Health

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

A heart condition in which the heart dilates and has difficulty pumping blood effectively.

Wobbler syndrome

A spinal condition in which nerves and the spinal cord can be affected, leading to coordination problems.

Osteosarcoma

A bone cancer that is particularly common in large dog breeds, such as the Doberman.

Copper storage disease

A disease in which there is excessive storage of copper in the liver and other organs.

Von Willebrand disease

A bleeding disorder that can cause a dog to bleed longer than normal.

Hypothyroidism

A thyroid disease in which the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones.

Hip joint dysplasia

This is a pathological maldevelopment of the hip joints that is associated with severe pain for the dog.

To minimise the risk of these diseases, it is important that Doberman owners have their dogs checked regularly by a veterinarian and ensure that they get a healthy diet and sufficient exercise.

Overall, the Doberman is a healthy breed, but it is important to be aware of the possible health problems that can occur in this breed.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)*

DCM stands for Dilated Cardiomyopathy and is a heart disease in which the pumping power of the heart muscle progressively decreases and the heart chambers become increasingly dilated. DCM occurs in animals and humans and is the most common heart disease in large breed adult dogs. Dogs with DCM usually show no symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, heart failure develops with water in the lungs and possibly cardiac arrhythmia and even sudden cardiac death.

Symptoms with DCM

Symptoms can be triggered by the reduced pumping power of the heart muscle or by the possible cardiac arrhythmia and may include the following.
- Weakness in performance
- diminished joy of playing
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid accumulation in the abdomen
- fainting spells

Diagnosis of DCM

The diagnosis is made by means of ultrasound. The ultrasound allows the activity of the muscle wall to be assessed and the dimensions to be measured precisely. However, especially at the beginning of the course, several control examinations are necessary at certain intervals. Since DCM is often accompanied by arrhythmias, an ECG is always recommended. In certain breeds, such as the Doberman, it is possible that arrhythmias are present before changes in the heart muscle are detectable, in which case a 24-hour ECG is the gold standard.

*Source: https://tiermedizin-simplified.com/dcm-herzmuskelschwaeche-beim-hund

Our dogs are tested for DCM, just like the selected stud dogs. We try to counteract this disease by breeding with DCM free dogs.

Wobbler syndrome

Wobbler syndrome" in dogs is also called spondylolisthesis and is caused by pressure on the lower cervical spine. A resulting narrowing of the spinal canal in this area causes damage to the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

Symptoms of Wobbler Syndrome

- a deformed cervical spine with a forward narrowed spinal canal
- much pain
- painful bending and stretching of the neck
- Hypersensitivity in the neck area and keeping the head low
- Wobbly, cautious gait and coordination disorder
- Regrinding the claws

In the later course of the disease

- Hind hand weakness, difficulties in standing up to complete paralysis
- Urinary dribbling up to urinary and faecal incontinence
- Neck stiffness
- Stiffness of the forelimb

In mild forms and stable sales without significant deterioration, therapy with medication and absolute leash restriction is tried. In severe cases, surgery is possible.

*Source: https://healthydog.de/canine-wobbler-syndrom-hund

Copper storage disease

In the Labrador Retriever and Doberman breeds, dogs suffering from copper storage disease excrete less copper than healthy dogs. This causes excessive storage of copper in the liver and other organs, which can lead to liver damage and shrinkage of the liver with various symptoms such as weight loss, lethargy, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain in the lower abdomen and neurological disorders.

*Source: https://shop.labogen.com/gentest-bestellung/hund/dobermann/2167/kupferspeicherkrankheit

Von - Willebrand (vWD)

Von Willebrand (vWD) is the most common inherited blood coagulation disorder of varying severity, resulting from a defective or even absent von Willebrand factor in the blood. A missing or defective vWF results in affected animals bleeding for a very long time after injuries and possibly bleeding to death.

Hip joint dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a pathological maldevelopment of the hip joints that is associated with severe pain for the dog.
The hip joints do not grow properly and are not shaped correctly. Incorrect growth of the joint head is the reason why it does not fit properly into the joint socket and, in the worst case, can pop out. The malposition also leads to increased friction of the cartilage surfaces, which damages them in the further course because the natural shock absorber function of the cartilage is no longer guaranteed.

