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How To Stop A German Shepherd From Shedding So Much

German Shepherd Coat Maintenance

How to manage German Shepherd shedding

Youve accepted that your German Shepherd will shed like crazy no matter what. Great! But, now what? How do you deal with the insane amount of shedding?

All there is to it is to get started on maintaining that coat. Its no small task, but it does come with several benefits. Your home will be cleaner, for one. And your German Shepherd will be healthier.

Heres our guide to keeping your German Shepherds coat healthy and under control.

Deshedding Once A Week

Deshedding a dog involves removing those loose undercoat hairs using a tool designed to do just that. This will help you get rid of the hair that might otherwise end up on the carpet, furniture, and clothes.

It helps your dog feel comfortable and can be a relaxing experience for you and your German Shepherd as well. The FURminator is a great tool, but be warned – lots of hair comes as a result of using this, so it may be useful to do this outdoors.

You should use a deshedding tool once a week to keep shedding under control. Also, you will get the best results by bathing your dog once a month and deshedding him before and after the bath. Remember to use a high-quality dog shampoo to prevent damage to the coat and stripping it from its natural oils.

Is There A German Shepherd That Doesnt Shed

While there is no purebred German Shepherd that doesnt shed, crossing them with Poodles will produce dogs that shed minimally.

The advantage of all Doodle mixes is that they get the non-shedding trait of their Poodle parent. In the case of the German Shepherd, this mix would be the Shepadoodle.

As with all dog breeds however, you should never decide on a puppy due to his coat quality alone.

Grooming and dealing with shedding is only one aspect of dog ownership and should not be the deciding factor in picking a breed.

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How To Brush A German Shepherd

Do you want to learn how to brush a German Shepherd so professionally that compliments rain down on your skills?

Ill let you in on the easiest brushing tips and show you the simple tools to ensure your German Shepherd looks like hes show quality ready and picture-perfect

Even if you own a German Shepherd puppy!

All without breaking your bank or stressing either of you out.

Lets get right into the only brushing how-to guide youll ever need for your German Shepherds grooming.

How Much Shedding Is Too Much

Why Dogs Shed and How to Deal With It

If you notice your German Shepherd shedding more than normal outside of their seasonal coat blows and you cant identify the cause from the above list, its always a good idea to get a professional opinion from your vet about whether your dog is shedding too much.

If you notice any bald patches, excessive scratching, visibly inflamed skin, or dry/brittle fur, its definitely time for a vet visit.

You are your dogs best advocate, so its up to you to keep an eye on shedding levels and take action if you suspect a problem. However, as weve said time and again, German Shepherds shed prolifically, so dont be alarmed when you can pull out gobs of fur with your hands during shedding season.

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Minimize Anxiety And Stress

Unfortunately, German Shepherds, like many other very affectionate and loyal breeds, are prone to separation anxiety which can impact the health of their coats. The ASPCA provides some excellent advice on how to deal with separation anxiety and help your German Shepherd remain calm even when you have to leave him home alone.

As we outlined above, other stressors for your German Shepherd can include routine changes, moving house, adding a new family member , and so forth. While these changes are largely unavoidable, there are many ways to help your dog cope and thereby keep his mental health and his coat shipshape.

Benefits Of Managing A German Shepherd Losing Hair

If your German Shepherd is losing hair, then you need to take immediate action to manage the issue.

When your German Shepherd loses too much hair it can become a nuisance since it seems itll never stop.

But spending time grooming your GSD has benefits beyond reducing the amount of hair loss in your home. Taking the time to brush and groom your dog is fun and gives you time to bond together.

Its also a great chance to check your dogs skin and fur for:

  • New bumps
  • Hot spots
  • or dry skin

The result of managing your German Shepherds hair loss is a happy, healthy dog and much less shedding around the house.

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Ways To Stop Your Dog Shedding Excessively

Virtually all dogs shed, and in most cases, its perfectly normal.

Its also not something you can completely stop either. Your dog needs to shed his old hair so that the new hair can take its place, which is all part of the natural hair growth cycle.

However, there are some really effective ways to stop excessive shedding, minimize the amount of hair your dog drops on your floors and furniture, and make cleaning it up much easier.

And in this post, Im going to be walking you through how to do this, so that you can spend more time enjoying your dogs company, and less time cleaning up loose fur.

At What Age Does A German Shepherd Puppy Start To Shedding

Frequently Asked Friday – German Shepherd Shedding!

My German Shepherd puppies. I usually start to see shedding start between four and a half months to six months is when Ill start brushing them regularly, meaning three times a week, or when needed.

Do German Shepherd blow coat in winter?

Yes, German Shepherds will blow their summer coat when the winter undercoat starts to come back in.

