An infestation with parasites can cause dogs to lose fur not only from certain parts of their body but also all over. Heres my review of the best shampoo for German Shepherds. It contains compounds that repel and kill fleas. While a certain amount of shedding is natural, there are other factors such as stress, poor diet, skin allergies, and dehydration that can make it even worse. Cushings disease, clinically known as hypoadrenocorticism, is when your dog produces too much of the hormone cortisol. Schedule an appointment with your vet if the rash doesnt resolve, appears to need emergency treatment, or is reoccurring. 2699 Stirling Rd. Pet owners who have a dog that is genetically predisposed to losing fur can help prevent it from happening by grooming the fur regularly and properly supplying their dogs with the right nutrition and diet. If this doesnt work, a trip to the vet is a good idea. Instead of slowly sitting down, they plop down to fast causing an injury to an elbow or hip. Also, some medicines for these conditions can cause your dogs body to react in strange ways. When treating allergies, the first thing you must do is determine the cause to come up with an adequate treatment plan, which your vet will help you with. For example, ringworm causes inflammation and infected crusts, while mites cause oily skin. If you think your dog may have mites or fleas, try rubbing a little olive oil on their fur as a natural repellent. Bacterial and yeast are both skin-dwelling organisms that normally wont cause any problems. As a pet parent, you know your German Shepherd best. This is the reason a German shepherd should never be shaved. It will leave your German shepherds fur healthy and looking amazing! However, this doesnt mean you should not groom your dog. Here are some simple and natural treatments that you can use to prevent or cure hair loss in your German Shepherd: Hemp seed oil is a rich natural source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. If you have a female German Shepherd that hasn't been spayed, at some point, you're going to have to deal with her reproductive cycle. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. Ringworm causes circular hair loss, whereas mites cause general hair loss around the ears, eyes, and mouth.Your vet will be able to diagnose and treat infections. Lemon juice has antibacterial properties that can help fight off any external bacteria that may lead to hair loss. Though there are actions you can take to mitigate excessive shedding, it is not a health concern that will negatively impact your dogs quality of life. It is caused by mites that are found on all dogs and subsequently humans as well. Almost all dog breeds shed, and anyone who has owned a German shepherd knows they are not an exception. he best way to make sure your dog gets plenty of water is ensuring the bowl is always full or you can also feed water foods such as watermelon if needed. link to How To Care For A German Shepherd Coat. Just like huskies and malamutes, German shepherds have whats called a double coat. The hair loss should be resolved once the issue causing it is addressed. There are some breeds that shed much less than others. Dogs may also lose hair where their elbows and other bony body parts come into contract with the floor and other hard surfaces. Be aware of any other symptoms and contact your local vet for assistance. This skin disease is common in stray dogs that have been abandoned or neglected by their owners. Today we will discuss how to reduce shedding in German shepherds. The German Shepherd is known for its supreme intelligence, family friendly demeanor and extreme loyalty. These nutrients are crucial for keeping your dogs skin and fur healthy. There are plenty of different reasons for bald spots on your German Shepherd.
The hot spot will be fairly large in size and look inflamed, raw and sore. When my German Shepherd started losing hair, I was unsure if it was a symptom of something else or just the natural shedding process. But when there is repeated pressure placed on the damaged area, the blood vessels get constricted and decubital ulcers form. Tea tee oil does work well for treating flea infestations. However, on certain occasions, they can grow out of control and cause an infection or irritation to the skin. They cause a reaction on the skin or atopic dermatitis. Common triggers include: These triggers are often topical, meaning they come into direct contact with your dogs skin. One can never be too sure what is going on with their dog. They start with an itch from an allergic reaction, bug bite, wound etc and intensify because the dog proceeds to chew and lick the infected area making it worse over time. The skin will be itchy, red and swollen. Do you notice a drop in their energy levels? Most of the time, German Shepherds will lose their fur naturally without any underlying medical conditions. Some common allergy sources are: Parasitic allergies are one of the most common allergy triggers. In conclusion, German shepherds are loyal dogs that make wonderful pets for the entire family. Theres a difference between your dog shedding hair and actually losing hair. But sometimes in puppies, a breakout will occur. And often times the cause may not be immediately evident. Some German Shepherds may lose hair due to allergies, which can be a frequent trigger. Look for these symptoms: areas on the bony parts of your GSD that are filled with fluid, constant licking of the sores, discoloration of the skin, patches of hair loss or red skin, stained hair near the wound, ulcers or wounds that are purple, red or leaking puss. rspca Keep in mind that these are the main causes. The hair follicles