German Shepherd Shedding Like Crazy? Here’s What to Do

By /

We all experience this – a German Shepherd shedding like crazy. It can be a difficult period for you and your dog especially if you are a first-time dog owner. You are going to feel overwhelmed and if you are anything like my dad, I assure you that you will find the experience disgusting. No matter how hard you clean, you are going to find those clusters of golden hair brittles lying everywhere. Your dog doesn’t even need to go to those places before the hair it is shedding gets there. As long as there’s air, there’s movement. Hahaha

German Shepherd shedding like crazy

If you are encountering one of those moments when a GSD sheds too much and you are wondering why or what to do, this article has got you covered. In this piece, I have discussed all there is to know about the reasons behind the crazy shedding your GSD is going through and what you should do to fix it. 

While your GSD may shed because it is normal for it to shed at certain times of the month, there are times when crazy shedding can be attributed to sicknesses and illnesses. Well, I am going to spill all there is to know about this in this article.

Why is Your German Shepherd Shedding Like Crazy?

Your German Shepherd may be shedding like crazy because it is in what we refer to as its “blowing coat” period which occurs during spring and fall. This period is often the same for most dog breeds with dense hairs. So, when it is almost spring or fall and your German Shepherd begins to shed excessively, you shouldn’t be worried. 

However, excessive shedding can also be a sign of underlying health issues like allergies, hormonal imbalances, parasites, or poor nutrition. Aside from trying to shed their double coating in preparation for warmer climates, there are other reasons for heavy shedding in German Shepherds which include:

  1. Allergies
  2. Hormonal changes
  3. Parasites
  4. Stress
  5. Poor diet
  6. Pain
  7. Fleas or ticks

If your German Shepherd is shedding more than usual, look for signs like skin irritation, hot spots, excessive scratching, or visible parasites before dismissing that it is shedding normally. 

How to Stop Your German Shepherd from Shedding Too Much?

It is a known fact that German Shepherds must shed their coats. While it may be normal or not, there are a handful of ways to prevent your GSD from shedding too much. They include:

  1. Brush your German Shepherd regularly, at least 2-3 times per week. Brushing helps remove loose hair and distribute skin oils to keep the coat healthy. Use an undercoat rake and slicker brush to effectively remove the thick undercoat. 
  2. Feed your German Shepherd a high-quality, protein-rich diet. Proper nutrition supports skin and coat health, which can reduce excessive shedding. Avoid low-quality dog foods. 
  3. Consider adding omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements to your dog’s diet. These healthy fats can improve skin and coat condition.
  4. Bathe your German Shepherd every 3-4 months using a gentle, anti-shed shampoo. Bathing too frequently can dry out the skin and coat.
  5. Use a de-shedding tool or blow dryer in a cool setting after bathing to remove loose hair. This helps reduce shedding between brushings.
  6. Take your German Shepherd to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks for a thorough brushing and de-shedding treatment. Groomers have specialized tools to remove loose hair. 

If shedding persists or worsens, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues like allergies, hormonal imbalances, or skin conditions. 

Proper grooming, nutrition, and veterinary care are key to managing excessive shedding in German Shepherds. With the right approach, you can significantly reduce the amount of loose hair in your home.

What Months Do German Shepherds Shed the Most?

Your German Shepherd will shed all year long but there are two major shedding seasons for every GSD which includes: spring and fall. The months where your German Shepherd will shed the most as it prepares for summer are April and May. Also during fall, you can expect your GSD to shed excessively in September and November. 

Outside of these twice-yearly “blowing coat” periods, German Shepherds still shed year-round due to their double coat.  However, the shedding is more intense and noticeable during the spring and fall seasons as they transition between coat types. 

Does Brushing Help a German Shepherd with Shedding?

There has been a lot of debate about whether brushing helps with a shedding German Shepherd or can be used to keep a GSD from shedding like crazy. The short answer is Yes.

Regular brushing of your German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is essential for maintaining its coat and overall health. Brushing helps to effectively remove loose hair and undercoat, reducing shedding and keeping your home cleaner. 

Additionally, it stimulates the skin, distributes natural oils, and prevents matting and tangling of the fur. By regularly grooming your GSD, you can also keep an eye out for any skin conditions or irregularities.

Also, using the right tools like a slicker brush, undercoat rake, and metal comb is key. Brushing in the direction of hair growth is most effective. Aside from brushing, we recommend bathing your dog every 3-4 months with an anti-shed shampoo and thoroughly drying the coat can also help control shedding between brushings

What Happens if You Do Not Brush a German Shepherd?

Brushing your GSD cannot be overemphasized. These are some of the things that happen when you let your GSD without brushing it routinely:

Matting and Tangles

Without regular brushing, a German Shepherd’s thick double coat can develop mats and tangles. These tight knots of fur can be uncomfortable for the dog and difficult to remove. Matting can also cause skin irritation. 

Skin Issues

Mats and tangles that are left unattended can trap moisture and debris close to the skin, creating an environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. This can lead to skin infections and other skin problems. 

Increased Shedding

A poorly maintained coat is more likely to shed excessively, resulting in loose fur all over the home and potentially exacerbating allergies. 

Overheating

The thick double coat of a German Shepherd helps regulate their body temperature, but neglecting grooming can lead to overheating, especially during the summer months, as the trapped undercoat interferes with temperature regulation. 

Reduced Comfort

Mats and tangles can be uncomfortable for the dog, pulling on the skin and making it difficult for them to move freely, potentially causing pain.

Final Thoughts on German Shepherd Shedding Like Crazy 

I believe you have now seen what to do when your German Shepherd is shedding too much. As a final note, when it is not shedding season for your GSD and you cannot trace any underlying conditions, consult a vet immediately. Also, use vet-approved grooming products for your dog. 

Onyekachi Omenuko
Latest posts by Onyekachi Omenuko (see all)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top