As the GSD blowing coat season approaches, it's essential to prepare your home and pet for the shedding cycle. The GSD blowing coat typically lasts for 2-3 weeks, with the heaviest shedding occurring during the first week.
Your home will be covered in a thick layer of dog hair, so be prepared to vacuum frequently. In fact, it's recommended to vacuum daily to keep up with the shedding.
To minimize the amount of dog hair that gets into your home, try using a HEPA air purifier to trap loose hair and dander. This will also help reduce the amount of allergens in the air.
The GSD blowing coat is a natural process, and with the right preparation, you can keep your home clean and your pet happy.
Understanding Shedding
German Shepherds have a unique double coat that's made up of two layers: an undercoat and an outer coat. The undercoat is softer and fluffier, providing insulation to keep your dog warm in winter and cooler in summer.
The undercoat sheds in thick clumps, which is why German Shepherds are known to "blow their coat" at certain times of the year. This usually happens during the spring and fall seasons when the weather changes.
The outer coat, on the other hand, sheds constantly and appears as single hairs. Both coats shed year-round, but the intensity of shedding increases during the spring and fall seasons.
Here's a breakdown of the shedding cycle:
This understanding of the shedding cycle can help you prepare for the increased shedding that comes with the changing seasons.
What Is an Outer Coat?
The outer coat is made up of longer hairs that are coarser in texture, known as guard hairs. These guard hairs are responsible for repelling dirt and keeping the undercoat protected from moisture.
You'll notice that the outer coat sheds constantly, with single hairs appearing rather than clumps. This can be frustrating for dog owners, as these guard hairs tend to stick to clothing and furniture.
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The German Shepherd breed, in particular, has an outer coat that sheds frequently. This is because they have a double coat, which includes both an outer coat and an undercoat.
Proper grooming techniques are essential for controlling the shedding of the outer coat. This can help keep your home and belongings clean and reduce the amount of loose hair.
What is an Undercoat?
The undercoat of a German Shepherd is a vital part of their coat, providing insulation to keep them warm in winter and cooler in summer. This fluffy and soft layer of hair is a key component of their double coat.
The undercoat is made up of soft, fluffy hairs that are designed to trap warm air next to the dog's skin, keeping them cozy in cold weather. In fact, the undercoat is so effective at insulating that it helps regulate a dog's body temperature even in the summer.
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As the undercoat sheds, it often appears in thick clumps of soft hair, which is why German Shepherd owners often notice a sudden increase in shedding. This is especially true during seasonal shedding cycles, when the undercoat sheds heavily.
Here's a breakdown of the two layers of a German Shepherd's coat:
- The undercoat is softer and fluffier, serving as insulation to keep the dog warm in winter and cooler in summer.
- The outer coat, or topcoat, is made of longer, coarser hair and serves to guard the dog against the elements.
Do They Shed?
German Shepherds shed constantly, year around, with intense shedding during the spring and fall seasons.
Their shedding is especially intense because they have a double layered coat, with a top layer of long, harsher guard hairs and a softer undercoat that traps heat and provides insulation.
Both layers shed some hair on a daily basis, but German Shepherds also go through an intense full shed twice a year, where they lose their entire undercoat over a short period of time.
This is known as blowing the coat, and it's a natural process that helps them grow in the right coat for the coming season.
German Shepherds can lose a lot of hair, with some owners even referring to them as 'German Shedders'.
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Do Shed Constantly?
Do German Shepherds shed constantly? Unfortunately, yes - German Shepherds shed constantly, year around. While their shedding is especially intense during the spring and fall, they can and will lose their undercoat during the remainder of the year as well.
Managing your dog's shedding will be an everyday task just like feeding and walking your dog. By making it a routine, it will be easy for you and your dog to keep up with it.
German Shepherds have what is known as a double layered coat, meaning that they have a top layer of long, harsher guard hairs, and underneath this they grow a whole other layer of soft, dense and thick shorter hair that helps to trap heat and provide insulation. Both the top layer and the undercoat will shed some hair on a daily basis as part of the natural lifecycle of the hair's follicles, and this will generally happen all year round.
Here are some reasons why German Shepherds shed so much:
- They have a double coat, which means they have two layers of fur: a top layer of long, harsher guard hairs and a layer of soft, dense and thick shorter hair underneath.
- The undercoat sheds some hair on a daily basis as part of the natural lifecycle of the hair's follicles.
- German Shepherds will go through an intense full shed where they lose the entire undercoat over a short period of time (a couple of weeks usually) in order to grow in the right coat for the coming season.
This is known as blowing the coat, and while the regular daily coat shedding can be challenging in itself, it all kicks into high gear when your dog is going through a full shed of the undercoat!
Causes of Shedding
German Shepherds shed constantly, year-round, with intense shedding in the spring and fall. This is a natural process as their coat prepares for the changing weather.
