How to Properly Care for, Grow, & Groom Your German Shepherd’s Coat
Grooming Tips of The Week
How to Properly Care for, Grow, and Groom Your German Shepherd’s Coat
If you have a German Shepherd, you'll want their fur to be as beautiful and luxurious as it can be.
After all, a gorgeous coat directly correlates with the optimal health of the dog!
Your German Shepherd’s coat will grow best when properly brushed, washed, and cared for.
Their diet and nourishment will also greatly impact their overall coat growth and composition.
What Kind of Coats do German Shepherds Have?
Before you learn how to properly care for your German Shepherd’s coat, you’ll need to determine which coat type they have.
German Shepherds have the following four different types of coats.
- Short coat with an undercoat – Easiest to groom, doesn’t grow out very long
- Medium coat with an undercoat – Medium grooming requirements, grows at varied rates
- Long coat with an undercoat – Most difficult to groom, will grow out long, full, and fluffy
- Long coat with no undercoat – Grows most slowly, sheds the least, grows out the longest
How Much Grooming do German Shepherds Need to Help Their Fur Grow?
Regardless of the length of the German Shepherd's coat, their fur is very likely to shed.
Shedding will lead to matting, and matting will cause stunted coat length.
So, it’s fair to say that your German Shepherd will need a lot of grooming.
To prevent mats from forming, brush your German Shepherd daily if possible.
We also recommend scheduling regular appointments with a pet grooming service for best results.
How Often Should Your German Shepherd Be Bathed?
If your dog spends most of their time outside, it’s best to bathe them once a month.
But if they spend most of their time indoors, you can bathe them every 6-8 weeks on average.
However, do not go more than 12 weeks between baths as it can cause excess coat oil build-up.
Also keep other factors in mind like the dog's coat length and outdoor time to decide when it’s best to bathe them.
Should You Brush Your German Shepherd Before or After a Bath?
Brushing before the bath ensures that your dog's coat gets evenly washed.
While brushing after the bath prevents matting and reduces shedding.
Before your dog gets wet, use a long bristled brush to remove their dense undercoat.
This will help shampoos and conditioners penetrate evenly.
After you have bathed your German Shepherd, brush the hair again.
But never brush a wet dog as it can hurt fur growth over time.
Does Diet Impact the Growth of German Shepherd Fur?
Feeding dog foods rich in fatty acids, lipids, and other healthy oils can help your dog’s coat growth and general health.
The most important nutrients for your German Shepherd’s fur include:
- Omega-6
- Omega-3
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
Are There Any Products That Help With German Shepherd Hair Growth?
Apart from a healthy diet, you can purchase topical oils like flaxseed oils and grape seed oils.
You can also use grooming tools like brushes and combs for long-haired dogs.
Can any Health Issues Slow Down Hair Growth in German Shepherds?
Some common culprits of hair loss and stunted new fur growth in German Shepherds are:
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing’s disease
- Mange
- Fleas
- Ringworm
- Fungal issues
For the full breakdown, click here!
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ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
Is Incense Bad For Dogs?
You may think your dog is strong and can withstand anything, but in reality, even some everyday things can be bad for them!
One such item is incense.
What is Incense?
It is a burning substance made from natural substances like resin and herbs.
People use it for its fragrant smoke in religious and spiritual ceremonies and even for relaxation and stress relief.
Click below for the full answer and more!
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Do Mom Dogs Miss Their Puppies When They Leave?
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We would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness for www.newbeginningsrescue.com.
This is a rescue charity that does amazing work to raise awareness for the thousands of GSDs needing homes across the USA.
They're a national rescue of 17 years and have a sister rescue in LA that is a GSD rescue as well.
They do need help getting the word out that they're trying to find fosters in all states.
They also need drivers to get these amazing dogs from point A to point B in those areas.
They help countless medical cases and heartworm positive dogs and always need donations from other animal lovers as well.
Please visit their website for more information and to find out how you can help!
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