What is the best shampoo for a German Shepherd puppy?

I like to use a regular oatmeal shampoo Conditioner for my German shepherd puppies and older dogs. Ive had great luck with the oatmeal with a conditioner that keeps my dogs skin healthy and shiny. You can find this shampoo at any pet store. I like to buy all my supplies at Amazon. I love the prime shipping deals you can get. Heres the mink oil I like to use.

How often do you bathe a German shepherd puppy?

This is a question that many people have different opinions on.

I like to bathe my puppies twice a month. When my puppy at 6 months of age I go to once a month. If we do more than that were taking a chance of drying out a dogs skin and we do not want that to happen because we want to keep the natural oils in our dogs skin to flow naturally, because it could dry their fur out and cause dandruff.

German Shepherd Grooming kit:

Whether youre a new German Shepherd owner or an experienced German Shepherd owner. I thought it would be a good idea to put together a little grooming kit of the tools, I use for grooming my German Shepherds. These are the tools you will need to groom your dog.

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German Shepherds As Family Dog

We all know that German Shepherds are guard dogs, but did you know that they are also great family dogs? They are the perfect mix of the best of both worlds, with their curly coat and protective nature and their happy-go-lucky demeanor.

They have distinctive facial features include a short muzzle, strong jaws, and a large, erect, triangular-shaped head. German Shepherds are usually black or black and tan, but their color can range from brindle to fawn and everything in between.

German Shepherds are very intelligent, loyal, and protective dogs that are great for families. They are known to be extremely protective of their families and will stand up to protect them. They are also very social and like to be around people, but they can also be aloof, especially around strangers.

They are known to be very protective of their families and will stand up to protect them. They are also very social and like to be around people, but they can also be aloof, especially around strangers.

They make great companions, and they will do best with older children and adults who can take care of them and understand them.

How To Stop Your German Shepherd From Shedding So Much

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German Shepherds are easily recognizable with their majestic demeanors, sloped body profiles, and graceful gaits. They dont just look good, though they are also known for their stellar character traits, including courage, loyalty, and trainability.

However, as all German Shepherd owners know, these regal dogs sheda lot. Like, a lot, a lot.

Fortunately, weve put together this guide to help you manage your German Shepherds shedding in order to keep your dog healthy and comfortable, plus maintain your sanity no one wants to vacuum three times a day!

So, how can you stop your German Shepherd from shedding so much?

Well, German Shepherds are going to shed moderately year-round and heavily twice a year, no matter what. However, you can manage the shedding with regular brushing, a healthy diet, proper hydration, and occasional baths. Reducing stress for your German Shepherd can help minimize shedding, as well as having your dog spayed or neutered.

Well cover how to implement all of these shedding management techniques in just a bit, but lets first look at the specifics of German Shepherds coats and why they shed so much to begin with.

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Understanding The German Shepherd Coat

As their name implies, the German Shepherd is a shepherding dog from Germany. Herding sheep and cattle was no small task, especially during cold winter months. And yes, they had to stay out in the blistering cold!

So German Shepherds developed a thick double coat that continually shed. This constant shedding of thick fur came with some advantages though.

By constantly shedding, they were less prone to fur matting or getting objects trapped in their coat. And the thick fur obviously was quite the literal life-saver during sub-freezing winter temperatures. Herding would be near-impossible without it!

German Shepherd are legendary for shedding. Get used to grooming. Even then when coats are blown out, you will still have hair in and on everything in the house.

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A double coat also provides a second layer of protection. While running through the fields, a lot of debris could potentially strike the dog. While the inner coat keeps the German Shepherd warm, their outer coat protects their skin!

Now, most shepherd dog breeds shed significantly. But German Shepherds take it the extra mile. So potential and current owners, be prepared with a sturdy brush for your GSDs coat.

Additionally, a German Shepherd will have excessive shedding during spring and fall. This is called blowing their coat. This means they rapidly lose their undercoat twice a year. It would truly be an understatement to say that things get hairy during this time.

Reasons Why German Shepherd Shed A Lot And How To Minimize It

How To Keep Your German Shepherd Entertained

German Shepherds are one of the most lovable dog breeds you can have. They are considered the super dogs of the canine world because of how intelligent and loyal they are to their owners.

However, you need to know that they shed a lot by comparison to other dogs, namely year-round, which has earned them the nickname âGerman Shedderâ. This shedding is also called âthe seasonal coat blowâ, which means that the amount of hair they shed depends on the weather and season.

There are also some particular reasons why your German Shepherd sheds a lot, and you need to be aware of them. Knowing the causes will definitely help you alleviate the problem, which in turn will benefit your dogâs health.

