The German Shepherd is deceptive as many might think that the heavy double layered coat needs additional care. In actual fact, less grooming is needed than expected. The external coat of the dog is thick with medium long hairs while the undercoat is far denser and softer. The undercoat does double duty by keeping the dog safe from UV rays during the hot summer months and keeps the dog warm during colder seasons.
One principal to adhere to when making sure your German Shepherd is well taken care of is to ascertain that he is getting the right diet and nutrients. The German Shepherd is, after all, a strong carnivore and you need to make sure that the food he is getting is high in protein and vitamins. The dog needs a diet that is high in fat and protein. Meat such as beef, chicken or even lamb are great options. If you decide to concoct food for your dog, ascertain that it has the correct proportions of all the basic dietary requirements the dog needs to stay in tip-top condition. Vegetables are harder for dogs to digest.
Rather than the rounded or curved stomachs we see in humans, dogs actually have s straight stomach. This can result in them having issues with their digestion of vegetables. Corn or wheat and other plant based materials can be difficult for the animal and they should make up a small fraction of your dog's diet. Once you are sure that the dog is getting an excellent diet, you can move on to the grooming needs. It is usually advised that you brush your dog's fur at least 2 times per week. You want to be sure that the oil in the fur is evenly distributed to prevent matting and tangles.
You can also be sure to remove the dead skin cells and loose hair clogging the coat. A basic metallic brush or slicker will do an excellent job if used correctly. You must be careful not to cut or scratch your dog's skin while brushing.
When you start to brush, take the brush in the same direction as the coat hair. To ensure you tackle all parts of the dog's fur, do use a combination of different brushes with various sizes of brush heads. Depending on the dog's typical routine, you will have to bath your dog more or less once a month.
The frequency of baths will be dependent on the location of you home and your dogs favorite pastime. For instance, if your dog should love the great outdoors, it is almost certain he will necessitate a bath more often compared to dogs that prefer to stay in the house. If the dog is an indoor dog, taking a bath every few months will be sufficient. If you stroke your dog and dust you can see dust waft up, that's a clear signal it's time for a bath. Also, if he is starting to smell, a bath will quickly solve that problem and make him more enjoyable during cuddle time.
If the coat is very greasy, that can be another sign that he needs a bath. The correct shampoo is essential to the dog's coat and condition. German Shepherds are easily affected by wheat and can have other allergies, so the correct shampoo is essential.
For instance, oatmeal shampoo can be calming for your dog but they also cause material to collect on the coat far more easily, so you might have to bathe your dog more often. A shampoo with aloe added might be a good choice if you are not concerned with fleas. In any case, with constant grooming, your German Shepherd is sure to look well-groomed all the time.
Moses Wright loves to help fellow dog lovers with their pet dog training problems whenever he is free. You can find more free German Shepherd facts and training problems resources on his site.