Sensitive Stomachs in German Shepherds: 13 Digestive Dilemmas

While German Shepherds are often celebrated for their strength and longevity, typically boasting 9 to 12 years, they are also notably prone to sensitive stomachs and digestive issues.

This juxtaposition of robust health with gastrointestinal vulnerability may lead you to an intriguing question: What makes German Shepherds susceptible to stomach sensitivities?

German Shepherds are predisposed to sensitive stomachs, often rooted in genetics, or may develop digestive issues as they age.

These conditions vary in severity, from mild diarrhea triggered by food sensitivities to more critical, potentially life-threatening issues like bloat, pancreatitis, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

In this blog, we’ll explore the factors contributing to this breed-specific digestive concern, offering insights to help owners better understand and care for their loyal companions.”

Why Do German Shepherds Have Sensitive Stomach?

German Shepherds often suffer from sensitive stomachs, a term typically indicating mild stomach upsets. This breed is more susceptible to digestive issues than others, with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.

While many stomach problems are harmless and self-resolving, persistent or severe cases require veterinary attention.

Digestive sensitivity varies among German Shepherds; some can handle diverse foods, while others react negatively, similar to humans with certain food intolerances.

For instance, my German Shepherd can’t tolerate cream due to lactose causing diarrhea, yet she enjoys a bit of milk.

Food allergies, such as reactions to chicken, dairy, wheat, or eggs, are common. However, more serious digestive conditions like bloat (GDV) can be life-threatening, requiring immediate treatment.

We will delve into 13 disorders contributing to a German Shepherd’s sensitive stomach, ranging from infectious diseases to non-infectious conditions.

1. Bloat (GDV)

I thought I should list this first as bloat (also called gastric dilation volvulus, or GDV) is a life-threatening emergency, and you must be aware of it.

Bloat has become more common in deep-chested dogs like German Shepherds.

Bloat is relatively harmless for humans, but it can be deadly for dogs as they can become critically ill or die within hours if not treated. So, what exactly is bloat?

“GDV is a condition where the stomach twists and then fills with gas. Or the other way around—no one is sure whether it bloats then twists, or twists then bloats.”

Dr. Anna Stobnicki, Pet MD

The causes are unknown, but symptoms to look for are a swollen stomach, drooling, panting, restlessness, and discomfort. Your German Shepherd may also repeatedly try to vomit, but nothing will come up.

Good tips for reducing the risk are to feed two small meals rather than one large meal a day and to avoid feeding your dog before strenuous exercise, leaving at least an hour on either side of feeding. I also recommend a slow-feeder bowl, especially if your dog gulps his food.

Ensure your dog eats a nutritious and balanced diet. I feed my German Shepherd cold-pressed dog food instead of regular dry kibble.

Traditional extruded kibble is known to swell and bloat, which can cause discomfort, sickness, and gas, whereas cold-pressed is easier to digest as it does not swell but breaks down slowly, making it gentle on your dog’s tummy.

2. Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a viral infection that can cause a sensitive stomach in German Shepherds. It most often affects puppies or unvaccinated adult dogs and can be potentially fatal.

German Shepherds are at increased risk of the disease, but any breed can be infected.

The virus is transmitted by direct contact with other infected dogs or poop. Signs to look out for include loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and stomach pain.

There is a high chance your dog will survive with appropriate treatment, and most dogs recover within a few days.

Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date to prevent this disease. Your vet can advise you on the specific schedule depending on your German Shepherd’s age (puppy or adult dog).

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of digestive system diseases that could cause your GSD to have a sensitive stomach. There is usually some inflammation present; however, the exact cause is unknown.

Possible causes could be dietary, parasitic, bacterial overgrowth, or a reaction to a specific drug. Although food allergies are an unlikely cause in most cases, they may contribute to developing the disease.

According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, inflammatory bowel disease can affect all ages and breeds of dogs; however, it has become more common in some breeds, including the German Shepherd.

