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7 Easy Ways To Reduce German Shepherd Shedding

Last Updated: December 24, 2023

Are you struggling with how to reduce your German Shepherd’s shedding? Owning one of these magnificent dogs is a joy, but their constant shedding can be challenging. No matter the season, it appears that endless brushing and grooming barely make a dent in the amount of fur they lose.

To reduce your German Shepherd’s shedding, brush your dog regularly with good grooming tools, feed a nutritious diet that targets a healthy coat, and ensure your dog is always hydrated. Control parasites by maintaining flea prevention treatment and bathing 3-4 times yearly.

If you’re at your wit’s end trying to manage your German Shepherd’s shedding, you’re not alone. Let’s explore some effective strategies to help keep your furry friend’s shedding under control.

German Shepherd after grooming with a de-shedding tool.
My German Shepherd Willow being de-shedded.

Do German Shepherds Shed?

Almost all dog breeds shed, but it seems like that’s all your German Shepherd ever seems to do! No matter what time of year, the weather, or what he’s doing, there’s always a pile of hair beneath him every time you pet him.

German Shepherds do shed a lot as they are double-coated. They are naturally heavy shedders and will molt their fur all year round. They will also “blow their coat” in the fall and spring. This is when they change their undercoat, ready for the new season ahead, and shedding is particularly heavy.

So, to understand this a little better, let’s take a more in-depth look at the type of coat German Shepherds have.

German Shepherds are double-coated, having two layers of fur. The thick, soft, woolly undercoat protects them from the cold and heat.

It also regulates their temperature.

The outer coat (guard coat) is dense and coarse and protects the skin from water, dirt, and other external environmental factors.

It’s also why German Shepherds are good outside and working dogs, as they can tolerate many different weather conditions.

Let’s now look at German Shepherds’ molting habits so you can understand how to reduce and control shedding.

“Blowing” The Coat

The first rule of owning a German Shepherd is understanding his shedding habits. Twice a year, specifically in the spring and fall, your German Shepherd will “blow” his coat. 

At the change of seasons, your German Shepherd’s coat adapts to the new conditions. This shedding is natural as your dog responds to changing daylight hours. This transition allows them to be comfortable all year long.

For about two weeks each time, his thick undercoat will begin coming out in clumps. The shedding will be pretty intense during this time while he molts all of his dead undercoat.

You will easily know when this is about to occur as you will notice the clumps of fur falling from your GSD. His coat won’t look too great for a while, and it may look a little shabby, but it will grow back quickly and look even better.

A GSD After Being Groomed
My German Shepherd blowing her coat

Year-Round Shedding

Though the period in which your German Shepherd blows his coat will be the worst when it comes to shedding, he will continue to shed year-round. Considering his physical and athletic size and vast hair, you’ll understand why he seems to shed all the time.

This year-round shedding is the same for both the short-haired (including medium/plush-haired) and long-haired varieties.

How to Reduce German Shepherd Shedding

Now, you can’t entirely prevent your dog from shedding twice a year, but there are several steps you can take to reduce the amount of your German Shepherd’s shedding and your constant cleaning up.

I believe it’s best to target your German Shepherd’s shedding from all angles. That’s why I’ve developed a list of seven tips for reducing your German Shepherd’s shedding habits that you can start today!

1. Get a Tool Designed for German Shepherds

The best way to groom your German Shepherd is with a de-shedding tool designed specifically for German Shepherds. These tools take your German Shepherd’s thick undercoat into account and dig out any loose hairs that otherwise would be scattered across the floor in your home.

You need to pick a comb or brush tool that will reach through your German Shepherd’s fur and be able to latch onto any hair that might just be sitting there. They are ideal when your dog is “blowing his coat.”

I use the FURminator undercoat de-shedding tool from Amazon. It really does an excellent job by removing all the dead and loose hair as it reaches through your GSD’s topcoat without cutting his skin or damaging the outer coat.

Note: Clicking the above link(s) will take you to Amazon or an online store where we have an affiliate relationship. If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

You can also get this tool from any good pet store, and there are a ton of 5-star reviews that you can read on Amazon if you prefer online shopping.

Learn my favorite grooming tools for German Shepherds (With photos of Willow).

German Shepherd with De-shedding Tool
My German Shepherd “Willow” with her FURminator de-shedding tool

2. Groom and Bathe Your GSD 3-4 Times a Year

I already mentioned your German Shepherd will blow his coat twice a year – once in the fall, once in the spring. Though you can’t stop the fur clumps from eventually coming out, you can help get rid of more at once by bathing and grooming him during these periods.

Rather than allowing his undercoat to gradually fall out as the two-week blowing period progresses, you (or a groomer) can loosen up any remaining fur and get rid of it at bathing time.

Never over-bathe as this strips your German Shepherd’s natural oils, causing dry skin – which causes further shedding. You can read more here: 5 Defining Moments When to Bathe a German Shepherd.

There are also specific de-shedding dog shampoos and conditioners you can get to release the undercoat during the bath. You can even find ones enriched with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, such as the FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo (from Amazon), that help reduce shedding. I’ll cover the benefits of these at number 7 below.

3. Switch to Food That Targets The Skin and Coat

You may have already put in a lot of thought when picking food for your German Shepherd, but did you know that the type of food that you’re feeding him plays a massive role in his shedding habits?

Cheap dog food is primarily made of ingredients that some dogs have difficulty digesting, such as corn and grain, not to mention all the added chemicals, preservatives, and colorings.