*Source: https://geloren-hyaluron-shop.de/blogs/ratgeber/hueftgelenksdysplasie-hd-beim-hund-wirkung-hyaluronsaeure

Nutrition

Diet is an important aspect of Doberman health and well-being. A balanced diet containing all the necessary nutrients can help to strengthen the immune system and minimise the risk of health problems.

As Dobermans are high energy, they need a high protein diet to strengthen their muscles and maintain physical fitness. It is recommended that Dobermans have a diet consisting of at least 25-30% protein.

It is also important to ensure that Dobermans get enough fats and carbohydrates to meet their energy needs. A balanced diet should also include vitamins and minerals to maintain the Doberman's health.

It is advisable to use high-quality dog food that has been specially developed for the needs of large breeds such as the Doberman. It is also important to ensure that the dog always has access to fresh water.

It is recommended to give Dobermans several small meals per day instead of one large meal. This relieves the dog's digestive tract and minimises the risk of digestive problems.

Overall, it is important to provide a balanced and healthy diet for Dobermans to maintain their health and well-being.

Vaccinations

As with all dogs, it is important that Dobermans are vaccinated regularly to protect them from various diseases. Vaccination helps to strengthen the dog's immune system and protect it from dangerous diseases.

The most important vaccinations for Dobermans include distemper, leptospirosis, rabies and parvovirosis. These vaccinations are compulsory in most countries and should be renewed regularly.

It is important to have your Doberman vaccinated early to ensure that it is optimally protected. Most vets recommend that puppies should receive their first vaccination at six to eight weeks of age.

After the first vaccination, the dog needs a series of follow-up vaccinations to maintain adequate protection. Your vet will recommend a vaccination schedule based on the specific needs of your Doberman.

Although vaccinations are important, they should not be administered excessively. Excessive vaccination can lead to undesirable side effects, such as allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases. Therefore, you should always follow your vet's vaccination schedule and not give unnecessary vaccinations.

In summary, vaccination is an important aspect of Doberman care. By vaccinating regularly, you can help keep your dog healthy, happy and protected from dangerous diseases. However, it is important to plan vaccinations carefully and avoid unnecessary vaccinations.

Important vaccinations against:

Care

Dobermans are intelligent and active dogs that need proper care to stay healthy and happy. Caring for your Doberman involves various aspects, including diet, exercise, coat care and regular veterinary check-ups.

A balanced and nutritious diet is the key to a healthy and active Doberman. High-quality dog food specially adapted to the needs of Dobermans can help to keep your dog healthy and vital.

Dobermans are active dogs that need a lot of exercise. Regular walks and physical activities such as agility or dog sports can help keep your Doberman fit and healthy.

Grooming your Doberman is also important to keep your dog's coat and skin clean and healthy. Regular brushing and bathing can help keep your Doberman's coat shiny and free of tangles.

It is also important to have your Doberman examined regularly by a vet. A regular veterinary check-up can help to ensure that diseases are detected early and treated before they have serious consequences.

Through proper care, you can ensure that your Doberman lives a long and healthy life.

Parasites

Dobermans, like all dogs, can be infested with various parasites, including fleas, ticks, mites and worms. These parasites can cause both unpleasant symptoms and serious health problems.

Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking insects that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. They can also transmit tapeworms, which in turn can cause diarrhoea, weight loss and loss of appetite.

Ticks are also blood-sucking parasites that can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. It is important to remove ticks from your Doberman regularly and protect it from infestation by treating it with special tick repellents.

Mites are tiny arachnids that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. A common type of mite, Demodex mites, can cause a severe skin condition called demodicosis in young Dobermans.

Worms are parasites that live in your Doberman's intestines and absorb nutrients from his food. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss and anaemia.

To protect your Doberman from parasites, it is important to worm him regularly and treat him with suitable tick and flea repellents. Regular checks for parasites by your vet can help ensure that problems are identified and treated early, before they lead to serious illness.

In summary, parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites and worms can pose a serious threat to Dobermans. Proper prevention and treatment of parasites through regular veterinary examinations and the use of appropriate protective products can help keep your Doberman healthy and happy.