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When Do German Shepherds Shed

Hair Loss Due To Stress

How Often do German Shepherds Shed Hair?

If you or your family experience stressful situations like work loss, divorce, death, or moving home, your pet is also affected.

Animals experience stress much as people do and can demonstrate their stress through hair loss and behavioral changes. Consult a vet to obtain medication to manage your pets anxiety if this is the case.

Alternatively, take your pet to an animal behaviorist to help you both to manage stressful situations better, as this will also reduce coat shedding.

How Much Do German Shepherds Shed

When looking at getting a German Shepherd, remember this: on a scale of one to ten, German Shepherd’s shedding rates about a nine. They shed their coat year-round, which is unlike many dog breeds who mainly shed a summer and winter coat.

While they do shed all year, when the days get shorter, their body will react to the amount of sunlight they are exposed to. While they grow the thicker winter coat in, the finer summer hairs will fall out. In the fall, there will be a period when your German Shepherd seems to shed quite a bit more than usual.

In the spring, German Shepherds have a period called “blowing out,” which is what happens when they lose that thick winter coat. It will be worse than the summer hair coming out because the winter coat is twice as thick.

If you notice that your dog is shedding more than usual when their seasonal coats are not being shed, do be aware that there can be medical reasons for this. Just follow up with your vet if you notice that along with excessive shedding, your dog is itching or getting bald spots.

Coat Blow Season Coat Care And Grooming

But then the coat blow season arrives again. During this time, it can feel like even daily brushing doesnt come close to keeping the shedding hair manageable.;

As you read earlier, some owners even use special dog vacuum attachments to vacuum the shedding undercoat right off the dog! And still, it can seem like there is even more hair that is constantly falling, falling, falling.

During the coat blow season, you may want to bathe your dog weekly and brush daily or even twice daily. Your only other option is to watch everything you own and then you get slowly covered over by shed dog hair.

For this reason, it probably wont surprise you to learn that most German Shepherd owners somehow manage to find the time for the brushing and bathing.;

During these times, you may find yourself consoling yourself with thoughts of the other much lower maintenance periods of coat care. This might even help.

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Shedding And Allergies Are There Any Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

You may have heard of certain hypoallergenic breeds of dog. The reality is that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed of dog.

Though it is true that some breeds, and individual dogs within that breed, may be the cause of fewer allergy symptoms than others.

Another myth that is tied into this is that a dogs fur is the cause of pet allergies. The reality here is that the real source of allergies is caused from a protein contained within a dogs saliva and urine.

This protein adheres to tiny, sometimes microscopic, flecks of skin shed by dogs. These tiny flecks are otherwise known as dander. It is these tiny flecks of skin that sometimes cause people who are specifically allergic to them to react.

Some dogs are branded as hypoallergenic simply because they shed very little fur. Less shedding, in turn, leads to less dander sticking to the fur.

As as a result less dander is released into the air or onto the floor than from a dog that sheds a lot of fur.

In sum, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed, although some individual dogs may cause fewer allergy symptoms than others.

This is simply because they shed less hair than other breeds but all dogs shed, and no breed is hypoallergenic.

As weve just discussed all dogs shed. Any information to the contrary is simply a myth. However, the extent to which dogs shed can vary greatly.

Tips On Dealing With German Shepherd Shedding

News From The Hill: Do German Shepherds Shed?

You cant stop your GSDs seasonal shedding because its a natural process. However, you can control or manage it by following these tips. For easier reference, we separated what you need to do and what you dont need to do.

Dos;

  • Brush your GSDs hair every day or at least once every other day. Use a brush with round heads to;prevent skin irritation and abrasion. If your GSD has a thick coat, use a metal comb. You can also use a rake to;help untangle knots.
  • Feed a high-quality diet to your GSD so that he wont have a coarse and brittle coat.;
  • Exercise daily and stimulate his mind to avoid stress because stress may increase hair loss.;
  • Wash your GSDs coat using warm water and a de-shedding shampoo made from natural ingredients. The natural shampoo combined with warm water will help loosen the dead hair so you wont have a hard time brushing your GSDs coat.
  • To prepare for the seasonal shedding of your GSD, de-shed him just before spring and in the autumn.
  • Make sure your GSD is free of external parasites because these can cause serious skin irritation and wounds.;
  • Donts

  • Dont shave your German Shepherd. Shaved GSDs can become vulnerable to extremely hot weather and cold weather. Aside from that, they can become prone to skin conditions and their hair will grow unevenly. You can only shave your German Shepherd for medical reasons.
  • Dont over bathe your GSD to avoid coat drying since excessive washing will strip its coat of all-natural oils.
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    Will My Puppy Get Lighter Or Darker

    The American Kennel Club notes that when puppies are born, they have a single fluffy and soft coat. Its not uncommon for the puppys adult coat color to end up a different hue than the puppy coat. While the adult coat is darker than the puppy coat in many breeds, there are those in which the adult coat is lighter.18 Sept 2018

    Can I Just Shave My German Shepherd

    Some owners mistakenly believe that shaving their dog will not only help them feel more comfortable in heat, but will also help with shedding and human allergies.

