Friday, May 11, 2012

German Shepherds and shedding

It never fails that at any German Shepherd Rescue OC event, someone comes up and asks about German Shepherds and shedding.  Several people suggested this as a blog topic... so here it is-
Yes, German Shepherds shed like crazy...and they are worth every single hair that falls on your floor, sticks to your clean black pants as you head out to dinner or goes down your throat one second after you realize you have a big ole German Shepherd hair in your mouth. 




There are, however some things you can do to reduce the shedding and/or the impact of it on your life;

  • Feed a high quality dog food and if you have this available to you, supplement with salmon oil.  (please dose according to each type of oil)

  • Brush your dog frequently.  (suggestion, do this outside when there is NO wind)

  • Get your dog professionally groomed or invest in a high powered pet blower that will help blow out the coat.  

  • Learn to love vacuuming and all the cardio you get when you vacuum daily.  (I have heard volunteers say they want to marry their Dyson vacuums)
We do not EVER recommend shaving a German Shepherd to reduce shedding.  These dogs need their coats and it is not healthy (or becoming) to shave them.   You wouldn't shave your head instead of brushing your hair, right? 
                                                               

3 comments:

  1. Love this post, as a matter of fact, my mother and i stated just this morning, how worth it it is to live with all the furballs arpund the house to share your life with such a majestic creature! We were comparing how little dog hair we find now that our beloved solleks has crossed the rainbow bridge. Our remaining female mix (60% shepherd, 20%brittney spaniel; 20% sharpei) sheds only twice a year and so little compared to how my big boy would blow his coat big time in spring and fall and consistently change all of our belongings into black and tan!

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  2. Traci,
    It sounds like you miss the hair! We know where you can get more. Solleks would love a tribute dog, I know it.

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  3. Our remaining female mix (60% shepherd, 20%brittney spaniel; 20% sharpei) sheds only twice a year and so little compared to how my big boy would blow his coat big time in spring and fall and consistently change all of our belongings into black and tan!

    Russian Bear Dog

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