The disease is difficult to diagnose, and the average age for the onset of inflammatory bowel disease is six years, but it may occur in dogs less than two years old. Signs are often present over a long period and may come and go.

Look out for vomiting, diarrhea, dark stools, stomach pain leading to changes in appetite, and weight loss due to your dog’s inability to digest food properly.

Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication and additional drugs to suppress the immune system. You may require other changes to try and identify if a specific food is causing the problem, and an elimination diet does this.

Vets may also recommend feeding your German Shepherd a hypoallergenic diet, which either involves trying a new source of protein that they have never previously eaten, e.g., duck or venison, or trying a hydrolyzed protein.

A hydrolyzed diet contains a specially made protein chemically split into such tiny pieces that the immune system does not mount an allergic reaction to it.

You will need your vet to authorize this special diet for your pet.

4. Colitis

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon (large intestine). Inflammatory bowel disease (see 3. above) or infections (worms or other parasites) are the most common causes. Colitis could be causing a sensitive stomach in your German Shepherd.

Signs are chronic diarrhea that may also contain mucus and blood. Your dog may experience straining when pooping, causing pain.

Weight loss and vomiting can occur but are uncommon as these symptoms are seen more when the small intestine is involved.

Most dogs are middle-aged that develop colitis, and German Shepherds are one of the susceptible breeds.

They may also be more prone to a perianal fistula which is a painful wound in the skin around your dog’s rear end caused by the dog straining when trying to poop:

“There may be an association between colitis and perianal fistula, especially in German Shepherds.”

MSD Veterinary Manual

Treatment of colitis may include the following:

• A bland diet
• Deworming treatment
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Probiotics

Colitis is usually a one-off occurrence, and following treatment, most dogs will recover within a few days.

However, chronic colitis can take several weeks to improve but can be very well managed with ongoing treatment. This may include feeding a special diet recommended by your vet.

5. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is the inability to produce sufficient pancreatic enzymes. It could cause your German Shepherd’s sensitive stomach.

Because there is poor absorption of nutrients, weight loss commonly occurs despite a normal or increased appetite. Other signs are chronic diarrhea and occasional vomiting.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is most frequent in young adult German Shepherds and some other breeds.

The disease may be present from birth or acquired due to pancreatic infection or injury. The condition is easily diagnosed by simple blood and stool tests.

Most German Shepherds with EPI can be successfully treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement medication. They will also require a highly digestible, low-fat diet.

6. Cancers of the Digestive System

Cancer of the digestive system is rare in dogs, with stomach tumors representing less than 1% and intestinal tumors less than 10% of all cancers.

Having said that, bowel cancer is more prevalent in some breeds, including the German Shepherd. This could be the cause of your dog’s sensitive stomach.

The average age of dogs with digestive system cancer is 6–9 years old, and the cause is unknown.

Signs of a possible tumor depend on the location and extent to which the cancer has developed. The most common symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes with blood), lack of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy.

Constipation and straining to poop are more likely with colon or rectal cancers. Dogs may also have signs of anemia, such as pale gums.

The prognosis depends on many variables, such as possible surgical removal of the tumor and/or chemotherapy treatment. The outlook can range from excellent to poor.

7. Gastrointestinal Ulcers

Accidental poisoning is one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal ulcers (e.g., mushrooms, pesticides, or chemical poisoning), causing your GSDs sensitive stomach.

Certain drugs can also cause gastrointestinal ulcers (stomach ulcers), for example, aspirin, ibuprofen, and corticosteroids.

It is also known that gastroduodenal ulcers are common in German Shepherds heavily medicated on ibuprofen. 

Other causes of stomach ulcers include cancer, infections, and diseases (e.g., kidney or liver disease and pancreatitis, to name but a few).

Some of the disorders already mentioned here, including stomach obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic stomach inflammation (gastritis), can also contribute.

Stress and extreme exercise may also be a factor. I found this interesting recent study evidencing gastric ulcers and gastritis (see 10. below) can affect athletic dogs, e.g., sled dogs.