    The truth is shaving a German Shepherd can be detrimental to their health and overall comfort.

    Double-coated breeds use their coat to regulate their body temperature as it keeps them warm in the winter, but also cool in the summer. It also protects your dogs skin from moisture, abrasions, and harmful UV rays. By removing their natural barrier you’re exposing them to many potential health problems.

    Also, some allergy sufferers believe shaving your dog will reduce allergic reactions. Also not true. Allergies are triggered from pet dander, which are particles of skin that shed all year. In fact, shaving them will make it worse, as you expose their skin even further.

    And as a final warning, once you shave a double-coated dog, their hair never grows back the same. So that beautiful, silky coat will be gone forever.

    If this all sounds like a lot of work, there’s a great selection of non shedding dogs out there as well!

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    Reducing Shedding Through Grooming

    1. Never skip brush day

    You should brush your German shepherd at least three times a week or more during the shedding season.

    Grooming your German shepherds coat regularly ensures that excess and loose fur is removed while the skin oils are distributed throughout its fur, making it stay put.

    It is recommended that you use a rake for brushing your GSD as rakes are made for a longhaired dog breed with thick undercoats.

    Rakes come in different sizes, so be sure to choose the one with pins about the same length as your German shepherds fur.

    2. Use de-shedding tools just prior to shedding season

    Remember to de-shed your canine friend just before spring, when its winter coat falls off. Repeat this process in the fall when the winter coat starts growing again.

    This is not mandatory in any way, but if you do not do it, you can expect vacuuming sessions every hour.

    Joseph Lennon

    Monday 6th of September 2021

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    Treat Your Dog With Human Food Occasionally

    German Shepherds Shed Hair

    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.;

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    How Much Exercise Do German Shepherds Need

    German Shepherd puppies and adolescents should have moderate exercise only multiple walks, fetch games, or playing with another dog.

    But the growing bones and ligaments in a young dog can be irreparably damaged by too much exercise or the wrong kind of exercise. At this age, there should be no forced running . Restrict jumping as much as possible.

    Once the dog is mature, the amount of exercise needed will vary according to the dog’s energy level. But all German Shepherds, to maintain fitness, need brisk walking every day and all-out running in a safe, enclosed area as often as possible.

    Dogs from working lines typically want a lot more exercise.

    Mental exercise is even more important for German Shepherds. Mental exercise means the dog gets to participate in interesting activities that keep his intelligent mind stimulated.

    This might be a dog sport such as agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, herding, or schutzhund. It might be interactive dog toys, or a homemade obstacle course, or learning tricks, or playing games such as Hide ‘n Seek.

    Some of these activities are included in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words.

    Handsome black German Shepherd, attentively awaiting your next words.

    Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot

    German Shepherds are big fluffy lovable dogs that are great to cuddle and spend time with. Their signature black and brown double coat of fur is thick, dense and easily recognizable. If you have ever owned one of these magnificent animals, then you are no stranger to finding hair all over the house including beds, chairs, sofas and rugs. It comes with the territory and is a small price to pay, for the joy and friendship that comes along with owning a GSD. In this article, we will answer the question Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot with an in depth look at their coat and how to prevent so much hair.

    Yes German Shepherds do shed a lot. Their thick double coat means a lot of hair and a lot of shedding. They shed even more during molting season which happens during the spring and fall each year.

    To get a better idea of what causes shedding and how to reduce it, we will be answering some common questions that should help you. We will cover topics such as coat details, seasonal shedding, reasons for shedding and how to best prevent a lot of shedding in the house.

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    German Shepherd Dogs Are Protective Of Their Loved Ones

    They are known for being fearless and self-confident. GSDs will assertively stand their ground and are suited to be either watchdog or guardian, whichever the situation demands. They can be aloof with strangers yet are not hostile. This natural protective instinct is reassuring to the German Shepherd owner. But it also comes with a certain responsibility. You should be committed to spending time socializing and training your dog to ensure your companion feels comfortable around strangers and other dogs. If you do, you will benefit from all this dog has to offer.

