signify other issues going on. Switch His Food If your dog slowly lost interest in food over a few weeks, he might no longer like his current food. Here are some ways to target his diet and boost his loss of appetite. Choose a more fragrant food. Try picking food that smells more like meat and has a more intense aroma. Add wet food or soak his food in warm water. I feed her cold-pressed dog food, which she just adores and continues to thrive on. Hopefully, these steps will fix the situation and return your dog to regular eating habits. Take Him to the Vet Vet visits can be costly, but so are the treatment methods for the condition or disease your dog might currently be experiencing. I would always recommend having a decent pet insurance policy in place, as this will always give you peace of mind. A healthy German Shepherd can go up to five to seven days without eating as long as they are still drinking water. However, if your German Shepherd refuses to drink water for 48 hours, it is time to bring your dog to the emergency veterinary clinic. If your German Shepherd is eating only once a day, it may be due to a routine that has been established over time. However, feeding your dog only once a day can lead to health problems such as gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV. Add variety to the diet and check the consumption. German Shepherd Not Eating and Diarrhea. If your German Shepherd is not eating and has diarrhea, it could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a change in diet, stress, anxiety, or a gastrointestinal infection. When your German Shepherd stops eating, you need to take the necessary steps to figure out the source of the problem and how to address it. Add wet food or warm water to boost his appetite and make his food more palatable and fragrant. Keep an eye on his other behaviors to see how his mood and movements have changed. Call the vet and schedule an appointment to have him checked over. Related Posts You May Like:. Inflammation in the intestinal tract Infection of the uterus Autoimmune issue Hereditary Digestive Disorders in German Shepherd Dogs According to the Central Texas Veterinary Hospital , German Shepherds as a dog breed tend to be more prone to certain hereditary digestive issues, including a sensitive stomach. Some of these digestive issues can send out warning signs in the form of chronic vomiting episodes. Each of these health issues is known to occur with greater frequency in the German Shepherd dog breed and could potentially cause vomiting. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency As the United Federation for Animal Welfare UFAW explains, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency causes the pancreas to slow down the secretion of necessary digestive enzymes. This disease is considered to be heritable genetic and degenerative. The pancreas slowly fails and as it does so, it produces fewer digestive enzymes to help your dog digest its food. Vomiting is often accompanied by weight loss, muscle mass loss, greasy coat, and malnutrition. Without treatment, this condition is fatal. Bloat is not well understood but it can quickly become fatal even with treatment. Often dogs will develop bloat if they drink too much water or eat too soon after exercising vigorously. Bloat causes the stomach to twist inside the chest. This cuts off airflow to the stomach, leading to severe distension and death. There is a simple surgery your veterinarian can do that can prevent bloat. Sensitive stomach and food allergies German Shepherd dogs are more likely to have sensitive stomachs and food allergies than are many other dog breeds. As PetMD explains, vomiting is a very common sign of sensitive stomach and food allergies. Similarly, sometimes one German Shepherd will have more sensitivity than another, just like some people can eat anything and not suffer while others have to have a limited diet. CIBD is chronic. It is caused by inflammation in the intestinal tract, often brought on by intolerance to certain foods, bacteria, or parasites. German Shepherd Throwing Up Versus Regurgitation Earlier in this article, we mentioned that there is a difference between a German Shepherd throwing up or regurgitating. But how can you tell one from the other? Signs of German Shepherd throwing up vomiting As Washington State University Veterinary Medical Center explains, vomiting is an active process that involves the stomach and upper intestinal tract. You will see retching, heaving, and a lot of body discomfort. It is common to see a yellowish foamy liquid which is stomach bile. The pH of vomit is going to be very acidic because of this bile. Signs of German Shepherd regurgitating Unlike vomiting, regurgitation is considered to be a passive process. All your German Shepherd needs to do to regurgitate the food is lower their head and let the food come back up and out. Your dog may try to eat the food again without any obvious signs of physical distress. What can you do to diagnose the cause of the vomiting and help your dog feel better? You want to know if your German Shepherd got into anything or ate anything that might be indigestible, toxic, or poisonous. If you are witnessing an isolated vomiting incident, this becomes especially important because it is more likely your dog is reacting to a toxin in the environment or a non-food item they have ingested. If the throwing up is recurrent, notice when each incident happens and write down what happened just before your dog threw up. Your veterinarian will ask you these types of questions to get a sense of why your dog is vomiting repeatedly. Take a sample of the vomit to your veterinarian You should take your German Shepherd to the veterinarian to start the diagnostic process. This can help determine if your dog might have an infection or parasites. Your veterinarian will also want to do some tests. Try a limited ingredient diet LID Because the German Shepherd dog is a breed that has a known genetic susceptibility to sensitive stomach and food allergies, your veterinarian may recommend starting your dog on what is called a limited ingredient diet, or LID. This diet takes 60 days and involves systematically cutting out and then reintroducing food ingredients that might be triggering sensitive stomach or food allergies. Sometimes this diagnostic diet is paired with allergy testing, either subcutaneous under the skin or blood, or both. Puppies go to their new forever homes before their entire digestive and gastrointestinal system is fully formed and stable. Their immune systems and bowel and bladder functions are still developing as well. Puppies are also undergoing a series of vaccinations that may cause side effects. This also makes puppies more susceptible to contagious canine diseases like parvovirus which can cause throwing up. All of this can mean that puppies throw up more frequently. Because puppies are so little, anytime your puppy throws up you should always consult your veterinarian for guidance. German Shepherd adult dog throwing up When an adult German Shepherd is throwing up, you will want to follow the process outlined above here to identify the frequency, examine the immediate environment and take your dog in for diagnosis and treatment. In the same way, senior German Shepherds can be more prone to developing serious issues like canine cancer that can cause chronic vomiting. German Shepherd senior dog throwing up As Vetstreet explains, dental problems can also cause vomiting. The main reason is that tooth decay, tooth loss, tooth pain, and gum disease may cause pain or difficulty chewing the food and lead to digestive upset and vomiting.

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american bulldog puppies illinois - Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.

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american bulldog puppies illinois - They tend to sleep for long periods, making many people wonder if their Golden retriever puppy is healthy. So, how much sleep does a Golden Retriever puppy need? In general, Golden Retriever puppies need to sleep between 15 and 20 hours each day. A Golden puppy is a ball of energy when awake, and needs several hours of sleep after each play session. A young Golden retriever puppy is growing rapidly, and needs all that sleep to grow and build their muscles. Be sure to keep reading if you have a young Golden retriever pup at home! This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! How Much Sleep Your Golden Retriever Puppy Needs Adult Golden retrievers tend to spend more time asleep up to 12 hours a day than many other dog breeds because they are big dogs and expend a lot of energy. You can expect your Golden retriever puppy to sleep much more than that! It is not uncommon for a new Golden puppy to sleep between 18 and 20 hours each day. When your new puppy is awake, it is burning a lot of energy, as they are always on the move! They are also growing a lot during this time, which requires plenty of sleep. Golden Retriever Puppies: Factors That Impact Sleep In addition to needing sleep to grow, there are several other factors that could cause your Golden retriever puppy to want to take naps more often, such as: The weather: Hot weather can make dogs feel fatigued. You can help keep your puppy cool by taking them on morning walks when the sun is low. Also, you can keep your Golden cool by letting them play in the water. Golden retrievers love water and can even learn to swim if introduced to it at a young age. And Is It Safe? Their diet: Problems with their diet can also cause puppies to feel extra sleepy, a puppy needs a high quality puppy food like Blue Buffalo Natural Puppy Amazon to provide plenty of energy throughout the day. Poor quality foods are full of ingredients that will sap your pups energy as they try to digest it. Sickness: If your puppy is sick, he or she may start to sleep even more. Keep an eye out for other symptoms, such as vomiting. They are bored: An older puppy 6 months to a year might be taking naps if there is nothing else for it to do. Make sure that you play with them often and get them to exercise every day. Try to have plenty of puppy toys around the house to keep them engaged. Overall, it is normal for a golden retriever puppy to sleep a lot as they are growing rapidly, and need sleep to grow and develop. The above factors could also be causing them