You should instead look for a dog food that has a high-quality protein source as the main ingredient:

“It is reported that 25 to 30 percent of daily protein intake is systemically used solely for skin and coat renewal requirements. Any protein deficit quickly results in obvious effects on the coat.” – Veterinary Practice

If your German Shepherd is not receiving proper nutrition, the protein will maintain muscle mass, leaving the coat suffering. I have a top article on the best diet for German Shepherds if you are looking for more information on the various types of diet for your dog, nutrition, and exactly what he can and can’t eat.

Sure, it costs more, but it will help your German Shepherd by reducing his daily shedding and maintaining a long and healthy life.

By selecting a dry food that better targets the nutrients your German Shepherd needs to maintain a thick and healthy coat, you can significantly reduce the amount of year-round shedding.

4. Maintain Regular Brushing

Just like most dogs, your German Shepherd will shed all year round. You can’t stop it entirely, but regular brushing and de-shedding of your dog will keep his hair from always finding its way onto your furniture and flooring.

It doesn’t take all that much effort to brush him daily, either! There are many good everyday brushes that you can get for your German Shepherd’s outer coat that will remove loose hair and debris and keep him looking nice and tidy, but I recommend a slicker brush.

I like the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush (from Amazon), as it’s also great for removing tangled hair and mats. It’s easy to use and clean as it has a button that you click to remove all the fur from the brush.

All you need to do is a few quick run-throughs of your German Shepherd’s entire coat, and you will significantly reduce the amount he sheds compared to if you only brush him weekly. This little pile of fur came off Willow after a few minutes of brushing.

A GSD's fur accumulated right in front of her
“Ohh, that feels so much better!”

5. Allow Your Dog More Access to Fresh Water

You might not realize it, but allowing your German Shepherd to drink more water daily can significantly control shedding. That’s because dogs tend to shed a little bit more when dehydrating. 

Giving your German Shepherd about one ounce of water for every pound of body weight can improve all areas of his health and limit the amount of hair that ends up all over your house.

If you’re struggling with your dog’s water regimen, I recommend using an automatic dog water dispenser. This device allows you to fill up a big tub of water all at once, so you won’t have to remember to add more water to the bowl throughout the day.

I’ve never had to use one of these; however, I’ve heard good things about them, and I think they can really do the trick. If I were choosing one from Amazon, I like the look of the Petsafe Drinkwell, as it’s ideal for German Shepherds with its large design and adjustable water flow.

Pro Tip! You can give your German Shepherd ice cubes in the summer to keep him hydrated. You can also try frozen fruits such as raspberries or strawberries as an alternative healthy treat to help quench his thirst.

6. Stay Up-to-Date on Flea and Tick Treatment

Flea treatments themselves will not stop your German Shepherd from shedding, but they will prevent your dog from scratching and gnawing at himself excessively if he gets a tick or fleas on him.

The more your dog relentlessly scratches to free himself from the discomfort of fleas and ticks, the more hair your dog pulls out. No ticks and fleas mean less scratching and less shedding.

Remember to stay up-to-date with your German Shepherd’s flea treatment, which for my dog is every three months, along with her deworming medication.

Check out this video below showing a German Shepherd being brushed…

7. Include Omega Fatty Acids in Their Diet

I already mentioned ways to change your German Shepherd’s diet to reduce his shedding. Still, you can add Omega fatty acids to your daily routine to reduce the shedding that occurs year-round.

You can do this by selecting specific foods with Omega-3 fatty acids. You can also achieve it by giving your dog a daily nutrient supplement.

Look at Zesty Paws Omega Bites from Amazon, as they get thousands of positive reviews. Always consult your vet first before giving supplements.

If your dog’s food choice doesn’t contain sufficient oils, you can try adding a little olive oil to his food. Olive oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that improve the skin and coat. Check with your vet on how much to give your dog.

Pro Tip! I also often add a little tinned tuna or mackerel in oil to my German Shepherd’s food – and she won’t be far away whenever we have salmon for dinner!

Including Omega fatty acids in your dog’s diet will mean much less shedding in the long term, and your German Shepherd will be healthier at the same time.

FAQs

Can changing my dog’s diet help reduce shedding?

Yes, a healthy diet that is high in protein and includes omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the health of your dog’s skin and coat, which can, in turn, reduce shedding. Maybe you could try some homemade recipes that are good for shedding.

Whenever you feel that your German Shepherd is shedding too much, it’s a reminder about restructuring the diet. It does help significantly. As a preventive measure, you can also provide supplements prior.

How can exercise help reduce shedding?

Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, which can reduce shedding. Exercise also promotes healthy skin and coat, which can also control shedding.

However, don’t walk your dog when it’s too hot or cold outside. It can have the wrong outcome.

How often should I groom my German Shepherd to minimize shedding?

Brush your German Shepherd at least 3 times a week to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. Pay extra attention during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall.

What are some common mistakes people make when trying to reduce shedding?

Don’t wait until mats form to brush – that only makes more hair fall out. Also, avoid using inferior brushes that pull instead of removing hair gently. Be patient – regular brushing is best to keep shedding manageable.

Final Thoughts

Managing your German Shepherd’s shedding is straightforward with these key steps: Regularly use a de-shedding tool suited for double coats, bathe your dog 3-4 times annually to remove excess hair, switch to a diet rich in omega fatty acids for healthier skin and coat, and ensure consistent flea and tick treatments.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your furry friend’s molting and keep your home fur-free.

Sharon Waddington
Sharon Waddington is the founder of World of Dogz. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs, this former Police Officer has seen it all. But it’s her trusty German Shepherd, Willow, who steals the show as the inspiration behind this website. As Sharon’s constant companion Willow has played a pivotal role in shaping her passion for dogs. Recently, Sharon has become deeply passionate about the plight of rescue dogs and is an active advocate for dog rescue, striving to make a difference in the lives of dogs in need.
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