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German Shepherds have their differentiating thick, double coats, which they consistently shed throughout the year. The shedding starts getting heavier during the seasonal changes, which explains why you always see your pet’s fur on the carpets, couches, and other places in your room during the spring and fall. These are the months when they get prepared for the approaching seasons of winter and summer, respectively.
Therefore, German Shepherds require regular grooming to maintain their appearance and health. This article will discuss why regular grooming is necessary for dogs and how often you should do that. We have also shared a few tips on the best grooming procedures for your Shepherd.
Benefits of Grooming Your German Shepherd Regularly
In the colder months, these German Shepherds grow thicker and fuller coats, which keep them warm. When spring comes, they lose their winter coat to grow a lighter summer coat for the warmer months. During the winter, German Shepherds shed their fur the least. However, their shedding increases when they are stressed or anxious.
Experts recommend owners and caregivers groom their Shepherd dogs at least once every week. Speaking of the benefits of grooming German Shepherds, it helps to keep your dog clean and tidy, thus improving their appearance and well-being. Here are the reasons you must groom and brush your detective dog regularly.
- Controls excessive shedding in the spring and fall
- Keeps their coats clean and shiny
- Helps remove loose hair, dirt, and debris
- Enables owners to check for skin issues, such as ticks, rashes, bumps, fleas, or ear infections
- Strengthens the bond between you and your pet dog
- Minimizes the amount of hair and debris in your home, which requires less effort in home cleaning and prevents allergies among your family members.
How Frequently Should You Groom Your German Shepherd?
Here are some helpful tips on the frequency of grooming your German Shepherd.
- Start grooming and brushing your GSD puppy at an earlier stage, preferably when they are three weeks old.
- Bathe your pet every 4–6 weeks using a good dog shampoo, which is specifically designed for their particular coat type.
- Brush your GSD 2–3 times every week using a slicker brush.
- Your pet needs nail trimming every 2–3 weeks.
- Brush your German Shepherd’s teeth 2–3 times per week.
- Cleaning your pet’s ears is mandatory – do so every week using a damp cloth.
- During the months of heavy shedding, brush your dog every day.
Top 9 Best Grooming Procedures for German Shepherds
Here are some grooming tips and suggestions on the best grooming procedures for German Shepherds.
1. Brushing
Brush your pet’s coat at least 2–4 times every week to get rid of the loose hair strands and debris. Brushing also improves blood circulation and helps distribute the skin’s natural oils. During the winter months, when your Shepherd’s coat is thicker, a slicker brush starts brushing at the head and working down to its tail.
2. Ear Cleaning
Clean the ears of your GSD every week using a mild ear-cleaning solution and a damp cloth. Examine for symptoms like swelling, redness, or bad odors, which might indicate an ear infection. See a veterinarian immediately if you notice such signs.
3. Bathing
Bathe your GSD every 4–6 weeks using a safe dog shampoo designed for their specific coat type. Refrain from bathing it too frequently, as it may lead to skin dryness.
4. Dental Care
Your German Shepherd needs brushing at least 2–3 times per week. Invest in a good dog toothpaste and toothbrush.
5. Nail Trimming
Trim your GSD’s nails every 2–3 weeks using clippers designed for large dog breeds. The best time to trim the nails of your German Shepherd is when you hear clicking sounds when they walk. That’s when the nails are too long.
6. Shedding Spray
Use a shedding spray while brushing their coats during the shedding season in fall and spring. You can buy an aloe vera hydrating spray between its shedding cycles.
7. Eye Wash
Flush your pet’s eyes to remove any foreign particles. It will also keep your pet’s eyes moist, especially when you use a vet-recommended eye wash.
8. Paw Care
Your German Shepherd is a highly active dog breed. Therefore, there would be a lot of dirt and grime accumulated in its paws. Use a paw cleaner and a paw balm to keep their pads clean, soft, and pliable. It will also prevent their paws from cracking and drying.
9. Finishing Spray
Use a finishing spray or a hairspray to add shine to your dog’s coat. It will improve your pet’s appearance when they attend a dog show. A finishing spray comprises a range of beneficial formulas that help control their hairstyles and make their fur more flexible, soft, and bouncy.
conclusion
In conclusion, German Shepherds owners should meet their pet’s physical and mental needs to improve their quality of life. To get rid of the loose hair, debris, and dirt, your German Shepherd needs regular grooming and cleaning. Invest time and effort in grooming, training and engaging your German Shepherd, in daily exercise to help them make well-behaved pets.
