Guide to Grooming your German Shepherd at Home
Grooming your German Shepherd is as vital to them as their diet.
Often overlooked by pet parents, grooming your pet does not just make them look “Paw-some” but it also positively contributes to their overall health and lifestyle.
Important Discussion Points In This Guide
- Why should you Groom your German Shepherd
- How often should you Groom your GSD ?
- German Shepherd Coat Care
- German Shepherd Teeth and Gum Care
- Ear and Nail Care for Dogs
Why should you Groom your German Shepherd
Though German Shepherds are not the furriest breeds in town, their coat requires proper grooming too.
And if your German Shepherd is an adventurous baby who loves to play around, be it in mud or grass, they will need due grooming from time to time.
"Pet grooming is a great way to bond with your dog"
Grooming your dog is also a great way to assess their health at home. From ear infections to cavities, various issues can be avoided by maintaining a grooming routine for your dog.
How often should you Groom your GSD ?
Unlike humans, dogs don’t need to bathe or groom daily.
On the contrary, bathing/grooming your dog daily can strip their coat of essential oils, leaving them with dry and flaky skin!
German Shepherds are moderate shedders and need to be groomed twice a week. If your GSD is active and plays out every day, then brushing their coat after play would be a good option to keep them clean and not stinky!
German Shepherd Coat Care
Bathing your German Shepherd
When bathing your dog, always choose a shampoo that's made especially for their coat. Do not opt for human shampoos or soaps as dogs have a different skin pH level.
Before bathing them, brush their coat with a rake or de-shedding tool and remove all the knots. You could also use a bathing glove for better control and gentle but effective scrubbing.
In the beginning, your pet may feel overwhelmed by the whole process of bathing. The water, soap and scrubbing are also new to them. But eventually, as you set a routine, they will get used to it.
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Brushing your German Shepherd
GSD’s have a double coat and shed twice a year, which means there’s going to be a lot of fur on your floor!
The main tools you need to groom your dog’s coat at home are a detangling tool and a brush. There are several brushes available especially for de-shedding and brushing your dog’s coat.
Always choose a brush that is gentle but effective on your pup’s coat.
Use the detangling tool to slowly release the mats and knots, then switch to the brush to gently comb out the built-up hair.
Keep talking to your dog as you go about brushing their coat to help them stay calm.
Brushing your GSD’s coat regularly will keep any debris out of it and also give it a smooth and star-like shine!
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German Shepherd Teeth and Gum Care
The GSD breed usually suffers from tartar and gingivitis. But with proper prior dental-health care, your dog can avoid cavities and infections in the long run.
The two best ways to care for your dog’s teeth would be through:
Brushing
With a dog-friendly toothbrush and paste, you have got your dog’s dental-hygiene basics covered.
You can start brushing your dog’s teeth once or twice a week and slowly increase it to a daily routine if needed.
Kibbles and Rawhide
Hard Kibbles and Dental Rawhides are perfect for your dog to clean their teeth.
These kibbles and treats made especially for your dog’s dental health, clean out plaque and food particles stuck in their teeth as they chew on it.
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Ear and Nail Care for Dogs
GSD Ear Cleaning
An ever so impressive feature of German Shepherds is their ears.
But their ears are also prone to infections caused by excess wax development, debris and bacteria growth.
At home, you can clean your dog’s ear using the Vet recommended ear drops and wipes.
But make sure to never use water directly on your dog’s ear as this may lead to the development of serious infections.
Caring for your dog’s ears is a delicate process.
Grooming their ears unnecessarily could also lead to infections. And if you find your pup with an infection it is best to visit the Veterinarian.
German Shepherd Nail Grooming
It is best to introduce your dog to nail grooming in their puppy years.
With a dog nail clipper, you can get your GSD’s nail groomed easily at home once a month.
Try to approach their nails gently, you do not want to scare them by cutting their nails deep and hurting them.
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As a pet parent, devoting time to your German Shepherd’s grooming will keep both them and you happy.
And as time goes by, your Pooch will also begin to see it as a fun bonding time with their pet parent!
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