Skin Issues That Plague GSDs: 9 EASY Solutions!
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Health & Care Tips of The Week
Skin Issues That Plague GSDs
If you notice your German Shepherd itching constantly, this could be indicative of a larger problem.
If they itch too much then they can cause serious injuries, like cutting through their skin and causing open wounds.
There are many simple changes that you can make to alleviate some of your German Shepherd’s discomfort.
1. Adjusting their diet is the first thing you should look into, as one of the causes for your dog’s itchiness may be a food allergy.
There are many hypoallergenic/sensitive dog foods which have been specially formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
This is a really cheap way to try to alleviate your dog’s itchiness and is a good first place to start.
2. Add supplements like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
This will help reduce inflammation on your dog’s skin, which could be a cause of their itching.
This will also help to improve the quality of their coat, making it nice n’ shiny.
We recommend using an oil blend, such as salmon and hemp.
This is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction and will work beautifully to produce a healthy coat and skin.
3. Changing their shampoo can be another quick n’ easy fix.
There are many different types of medicated shampoo that are ideal for treating itchy dogs.
This will help to soothe their inflamed skin and reduce the itchy sensation.
They’re super simple to use and relatively inexpensive to purchase, and should contain a compound known as coal tar.
This is commonly used as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis as it is incredibly soothing on broken and irritated skin.
4. Using a moisturizer can also help with itchy fur and skin.
There are many different moisturizing skin sprays and ointments available to treat your German Shepherd.
These help to keep their skin hydrated, therefore reducing irritation and itchiness.
Sprays are highly convenient to apply throughout the day and will not cause you much inconvenience.
Look for sprays and ointments that contain Vitamin E and aloe vera.
5. Grooming your dog regularly is another effective solution.
Brushing your dog’s fur will help to evenly distribute the oils around their skin and coat.
It will also help to get rid of any loose hairs that may be causing them irritation.
We recommend grooming your German Shepherd with a rake brush with rounded tips, 2 to 3 times per week.
Since German Shepherds have 2 coats of hair, this type of brush will remove dead hairs from their undercoat.
6. Washing your dog a little more often than usual can also help.
You can wipe your dog’s legs, paws, muzzle, and belly with hypoallergenic wipes after being outside for extended periods.
This is super important during allergy seasons such as late spring and summer.
7. Investing in a humidifier may also be necessary.
If the air is particularly dry, this can cause your German Shepherd to itch too.
This is especially common during the winter months when electric heaters and log fireplaces are running.
This can dry out the air, and by extension, your dog’s skin.
Humidifiers work by introducing more moisture into the air, and will help alleviate some skin conditions.
8. Do Not Use Fragrance Sprays.
The respiratory and olfactory systems of dogs are far superior to that of humans.
Their sense of smell is more than 400 times stronger than a human, meaning that they’re incredibly sensitive to odors.
If your German Shepherd is already itching, their symptoms may be worsened by the use of room fragrances and perfume sprays.
9. And finally, you can try changing your household cleaning products.
Commercial cleaning products can cause your dog to itch, and many chemicals can trigger allergic reactions in your dog.
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ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
Accepting Your GSD’s Protective Instincts
If someone asked you to name the most loyal dog breed, there’s no question German Shepherds come to mind.
They’re also intelligent and easy-to-train. Alongside their loyalty, these traits make them exceptional all-around service dogs.
You can train a German Shepherd for nearly anything.
With enough persistence, these dogs can learn impressive tricks, including protective behaviors.
But it’s important to realize these traits come with one big characteristic you need to consider:
German Shepherds need a lot of physical activity to manage their naturally-alert states.
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FEATURED VIDEO OF THE WEEK
How To Brush A German Shepherd Like A Pro (+ Handy Tools For Grooming)
Due to their dense outer coat and soft undercoat, it’s essential to brush your German shepherd frequently to combat shedding.
That being said, the frequency of brushing will also depend on what season it is.
We'll go over this and more in this week's featured video:
- How often to brush your GSD
- Benefits of brushing your dog
- How to brush German Shepherds
- Handy tools for grooming
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GSD HERO OF THE WEEK
Hero German Shepherd Finds 90 Year Old Woman Who Was Lost In Forest
Saby, a German Shepherd search & rescue K9 from Birmingham, Alabama is being praised as a hero after rescuing an elderly woman.
After the 90-year-old lady went missing overnight, Birmingham police turned to the tried-and-true veteran of search and rescue missions to find her.
| Click Here For Full Story |
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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