to take more naps, which is normal. You can try changing their food and getting them onto a better sleep schedule if you are concerned they are sleeping too much. Even if your young puppy is sleeping for 20 hours a day, they are likely healthy. How To Put Your Golden Retriever Puppy on a Sleep Schedule If your Golden retriever puppy is waking up during the night or being disruptive when they should be asleep, you will need to put them on a sleep schedule. Like human babies, puppies have to learn to sleep through the night. Having a consistent routine can help your puppy get more restful sleep, which will keep them healthy and happy! Feel free to make any changes that will fit your lifestyle better. Just remember that consistency is the key. Weather Health All these factors can contribute to how much your Golden Retriever puppy sleeps, either increasing or decreasing the amount of sleep. Knowing which factors affect sleep is important because your Golden Retriever puppy must get enough sleep to grow and develop normally. So, understanding how to create the best sleep environment for your puppy ensures that it gets enough sleep and quality sleep. Age Age is typically the single most significant factor in the amount of sleep. As your puppy grows, it will require little less sleep. The amount of sleep should get down to about 14 — 16 hours a day as the Golden Retriever grows in adulthood. The younger the puppy, the more they sleep Puppies play a lot when not sleeping and often at a furious pace. As well, they grow and develop rapidly. That all requires a lot more sleep. As they slow in growth, their amount of sleep trends down slightly as they age. However, even adult Golden Retrievers spend the majority of their day sleeping. Activity Level Next to age for puppies, activity level is often the most significant contributor to sleep volume. Although puppies spend a good portion of the day and night sleeping, they still require activity, such as physical exercise, and mental stimulation e. How much activity they need is discussed below in the tips section. However, consider that more play and exercise means a more tired puppy and more sleep. Weather When temperatures rise in the summertime, it may be uncomfortable for a young puppy to sleep. Dogs typically have a much harder time dealing with hotter temperatures than we do. So, during hot summer nights, your puppy might find it difficult to cool down and sleep, especially if you lack air conditioning. Ceiling fans work well for circulating heat and keeping the room cooler. You can also sleep on the main floor or in the basement, which is often cooler than sleeping upstairs. For example, I have a mattress topper that I carry to the main floor during hot summer nights. Health Sick puppies or puppies with medical conditions might need more sleep. As well, some medications can impact sleep. If your puppy is sick, the extra rest helps it recuperate. If the puppy has a medical condition or one that requires medication, then make sure to discuss potential sleep impacts with your vet. It is essential to be informed and know what to do. Sleep during the day and night can differ, but both are important. Dogs, including puppies, very much live their lives by their internal clocks or circadian rhythms. While a sleep schedule is often most important through the night, ensuring the puppy has adequate sleep when it needs it during the day is also essential. Just like babies and toddlers need naps for healthy development and growth and to not be cranky or overtired , puppies also need to nap for the same reasons. Consider these tips to ensure your Golden Retriever puppy can sleep through the day. Do Not Disturb the Puppy When Napping Puppies are adorable, and often we are tempted to pick them up or play with them. However, it is essential to not disturb a puppy when napping. They are sleeping because their bodies need it. Consider how you feel when abruptly woken from a deep nap or sleep. For example, teach children to wait for a puppy to wake up before playing or cuddling. Try not to wake a puppy while napping — their growing body and minds need that sleep Schedule Nap Times Earlier, we touched on how important consistent sleep is to a puppy and how they sleep naturally based on a circadian rhythm. Typically, puppies will nap after a bout of exercise and play during the day. A natural routine may look like this; they eat, go potty, play, then nap for 30 minutes to two hours. Understanding that they typically sleep after an activity ensures that you can set aside quality time for napping. It also allows you to schedule some of YOUR activities during this time. For example, cooking and cleaning are much more difficult with an underfoot puppy that is eager to play. Teaching your Golden Retriever to settle to a mat or elevated bed helps in this regard. Scheduling activities can also ensure your puppy tires at the appropriate time. For example, understanding that puppies like to play after a meal, make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise in the evening after supper. This will help expend his energy into the evening, so he sleeps through the night and helps him settle during the time you