The German Shedder
Dog
byCarol Visser (NCMG, CPDT)
I can't look! (All this in one
brushing).
Spring has sprung, and I can tell because most of my floors, all of my
clothing, and part of the yard are covered with shed coat from my GSDs! (And
you thought it stood for “Shepherd”!) Here are a few tips that will help you
keep the excess shed coat in the trash instead of creating those extra
“puppies’ under the couch.
Brush often. Brush with the right tools. Everyone will tell you what the
right tool is for a GSD, but given the differences in coats (long, short,
harsh, silky etc) the only real thing to do is experiment and see what works
best for you. I use many different tools, sometimes in the same grooming
session but certainly different tools are more effective at one time of the
year than at another.
Here are my favorites:
Short to medium coated GSD-
Regular brushing with a slicker brush
 a
rubber brush
 perhaps
using a shedding blade  by
gently running it over the top of the coat, combing with various combs
  or
rakes
 and
even using a stripper tool
 (probably
a 12 tooth) may all help reduce the shedding tremendously. A good bath using
a shampoo specifically designed to reduce shedding such as Shed Patrol
Shampoo and De-Shedding Solution available at www.petedge.com (TP73317 and
TP73817), using a rubber brush in the direction of coat growth while the dog
is soaped and again with the conditioner on, will be of enormous benefit.
Medium to long coated GSD:
Lifting coat with your hand and brushing it in layers to reach the undercoat
with a slicker brush, followed by combing with a wide toothed comb   or
rake and perhaps a stripper tool (probably a 10 tooth) will be most
effective on these longer coats. Using a light spray conditioner will help
make the brushing easier on the dog. If matting has already set in, use a
silicon based coat spray,
 work
it into the mat, allow it to dry, then use a dematting tool to break up the
mats prior to brushing them all the way out.
People sometimes want to shave their dog to “make it more comfortable” in
summer. Clipping is one means to try and control shedding, but in my
experience it usually just means the dog sheds shorter hair, while taking
away the natural weatherproofing and protection from both heat and cold
usually provided by a double coat, so I do not recommend it. There
are exceptions – with an ill or geriatric dog that simply cannot tolerate
the amount of handling necessary to keep the coat in good shape, the
veterinarian may recommend shaving the dog. If this is the case, consider
your alternatives carefully, and remember that this dog has lost the
protection against heat, cold, and weather so you must be sure to provide
improved care and shelter for him – and maybe even a coat.
If the coat is dull, check with your veterinarian to ensure that it is not a
health problem causing it. If not, many supplements are available, most with
Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids that tend to help. Lipiderm, Linatone, and Shed
Stop are well known products. Or you could share the fish oil capsules from
the health food store with your dogs. Generally, though, the best thing to
put on your German Shepherd to reduce shedding and increase shine and skin
health is – elbow grease. Daily brushing will make them look magnificent!
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