One of the main reasons for excessive shedding is the dog's double coat. German Shepherds have a thick undercoat that sheds throughout the year, not just during specific seasons.
Some health issues can also cause excessive shedding, such as Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mitesNutritional deficienciesAllergies to pollen, dust, dirt, mold, or ingredients in your dog's food
If you suspect any of these health issues, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Hormonal Changes
Hormonal Changes can cause excessive shedding in female dogs, especially during heat cycles. For example, going into heat may make them shed more than normal.
Female dogs may experience increased shedding due to hormonal fluctuations, which can be a normal part of their reproductive cycle.
This excessive shedding can serve as an alert to changes in your female dog, giving you time to prepare for what's taking place.
In some cases, hormonal changes can lead to increased shedding, but it's essential to note that this is not unusual behavior in female dogs.
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Causes of Excessive Loss
German Shepherds shed constantly, year around, and it's especially intense during the spring and fall. This is because their double coat is designed to prepare for changes in weather.
There are several factors that can cause excessive shedding in German Shepherds. One of the main reasons is hormonal changes, particularly in female dogs. Going into heat can make them shed more than normal.
Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites can also cause hair loss in German Shepherds. This is another reason why regular grooming and veterinary check-ups are essential. A nutritional deficiency can lead to a dull coat and increased dead hair.
Here are some common causes of excessive shedding in German Shepherds:
- Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites
- Nutritional deficiency
- Allergies to pollen, dust, dirt, mold, or ingredients in their food
It's essential to note that these health issues can be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. Regular check-ups can help prevent these problems and keep your German Shepherd healthy.
Managing Shedding
Managing shedding is a crucial part of owning a German Shepherd, as it can get out of control if not addressed regularly. Daily brushing is essential to remove the undercoat, and just 5 minutes of brushing every night can make a huge difference.
The longer you let shedding go on without taking care of it, the worse it will get. German Shepherds shed constantly, year-round, with intense shedding during the spring and fall. You can expect to see loose fur everywhere, especially during these seasons.
To reduce shedding, daily brushing is a must. This will help remove the undercoat, leaving less hair to clean up. It's also essential to keep your dog inside, especially in colder climates, as this can lead to a thicker coat and more shedding.
Spaying your female dog can also help reduce shedding, as they tend to shed badly after being in season. Male dogs may also experience lighter coats after neuter surgery. Consistency is key when it comes to managing shedding, so try to establish a regular grooming schedule.
Here are some tips to help you manage shedding:
- Daily brushing (5 minutes a night)
- Keeping your dog inside, especially in colder climates
- Spaying your female dog
- Establishing a regular grooming schedule
- Using de-shedding tools like Furminator brushes during coat-blowing seasons
By following these tips and being consistent, you can help reduce shedding and keep your German Shepherd's coat under control. Regular grooming will also help prevent matting and tangling, making it easier to manage shedding.
The Shedding Cycle and Maintenance
German Shepherds shed constantly, year around, with intense shedding during the spring and fall. This is because of their double layered coat, which includes a top layer of long, harsher guard hairs and a soft, dense undercoat that helps to trap heat and provide insulation.
To reduce shedding, daily brushing is essential. Just 5 minutes of daily brushing will noticeably cut down on the amount of hair lying around. This is because shedding is basically dead undercoat falling out onto your floor, and brushing can remove this undercoat before it falls out.
Regular grooming is also crucial. Introducing your dog to a professional groomer early on, ideally as a young puppy, can make it easier to keep stray hair at bay. Establishing a set schedule, such as every 4 weeks, for taking your dog to the groomer can also help.
The shedding cycle involves both the top layer and the undercoat shedding some hair on a daily basis. This will generally happen all year round. However, twice a year when the seasons change (spring and autumn), your dog will go through an intense full shed where they lose the entire undercoat over a short period of time (a couple of weeks usually) in order to grow in the right coat for the coming season.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when managing your German Shepherd's shedding:
- Daily brushing for 5 minutes can reduce shedding
- Regular grooming can help keep stray hair at bay
- Establishing a set schedule for grooming can make maintenance easier
- The shedding cycle involves daily shedding and intense full sheds twice a year
Frequently Asked Questions
What months do German Shepherds shed the most?
German Shepherds shed the most during the summer months. This is when they blow their undercoat in a massive shedding process.
Sources
- Do German Shepherd Dogs Shed? (spiritdogtraining.com)
- Do German Shepherds Shed? - PetLovers (petlovers.com)
- Do German Shepherds Shed? GSD Fur Care Tips (nativepet.com)
- Dealing with your German shepherd's coat shedding cycle (pets4homes.co.uk)
- Do German Shepherds Shed? Health & Grooming Tips (hepper.com)
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