If you have a German shepherd, you may have noticed that they are shedding a lot of hair. German shepherds are double-coated dogs, which means they have a topcoat and an undercoat. The undercoat comprises soft, downy fur that helps keep your dog insulated and protected from the elements. The top coat is made up of harsher, thicker hairs that provide additional protection.
German shepherds shed their undercoats twice a year, in the spring and fall. This is known as “blowing their coats.” During this time, you may notice an increase in hair your dog is shedding. While it can be alarming to see all that hair coming out, it’s normal and nothing to be concerned about. It’s a good sign! It means your dog’s coat is healthy, and they’re getting rid of any old, damaged hair.
However, if you notice that your German shepherd is shedding more hair than usual—or if they’re losing patches of hair—it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Let’s look at some of the most common causes of hair loss in German shepherds.
causes of hair loss in German shepherds
1. Allergies
German shepherds are susceptible to allergies just like humans are. Allergies can cause your dog to itch and scratch incessantly, leading to hair loss. If you suspect your dog has allergies, take them to the vet for testing. Once the allergy has been identified, eliminating the offending substance from your dog’s environment should help clear up the problem.
2. Parasites
Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites can cause your dog to scratch excessively, leading to hair loss. These parasites can also carry diseases that can make your dog very sick. Keep up with your dog’s monthly flea and tick prevention treatments to prevent parasites. You should also check them for parasites regularly, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors in tall grass or woods where these pests are more likely to lurk.
3. Diet
A poor diet can cause many health problems in dogs, including hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to dry skin and coat, leading to excessive shedding and hair loss. Make sure your German shepherd is eating high-quality food appropriate for age, weight, and activity level. If you’re unsure what food is best for them, ask your vet for recommendations.
4. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances are relatively rare but can still happen. The most common hormonal imbalance that leads to hair loss in dogs is hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Hypothyroidism can be caused by several things, including autoimmune diseases or certain medications. If you think your dog might have hypothyroidism, take them to the vet for testing. There are many treatment options available if this is the case.
How to Prevent Excessive Shedding
You can do a few things to help prevent excessive shedding in your German shepherd:
- Make sure they’re eating a healthy diet.
- Give them regular baths using mild shampoo for dogs. This will help keep their skin and coat healthy.
- Brush their fur regularly to help remove any dead hair.
Brushing also helps distribute the natural oils in their fur, keeping their coat healthy and shiny.
10 Tips To reduce hair loss in german shepherds
1. Feed Them a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important for German shepherds. A nutritious diet will help keep their skin and coat healthy, which can reduce shedding. Look for high-quality food appropriate for your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. If you’re unsure what food is best for them, ask your vet for recommendations.
2. Give Them Regular Baths
Regular baths are another key part of reducing shedding. Be sure to use a mild shampoo made specifically for dogs—never use human shampoo on your dog, as it can be too harsh. After shampooing, always use a conditioner to help keep their coat healthy and reduce tangles. Only bathe your dog when necessary, as over-bathing can strip away the natural oils in their fur and lead to more shedding.
3. Brush Their Fur Regularly
Brushing is one of the best ways to reduce shedding. It helps remove any dead hair and distributes the natural oils in their fur, keeping their coat healthy and shiny. Be sure to use a brush designed for German shepherds, as their fur is thicker than most dogs. When brushing, be gentle and take your time. Start at the head and work your way down the body.
4. Try a Hypoallergenic Shampoo
If your German shepherd is prone to allergies, you may want to try a hypoallergenic shampoo. These shampoos are designed to be gentle on sensitive skin and can help reduce shedding caused by allergies. Be sure to talk to your vet before using any new products on your dog, as they can advise you on the best option for your pet.
5. Use a Conditioner After Bathing
As mentioned above, always use a conditioner after bathing your German shepherd. This will help keep their coat healthy and reduce tangles. Be sure to choose a conditioner specifically designed for dogs—never use human products on your pet.
