What Causes Dog Allergies
The number one culprit of course is their fur but it also comes from their urine, saliva, and dander, which is found in their fur. This is why many think their allergies to dog comes just from the fur. There are many ways in which pet dander can be transmitted.
You can get the dander just by petting your dog, by touching exposed parts of your body, like your face, after petting your dog, or through the air by breathing it in. When your dog shakes, runs or even walks, they can lose the dander from their skin into the air. You can even get these allergens when your dog licks you.
Gsds Are Incredibly Smart
If youre a German Shepherd owner, you have a strong suspicion your dog might actually be smarter than you are. After all, what cant your dog do? These dogs are known for their intelligence and many can learn a new behavior in only a few repetitions. In addition, they have a legendary desire to cooperate and work with us, a trait many see as a wish to please their humans. No wonder this breed excels at so many activities and is a top Obedience competitor. Because German Shepherds are one of the brightest breeds, be sure to be consistent, use positive reinforcement-based methods, provide plenty of mentally stimulating toys, and play brain-challenging games.
Coping With Your German Shepherd Shedding Heaps
Now weve established that German Shepherd shedding is a common problem and that they shed every day of the year. During the spring and fall when the German Shepherd shedding is at its height, this is often referred to as blowing coat. It is important to understand that you need to brush your shedding German Shepherd regularly so he doesnt become matted and tangled.
Long haired German Shepherds shed less than short haired German Shepherds, but they require more time spent on grooming their coats than the short haired German Shepherds.
During the blowing coat stage it is important to get yourself an undercoat rake for your German Shepherd shedding his soft, woolly undercoat. The undercoat rake this is great for your German Shepherd shedding his double coat. Buy one that has one row and twenty teeth.
Some German Shepherds when shedding will also enjoy getting vacuumed to remove their loose hair, so you may like to try this with your German Shepherd when he is shedding, and it certainly will remove all that loose hair if he enjoys being vacuumed.
A comb will also be very useful and can be used all year round when your German Shepherd shedding is at a moderate level. Your German Shepherd shedding is a part of everyday life and so a comb should be used daily to keep his coat in nice condition.
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How Long Do German Shepherds Live Are They A Healthy Breed
German Shepherds typically live 10-12 years. Some do live to 13 or 14, but usually with chronic health issues such as arthritis.
And sadly, many don’t even make it to age 10.
As a long-time German Shepherd owner, I know first-hand how many health problems this breed suffers from. Crippling joint diseases, autoimmune diseases, digestive diseases, skin diseases, heart and eye diseases…. truly a breed with serious health problems.
It’s a good idea to have pet insurance when you own a German Shepherd.
Here is a complete list of health problems in German Shepherds.
See my advice on keeping your dog healthy.
The most common color in German Shepherds black and tan, in the saddleback pattern
Is There A Permanent German Shepherd Shedding Solution
While theres no permanent German Shepherd shedding solution there are tips to decrease hair fall.
No, unfortunately, theres not a permanent shedding solution for your German Shepherd since they lose hair every day, all year round. However, many of the shedding solutions listed give you the steps you need to understand how to stop German Shepherd hair fall in huge amounts.
Weather, season, your dogs health, and even your home environment play a significant role in how much your dog sheds, but these tips provide a German Shepherd shedding solution that decreases hair loss.
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Maintain An Optimal Diet
Are you feeding your dog food specifically made for their skin health?
Providing a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce excessive shedding. Lower quality dog food is largely composed of ingredients that German Shepherds have a hard time digesting, like wheat,s soy, or corn.
GSDs are also prone to dry skin and allergies, some of which are linked to a lack of a balanced diet. A balanced diet builds a strong immune system in your dog and a healthy immune system is able to better fight diseases and maintain skin health.
Why Do Rottweilers Have Seasonal Coat Blowing
Some dogs are unable to adapt to changes in the weather. Their coats remain the same throughout the year, and they may require assistance to cope with extreme temperatures.
This may mean a shave in hot weather for dogs with thick coats or jackets in cold weather for dogs with short coats.
Rottweilers, however, are one of the breeds that can adapt to the weather.