usually compress in the evening to watch TV. Teach the Puppy to Self-Soothe Like children, puppies can become overstimulated, making it difficult to wind down. While play and exercise are essential, too much can be overwhelming. Disrupting nap times may cause the puppy to be overtired. As noted in the first tip, do not disturb the puppy when napping. This is the first step to teaching a puppy how to self-soothe. In this way, it gets the largest block of quality sleep during the night, which coincides with when we need our best sleep as well. So, how do you ensure that your Golden puppy sleeps through the night? Below are some suggestions to help with that goal. Give It Enough Exercise During the Day While overstimulating a puppy can impact sleep, so can understimulating a puppy. All that pent-up energy from lack of physical and mental activity during the day means you might have a puppy that is energetic well into the evening and gets up frequently during the night. How much activity do puppies need? In addition to playing and mental stimulation, puppies need their month in age x 5 minutes of physical exercise twice per day. So, for example, take a 3-month-old Golden Retriever puppy. It would need 15 minutes of exercise twice per day or 30 minutes total. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can affect both the quantity and quality of sleep. For example, a small puppy that does not get enough physical or mental stimulation will have pent-up energy. As a result, you may find a puppy that not only seeks more attention but will sleep less than a more stimulated and tired puppy. A well-exercised puppy is a tired puppy Keep a Regular Schedule It is crucial to put puppies on a consistent and regular sleep schedule. The goal is to teach the puppy to hold its bladder through the night and get the most extensive single block of its sleep through the night when you are sleeping. An erratic and inconsistent schedule during the night can affect how much your puppy sleeps. For example, if you are constantly up to all hours, and your puppy is often up with you, it may impact your ability to get your puppy on a consistent sleep schedule. Dogs, including puppies, do not live their lives by a clock. So, the last thing you want is a puppy that is up during the night and sleeping all day, because that is what it is accustomed to. And as discussed earlier, puppies need both enough sleep and good quality sleep for healthy brain and body development. Establish a Routine Puppie catches on to routines very quickly. Often they will know when you are getting ready to leave in the morning when you brush your teeth and start getting dressed. Bedtimes can be similar. He then goes out for a potty break, gets a treat, and then immediately runs up and jumps on my bed, and goes to sleep. He knows his routine because it was taught as a puppy. Someplace where you can hear the puppy is beneficial should the puppy need to go potty during the night. Also, make sure the room is dark, cool, and quiet. Night Is Not for Play Your puppy may need a potty break during the night, or it may not be ready to sleep yet. In addition, they often want to play afterward or do not need to go potty but rather want attention. Then, bring the puppy back to its bed or crate and go to sleep. Resist the temptation if it whines or tries to engage you in play. The puppy needs to learn that nighttime is for sleep. The same patient and positive rules apply. Keep putting the puppy in its bed calmly and with lots of praise. Crates work well because they can be closed, which prevents the puppy from escaping and engaging you. Most puppies, once accustomed to crates, will love them! Bailey slept in his crate as a puppy, but now sleeps on my bed Just be prepared to ignore whining, barking, and crying as the puppy tries to get you to give in to your guilt by playing on your heartstrings. Training a puppy, especially during the night, can be challenging. So, if you need training help I reviewed the best online dog training courses to determine the best ones. The link is in the big gold box at the end of this post. Expect your Golden Retriever puppy to sleep upwards of 16 to 20 hours per day. Most of all, enjoy those times of sleep. When the puppy is not sleeping, it can be a whirling tornado of crazy activity. Raising Goldens: Recommendations and Resources. Evening Puppy Exercise Spend a good 10—20 minutes playing with your pup outside or inside a couple of times during the evening. Play a game of tug or get them interested in chasing a flirt pole. Not only will this tire them out, but it will also give them some important physical exercise. Evening Brain Games and Training Use the commercials during your evening television shows to practice some basic training cues with your puppy. Not only does this work their brains and take the edge off, but it builds your relationship with your puppy and promotes a solid training foundation. A puppy's attention span is pretty short, so keep training sessions short and sweet and spread them out throughout the day. Ditch the regular food bowl and use a puzzle feeder for your puppy's evening meal. Below are some of my favorite food puzzles and interactive