Why Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot And Solution For Heavy Shedding
Why Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot And Solution For Heavy Shedding: Usually German shepherds shed heavily but there could be other reasons.
We all know that the German shepherd dog breed is known for its beautiful and dense coat and it is obvious long-haired dog breeds shed more. Usually, they shed heavily during season change but there could be other reasons behind it. Here we will discuss reasons why do german shepherds shed a lot and their shedding solution.
German Shepherd Shedding Season
The topcoat will shed all year long while the undercoat sheds twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
The coat works to protect them against the harsh winter season so they dont get coldness. When winter approaches, your dog will begin to shed a lot of his summer hair, to give a room for this winter coat to grow thus you may notice a big increase in shedding for a few weeks during the winter season.
And during summer that old winter coat is no longer necessary. To keep their body temperature stay normal, they will start to get rid of their winter coat thus you may start to see a large chunk of shedding furballs all over your house when summer starts to roll around.
In every shedding season, you may expect the shedding period to last at a minimum of 10 days.
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.
Don’t Miss: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
Factors On Which Shedding Of A German Shepherd Depends
Diet: Diet plays an important role in deciding the quality of a dogs coat. It should be nutritious enough to fulfill the daily nutritional requirement of your GSD. If your dog is not getting enough nutrition through its diet then it will make roots of the hairs weak resulting in more shedding.
Age: Age is also an important factor that decides the amount of shedding of dogs. As the age of the dog increases and he gets older then his hair starts to get thinner and weaker thats why old dogs tend to shed higher than adults.
Health Status: Increased shedding is a symptom of many diseases also some health issues make the dog shed more. For example dogs with skin diseases and thyroid problems shed abnormally.
Season: All dogs shed heavily during a particular season called shedding season. Like most other dog breeds German shepherds also shed more in the spring and fall seasons.
Living condition: it is obvious that a German shepherd who likes to be indoors will shed less in comparison to a sporty GSD who loves to play outside and easily gets dirty. Thats why the Living condition is also an important factor of shedding.
What Does It Mean That The German Shepherd Blows His Coat
When a dog blows his coat, this means that at least twice a year, the dog will undergo a huge shedding during which all his hair will be shed at once.
Now, this does not mean that the dog will be hairless. What that means is that all the winter fur will be shed as new spring and summer fur replaces the old coat.
Some individuals refer to this as getting a new coat. Again, the German Shepherd will not be without fur during this time. However, you will notice much more hair than usual on your furniture or maybe on your clothes.
Don’t Miss: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
German Shepherds Will Always Shed
German Shepherds are great dogs that began as work dogs, but now have become great family pets. They are loyal to their owners, protective of the young and frail, and have bounding energy levels. While these are all positive attributes, there is a reason they have the nickname German Shedders.
German Shepherds will shed no matter what you try to do about it there is no stopping it. But the best owners are the ones who try and reduce the amount they shed in a variety of ways.
First, they understand that shedding and blowing happens, so do not try to undermine it. The process is natural and necessary for the health of the German Shepherd.
Brush your German Shepherd at least two to three times a week, if not more. These brushing sessions help reduce the amount of hair that is shed naturally, plus it keeps the dogs coats healthy, and it can be a bonding experience between pet and owner. Bathe your German Shepherd only once a month, and feed them a balanced, nutritional diet to keep their coat and skin healthy.
Overall, German Shepherds are great dogs and can be taken care of easily as long as youre prepared for how much they can shed.
Shampoos To Reduce Shedding
There are a few ingredients to look for in dog shampoos that help coat health these include rosemary, aloe vera, and lemongrass. All are beneficial to the health of your dogs skin and coat.
There are also various shampoos that are specifically meant for puppies and some that are meant for adult dogs. Be sure to check each label and see which age range the shampoo is intended for, as mixing them up can potentially harm the health of your German Shepherds fur.
Along with that, there are specific brands that include ingredients in their formulas that help reduce the amount of dander and help moisturize the skin, which means less shedding.
Heres a list of organic, natural, and overall great shampoos that work for puppies and adult German Shepherds:
- 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo This shampoo boasts ingredients like lemongrass and aloe vera that help with the health of your dogs fur. These ingredients also help reduce shedding!
