NOTE: There have been a few anecdotal reports that German Pinschers can be sensitive to insecticides used to control the following parasites.

Sarcoptic Mange

This mange is caused by a microscopic mite more like a spider than a insect, and is extremely contagious from dog to dog contact. It is characterized by itching, red irritated skin, and hair loss if infestation is severe. Multiple treatments are available and very effective, consult your vet for diagnosis, and correct treatment. In homes with multiple dogs, all dogs must be treated, and their bedding washed.

Sarcoptic Mange facts

Demodectic Mange

This mange mite is not contagious. It is a result of the overgrowth of the demodectic mite, present on all dogs, due to a "susceptibility" in some dogs. It can be seen as patchy hair loss, up to generalized hair loss and secondary staph infections. It is uncertain whether this "susceptibility" is heritable. It is "reported" that German Pinscher puppies and adults have episodes of this during stressful changes of puppy-hood, pregnancy, and heat cycles, then fully recover with or without treatment.  Diagnosis is made by a skin scraping of the patchy area by a veterinarian.
 

http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/dem.html
 

EHRLICHIOSIS

Ehrlichiosis is spread from infected blood exchange from tick bites. Symptoms can be  lameness, neurological and eye disorders, kidney problems, and blood disorders. Advanced cases of chronic phase ehrlichiosis can be fatal. Ask your veterinarian if this is a problem in your area, and follow his recommendations.
 

Canine ehrlichia

A personal experience & information re: ticks

FLEAS

There are so many products to kill and control fleas that dogs no longer need to suffer from this parasite. There are monthly preventatives, conventional sprays and dips, and various natural remedies. Check with your veterinarian for his suggestion on what product might work best for your dog.

A flea and tick product comparison chart

 

HEARTWORM

To safeguard your dog against heartworm, annually test at your veterinarian and use the heartworm preventative suggested. Mosquitoes transmit this by injecting blood infected with worm larvae during a bite. The end result is spaghetti like worms living and growing in the heart (5-8” long). Dogs with untreated heartworm infestation will die. Some symptoms of heartworm infestation are a dry cough, shortness of breath, weakness, coughing up blood and listlessness.

More heartworm information
heartworm preventatives
One blood test for ehrlichia, Lyme disease, heartworm

LYME DISEASE

Ask your veterinarian if this is a problem in your local area, and follow his suggestion for prevention if needed. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. Clinical signs may not appear until long after initial infection. Symptoms include onset of acute episodic lameness, fever, no appetite, and swollen lymph glands. Antibiotic treatment can be effective. Without treatment, the disease can become chronic, with permanent joint and organ damage.

All about Lyme Disease

WORMS

Have your German Pinscher checked by your veterinarian at least every 6 months, and follow his suggestion for treatment, if needed. See links below.

Types of worms and prevention
Government information info on ascarid and hookworms

HERNIAS

Hernias are abnormal openings or tears in the muscle lining of different body cavities. Umbilical hernias, an abnormal opening where the umbilical cord is attached before birth, can be repaired on your pet during any time they are under anesthesia, if mild. Umbilical Hernias are felt to be hereditary by some, but this is not conclusive. Consultation with your veterinarian is recommended. 

More Umbilical Hernia information