feeders. They're fun for dogs and tricky enough to engage their brains, yet not so difficult that a dog will become frustrated and give up. I recommend starting with the West Paw Toppl featured below for your puppy's first interactive feeder , as the opening is wider than a Kong toy — making it easier to de-stuff and for you to stuff and then clean afterward! As your puppy is successful with easier stuffed toys, they can move up to more difficult puzzles! You can see my puppy Fozzie Bear going to town on his Toppl toy during crate acclimation in this video: West Paw Toppl Interactive Feeder Available at: Available at: Difflife Snuffle Mat This snuffle mat provides a variety of hiding spots for dry food or treats, encouraging your dog to use their nose to find their meal and helping to slow down eating. The repetitive nature of these things is self-soothing to your puppy much how activities like knitting are for us. The snuffle mat I recommended above is a great way to work their nose indoors, or you can scatter their food in the grass of your yard for them to sniff out. Freeze your puppy's meal in their Toppl to make it last longer or use a licking mat smeared with a tiny bit of peanut butter or wet food for a good lick session. Hyper Pet IQ Treat Lick Mat Spread a bit of your dog's wet food, peanut butter, pureed pumpkin, or low-fat greek yogurt on this mat to provide a soothing enrichment activity. Take your puppy out for a bathroom break as late as possible — ideally, the last person to bed should also take your pup to their potty spot. This helps empty them out, decreasing the chance of them needing to go in the middle of the night. Keep this last potty break calm and boring. You don't want your sleepy puppy finding their second wind! On this note, consider your puppy's evening mealtime. You don't want to feed your puppy too late in the evening that they need to go 2 in the middle of the night. However, if you feed them too early, they may be hungry at bedtime and that can make them restless. One way to prevent late-night hunger is to use food puzzles with small "snack-sized" portions of food as their pre-bedtime enrichment. When it comes to leaving water in your puppy's crate, I always recommend free access to water at all times. Water is a "primary resource" — meaning your puppy needs it to survive. And there are some medical conditions that require access to drinking water at all times. But, if your puppy is waking up continually during the night because they need to urinate, speak with your veterinarian to first rule out medical reasons such as a urinary tract infection and then discuss with them whether restricting access to water before and during the night is a good choice for your puppy. Keeping a puppy potty log can really help you determine your puppy's natural potty schedule, which can help you adjust feeding times to increase longer sleep time at night. Download our free potty log template. PRO TIP: It can be helpful to set an alarm for yourself during the night to wake up and take your puppy for a quick potty break. It's all about being proactive — with an alarm, your puppy won't wake up feeling like they're ready to burst and start whining or crying in their crate. As they mature, your alarm can be set later and later as they can physically hold it longer. For more tips on potty training, check out "How to Potty Train a Puppy. The transition from sleeping in close proximity skin-to-skin.The reviews and photos people have submitted for this product are absolutely heartwarming, you really should check them out. I like to believe that he found having a familiar scent paired with the heartbeat sound and heat pack very comforting as he learned to sleep in his crate. He certainly loved to cuddle with it, and even after he transitioned to sleeping outside of the crate once he was old enough, he still carried the Snuggle Puppy around to use as a pillow, as you can see in the inset photo. The Snuggle Puppy can last for years. Even when your dog doesn't need it at night, just take out the batteries and heating pack and your dog will still carry it around! Another important feature of the Snuggle Puppy is that it's washable just don't forget to remove the batteries first! Another Preventive Vet staff review: "Mary Berry was having a difficult time sleeping alone in her crate — our guess was that she was missing her mom and littermates. She slept so soundly with the Snuggle Puppy, we would bring it with us when visiting friends so she had a comfortable piece of home to rest with. I highly recommend the Snuggle Puppy to help your new puppy sleep through the night! If your dog's idea of "snuggling" this toy involves mouthing, chewing, or disemboweling, be sure to take the toy away from them. Batteries are very dangerous for dogs if they are swallowed. Soothing Scents for Your Puppy Using dog-appeasing pheromones also called DAP can help your puppy feel secure and calm, as these mimic the pheromones their mother emits during nursing. Pheromones work for many puppies, but not all. But there's no downside to trying it out with your pup, so it's something I regularly recommend. The Adaptil pheromone diffuser covers a large space and lasts