    German Shepherd Shedding Seasons

    News From The Hill: Do German Shepherds Shed?

    Like most double-coated dogs, German Shepherds blow their coats twice a year.

    In the fall, they blow their undercoat to make way for a thicker, denser winter coat that will keep them insulated throughout the cold season. Then, during the spring, theyll blow out their winter coat to get rid of excess insulation and keep their bodies cool during the warmer summer months.

    Coat blowing can go on for several weeks depending on how thick your GSDs coat is. During these times, youll notice tufts of fur that easily come off. Youll need to step up your grooming habits as well as your cleaning schedule during this time.

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    Wrapping Up German Shepherd Shedding

    In short, yes, German Shepherds do shed, but there are things you can do to reduce the impact of their shedding around your home. Unless you absolutely cant stand the idea of having dog hair in your home, you shouldnt let their shedding hold you back from bringing a GSD into your home if you think theyre the best breed for your family.

    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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    The German Shepherd Coat

    The German Shepherd is most commonly seen with a short coat or medium-length coat, but there are also longhaired varieties.

    Some longhaired types dont have an undercoat, but most German Shepherds do.

    For this reason theyre known as a double-coated breed, which means there are two coat layers.

    The outer coat is straight, coarse, and dense and lies close to the body.

    Their coat is thicker and longer around the neck.

    The undercoat is thick, soft, and white and shows when you part their fur.

    Brush Thoroughly And Frequently

    How Much Does A German Shepherd Shed – Vacuuming Routine

    Brushing more frequently can trap hairs on your brushing tool, instead of your couch

    Brush your German Shepherds coat thoroughly to remove loose and excess fur and distribute natural skin oils. This means that fur winds up on your brush, which you can throw away, as opposed to your clothing, floors, and furniture which is harder to clean.

    Use a grooming tool that is designed specifically to remove shedding undercoats on a German Shepherd called a rake brush.

    Theyre made for dog breeds with longer hair and thick undercoats prone to shedding. Buy a rake brush with rounded tips that wont scratch your dogs skin and is gentle for daily use.;

    The Conair Pro Undercoat Rake Brush removes dead hair from the undercoat and spreads healthy skin oils, resulting in a glossy coat.;

    Be sure to focus on the thicker parts of a German Shepherds coat:

    • Around the scruff
    • The longer hair on the back of the legs
    • Feathers on the tail
    • Long guard hairs on the underside

    To reduce your German Shepherd losing hair, spend more time brushing their coats each day completely, and not just sliding the brush through without much thought .

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    German Shepherd Hair Loss

    As a puppy your German Shepherd had a fluffy coat but that soon falls out to become their adult coat that sheds more.

    The German Shepherd is a prolific shedder which means they shed year-round and especially twice a year when they blow their fur.

    This high rate of shedding in German Shepherds is totally natural, although it could become a nuisance if uncontrolled. You cant stop your GSDs hair fall from stopping completely, but there are German Shepherd shedding solutions thatll help you keep your home cleaner.

    German Shepherd hair loss is actually a sign of the good working of their coats, which keeps their coats from becoming tangled and dull.

    But, keeping an eye on the amount of hair your German Shepherd sheds helps you to understand their overall health and condition. If your GSD sheds too much, too often, with dandruff and dry skin, then its time to change her grooming routine up and find a German Shepherd shedding solution that works.

    The German Shepherds Coat:

    The German Shepherd has an amazing double coat of fur that consists of two layers that are medium length. According to breed standards, the coat should be dense, harsh, straight and lying close to the body. A partially wavy outer coat that has a wiry texture is allowable. The head, legs and paws have short hair while the neck and backs of the legs have somewhat longer hair.

    The top layer of their coat, or top coat, is sometimes referred to as the Guard Coat. It is a little more rough and wiry than the undercoat. The undercoat is quite a bit softer and lighter in color than the top coat. The two layers work together to keep the body temperature regulated during the summer and winter months. They also protect the German Shepherds skin from any harmful elements such as UV rays or water.

    Single coated German Shepherds do exist but are very rare and considered a fault by the American Kennel Club. They are referred to as Smooth Coated Shepherds or Smoothies for short in dog shows. Their coat is technically still two layers but the undercoat is so thin, they are treated as a single coat.

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