German Shepherds are renowned for their loyalty, intelligence, and, yes… their shedding.
And if you own one, “Why is my German Shepherd Shedding so much?!” is likely something you’ve thought, said, or shouted over the years.
Affectionately dubbed ‘German Shedders’ by their owners (I even have a t-shirt with this on, no seriously!), these dogs have a double coat that sheds year-round, with a more intense “blow-out” during the change of seasons.
And whilst you might never completely stop the flurry of fur, there are effective strategies to manage your furry friend’s shedding and keep their coat(s) nice and healthy, and your home… relatively hair-free.
Understanding The Shedding Cycle
The practical design of a German Shepherd’s coat serves as a built-in weather shield, boasting a thick undercoat for insulation and a durable topcoat for protection. While shedding is a constant for these canine companions, they undergo a more pronounced shedding event twice a year to acclimate to seasonal temperature shifts.
You’ll usually notice these “blow-outs” around the beginning of spring, and towards the end of autumn. When these peak shedding intervals arrive, it may seem as though your home has been engulfed in a furry blizzard.
However, with some strategic care, you can manage this natural process smoothly to keep your dog’s coat healthy, and the fluff under control.
Diet: The Foundation of Coat Health
This is number one, and for good reason.
If you own or have owned German Shepherds in the past, you may be all too familiar with their sensitive stomachs and how the smallest deviation from their ideal diet can cause some rather large, and unpleasant reactions in your shepherd’s bowel movements. And whilst this article is about your German Shepherd’s coat, it was his stomach problems that led me to realize just how important his diet would be for his coat and skin too. If you’re interested you can read about my experience with finding an ideal diet for my German Shepherd here.
A top-tier diet is the cornerstone of a healthy coat. Aside from the sensitive stomachs, German Shepherds often have sensitive skin, so providing them with a diet rich in essential nutrients can help maintain a soft coat and robust skin barrier.
High-quality proteins are the building blocks of a shiny and resilient coat so look for food that lists real meat like chicken, beef, or fish as the primary ingredient. In addition to proteins, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil supplements, are a great way to maintain skin elasticity and coat shine for your German Shepherd which in turn reduces shedding.
Vitamins E and A also play significant roles in skin health and fur quality so I like to incorporate fresh whole food options along with the main protein such as vegetables, eggs, and certain fruits.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with making sure all of the above is included in your dog’s diet, you can read my Simple Diet Guide for German Shepherds.
Always ensure that any human foods you offer your GSD are safe for canine consumption and introduced into their diet gradually.
By providing a nutrient-rich diet and considering beneficial supplements, you can support your German Shepherd’s coat from the inside out, aiding in the management of shedding and promoting overall skin, stomach, and coat health.
Grooming: Your First Line of Defense
If you’re looking for external tools in the battle against shedding then regular grooming is your best bet.
Brushing your German Shepherd several times a week with appropriate tools will not only help remove excess fur but also distribute natural oils and eliminate dead skin flakes.
Not only does regular grooming make your dog happier and home cleaner, but it’s also a great way of bonding with your dog. A simple 5-10 minute grooming session is more than enough to keep that tail-a-wagging and that coat shiny and smooth.
But a word of caution, please, please, please do your research into your brushes and rakes before using them on your German Shepherd. There are many tools advertised as being the best for dog grooming with videos showing substantial amounts of fur being removed from your dog, however, some of these tools cause serious damage to your dog’s fur and undercoat and will end up doing more harm than good to your German Shepherd’s coat. My recommended brush for grooming your GSD is this one. It’s simple, excellent value, and does what it needs to do, no more, no less.
A last note on grooming, whilst grooming your German Shepherd several times a week is best practice, don’t stress if life gets in the way sometimes. The most important thing to remember is to groom your GSD at least once a week. The grooming sessions don’t have to be hours long either (although it will feel like it during the “blow-out” phase). 5-10 minutes, every other day is more than enough to keep your German Shepherd’s coat in tip-top condition.
Bathing: A Balancing Act
Ah, bath time. Some GSDs love it. Most do not.
The good news here is that you don’t have to bathe your German Shepherd too often. Most experts recommend a schedule of once every 3-4 months. And there’s good reason.
Whilst a good ole soak in the bath with a decent brand of shampoo does wonders for your sheps excess shedding, research has shown that bathing them too often can strip the coat of natural oils so it’s crucial not to overdo it.
I’ll be honest, I usually bath Diego 2-3 times a year. He hates it. I’ve seen these annoyingly perfect YouTube videos of a GSD calmly jumping into the bath, letting their owners shampoo, condition, and brush them, and then restrain them from shaking until they’re outside in the garden. With Diego? No chance!
He takes his bath outside, with the garden hose and our favorite brand of Dog Shampoo that smells lovely, and leaves his coat smooth, shiny, and smelling of a lavender garden. I’ve tried making bath times fun and he definitely doesn’t dislike them as much as he used to, but he’s far more interested in biting the hose head and running off with the zoomies instead of taking an actual bath.
Professional Grooming: Help When You Need It
Sometimes, the best way to keep up with your German Shepherd’s shedding is to enlist the help of professionals.
A trip to a reputable groomer can save you time and effort. And, the right expert will have the right tools and knowledge to thoroughly de-shed your dog. They’ll also likely offer other grooming tasks such as hygiene trims and nail clipping so give your pup a full pamper day.
If you’re short on time or prefer a more personalized service, consider a mobile grooming service that comes to your home. This is especially helpful for dogs that can suffer from anxiety when introduced to new places with different surroundings.
High-Velocity Dryers: The Secret Weapon
I hesitated to add this to my list, only because I haven’t personally used one for my German Shepherd. But, I do know lots of people with German Shepherds and they swear by them.
Using a high-velocity dryer after bathing, or even between baths can help remove any lingering loose fur. I don’t have any personal recommendations, however you can choose from a selection of highly-rated dryers here. Just be sure to check for important features such as noise level (if you have an anxious GSD) and be sure it has a cool setting that is gentle on your dog’s skin.
Health Checks: Excess, Excess Shedding
Yeah, this one can be tricky. If you own a German Shepherd then during the seasonal “blow-outs” you’ll likely think your GSD is shedding way too much. Honestly, 1000 brush strokes in and you’ll still have a comb full of fur. But, it is important to keep an eye on your dog’s shedding and coat condition.
An increase is shedding beyond the ‘norm’ can sometimes signal health issues. If you notice more hair than usual, bald patches, irritated skin, or increased itchiness, it’s best for a vet visit. Health problems ranging from allergies to more serious conditions such as thyroid issues or autoimmune diseases can contribute to shedding.
And whilst most of the time your dog will be perfectly fine. It’s better to be safe (and know they are comfortable) than sorry, right? A veterinarian can help identify if there are any underlying issues and treat them if need be, ensuring your dog’s health and potentially reducing excessive shedding.
A Final Word: Embrace the Shed
Despite the challenges of shedding, German Shepherds are incredibly loving and loyal companions. Their presence in your life is worth every single strand of hair. With the right care and attention, you can keep your home clean and your furry friend comfortable.
Sharing your life with a German Shepherd means embracing their shedding as just another part of their charm. And let’s face it, it’s not that serious, right?
By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy the many joys of having a German Shepherd without being overwhelmed by their hair. Remember, a well-groomed German Shepherd is a happy and healthy companion, and the effort you put into managing their shedding will strengthen the bond between you and your beloved pet.