for 30 days before needing a refill. You might even try a spritz from an Adaptil spray on bedding shortly before placing your puppy in their crate. Just one or two spritzes are all you need! Adaptil Pheromone Diffuser. Why a Puppy Sleeping at Night is Important There are a few reasons why puppies should sleep through the night. One reason is that it will help them to adjust to a regular sleep schedule. It will also help them to develop and grow properly and will keep them healthy. In general, a puppy needs to sleep as much as possible since it is growing and developing really fast. If the puppy learns from the beginning that sleeping at night is a natural thing, this will improve your life in so many ways. A rested dog is easier to handle and more socialized. Meanwhile, the dog and owner bond becomes stronger. The dog is also more relaxed and obedient during the daytime. By teaching the puppy its sleep times, you will solve a lot of problems. The most common reason is that the puppy is not tired at night. The second reason might be that the dog wakes up because it is hungry or thirsty. This can be fixed by feeding or giving water to your puppy at specific times during the day. Puppies have small bladders and will wake up frequently at night until their bladder becomes more developed. If this is the case, you can try taking your dog outside in the middle of the night so they can relieve themselves. If your puppy is still restless at night, you might want to visit the veterinarian. This will help rule out any serious problems that may be bothering your pup. A lot of puppies can sleep through the whole night after two weeks of training. But there are some puppies that it will take a little bit longer. As a general rule, you can expect your pup to sleep through the night after weeks of training. Nobody knows exactly how long an individual puppy will take because every dog is different. Especially if you know what wakes the dog up during the night, it is easier to train the puppy to sleep through the night: Establish a bedtime routine A routine will help your dog to get into a rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep. At a specific time each day, make sure to take your puppy outside for a walk or some playtime. Make sure the room is dark enough During the nighttime, it should be as dark as possible. Make sure that any light in the room is turned off, and use blackout curtains to cover the window. Create a comfortable sleeping environment The puppy needs to be comfortable in order to sleep. Make sure that the bed is warm enough, but not too hot. The temperature should be around degrees Fahrenheit. Also, make sure that there are no noise disturbances during the night. Be patient Some puppies will take longer than others to get used to sleeping through the night. Regular feeding times will help your dog get into a routine and know when to expect food. At first, the puppy may whine or bark when you put it to sleep. It takes time for them to understand that it is bedtime and they need to sleep. Keep training sessions short and positive. Your dog will eventually come around so long as you are patient. If your dog is up and about during the night, there are a few things you can do to help them calm down and get back to sleep. A little bit of exercise will help them wear themselves out and get back to sleep. If your dog is restless or seems agitated, try playing some calming music for them or use a white noise machine to soothe them. Make sure they have plenty of water and access to their bed or favorite spot in the house so they can relax comfortably. A puppy can feel most secure when sleeping in a crate. They will also be comfortable and feel safe if they know that a crate is a sleeping place. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in. The puppy should also be able to lay down comfortably without having his or her head pushed into the bars of the cage. However, during the first days, you will need to assist the puppy with getting into the crate. Make sure that the crate is also safe, with nothing on the inside of it which could hurt your puppy if he or she would decide to chew on it. It is important that this location is easily accessible for both the dog and its owner. Also make sure not to place it in a spot that would be harmful to your dogs, such as an area with too much sunlight or a cold floor. Most puppies require hours of sleep at night, as well as 20 hours during the day. Young puppies up to 3 months old need the most sleep, and as they get older they need less and less. During sleep, puppies grow and develop physically and mentally. Lack of sleep can lead to problems such as obesity, impaired socialization, and an increased risk of developing behavioral problems. Ideally, your puppy should have a regular sleep schedule so he can develop good sleeping habits. Try putting your puppy in his crate for scheduled naps and bedtimes — this will help him learn to relax and get some restorative Zs. Bottom Line For a puppy who is up and about during the night, there are a few things you can do to help them calm down and get back to sleep. Puppies need six to ten hours of good quality sleep every day in order to grow and develop properly. Try putting your dog in its crate during scheduled naps and bedtimes so it can learn to relax and get the restorative sleep it needs. Share this post:. By: Author Jennifer Seegmiller If you are a new proud owner of a Golden Retriever puppy you may think and wonder how can this little puppy be so full of life and energy one minute, and then completely asleep and dead to the world the next. You may wonder what is a normal amount of sleep for your puppy or full-grown Golden Retriever. Adult Golden Retrievers will sleep on average hours a day. Golden Retriever puppies will sleep hours a day in a hour period. How much your Golden Retriever sleeps depends a lot on their personality. Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs so they may sleep a little less than other breeds. If you are fit and active your Golden Retriever will likely be also. If you are relaxed and laid back, your dog may be similar to you. Continue reading to find out. How much sleep does a Golden Retriever need? Puppies, adults, seniors Golden Retriever Newborn Sleep Patterns This stage of life is very short and full of lots of shut-eye! Newborns generally nurse every 2 hours but even while doing so they will have their eyes shut and look as though they are eating in their sleep. As they grow they will slowly start to spend more time awake. Around 3 weeks old they will have around hours of active time a day broken up into small spurts of energy and exploring their world. They need plenty of sleep to fuel and recharge their growing bodies. From months old, Golden Retriever puppies will generally sleep around hours in a hour period. This includes sleeping at night and daytime naps. Your puppy will sleep in longer stretches at night, but will still need to get up to relieve its small bladder and stretch. He may even have a burst of energy and seem like he wants to play. With some patience and guidance, your puppy can learn to sleep through the night by 4 months old, maybe even sooner. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. Older puppies from around months old will sleep about hours throughout a 24 hour period. At this point, they should be more active and inquisitive during the day and will be better about sleeping through the night in hour stretches. They will also take multiple naps during the day, as well as times of rest when they appear to be just lying around, but somewhat alert as well as high energy awake time when they will want to play and train. When will my Golden Retriever puppy sleep through the night? Golden Retriever puppies will generally sleep through the night by about 4 months old, but it can range from 8 or 9 weeks old all the way through 6 months old. Some puppies may also go through a sleep regression when going through a growth spurt or teething. Towards the end of this article, we will discuss those in the heading sleep problems and solutions. Fun fact: Senior dogs, as well as puppies, tend to twitch more in their sleep! This is due to a part of their brain called the Pons which regulates muscles and keeps them still while they sleep. Golden Retriever Adult Sleep Patterns Your adult Golden Retriever will normally sleep around hours in a 24 hour period, but more as he ages. In this study, researchers found that older and middle-aged dogs slept more during the day than young adult dogs. This was because they took more naps, not because their naps were longer. They tend to run out of energy and need to rest more often than the younger group. Older and middle-aged dogs also slept more at night than younger dogs because they had long stretches of sleep at night waking up later and woke up fewer times during the night. Golden Retrievers are bred to hunt and herd. It is ingrained in them to want to do a job! They tend to be pretty high-energy and love to be kept busy with games and exercise. Because they may have a bit more energy than other breeds, they may sleep a little less than other breeds as well. Some owners I talked to said that if their Golden Retrievers are left home alone all day they tend to just sleep since there is no one there to engage them with play or give them a reason to exercise. So as you can see their sleep schedule greatly depend on the kinds of habits you develop for your dog. At this time you will probably start to see your dog slowly increasing the amount of time it is resting and sleeping. Senior Golden retrievers will sleep hours a day on average as they get to be years old and older they could be sleeping up to 18 hours a day. For older Golden Retrievers, these could be signs of more serious issues such as dementia, arthritis, hypothyroidism, or other conditions associated with older age. Your Golden Retriever may be waking up more at night because its bladder is getting older and they need to use the potty more often. You can try and help with this by taking them out right before bed and limiting their water intake just before bed as well. Can Golden Retrievers sleep outside? Golden Retrievers can sleep outside if they are provided with adequate shelter and brought inside in extreme weather. However, it is not recommended that Golden Retrievers sleep outside. Golden Retrievers