and coat wont be healthy, and there wont be new hair growing in. Dry skin will lead to an increased amount of shedding and can eventually lead to sickness. For dogs with thick coats like German Shepherds, hair loss caused by neglect and abuse is even more apparent. According to many vets, allergies are the most frequent cause of hair loss in dogs. However, some may only lose hair on certain parts of their bodies, like an ear or tail. Heres the house I recommend for German Shepherds. It is not contagious. How Do I Know if My German Shepherd is Shedding Too Much. Although not life threatening, it is very contagious and spreads when a dog comes into contact with animals or people that are already infected. Some common stressors are: All of these may be prolonged stressors that can cause your dog to lose hair. How To Spot Unnatural Hair Loss in Your Dog. Keep an eye on your German Shepherd and carefully examine its coat and skin. Take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Though you should monitor these areas to make sure there are no underlying conditions. If you suspect your dog food is cheap and not well-balanced, try a new brand but be sure to buy one that has real meat as the first ingredient. Though dogs have different nutritional needs than humans, there are still some foods that are great for them. Here Ive reviewed some of the best collars for German Shepherds out there. Its always better to err on the side of caution where your dogs health is concerned. Shedding is completely normal, while hair loss can be indicative of a serious health problem. itching Other symptoms include: This disease commonly affects middle-aged medium and large breeds. It is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are crucial for keeping your dogs skin and fur healthy. Without them, your dogs hair might grow slower, the hair may feel coarse and brittle, and eventually, the hair may fall out completely. Each health condition has its own cause, presentation, symptoms, and treatments. However, there are cases when a more serious condition is responsible for your dogs fur falling out. The best way to find out if this is the case is through proper diagnostic tests. We can't help but laugh when folks ask "Do German Shepherds shed a lot"? The immune response can be facial swelling, hives, itchiness and or diarrhea and vomiting. Youll just have to research and learn how to give your dog the right amounts of food to ensure they get the vitamins and minerals necessary for their health needs. There are several reasons this breed sheds so heavily, and those reasons are: While you may think shedding is not necessary, there are three main reasons a dog sheds. Do you have any personal experience with balding on your GSD? Other great ways to make sure your dogs getting enough omega-3s is by feeding salmon, tuna, and other types of fish. One common example is when your dogs testosterone levels drop. But even then, there is such a thing as shedding too much! Realizing your dog is suffering from hair loss can be distressing, but whether your dog needs medication for allergies or new toys to combat boredom, your German Shepherd will soon be happy and healthy again. If you think your GSD may have this condition, take them to the vet immediately. If left untreated, a simple rash can turn into a skin infection. Dogs can be allergic to almost anything, just like people. Try giving your dog a small spoonful of plain Greek yogurt first and see how they react to it before adding it to their diet. While they are heavy shedders, if you follow the steps above you will notice a significant decrease. Hair loss may also be hereditary or genetic, which is perfectly natural and not a cause for alarm.Similarly, other breeds are prone to developing bald spots in specific areas after they mature. Look also at your German shepherds overall conditions and behaviors. There could be other explanations. my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Healthy diets not only reduce shedding, but also help with dry skin and improves the immune system. Shedding and hairlessness are both normal processes that may be hereditary or a result of simple genetics. However, if not treated, it can spread all over the dogs body. Hormones play a vital role in your German shepherds fur health. Infections can be treated with medication and antibiotics. Do they whine or yelp out in pain? Some more common sources of infections and skin infestations include: Ringworm, Mites, Bacteria and Mange. Dogs that are prone to this condition include: Each of these types of dogs tends to put more pressure on their joints.Pressure sores can be easily treated with antibiotics and bracing. 
For example, some cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can affect your dogs fur, causing them to fall out or lose their color. You may also want to invest in the best dog supplement for dry skin, since this is one of the main causes of extra shedding. 
Who knows your best friend better than you? Some early signs of hair loss in your German Shepherd may include: If you notice any of these symptoms, watch your dog closely and make an appointment with your veterinarian if the problem persists.You should also trust your instincts.
There are different types of parasites that can cause them to lose furs, such as fleas, ticks, and mites. Hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism or adrenal gland disorders can cause your dogs fur to fall out in patches. Your email address will not be published. While your dog will never completely stop shedding there are things you can do to reduce it. Originally pressure sores are topical wounds only affecting the upper layers of their skin.