- Paws and Pals Oatmeal Shampoo This shampoo is made for dogs with sensitive or irritable skin issues. It helps moisturize the skin to promote healthy fur growth, which also helps with the problem of shedding.
- Arava Dog and Puppy Shampoo This is the best shampoo if your dog likes to get out and into the woods or fields to play because it provides defense against over 500 different types of insects, fleas, and ticks.
Read Also: What Is Akc German Shepherd
Hair Growth Throughout The Year
German Shepherd hair grows throughout the year and individual hairs fall out and new hairs replace them.
The new hair emerges from the hair follicle when the old hair is about to be shed, so the dog keeps the same amount of hair, even if it seems that it is shedding so much that it will run out. This is a natural process for all dogs and is dramatic with German Shepherds due to their thick, double coats.
So I Understand How To Combat Coat Blow But What About Regular Shedding
Shedding takes place not only because of the changing seasons and a dogs need to rid itself of last seasons coat, but also simply a need to rid the dogs coat of damaged or unnecessary hair.
You should keep in mind that all dogs shed, even though German Shepherds are known for their penchant for shedding.
Even though you cannot totally prevent shedding in the German Shepherd , you CAN reduce the amount of shedding so that you can manage it.
Perhaps the best way to combat shedding is to commit to regular brushing. Regular brushing on a daily basis can help to loosen damaged or extra hairs.
Furthermore, you can control exactly where these hairs go on a brush rather than just simply on your furniture or clothing.
Although some experts say it is just fine to brush three or four times per week, I recommend daily brushing on a hardwood or tiled area where you can sweep up any stray hairs.
Previously, the slicker brush was recommended for combating Coat Blow, and this is true. However, for daily brushing, you can use a combination of a slicker brush, a pin brush, and a finishing comb in order to remove as much loose hair and the undercoat during Coat Blow as possible.
If you will begin with a pin or slicker brush every day then finish up with the comb, you will be able to keep the coat clean and healthier looking. An added benefit to this practice is that dirt is greatly removed from the coat, leaving the hair cleaner and shinier.
You May Like: How To Draw A German Shepherd Sitting
German Shepherd Coat Colors
German Shepherds can have a variety of different coat colors. The most common coat color is black and tan, followed by black, and then sable. White German Shepherds have a controversial coat color, where some people argue its not even an actual member of the breed. They can also have blue coats, which are more accepted, but also rarer.
Regardless of their coat color, there is no difference in shedding frequency amongst the breed. What matters more is the length of their coat. Both Long Coats and Short Coats will shed the same amount, but longer or fluffier coats will definitely show more around your home due to the length of their coat. This is important to keep in mind when adopting a puppy. Look for a medium-length coat thats less fluffy, and the fur will be less likely to show around your home.
German Shepherds Dry Skin And Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many benefits for a German Shepherd with dry skin.
When coconut oil is applied to your German Shepherds dry skin its amazing qualities include:
- antiviral
- antimicrobial
- antiprotozoal
This means that a German Shepherd with dry skin can use coconut to help with their skin health which means their coats will improve, too.
Its not only a natural oil, but it can reduce yeast and fungus on the skin and its therapeutic for irritated skin, hot spots, abrasions, and cracked paws. Plus, when applied to the skin it improves your German Shepherds coat.
This oil for a German Shepherds coat will infuse them with shine!
Also Check: German Shepherd Light
Long Haired German Shepherd Shedding
Long-haired German Shepherds also change their hair since a long-haired Shepherd must also have undercoat. The breed regulations only accept German Shepherds with long hair with an undercoat of hair, so you should give the same care to your German Shepherd regardless of whether it is long or short haired.
How Can I Improve My German Shepherds Hair
German Shepherds have a double coat of hair, with a short, thick undercoat and longer guard hairs on top. The characteristic wirehaired look is created by a single layer of thicker guard hairs. If you brush your dogs coat thoroughly every day with a slicker brush or metal comb, the wires will stand up on their own, which can decrease shedding quite dramatically.If youre not comfortable dealing with tangles yourself for any reason, it may be time to take your dog to the groomers more frequently or hire an in-home grooming service that specializes in long haired breeds. In addition to removing tangles and loosening the platelets in the outer layers of fur , most reputable.