The study states that other working dogs, like retrievers, are also at risk if they exercise sufficiently strenuously. Therefore, as some German Shepherds are working dogs, they may also be at an increased risk.

Courtesy of Pet MD, these are some of the many common symptoms of gastrointestinal ulcers :

• Anemia
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Rapid heart rate
• Vomiting (sometimes contains blood)
• Black poop (due to blood)
• Abdominal pain

However, some dogs may show no specific symptoms:

Some symptoms may remain undetected until the dog’s condition becomes severe. For instance, dogs are less likely to show clinical evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Pet MD

The outlook for German Shepherds with gastrointestinal ulcers is good, and vets can prescribe medication for up to 8 weeks to heal the ulcers. You will give a bland diet (e.g., chicken and rice), and some dogs may require antibiotics.

Unfortunately, the outlook is poor for those German Shepherds with ulcers associated with kidney or liver disease and some cancers.

8. Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a form of IBD (see 3. above). It is an inflammation of your dog’s intestines and stomach and features many eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. This form of IBD could be why your German Shepherd’s stomach is sensitive.

German Shepherds are one of the breeds affected:

“Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is most commonly seen in dogs less than 5 years of age, though it can affect dogs of any age. German Shepherds, Rottweilers, soft-coated Wheaten Terriers, and Shar Peis may be predisposed.”

Pet MD

Symptoms are the usual nasties of vomiting and diarrhea. Lack of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain may also occur. Often, the cause is unknown; however, these are believed to be some of them:

• Parasites
• Food allergies
• Adverse reaction to drugs
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Eosinophilic leukemia

Treatment for this condition depends on the cause. For example, deworming treats parasites, food allergies, and hypersensitivities are controlled with an appropriate diet.

The gastroenteritis will heal with treatment, including steroids to help reduce inflammation, pain medication, and acid blockers. Recovery generally occurs between 3-10 days of onset.

9. Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Gastrointestinal obstruction (a bowel obstruction) is a complete or partial blockage that prevents solids or liquids from passing through the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract).

The blockage can also decrease blood flow to the bowels. You must treat this as an emergency as soon as you suspect your dog has eaten something that could cause a blockage.

Gastrointestinal obstruction can be a common problem in dogs due to their curiosity and willingness to eat or chew almost anything – especially puppies!

Most dogs can suffer from this, although large young breeds are more likely to have an obstruction caused by eating a foreign object, for example, rocks, twigs, bones, or toys.

Pro-Tip! Check out our article about nuts to find out why I don’t recommend feeding them to your dog.

Other causes of a bowel blockage include tumors, polyps, ulcers, overgrowth of the stomach lining, bloat, “telescoping” of the intestine (where one segment of the intestine folds in on itself), hernia, and certain infections.

These are the symptoms to look out for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Bloating
• Fever
• Shock

Your German Shepherd may be unable to stop vomiting, which can be life-threatening.

The intestines first become bloated from built-up gas, followed by a loss of blood supply to the bowels. Death due to shock caused by fluid loss may occur quickly without treatment.

Your veterinarian may utilize an endoscopy. This is where a tiny video camera is inserted into the stomach or the colon.

This allows a vet to view your German Shepherd’s GI tract, retrieve biopsies of tumors, and even retrieve foreign bodies that may be causing the obstruction.

However, if the vet cannot remove the object, surgery may be needed, which can be a worrying and expensive time. For these reasons, make sure you have a good pet insurance plan.

10. Gastritis

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and could cause GSDs sensitive stomach. The most common symptoms are sudden vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, increased thirst, blood in the vomit or poop, and abdominal pain.

Causes of gastritis in German Shepherds may induce the following:

• Eating inappropriate foods or objects
• Adverse reaction to drugs or a toxic reaction
• Metabolic/endocrine disease within the body
• Infections (e.g., bacterial, viral, or parasitic) 

Diagnosis of long-term gastritis involves bloodwork, a poop check, abdominal x-rays, an ultrasound, and a possible stomach biopsy.