In the fall, their thin undercoats are shed to be replaced with thicker and warmer undercoats to trap heat against the skin and ward off the winter chills.
Then in the spring, this thick undercoat is shed to be replaced with a thinner and cooler coat that allows good airflow against the skin.
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Give Them Coat & Skin Supplements
Adding supplements for dog coat growth to your dogs daily diet will help keep their shedding to a minimum. Consider giving them some omega fatty acids or even some biotin.
Alternatively, you can ask your vet about daily multivitamins that will give them a complete boost of all the vitamins and minerals they need for general wellness.
Coat Maintenance: The Essentials
To wrap up, here is a quick list of the four most important things to have to ensure your German Shepherds coat stays healthy.
- High-quality topcoat brush
- High-nutrient diet
- Delicious treats to reward good behavior while grooming or bathing
If you have a German Shepherd, how do you deal with their shedding. Please share in the comments below what you do to keep your German Shepherds shedding under control while also keeping their coat healthy.
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Causes Of Hair Loss In German Shepherds
Because hair loss is a broad condition that appears as a result of many health issues, its important to examine other symptoms in order to correctly find the cause of hair loss. Hair loss is often accompanied by other symptoms, but can also be the primary symptom.
There are several different factors and illnesses that could be causing hair loss in your German Shepherd. Hair loss may be caused by hereditary or genetic factors, like allergies and diseases, or other triggers like infections and neglect.If you notice hair loss in your dog, its best to follow the steps below:
- Contact your veterinarian to set up an appointment for a physical exam
- Record the symptoms you notice try to provide as much detail as possible
- Watch your dogs routine to identify potential triggers for the hair loss
- Do preliminary research to try and tentatively identify the problem
- Review your dogs pedigree and medical histories for pre-existing conditions
In all likelihood, youll be able to identify the cause of the hair loss and address it. Its important to remember that hair loss isnt itself a problem its a symptom of an underlying problem. The hair loss should be resolved once the issue causing it is addressed.
Below are some of the most common causes of hair loss in German Shepherds. Each health condition has its own cause, presentation, symptoms, and treatments. The majority are curable with the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
Allergies Can Cause Hair Loss
Some German Shepherds may lose hair due to allergies, which can be a frequent trigger. Allergies in animals should be taken seriously. Dogs can be allergic to almost anything, just like people. Some common allergy sources are:
- Foods, such as poultry or grains some dogs are even allergic to peanut butter
- Medications, such as anxiety medication or joint supplements
- Household elements, such as the dog shampoo or laundry detergent
- Environmental elements, such as pollen and mold
- Parasites, such as fleas and mites
Parasitic allergies are one of the most common allergy triggers. If your dog is frequently itching, scratching, and otherwise biting specific areas, this may be why.Allergies can be addressed with medication, allergy shots, pills, diet changes, or lifestyle changes. Your vet may also recommend eliminating all potential allergy causes and reintroducing them one at a time in order to gauge what causes the hair loss.
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When All Else Fails
How about a full shed preventing bodysuit for your German Shepherd? Theyll need a large or XL!
If youre at your wits end and about to pull your own hair out because theres just not a permanent shedding solution, then rest assured
Youre not alone!
Include a few or all of these shedding tips into your routine and results will happen, but not overnight.
And, when all else fails or you feel like giving up, just buy a shedding bodysuit for your German Shepherd like so many other dog owners have!
O.K., its a bit extreme
But useful to save your sanity!
Its not permanent or meant to be worn full-time. Anyway, its a great shedding solution for those days when you just cant take the hair anymore.
Keeping Your German Shepherds Coat Healthy
Grooming is a great way to strengthen your relationship with your dog. Some people might think that German Shepherds are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming but they actually are not. Shedding is inevitable and you cannot stop it from completely happening. But with proper and strategic planning, you can manage it when shedding season comes. In order to deal with the shedding of a German Shepherd especially during the shedding seasons, below are some tips that you can follow:
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Do German Shepherds Turn On Their Owners
The idea that German shepherds or any other type of dog are prone to turning on their handlers is a widespread myth that has little bearing in fact. While some German shepherds have been known to display unwarranted aggressive behaviors, in many cases this is a result of abuse, or a lack of or poor training.