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Why Do German Shepherds Shed

The coats of German Shepherds can vary in length and color. There are German Shepherds with a short coat and an undercoat, medium coat with an undercoat, long coat with an undercoat, and a long coat without an undercoat. This dog breed has two layers of coat: a topcoat or guard coat and an undercoat. Its topcoat is usually thick, straight, flat, and coarse and lies close to the body. It can also be wavy and wiry in texture. On the other hand, the undercoat is soft and thicker than the topcoat.

Just like many other dog breeds, German Shepherds also experience shedding. There are a number of reasons why their hair falls off but the most common reason is to protect them from the changing seasons. Their coat serves as protection from the harsh weather, be it the cold or the heat of the sun. It acts as a regulator for their body temperature.

Another reason for their shedding is their overall health. There might be times when your German Shepherd can experience excessive shedding and this might be because of an underlying health reason such as stress, allergies, pain, hormonal changes, or fleas, parasites, or ticks. If your dogs excessive shedding is caused by one of these reasons, you should already consult your vet for a proper consultation and medication.

When Is Shedding A Problem

Its perfectly normal for german shepherds to shed, however, if you notice theyre shedding a little bit too much then there could be a problem.

If you notice any of the following then there could be a problem with your german shepherd.

  • Bald spots
  • Wounds
  • Discharge

When any of the following occur, there can be a whole range of causes, so its best to take them to the vets to figure it out.

Normally these sorts of problems come about due to various skin conditions and parasites, however, they can almost always be treated.

And even if you dont notice any of them, if you notice that your german shepherd is shedding more than they should be you should still take them to the vets to figure out why.

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How Do I Stop My German Shepherd From Shedding So Much

To reduce German Shepherd shedding, brush your dog daily, bathe 3-4 times a year, change his food to one that targets a healthy coat and skin, make sure he is always hydrated, and control parasites. You cant avoid your GSD blowing his coat twice a year, but all these methods will help to reduce shedding.

Why Shaving Your German Shepherd Is A Bad Idea

Our German Shepherds shed SO MUCH!!! *5 GALLONS* of hair using the BEST UNDERCOAT DESHEDDING TOOL!!!

While discussing grooming tips for this breed, its essential to emphasize that shaving your German shepherd is definitely not recommended. There are a number of reasons why this is a bad idea, but here are a few of the most important ones we want to mention:

  • Their double-coat works together to keep your dog comfortablecool in the summer and warm in the winter. The folks at German Shepherd Corner also tell us that, The outer guard hairs, and fends off water, dirt and insect bites. The undercoat is soft and fuzzy and works to insulate your dog from heat and cold. By shaving the coat, youre removing all of those protective barriers provided by the fur.
  • Shaving takes away the outer coat, which takes away much of the beautiful coloring and markings of your pup. All youll be left with is the undercoata less exciting, muted cream, gray or beige color all over.
  • Even when theyre shaved, theyll continue to shed .
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    Thinking Of Getting A German Shepherd

    German Shepherds are very loyal, brave, and easily trained dogs, however, they are also known to be prolific shedders. For some, shedding can be a daunting experience, but if you are a dog lover, you should already accept that it is a part of your dogs life. With proper grooming practice and using only the best grooming tools, dealing with your German Shepherds shedding will not be a big problem for you.

    Ensure Your Dog Is Adequately Hydrated

    One simple and often overlooked way to reduce shedding is to ensure your dog is drinking enough water. This is super important to your dogs overall health and wellbeing, and can impact shedding in a variety of ways. For example, inadequate water intake could lead to dry skin, which in turn could lead to skin irritation, hair follicles weakening, and hair falling out unnecessarily.

    How much water is enough?

    The general consensus is that dogs should be drinking approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. Thats just a guide though, so if your dog is thirsty because shes been outside playing, let her drink.

    Some folks even give their dog filtered water, which is great, but as long as the water is clean and fresh, tap water should be fine.

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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.

    Keeping Your German Shepherds Coat Healthy

    Do German Shepherds Shed? A Lot, Here Are 5 Easy Solutions ...

    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:

  • Brush your dog regularly. Double-coated dogs such as the German Shepherd need to be brushed regularly. This is an important routine of your dogs grooming especially since it sheds its coat all year round. It is recommended to brush your German Shepherd at least twice a week during normal days. When shedding season comes, use an undercoat rake to remove all loose hair. Brushing is important to prevent the development of skin problems and remove any tangling of the coat which is also called matting. Always brush in the direction of the hair growth and not against it as this will damage your dogs skin. Do it gently so you will also not damage the topcoat.
  • Keep your dog in a hygienic environment. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for your German Shepherd is very important. This to make sure that your dog is free from parasites, ticks, and fleas. If your dog is infected, it might lead to health problems and excessive shedding. Make sure that your dogs beddings are properly cleaned.
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