Acute (a short episode) gastritis may last less than 24 hours. With proper treatment, most German Shepherds will recover in 1-3 days, including a short fasting period between 24-48 hours.

Chronic gastritis can last longer and may be associated with more severe conditions, so the prognosis depends on the underlying cause.

11. Malabsorption

Malabsorption may be causing your German Shepherd’s sensitive stomach. This small intestine inflammation impairs nutrient absorption and results in chronic diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Even though your German Shepherd may be eating well, they are not getting the vital nutrients needed from its food, leading to ill health and other complications.

There can be a variety of symptoms but look out for your dog trying to eat poop or other non-food objects or trying to get into the trash.

Other signs are bloody, smelly, or oily poop, dehydration, a gurgling, and rumbling stomach, gas, lack of energy, vomiting, and a poor coat.

Treatment depends on the cause of malabsorption, but a diet change may be required, for example, changing to a gluten-free or a very high-quality food with a good protein source.

Adding live-cultured yogurt can also help, and antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial overgrowth. The outlook is good for dogs diagnosed with this disorder.

12. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which may cause your dog’s sensitivity. The pancreas is a vital organ that sits close to the stomach, helps digestion, and controls blood sugar.

Pancreatitis can be mild or severe and is often caused by your dog eating inappropriate food, for example, foods high in fat or too many titbits or table scraps. Other causes are obesity, recent surgery, some drugs, and toxins.

Loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, stomach pain, dehydration, and diarrhea are some signs reported in German Shepherds with severe pancreatitis. In milder forms, symptoms may not be obvious but probably include diarrhea, lethargy, and lack of appetite.

The prognosis depends on how severe the disease is. Mild cases may just need a diet change, for example, a low-fat, high-quality diet.

Treatment for more severe cases may include anti-sickness and pain relief medications. Most dogs will make a full recovery with the correct treatment.

13. Food Allergy or Intolerance

All dogs can develop allergies, but some breeds are more prone to specific allergies than others, and the German Shepherd falls into that category. They can be allergic to fleas, food, or chemicals.

Other allergens are pollens, molds, house dust mites, or mildew. When your dog comes into contact with an allergen, a harmful reaction can irritate its skin.

Other symptoms are coughing, sneezing, wheezing, ear infections, or a runny discharge from the eyes or nose. Sometimes, the digestive system is affected, which causes a sensitive stomach, and vomiting and diarrhea can occur.

So, what’s the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance, you might wonder?

A food allergy involves the immune system and is usually triggered by an over-response to a protein. In contrast, food intolerance does not affect the immune system and reacts to an ingredient.

Don’t just think of meats as the only protein source, as there are also proteins in grains and vegetables. The most common food allergens in dogs are beef, wheat, and dairy.

An example of food intolerance is lactose intolerance, where your German Shepherd is missing or has low lactase levels. Both symptoms are very similar, and an elimination diet is the only way to determine the food causing the problem.

As this is just a brief overview of dog food allergies, I wrote a more detailed article, German Shepherd Allergies, which explains the causes and symptoms and includes various treatment options that you may find helpful.

What Can I Give My German Shepherd for an Upset Stomach?

If your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach and is suffering from diarrhea, it’s best to feed small, frequent meals of easily digestible, bland foods such as cooked white rice with some cooked skinless chicken.

However, your vet may advise fasting your German Shepherd for the first 12-24 hours, especially if your dog has any underlying medical conditions.

It’s also important to consult your vet first if your German Shepherd is new to any type of food.

These are some other recommended bland foods. However, make sure they are cooked first where appropriate:

• Potatoes (cooked)
• Sweet potato
• Pumpkin
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Banana
• Low-fat cottage cheese
• Yogurt

How to Prevent Your GSD From Having an Upset Stomach

To help prevent your German Shepherd from developing any of the above nasty stomach or digestive conditions, feed a healthy, nutritious diet containing the recommended protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

However, more important than this is the QUALITY of the ingredients used.