thrive on relationships and being close to their owners; sleeping outdoors can be lonely for this social breed. Even though sleeping outside may not be the ideal solution for your Golden Retriever, your dog most likely loves being outdoors! Many Golden Retrievers may have a desire to live outdoors all day long, and some may even ask to be outside at night. If your dog is comfortable with this and you live in a temperate climate, there is really nothing wrong with your dog living and playing outdoors, as long as your dog has adequate shelter and socialization it needs to thrive. After speaking to many Golden Retriever owners I found that the majority of them have their dog sleep inside. Most owners state their hot or humid climate as being the reason their dogs sleep indoors with them as well as their dogs need to be by their side following them around day and night. Some owners who have a dog door allow their Golden Retriever to choose whether to sleep indoors or outdoors. Why does my Golden Retriever sleep so much? Many factors could contribute to your Golden Retriever sleeping a lot. Puppies and senior dogs sleep more than adult Golden Retrievers. Stress, anxiety, boredom, diet, or disease can all be factors for why your dog is sleeping more than usual. In most cases, it is normal for dogs to sleep 12 or more hours a day. Lethargy or a lack of energy and enthusiasm can be a sign that your dog is being affected by something more than just laziness or a bit tired. If this describes your dog then definitely consult with your vet. Many diseases and age-related problems can come with a change in sleeping patterns. Some dogs will sleep more in the wintertime because the days are shorter and colder. You can read this article I wrote to learn more about that. Do Dogs Hibernate? Winter Weather Questions Answered If you think your dog is sleeping a lot because of boredom you can always make an effort to have more playtime and exercise sessions with your dog. You could hire a dog walker we have a neighborhood teen that loves to walk dogs for a very reasonable rate! Or join a fun program you can work on together like this popular brain training for dogs course! Sleep problems and solutions for puppies and adults If you are struggling with getting your Golden Retriever to settle down and sleep at night you are not alone. Things that may be making this challenging can range from crying or whining at night, waking up in the middle of the night, struggling to settle down, or waking up too early in the morning. Some dogs will start to sleep well through the night then a few weeks or months later start to wake up again. This is called a sleep regression and can be normal. Similar to human babies when puppies are teething or going through growth spurts it could cause them to wake up at night or have difficulties sleeping. This routine can include using the restroom, bringing the noise level down, dimming the light, creating a relaxing and calm atmosphere. Give them plenty of exercise: Since Golden Retrievers are bred to herd and work on a farm or ranch. Golden Retrievers need plenty of stimulation and exercise each day. Two hours a day for a high-energy Golden Retriever should be the minimum. The best time for a good exercise session is about 2 hours before bedtime. Try to include high cardio exercise as well and engaging brain activities so that your Golden Retriever will be both physically tired as well as mentally tired. If your dog sleeps in his own bed, or in a crate, having something that smells like you and a small stuffed animal to snuggle with can help him feel more safe and secure. This is especially true for puppies. One Golden Retriever owner said that the only way to get their dog to settle down and sleep is to put him in his crate in a quiet place with a blanket draped over the crate. Try changing meal times or limiting food and water: Take up their water after a certain time of the evening. If your Golden Retriever seems to need a bathroom break in the middle of the night all the time you can try changing his meal time to be a few hours earlier so he will get the poop out before bed or a few hours later so he can hold it until tomorrow. Either way, you may want to slowly adjust the time of his meals to see if that will help with the late-night bathroom breaks. If early morning waking is a problem, try figuring out what it is that may be waking them up: Is the sun coming up? Try adding some darkening curtains. Are there noises such as birds or early morning traffic? Try adding some white noise by using a noise machine like this one from Amazon affiliate link. All it takes is some investigative work to try and figure out what may be causing the problem. If nothing seems to be working, your dog has changed his sleep patterns suddenly, he seems very lethargic and low on energy all the time, or he has other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his stool, or other concerns then you should take him to the vet immediately to get checked out. Pro Tip: If you are not able to get a hold of a vet near you, or you want to avoid an unnecessary ER trip, there are online resources that you can turn to. Here is our best recommendation:.