German Shepherd shedding too much? Want to know how to stop German Shepherd shedding or at least reduce it?
German Shepherds coat is very beautiful, but it tends to shed. There are times when it sheds a lot.
To know how to stop the shedding first, we have to understand their coat, the texture and all. Why does it shed, and some grooming techniques to help this shedding problem?
Proper grooming can minimize the shedding. A German Shepherd has two coats – an undercoat and a topcoat. These protect the German Shepherd from the temperature and dust.
It’s important to prioritize German Shepherd’s grooming. If not, it can impact their health and cause many allergies and skin-related problems.
How to stop German Shepherd shedding
- Brush your German Shepherd regularly, three to four times a week.
- Do not bathe them too often. It may reduce their natural oil.
- After washing, make sure to dry them properly before brushing.
- Always use German Shepherd shampoo and conditioner, which has a balanced pH level suitable for German Shepherds.
- Use different brushes for different coat types. There are different types of brushes for short, long and medium hair.
- Put your German Shepherd on a flat surface before starting the grooming session, like a bed or sofa.
- Always be gentle and be patient with your dog while grooming them.
- Use treats to keep them calm.
- Do not shave their hair. Instead, trim them from time to time to avoid excessive shedding.
- Use grooming tools. There are a lot of grooming tools available in the market, especially for German Shepherds.
- Use differently brushed for both undercoat and topcoat as both have different requirements.
- Always de-tangle whenever you brush them.
- Make sure to remove all the loose hair to avoid shedding inside the house.
- While drying your German Shepherd, use a dryer but don’t overuse it as it can make their hair matted and tangled.
- During the shedding season, the spring and fall, you might need to brush them every day. During this time, they shed heavily so brushing will help get rid of the unwanted and loose hair.
- Keeping them in hygienic places also helps with shedding.
- Keep them away from flees and bacteria.
- Try to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet for your German Shepherd.
- Give them proper supplements to maintain their immune system.
- Use coconut oil to reduce dryness on their skin which can also cause excessive shedding.
German Shepherd diet plan to reduce shedding
- Add supplements to your German Shepherd’s diet, such as omega 3 vitamins.
- Give them fresh food like fresh veggies and fruits.
- Canned pumpkin is also good for the German Shepherd’s health.
- Add natural plant-based oils like olive oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil into their diet.
- Give them rich protein food such as meat, beef, and fish.
- Do not forget to add plant-based protein such as grains and beans.
When do German Shepherds shed the most?
German Shepherds shed throughout the year. But they tend to shed a little bit more than usual during summers.
They shed during spring to get rid of the winter coat, and a thicker coat grows in.
They also shed more when going through some physical problems or having any issues with their diet. Food allergies or skin allergies can cause excessive shedding.
How long do German Shepherds shed?
German Shepherds shed all year, but as mentioned, there is a time when they shed excessively. During that time, they shed their undercoat for 10 days regularly. During this time, your house may fill with hair, and they can be all over the house, on the carpet, sofa, and bed.
Why does German Shepherd shed a lot?
There are many reasons why German Shepherds shed.
Their coat is shed to protect them from the changing environment and temperature. During fall, it sheds to grow a thicker coat for the winter, and during spring, it sheds to get rid of the thicker coat.
There are times when German Shepherds experience excessive shedding. This could happen because of some underlying health problems.
They can also shed because of psychological problems like stress, anxiety or depression. Allergies, bacteria, skin infections, or medication reactions can also cause excessive shedding among German Shepherds.
Products that help with German Shepherds shedding
- Anti-shedding shampoo, which includes jojoba oil castor oil, is hypoallergenic and safe for dogs.
- Multivitamins to stop German Shepherd’s shedding.
- A tool like brushes which help reduce shedding, such as pin brush, de-tangle brush, comb, etc.
- De-shedding conditioner also has some great results in stopping the shedding.
Conclusion
German Shepherd is a breed which tends to shed a lot. Their double coat sheds a lot, making it hard for you to manage. At times, they shed excessively, which can be annoying and messy.
It is normal, and if you are planning to buy a German Shepherd, you have to be prepared for the shedding and take proper measures to control this.