If you feed your German Shepherd high-quality dog food, this tends to be much more digestible than the many lower-quality products you can find. This will help prevent irritation to your dog’s sensitive stomach and intestines.

Look for a high-quality, protein-rich diet with essential vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and fatty acids. 

The best diet for your dog is a high-quality protein-rich diet consisting of between 18-22% protein, as detailed in my outrageously long post, which includes everything your GSD can and can’t eat. 

The correct diet will prevent any stomach upset and ensure that your GSD properly metabolizes the vitamins and minerals in the food.

We have already learned that dogs find high quantities of fat more difficult to digest than carbohydrates and proteins, so a diet containing the correct fat ratio is essential to help prevent pancreatitis (see #12. above).

According to nutritional guidelines developed by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), the recommended daily fat content for growing puppies is 8% and 5% for an adult dog.

It’s vital to ensure your German Shepherd is getting a high-quality, complete, and balanced diet. If you like to feed your dog a home-produced diet, I recommend consulting a pet nutritionist certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

These specialist vets have the expertise to customize the best diet for your dog, and you can find their directory here.

Start by cutting out all the extra treats and titbits and monitor your dog closely to make sure they are not eating anything they shouldn’t, such as anything toxic like grapes or chocolate left lying around.

Also, ensure they can’t get to any moldy food they may try to steal from the garbage!

If you think your dog’s current diet could play a role in his tummy troubles, try gradually switching to a different high-quality food that meets all the recommended nutritional guidelines for your dog’s current life stage. You might be pretty surprised at the difference!

Here’s a list of other preventative options that owners of German Shepherds should consider to avert a sensitive stomach:

• Don’t exercise your German Shepherd for at least an hour on either side of a meal. It’s also better to feed 2 smaller meals a day for an adult dog rather than 1 huge meal. This is especially important for German Shepherds and large breeds to help prevent bloat.

• Don’t use an elevated feeder, as this is not recommended and may even contribute to bloat. Even though this is unproven, it is still not advised. I found this interesting article from Veterinary Evidence whereby the conclusion is – “the safest option is to advise that owners of ‘at risk’ dogs use a feeder on the floor.”

• If your German Shepherd tends to gulp food, you can slow down their mealtimes using a slow-feeder bowl or interactive feeder, as eating too fast can bring on bloat. These are designed to force your dog to slow down its eating.

• Make sure vaccinations and worming treatments are up to date. German Shepherd puppies should be wormed every two weeks until twelve weeks, then monthly until six months. After six months, all dogs need to be wormed every three months.

• Ensure your German Shepherd’s flea prevention treatment is also up to date. It’s best to follow your vet’s recommendations, as they can advise on the best flea products that work for your dog. My German Shepherd has her worming and flea treatment every three months.

FAQs

Can stress or anxiety contribute to a sensitive stomach in German Shepherds?

Yes, stress and anxiety can absolutely contribute to a sensitive stomach in German Shepherds. High stress levels cause an increase in cortisol, which can irritate the digestive tract and weaken the stomach lining. Pay attention to what stresses your dog and work on de-stressing activities.

How common is it for German Shepherds to have sensitive stomachs?

Sensitive stomachs are actually very common in German Shepherds. Most GSD owners will deal with some digestive issues at some point. Their deep chests make them prone to bloat as well. You can expect around 50% of German Shepherds to experience an upset tummy occasionally.

How does a sensitive stomach affect the behavior of a German Shepherd?

A sensitive stomach can affect your German Shepherd’s behavior in multiple ways. Symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting may cause them to avoid certain areas or activities. They also can become anxious or stressed about eating if associated with tummy troubles. Pay attention to any changes in your dog’s behaviors.

How long does it typically take for a German Shepherd’s sensitive stomach to improve with dietary changes?

The time it takes a German Shepherd’s sensitive stomach to improve on a new diet can vary greatly. Most owners see signs of improvement within 1-2 weeks, but full recovery may take 4-6 weeks as the gut heals. Be patient during this transition and consult your vet if issues persist beyond 6 weeks.