Do German Shepherds Shed all Year? German Shepherds are highly energetic and excellent dogs. They were bred in Germany for herding. YES, German shepherd dogs shed their hair throughout the year.
Table of Contents
German Shepherds are also called “German Shedders”, due to the large amount of hair shed all long the year. They shed hair all through the year but shed a lot during 2 seasons.
The reasons accountable for large shedding of hair can be due to several reasons. But this problem can be solved for sure.
Many people are really not happy with the shedding of the hair of pets. But remember, if you are allergic to it, or not happy with it, then German Shepherd is definitely not your choice.
German Shepherds Shedding Season
| Season | Time of Year | Amount of Shedding |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March-May | Heavy shedding |
| Fall | September-November | Heavy shedding |
| Summer | June-August | Light shedding |
| Winter | December-February | Light shedding |
Notes:
- German Shepherds shed their undercoat twice a year, in the spring and fall.
- The amount of shedding will vary depending on the individual dog.
- Some German Shepherds may shed more or less than others.
- You may notice more shedding during the spring and fall, as your German Shepherd is preparing for the change in seasons.
- There are a few things you can do to help reduce shedding, such as brushing your dog regularly and bathing them as needed.
- If you are concerned about your German Shepherd’s shedding, you should talk to your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are good in colder climates. They can handle extremely cool climates because of their fur. Initially, when they were bred in Germany, to guard the herd, they could resist the cool climate because of the double hair coating they have.
German shepherds have a double hair coating called the undercoat, which insulates them against extreme weather conditions, and, the the-overcoat, which protects them from the sun, snow, and ice.
German Shepherds can also have types of outercoats(short, medium or, long), that protect them from weather conditions. Their genes can also be one of the reasons for the amount of hair they shed.
But, it’s a fact that every German Shepherd shed irrespective of season. Changes in the amount of daylight and hormonal levels can be one of the reasons for excessive shedding.
Seasonal changes also affect their hair shedding to a great extent. Shedding of hair may be more when the season changes from spring to fall. The reason for this is, the dog, double-coated, sheds their hair more in summer (like we wear in summer) and get prepared for the hot weather conditions.
Also Read: Smegma Removal and Treatment: How to Clean Dog Smegma by Yourself
This “Blowing out” of fur happens every season, for the dog to get prepared for the seasonal changes. Another possible reason could be poor nutrition. Let’s discuss it.
Nutrition effect on hair shedding of German Shepherd
An Unhealthy diet can affect the shedding of hair of a German shepherd. It makes their skiing look dry and scaly. Omega 3 and Omega 6 deficiency can also be one of the reasons for excessive shedding.
On the other hand, a nutritious diet might not help to stop or lessen the shedding but can make them(fur) healthier.
You need to give a very balanced diet(protein-rich foods and omega acid-rich foods, not corn and grains) for your shepherd which will help them for the growth of strong fur and skin. Also, take care of the foods they are allergic to.
This might also affect its health(hair and skin).
Dehydration is another prime factor that contributes to excessive shedding. As german shepherds need to exercise more, giving them plenty of freshwaters is more important
Health conditions
Another factor that contributes to excessive air shedding in your German shepherd is its health condition. If your shepherd is unwell or suffering from an undiagnosed disease, it might lead to more hair shedding. Consult your vet for suggestions on this type of issue.
Also watch out for any behavioral differences in your dog, like being aggressive or getting tired soon or any destructive behavior. This can be signs of STRESS, which also causes excess hair shedding.
Also Read: Are German Shepherds Good with other Dogs?
In case of stress, it may be due to over-exercising, a problem in adapting to a new place, sickness, or any other reason. Try to find out the problem, so that you can resolve it. Once the problem is resolved, hair shedding decreases.
Other important reasons are:
- Changes in hormonal levels
- She may be pregnant
- It has been spayed in recent times
- All these are temporary problems and will disappear automatically with time.
Ticks/Fleas
This is another major concern in German shepherds. Fleas are parasites that affect the German shepherd’s health. It makes the dog scratch more at the site which results in shedding of fur at that place. Your vet will be able to help you in this regard.
German shepherd shedding solution
German shepherds don’t need frequent bathing because regular wash can make their skin dry and worse. You can bathe your dog once for 5-10 weeks with high-quality shampoos and moisturizers. They help in making the hair shine.
Grooming should be done softly and in the direction of hair growth. Harsh brushing leads to excessive shedding of hair.
Grooming/Brushing hair(using rake brush) at least twice a week can help in reducing the shedding of hair. This should be done daily when the hair sheds.
A de-shedding tool helps to get the fur to loosen in the undercoat. To get the rest of the loose fur use a soft bristle brush
Shaving a German Shepherd can result in serious health problems as it depends on its hair for its protection against extreme weather conditions.
Ways to Handle Shedding in German Shepherd
Apart from diet, grooming, and diagnosing health conditions, the shedding can be controlled by:
- Instead of using a carpet, which you won’t be able to clean properly, prefer using wooden floors or tiles.
- Better to train your dog to stay away from furniture to lessen your problems or you can use alternate methods to cover your furniture.
- Use HEPA air freshener which filters air and helps with allergies.
- You can make your German shepherd stay away from the spaces you don’t want it to enter. This helps to control the fur fly all around the house.
- Change your clothes after playing with the dog to avoid a few allergies caused due to fur stuck in your clothes.
These are few alternate tips to keep the shedding away, however grooming, diet, and cleaning your home regularly shall help you in problems of shedding.
German Shepherds are social beings and love to mingle with the family members. Be mindful that making them stay out (locked from entering indoors) can affect their mental health. It can make them aggressive.
It has to be treated like a family that enhances its intelligence, make them more playful and a lovely companion.
FAQs on German Shepherd shedding?
Why do German Shepherds shed so much?
German Shepherds are double-coated dogs, which means they have a thick topcoat and a soft undercoat. The undercoat helps to insulate the dog in cold weather, while the topcoat helps to protect the dog from the elements.
German Shepherds shed their undercoat twice a year, in the spring and fall. This is when the weather is changing, and the dog’s body is adjusting to the new temperature. During these times, German Shepherds may shed more than usual.
How can I reduce German Shepherd shedding?
There are a few things you can do to reduce German Shepherd shedding:
Brush your dog regularly. Brushing your dog helps to remove loose hair and distribute the natural oils in their coat. This can help to reduce the amount of hair that your dog sheds.
Bathe your dog as needed. Bathing your dog too often can strip the natural oils from their coat, which can make them shed more. However, if your dog gets dirty or has a skin condition, you may need to bathe them more often.
Feed your dog a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help to keep your dog’s coat healthy and reduce shedding. You should feed your dog a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Manage stress levels. Stress can also contribute to shedding. If your dog is stressed, they may shed more. You can help to manage your dog’s stress levels by providing them with a safe and comfortable environment, and by avoiding stressful situations.
Is there anything else I should know about German Shepherd shedding?
Yes, there are a few other things you should know about German Shepherd shedding:
German Shepherd shedding is normal. All dogs shed, but German Shepherds shed more than some other breeds. This is just part of being a German Shepherd!
German Shepherd shedding can be managed. By following the tips above, you can help to reduce German Shepherd shedding and keep your home free of dog hair.
If you are concerned about your German Shepherd’s shedding, you should talk to your veterinarian. They can help you to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing your dog to shed more than usual.