6. Invest in a Good Brush
A good brush is an important tool for reducing shedding. Be sure to choose a brush specifically designed for German shepherds, as their fur is thicker than most dogs. When brushing, be gentle and take your time. Start at the head and work your way down the body.
7. Be Gentle When Brushing
It’s important to be gentle when brushing your German shepherd’s fur. Their fur is thick and easily tangled, so be sure to take your time and use a brush specifically designed for their coat type. Start at the head and work your way down the body when brushing.
8. Only Bathe When Necessary
Overbathing can strip away the natural oils in your German shepherd’s fur, so it’s important to only bathe them when necessary. Give them a bath if they seem dirty or their coat looks dull. Otherwise, every few weeks should be sufficient.
How Often to Bathe a German Shepherd
9. Avoid Using Human Products on Your Dog
Never use human shampoo or conditioner on your German shepherd, as it can be too harsh for their skin. Many great dog-specific products on the market are designed to be gentle and effective. Be sure to talk to your vet before using any new products on your pet.
10. Talk to Your Vet If You’re Concerned About Hair Loss
If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk to your vet. There are many possible causes of hair loss, including allergies, stress, and poor diet. Your vet can help you determine the cause and recommend the best treatment.
When to See a vet
If you’ve tried all the above tips and your German shepherd is still shedding excessively, it’s time to see a vet. There are many possible causes of excessive shedding, including allergies, stress, and poor diet. Your vet can help you determine the cause and recommend the best treatment.
Why German Shepherds Are Prone to Skin and Hair Problems
One of the reasons German shepherds are prone to skin and hair problems is that they have a double coat. The double coat consists of a dense, waterproof outer layer and a softer, insulating undercoat. This combination makes German shepherds well-suited for cold weather, but it also means that their skin and hair can dry out easily in warm weather. Additionally, because the double coat sheds year-round, German shepherds are more likely to develop mats and tangles if their coat is not brushed regularly.
Another reason German shepherds are prone to skin and hair problems is allergies. Like humans, dogs can be allergic to pollen, mold, dust mites, and certain foods. When a German shepherd is allergic to something, he or she may scratch excessively, leading to hot spots, hair loss, and even infected wounds. If you think your German shepherd may be allergic to something, talk to your vet about doing an allergy test.
German shepherds are also prone to skin infections. The most common infections are bacterial infections like pyoderma (a bacterial infection of the skin) and viral infections like parvovirus (a highly contagious viral disease that can be fatal). Skin infections can cause various symptoms, including itching, redness, swelling, draining sores, and hair loss. If you think your German shepherd has a skin infection, it’s important to take him or her to the vet right away for treatment.
Conclusion
German shepherds are wonderful dogs, but they’re not without their challenges. If you have a German shepherd, it’s important to be aware of the breed’s predisposition towards skin and hair problems so that you can take steps to prevent them or catch them early if they do occur. Regular brushing, proper grooming, and prompt treatment of allergies and infections will go a long way toward keeping your German shepherd happy and healthy.
FAQs
How often should I bathe my German shepherd?
You should only bathe your German shepherd when necessary. Overbathing can strip away the natural oils in their fur, so it’s best to only bathe them when they seem dirty or their coat looks dull. Otherwise, every few weeks should suffice.
What kind of shampoo should I use on my German shepherd?
Many great dog-specific shampoos on the market are designed to be gentle and effective. Be sure to talk to your vet before using any new products on your pet.
My German shepherd is shedding a lot. Is this normal?
German shepherds shed year-round but may shed more during certain times of the year (such as when the seasons change). If your German shepherd is shedding excessively, it could indicate an underlying health condition. Talk to your vet if you’re concerned.
What are some common skin problems German shepherds can experience?
German shepherds are prone to skin infections, allergies, and hot spots. If you think your dog has any of these conditions, it’s important to take him or her to the vet right away for treatment.
What can I do to prevent my German shepherd from getting skin and hair problems?
The best way to prevent skin and hair problems in German shepherds is to practice good grooming habits. This includes regular brushing, bathing only when necessary, and promptly treating allergies or infections.
