The Australian Shepherd, affectionately known as the “Aussie” is a sheep herding dog that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains, between France and Spain. Yes, you read that correctly, the Australian Shepherd is not an Australian breed at all. These dogs were in fact brought to Australia by Basque immigrants, and when some of their descendants later moved on to America, their dogs went with them.
The Key to a Healthy Australian Shepherd: Supplements!
- Recommended Supplements for Your Australian Shepherd
- Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd Multivitamin Soft Chews
- Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd All-in-One Multivitamin Soft Chew
- Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd Z-Flex Max Hip and Joint Soft Chews
- Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd Synovial-3 Joint Health Formulation
- Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd Probiotic Tabs
- Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd Omega HP Fatty Acid Skin and Coat Support
- Benefits Of Supplements To Australian Shepherd
- Common Health Issues in Australian Shepherds
- Australian Shepherd Facts
- Conclusion
Recommended Supplements for Your Australian Shepherd
Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd Multivitamin Soft Chews
These soft chews are a great way to keep your Aussie healthy and happy. They are specifically designed for the breed and provide essential vitamins and minerals that can help support joint health, skin & coat health, digestion, and overall wellness. They also contain probiotics to aid digestion and omega fatty acids for a healthy skin & coat.
Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd All-in-One Multivitamin Soft Chew
This daily multivitamin supplement helps to support hip and joint health, promotes healthy skin and coat, and aids in digestive health. It’s a great-tasting soft chew and is developed with a synergistic blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that dogs love.
Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd Z-Flex Max Hip and Joint Soft Chews
This supplement is a great way to support your dog’s healthy joints. Made with a powerful blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and omega fatty acids, these soft chews may help alleviate the pain associated with normal daily activity. They are also formulated for maximum hip and joint support.
Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd Synovial-3 Joint Health Formulation
Synovial-3 Joint Health Formulation is a comprehensive joint health supplement for dogs. It combines Glucosamine, MSM, Creatine Monohydrate, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Minerals to help improve joint health, relieve inflammation, and enhance energy. In addition, this formulation may help alleviate discomfort associated with normal daily exercise and activity.
Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd Probiotic Tabs
These chewable tablets are a great way to support your dog’s digestive system and overall health. They contain natural vitamins and nutrients that help boost your pup’s digestion and provide essential support for their immune system. In addition, they have a tasty liver flavor that dogs love, making them an easy addition to your pup’s daily routine.
Healthy Breeds Australian Shepherd Omega HP Fatty Acid Skin and Coat Support
This supplement is designed with a synergistic blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help keep your pup’s coat shiny and healthy. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat, and is a great way to give your pup the nutrition they need for optimal health.
Benefits Of Supplements To Australian Shepherd
As the proud owner of an Australian Shepherd, I understand the importance of providing my pup with everything he needs to stay healthy and happy. One key component of his wellness is an appropriate diet – this includes not only healthy and nutritious food but also high-quality supplements.
Supplementing my pup’s meals to ensure he gets all of his necessary vitamins and minerals is something I take seriously. The Australian Shepherd has specific dietary requirements that are unique to its breed and size, so it’s vital for me to make sure I’m supplying him with the right kinds of supplements.
A few that I feel are particularly beneficial include glucosamine, which helps support joint health, as well as probiotics because they contribute to healthy digestion. Another supplement I often give my pup is omega-3 fatty acids which offers a variety of nutritional benefits, including promoting brain development and maintaining a healthy immune system.
When it comes to selecting supplements for my pup, I like to go with all-natural products that have been made specifically for dogs. That way, I can be sure he is getting all the vitamins and nutrients he needs without any unnecessary artificial additives.
Overall, providing my pup with healthy supplements is something that helps keep him in top shape every day!
Common Health Issues in Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are a popular breed of dog, but they can be prone to specific health issues. Knowing the common ailments that affect this breed can help you better care for your pup. Here are some of the most common health issues for Australian Shepherds:
- Hip Dysplasia is a common health issue in dogs, especially larger breeds. It is an abnormal formation of the hip socket, which can lead to pain and lameness. This condition can be caused by genetics, nutrition, or the environment. Treatment options include surgery, physical therapy, and medications.
- Elbow Dysplasia is another common health issue in dogs, particularly large breeds. This condition occurs when the elbow joint does not form properly, leading to pain and lameness in the affected limb. Treatment options may include surgery, physical therapy, and medications.
- Collie Eye Defect is an inherited eye disorder that can cause vision problems or blindness in some cases. Symptoms may include cloudiness of the eyes or squinting. Treatment may involve eye drops or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative disease of the retina that can lead to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms may include night blindness or difficulty seeing objects close up. Treatment involves medication and lifestyle changes to slow down the progression of the disease.
- Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can cause vision problems or blindness if left untreated. Surgery is usually required to remove cataracts and restore vision in affected individuals.
- Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1) is a genetic mutation that makes dogs more sensitive to certain drugs and medications, leading to adverse reactions when taking them. It is important for pet owners to be aware of this condition so they can avoid giving their pets any drugs that could potentially cause harm due to MDR1 sensitivity.
It’s essential to keep an eye out for any signs of these health issues in your Australian Shepherd so you can get them treated as soon as possible. Regular checkups with your vet will help ensure your pup stays healthy!
Australian Shepherd Facts
From then on the breed started to be called the Australian Shepherd, but prior to that, the Aussie went by a number of other names, including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, and Blue Heeler.
These are extremely intelligent dogs who just love being around people, and make great pets for the right owner. Ideally that person will be someone who enjoys outdoor activities and is prepared to meet the dog’s considerable exercise needs. As a working dog, the Aussie needs to be kept busy, and will almost certainly develop behavioral problems if he does not get enough physical and mental stimulation.
You should also be aware that the herding instinct is still very strong in the Aussie Shepherd, so don’t be surprised if the dog tries to herd you and your family.
Australian Shepherds are protective of their home and family and therefore tend to be cautious around strangers. This is sometimes interpreted as timidity, but the breed is actually quite confident and self-assured.
This is not a dog to be left to his own devices in the back yard. The Aussie simply craves attention and wants to be at the center of all the family’s activities. If you’re not able to devote a lot of time to your dog then this may not be the breed for you.
But if you do have time to spend with your dog, you’re in for a real treat. The Aussie Shepherd is a dream to train. These dogs learn quickly and love to please. They excel at a myriad of dog sports, including fly ball, agility trials and advanced dog obedience training. Aussies are willing and capable students, and time spent training serves multiple purposes. It provides your dog with mental and physical stimulation, gives him a job and a purpose, and helps to build the bond between you.
Always use a positive form of training, like clicker training, with your dog. The pay-off will be a happy, balanced and fulfilled dog who can do some truly amazing stuff. Just think how impressed your friends and family will be.
While the Australian Shepherd is generally a healthy robust dog, it is prone to a number of congenital diseases, including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, back problems and eye disorders. These dogs can live 12 to 14 years on average.
Conclusion
Australian Shepherds are beautiful, intelligent dogs that make great companions—but they’re not without their fair share of health problems. By being aware of the most common health issues affecting this breed, you can catch problems early and get your pup the treatment they need to live a long and happy life!
Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash
