German Shepherd Ear Care And Dental Care
GSDs have tall, alert ears that stand up by the time they reach about four months of age. These ears are a signature feature of the breed and can be prone to infections if you dont keep a watchful eye on their care. Walsh uses hypoallergenic baby wipes to clean her dogs ears, noting that the wipes are easy and gentle to use.
Wilson also recommends cleaning your dogs ears and checking regularly for ear infections. Go to the vet if you notice one, she says, as such infections can be serious and require the care of a veterinary professional.
For;dental care, a wide variety of oral care products are available now for dogs. Dental care you can do at home includes the use of disposable dental wipes or dog-friendly flavored toothpaste . The best course of action, though, is to consult with your veterinarian about which dental hygiene routine will be best for your dog.
Yasmine S. Ali, MD, is a cardiologist and writer based in Tennessee, where she lives with three Canine Good Citizens, including an AKC-registered German Shepherd Dog.
Grooming Tips For Amateurs
- Place your GSD on a flat table or surface.
- Choose a quiet and traffic-free place for grooming your GSD as your dog will not be comfortable around people.
- Gently touch your puppy to make it feel comfortable.
- If your GSD struggles while you are trying to groom it, train it to stay calm and offer treats to keep it still.
- Look closely into your dogs ears, mouth, and paws.
- Do not get angry at your GS while grooming it.
- Use a soft brush and gently brush your dogs hair.
- Keep talking to your dog as it will keep it calm.
- Gradually move the brush from your dogs back to the neck and other areas of its body.
- Do not let your GS play with the grooming tools. You dont want your dog to assume that the tools are toys.
- Start grooming your GS at an early age as it will help keep it calm when it has grown into a huge dog.
- Use a slicker brush to remove loose hair of your GSD.
- Make the grooming experience enjoyable for your dog.
So What About German Shepherds
Interestingly, when it comes to German Shepherd dogs, they are one of the many breeds who dont need to have their hair clipped as extensively as other breeds do.
Although you may have good intentions, like wanting to reduce the amount of hair thats going to shed when they lose their winter coat during summer or because you are worried that they will get too hot in the heat of summer.
However, its important to understand the impact clipping your German Shepherds hair too much will have on its coat.
Some of the reasons why you should avoid shaving your German Shepherd includes:
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German Shepherd Nail Care
The frequency of nail trimming for your GSD will depend greatly on the kinds of surfaces on which your dog runs or walks. For those dogs who routinely walk on pavement, their nails will often wear down to a normal length naturally. Walsh finds that she never has to trim the nails of her dogs who walk on pavement, but those on other surfaces need a trimming at least monthly.
Wilson recommends trimming nails whenever needed, and agrees that it will depend on environment. She has observed, for instance, that her dogs who spend time on carpet and grass need a nail trimming every two to three weeks.
Walsh says the conformation of GSDs feet is wide-ranging, with some dogs having very thick, wide nails that are more difficult to cut and others having thinner, claw-like nails that are much easier to clip. For some dogsparticularly those with thick nailsshe has to use a Dremel tool for nail grinding in addition to clippers.
Regardless of conformation or growth rate of your dogs nails, it is important to expose them to nail clippers and the process of nail trimming early in puppyhood. Walsh begins handling her puppies feet as early as three days of age. Both breeders say that nail trimming, like coat care, can be done at home, and Walsh advises not to overdo it with the clippers: If you never cut their nails too short, they wont get funny about their nails.
Convince Your German Shepherd To Get Into The Tub
Your dog needs to feel secure with a textured surface under their footing. All it takes is one bad slip in the tub and your dog may never want to step foot near a bath again!
Use a non-slip rubber mat or a large towel to line the floor of the tub to prevent slips and falls.
While my GSD willingly climbs into the tub, your dog may not.
If your dog doesnt want to get into the tub, you can:
- Use treats to temp them in.
- Spread a small dab of natural peanut butter on this specially designed lick mat that stays on your bathroom wall at your dogs face level to coax them in and keep them busy.
Set a small stool or chair next to the tub to help your dog if theyre older or unable to get in the tub themselves.
There are also plenty of dog stairs and ramp options online to ease a large breed dog into the tub.
Place a few folded towels on the floor to protect your knees from pain as you kneel to wash your dog. And, unless you want a clogged drain, set a hair strainer over the drain so you dont have to spend time unclogging your plumbing from all the dog hair!
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Treat Your Dog With Human Food Occasionally
Bananas, cucumbers, sliced apples , and lean meats like chicken breast are all moisture-rich foods that help your German Shepherd keep hydrated.;
If that wasnt good enough, they also contain lots of healthy nutrients that help your German Shepherds coat stay shiny and smooth and reduce shedding.
However, only 5-10% of your German Shepherds daily food intake should be treats of any kind the rest should be the before-mentioned meat-rich dog food.;
How Often Should You Groom Yourgerman Shepherd
You should groom your German Shepherd at least 4 5 times a week with a rounded tip rake brush using gentle strokes. You only need to bathe and wash your dog about every 4 5 months. But, German Shepherds are high shedding dogs that require routine brushing to keep their fur and skin healthy and reduce shedding in your home.
Grooming doesnt only mean bathing and brushing, though. Grooming your German Shepherd means a complete at-home program to prevent problems and keep your dog healthy.
If you find yourself pressed for time, then use this article, How to Brush a German Shepherd Like a Boss to ensure a professional brush out without a bath!
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Every Day Is A Brushing Day
Brush your German Shepherd for at least 5-10 minutes daily if possible.
Grooming your German Shepherds coat removes excess fur and redistributes your German Shepherds skin oils into its fur. This can prevent excessive shedding by moisturizing their hair and skin.
This can be achieved easily by using a Furminator that can reach the undercoat to remove loose hair easily.;
Check out this video to see the real result for yourself:
Instead of letting the hair find its way around your house, this will directly minimize the amount of furball you have to pick up everywhere.
Furminator De-Shedding Tool for Large Dogs
Check out more suggestions from existing GSD owners in our: Shopping List for Shedding Dogs.
Brushing your dog could also be a way to bond with him. The touching, petting and cuddling involved can be the best way to show your love and care to your pet pal. Every owner should enjoy doing it.
What Is The Difference Between A German Shepherd And An Alsatian
Theres absolutely no difference between the two both are essentially the same breed of dog. The only reason the two are named differently is because they were initially called by different names in different countries.
An Alsatian breed was so called after the Alsace-Lorraine region, whereas the German Shepherd gets its name from Germany. Aside from this simple difference of terming the dog in two ways, theres nothing else to differentiate them. The Alsatian is German Shepherd only.
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What Is The German Shepherd Shedding
In Britain and Ireland, they are also known as Alsatian. The German Shepherds belong to herding dogs creed. The German Shepherd is best known for their obedience, intelligence, watchfulness, courage, alertness loyalty, curiosity and confidence in the world.
They mostly come in Black, black & tan, Black & silver, Red & Black, Sable and gray colors.
Shaved Hair Is Actually Harder To Get Rid Of
The guard hair, or outer layer of more coarse fur, is what sheds and some owners find a nuisance. However, shaving your dog doesnt stop the shedding!
Instead, your GSD will still shed, but the hairs are shorter and blunter. This makes them stick into your clothes and furniture even more than their regular, unshaved hair! Youll actually have a harder time removing the shorter, blunt, shaved hair than you would their longer, unshaved coat.
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Add Olive Oil Or Flaxseed Oil To Your German Shepherds Food
Start out by giving 1 tsp. per 10 pounds of body weight. Olive oils contain Omega-3 fatty acids that help calm inflamed skin, decrease dandruff, and improve overall coat texture.
Other ways to increase yourGerman Shepherds Omega-3 intake:
- Adding Omega-3-rich fish in the diet: Tuna or salmon are rich in Omega-3
- Using Omega-3 dietary supplements: They can come in different shapes and sizes .; Ask your vet to figure out the best choice for your German Shepherd.
Gopets Professional Double Sided Pin & Bristle Brush
Rounded ends on the pin brush penetrate your dogs coat to groom the undercoat and protect your dogs sensitive skin.
Non-slip, silicone gel-filled handle conforms to your hand and is comfortable to hold.
Unlike plastic-tipped pin brushes, the rounded ends are integral to the metal bristles. ;So there’s no chance of the tips falling off and grating your dog’s skin.
There is also a ventilation hole in the brush head so that the metal bristles conform to the shape of your dog’s body.
Other dog owners are happy with the comfortable handle. To clean the bristle side is easy with an old comb.
I just use my de-shedding comb to clean out the soft-bristled side.
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How To Get A Ton Of Dog Hair Out
German Shepherds are a double-coated breed. Meaning there is two layers of coat: the surface coat , and a thicker under-layer called the undercoat – and it’s the undercoat that is responsible for most of the hair around your home or car.
As a groomer I use a few different techniques for deshedding your dog:
The best bang for your buck is the amazing Undercoat Rake – it’s simply a soft-pinned comb that effectively loosens up all that undercoat hair .
We’ll also use deshedding shampoos and treatments.
And finally, a high velocity dryer to literally blow the remaining coat off. This usually leaves your dog shed-free for at least a few weeks.;
Oster A5 Golden Pet Clipper
This 2-Speed clipper offers premium performance at an affordable price from a renowned brand. The Oster A-5 is smooth and quiet to handle, offering reliable clipping power that does not run hot. The powerful rotary motor can easily clip through thick hair.
The A5 is compatible with Osters blade and can accommodate a variety of sizes. Detaching the blade system is straightforward and quick, making it easy to change blades during a grooming session on your German Shepherd.
A proven design provides durability for years. This clipper comes with a #10 blade, blade guard, oil, and cleaning supplies.
Pros:
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Clipping The Toenails Of The German Shepherd
If your German Shepherd runs on pavement or other types of hard scapes on a daily basis then you probably won’t have a much of a problem with their nails. It is a good idea to check their nails on a weekly basis to keep split or broken nails in check.Broken nails are often the result of nails that have been left to grow too long. Commercial Nail Trimmers for dogs are available at almost any pet supply, grocery or department store.For best results, it is best to trim off small amounts of the nail, a little bit at a time, over a period of days instead of clipping larger amounts all at once.
Since the German Shepherd Dog’s nails are usually very hard in density and are often very dark in color, the “quick” will often be hidden. If you were to cut the toenail too short it will be painful for your GSD and cause the nail to bleed.
If you do happen to cut into the quick of your GSD’s nail and it starts to bleed you can do the following: use styptic powder, scrape the nail against a bar of soap, or press cornstarch firmly into the quick, to stop the nail from continuing to bleed.
It is very important to have at least one of these items on hand, and within easy reach when trimming the German Shepherd’s nails, BEFORE you start, just in case. Teach your German Shepherd puppy to accept having it’s nails clipped early on for better results when your German Shepherd is an adult. Read here for more information about clipping your dogs nails.
What Are The Best Grooming Tools For German Shepherds
Double-coated dogs like the German Shepherd will need an undercoat rake to remove unwanted and loose hair from its undercoat especially during shedding season. Deshedding shampoo and conditioner is also a good thing to have on hand. If you are looking for easier loose hair removal, high-velocity dryers such as those from K9 Dryers have become an essential grooming tool.
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What Type Of Fur Do German Shepherds Have
German Shepherd dogs have a double coat that keeps the animal and also blocks out harmful UV rays and excess heat during the summer.
The outer coat of guard hairs is dense, coarse, and straight with flat hair that lays close to the dogs body.
The undercoat is thicker and softer than the guard coat. Youll notice that the fur is longest and thickest around the dogs neck and trousers.
German Shepherds can have four different coat lengths:
- Short coat with an undercoat
- Medium length with an undercoat
- Long length with an undercoat
- Long length without any undercoat
German Shepherds with long hair have feathery tufts on their tail and ears, and they have trousers on the back of their legs.
A German shepherd without an undercoat has the same degree of feathering, but the outer coat is softer and not as coarse.
Before you assemble a grooming kit for your German Shepherd, youll need to know what coat type your dog has, as the grooming requirements are slightly different for each.
Tools You Need To Groom Your German Shepherd
It only takes a few good quality tools to make grooming your German Shepherd easy.
Those are my basic grooming tools up there. ;And that hair is from a regular daily brush!
My tools are a little old school but they do a great job! ;There are more modern, comfortable, and easier to use tools which I’ll be showing you next.
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The Benefits Of Regular Dog Grooming
There are at least three major benefits that your dog can get from getting groomed regularly:
- It keeps your dogs coat look sleek and shiny, preventing all the mats and tangles from your dogs coat.
- It helps to detect early health issues and skin problems before you know they exist.
- It helps to manage your dogs shedding.
Wahl Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit
This 5-in-1 Arco clipper from Wahl is a versatile and reliable option for pet owners who prefer a cordless clippers convenience. However, this cordless clipper is still powerful enough to use on your German Shepherd.
Owners will appreciate this lightweight clippers ease of handling, allowing you to trim difficult spots without tiring from extended use. The battery will last for 80 minutes of clipping and needs a 75-minute charge.
The five-position blade set allows you to completely customize the length of the clip you give your dog depending on the body area. Your complete kit purchase includes a clipper, storage case, charger, four guide combs, blade oil, and a cleaning brush.
Pros:
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How To Groom For Your German Shepherd
ByMoses Wright;;|;;Submitted On October 19, 2007
The German Shepherd is deceptive as many might think that the heavy double layered coat needs additional care. In actual fact, less grooming is needed than expected. The external coat of the dog is thick with medium long hairs while the undercoat is far denser and softer. The undercoat does double duty by keeping the dog safe from UV rays during the hot summer months and keeps the dog warm during colder seasons.
One principal to adhere to when making sure your German Shepherd is well taken care of is to ascertain that he is getting the right diet and nutrients. The German Shepherd gets its strength from meat and you should ensure that the meals he gets is high in vitamins and protein. The dog needs a diet that is high in fat and protein. Meat such as beef, chicken or even lamb are great options. If you decide to concoct food for your dog, ascertain that it has the correct proportions of all the basic dietary requirements the dog needs to stay in tip-top condition.
Vegetables are harder for dogs to digest. Rather than the rounded or curved stomachs we see in humans, dogs actually have s straight stomach. This can cause them to have problems while digesting their vegetables. Corn or wheat and other plant based materials can be difficult for the animal and they should make up a small fraction of your dog’s diet. Once you are sure that the dog is getting an excellent diet, you can move on to the grooming needs.