Read Also: Can A German Shepherd Freeze To Death
Reasons You Do Not Want A German Shepherd Dog
Now, wait a minute! youre saying. Of course I want a German Shepherd! Otherwise, I wouldnt be looking at this article! Very good. You have taken the first step towards becoming a responsible purebred dog owner, first by doing your research, and second by taking the time to examine the problems inherent in your chosen breed.
Here are 10 reasons you might want to reconsider your choice of a GSD:
1. Health problems.The GSD is not a dog for those who just want to plunk down cash for the first puppy they see and head home . German Shepherds, like any large breed, are prone to canine hip dysplasia, a crippling and potentially fatal disease. The breed also struggles with or is prone to elbow dysplasia, allergies, cleft palate, degenerative myelopathy, perianal fistulas, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, bloat, panostetis, Von Wildebrands disease, Wobblers Syndrome, heart and skin disease and thyroid disease. Many of the congenital diseases in dogs can be tested for and therefore prevented by responsible breeders. But you must be willing to ask questions of your breeder to find out what problems have cropped up in his or her lines. Good GSD rescuers will also be aware of such problems, and whether the rescued dog youre considering has shown symptoms of or has been treated for any health issues while with the rescue.
If youve considered the above and are still interested in getting a German Shepherd, check out our free guide to Choosing Your New German Shepherd!
Grooming A German Shepherd
This is where the real fun begins! As the proud owner of a German Shepherd, you are now responsible for keeping their coat looking great and fighting against the mounds of hair that are now part of your life. Luckily, there are a few things you can try to help alleviate the hair and keep your pet more comfortable in the process.
Recommended Reading: Is My German Shepherd Too Skinny
Will Bathing My German Shepherd Dog More Frequently Help To Reduce Shedding
Yes, and no. You should give your dog a routine bath in order to combat shedding. Routine means that you give a bath on a regular basis whether that is once a week, once every two weeks, or once a month.
The bath itself may help to remove some of the loosened hair, but it will not remove all of it, nor is it a cure-all for shedding. However, it will help to prevent hair from just randomly falling anywhere and everywhere in your home.
It is of the utmost importance that you use a shampoo that is specially made for dogs, and that the shampoo is all-natural.
Look for a shampoo that is a dull yellow color, appears almost watery in consistency, and does not possess a very strong fragrance. Anything different from these criteria is likely to contain added chemicals that can harm your dogs skin.
How To Improve German Shepherd Coat And Skin
A German Shepherd Dog can suffer from a dull, thin coat that sheds too much if they arent in healthy shape and getting the right amount of nutrients.
If your dogs health is poor then their coat and skin will suffer.
Your German Shepherd could show signs of:
- itching
- fur that falls out in clumps
- excessive shedding
You should always seek your vets advice when dealing with a German Shepherd that is unhealthy or doing poorly.
But, there are many ways to improve your German Shepherds coat to make their coat shiny and full.
Here are the best ways to not only improve your dogs coat but
Give them a shiny, full coat that you cant stop running your fingers through!
Don’t Miss: Can A Chihuahua And A German Shepherd Mate
Do German Shepherds Shed Constantly
Unfortunately yes German Shepherds shed constantly, year around. While their shedding is especially intense during the spring and fall, they can and will lose their undercoat during the remainder of the year as well.
Managing your dogs shedding will be an everyday task just like feeding and walking your dog. By making it a routine, it will be easy for you and your dog to keep up with it.
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.
You May Like: German Shepherd Albino Dog
Do Not Shave Or Clip Your German Shepherd
The answer is no a German Shepherd should never be shaved or clipped unless its medically necessary.
Beyond making them look a tad ridiculous, shaving a German Shepherd can actually cause a laundry list of serious problems.
Because German Shepherds have a double coat, their coat will take a very long time to grow back, and the outer coat may grow back shorter and in a different color. The inner coat may actually grow back thicker, compounding your shedding woes in the long run.
Shaving or clipping a German Shepherd takes away their natural climate control system, leaving them more vulnerable to extreme heat or cold. Thats right, shaving a German Shepherd will not help keep him cool in the summer itll actually do the opposite.
Finally, it leaves their sensitive skin exposed for mosquitoes and other pests to feast on, and they can sustain cuts, scrapes, and sunburns more easily without their protective double layer of fur.
Long story short just say no to shaving! Your German Shepherd, that is