Rake Your Gsd With An Undercoat Brush
A good undercoat brush will glide smoothly over your GSDs top coat and rake out excess hair from the undercoat.The best undercoat brush that we have come across and use regularly is the Patyourpet Undercoat Rake.
It has a dual head that makes short work of mats and tangles. We also love the money back guarantee if youre not completely satisfied.
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Switch To Food That Targets The Skin And Coat
You may have already put in a lot of thought when picking food for your German Shepherd, but did you know that the type of food that youre feeding him plays a huge role in his shedding habits?
Cheap dog food is largely made of ingredients that some dogs have difficulty digesting, such as corn and grain, not to mention all the added chemicals, preservatives, and colorings. You should instead look for a dog food that has a high-quality protein source as the main ingredient:
It is reported that 25 to 30 percent of daily protein intake is systemically used solely for skin and coat renewal requirements. Any protein deficit quickly results in obvious effects on the coat.
If your German Shepherd is not receiving proper nutrition, the protein hes receiving will maintain muscle mass, leaving the coat to suffer. I have a top article on the best diet for German Shepherds if you are looking for more information on the various types of diet for your dog, nutrition, and exactly what he can and cant eat.
Sure, it costs more, but it will help your German Shepherd in many ways, not only by reducing his daily shedding but for maintaining a long and healthy life.
Invest In A Powerful Vacuum
Vacuums, however, cannot reduce your German Shepherd from shedding, but can surely make your life easier in removing the furball around the house.
Trust me, no one on earth can survive the non-stop shedding at home without a powerful vacuum.
Heck yes! It is all too common for GSD owners to own multiple vacuums.
Look for a vacuum that can pick up lots of large clumps of hair without getting clogged. Sometimes it can be a challenging task.
Dont worry, you are not alone.
We have actually asked current GSD owners for their suggestions: Roomba is one the most common vacuum they are using. Check out more suggestions from existing GSD owners in our: Shopping List for Shedding Dogs.
iRobot Roomba i7+ Robot Vacuum with Automatic Dirt Disposal-Empties Itself, Wi-Fi Connected, Smart Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors
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Factors That Affects German Shepherd Shedding
Shepherd shedding is something you should expect and be ready for if you decide to welcome this breed into your home. However, you should know that excessive shedding can be a sign of health problems .
But before your rush to any conclusions here is the most common reasons behind excessive shedding:
What Are The Differences Between A Long
Although they are essentially the same dog, the coat is one of the most significant differences between these two breeds. A short-haired German Shepherd often has a double coat that is meant to protect it from various weather situations and even as a defense against other animals. A long-haired German Shepherd is seen as many breeders as an accident. Their coat is often smoother with significantly longer hair.
Another difference is their ability to perform specific tasks. Since long-haired GSD are not really used as working animals, they tend to be better family dogs. And even though many think the long hair on a GSD would act as excellent insulation during cold weather, it does not offer any protection to the pet, due to how silky and soft their hair can be.
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Do German Shepherd Puppies Change Color
When choosing a companion dog, it is normal for coat color to be a major consideration. However, puppies dont always don their permanent coat and their appearance could change as they grow up. But how about the German Shepherd coat? Do German Shepherd puppies change color?
This article will discuss German Shepherd puppy coat coloring and how that coloring changes over time.
Dealing With Your Dogs Shedding
There are some tips and tricks to reduce your dogs shedding, which we will get into later, but for now, you need to know that there is no way to stop shedding completely.
It may seem to you that longhaired German shepherds shed less, but their undercoat is actually getting stuck in their dense outercoat.
Even though this leads to less visible hair around the house, it also means that your dog is more prone to matting.
Regardless of your dogs coat length, they will need regular grooming.
Regular grooming of your pet means that you will deal with a ton of hair, so we recommend that you invest in a good vacuum cleaner.
Vacuum cleaners with strong suction and a HEPA filter are the best as they will trap any airborne allergens along with fallen hair.
Also, make sure to keep a regular vacuuming schedule. This is the best way to tackle all of the unwanted dog hair and prevent tumbleweeds of fur from rolling around in your house.
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