Table of Contents
German Shepherd Grooming
Introduction
From brushing to bathing, I’ve got all the tips to keep your German Shepherd gleaming! Follow along as I share my German Shepherd grooming routine for my GSD Jasper, ensuring he’s always healthy, happy, and handsome!
Grooming plays a significant role in maintaining the health and happiness of a German Shepherd. Their double coat consists of a dense undercoat and a harsh, straight outer coat. Regular grooming keeps their coat clean and reduces shedding, while also allowing the opportunity to check for any skin problems or parasites. Regular brushing and bathing, along with periodic nail clipping and ear cleaning, are essential aspects of a German Shepherd’s grooming routine.
The Most Important Step
The most important step in grooming any dog, particularly a dog that will be large and powerful, is to begin immediately with the game “Let me touch you, get a treat”. I made that name up, but it is the first step in your grooming journey! Teach your dog from an early age to accept touch on all parts of his body. Touch his ears and give him a treat. Touch his paws and give him a treat. Touch between each toe. Give a treat. Dogs have webbed feet! They can sometimes get infection there so sniff them! Touch his muzzle, look at his teeth and give a treat. Touch his tail and give him a treat. Do this every day from the beginning so your dog will be accepting and comfortable with you examining any part of his body. Increase the time you hold his paw, or lift his lips to look at his teeth until it becomes normal to him. This will make grooming so much easier.
Grooming Tools
Before beginning the grooming process, it is important to have the necessary tools on hand. These include a slicker brush, a metal comb, nail clippers or a grinder(I recommend both), and a soft moist alcohol-free towelette for his ears
The slicker brush helps remove loose hair and debris from the coat while also stimulating natural oil production for a healthy coat. The metal comb is useful for detangling any mats or knots that may have formed in the fur. German Shepherds are double-coated and need a rake to remove the undercoat hair. A rake can also help with shedding control.
I recommend the Dremel tool. They make one specifically for trimming dog nails. It is quieter and vibrates less. Also, it is rechargeable. Condition your dog to it slowly and be patient, but in the end, it has to be done.
Clipping your German Shepherd Nails.
If you don’t clip your German Shepherd’s nails they will become overgrown and can cause pain and deformity. Jasper and I had to come to an understanding much like when your child has to take medicine they don’t like. It’s necessary, it’s happening, and it can be easy or hard, that’s up to you.
Nail clippers are a vital tool in a German Shepherd’s grooming routine. The clippers should be sharp and sturdy enough to handle the robust nails of this breed. It’s important to trim the nails carefully to avoid cutting into the quick of the nails, which can cause discomfort and bleeding. Therefore, it’s advisable to cut in small increments and always at an angle.
If your dog’s nails have become long, start by just cutting the tip off. Wait a few days or maybe a week and cut the tip again. This will encourage the quick to recede. It might take a few weeks or even longer but you will be able to cut your dog’s nails shorter over time.
Nail clipping does not have to happen all on the same day. If it’s too stressful it’s just fine to do one paw or even one toe and do another the next day and so forth. If you are concerned about hitting the quick just cut back a small amount where the nail begins to hook then use a Dremel tool to buzz back the tops and sides. The top is very important as grinding that back also encourages the quick to recede. This will make it easier in future nail trims.
I trim Jaspers’s nails once a month. They could probably be kept shorter but as long as they are not close to hitting the floor or another toe I am good with that. I don’t expect he will ever like nail trimming but he is acclimated to it.
I love this nail girder! I had a Dremel but I’m glad I got this. He tolerates it better.
German Shepherd Ear Care
German Shepherd’s regal erect ears are their signature aspect. Your puppy’s ear will be completely erect by 4 or 5 months. Jaspers was already fully standing when I got him at 8 weeks. Jasper’s never had an issue with his ears despite being an avid swimmer in the summer but I check them when I groom him.
To check your German Shepherd’s ears, visually examine them for signs of drainage, redness or tenderness Also, lean close and sniff them for any off odor. I know, it seems strange! Do it anyway. If you have any concerns take your dog to the vet.
You can clean your German Shepherd ears gently with a non-alcoholic gentle wipe but do not extend any deeper into your dog ears than what can be easily reached with your finger. Your dog does not need Q-tips!
Brushing your German Shepherd Teeth
It is important to brush your German Shepherd’s teeth regularly to maintain their overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, infections and other health issues that can be costly to treat. Begin brushing your puppy’s teeth as soon as they are teething and continue throughout their life.
To brush your German Shepherd’s teeth, start by using a soft toothbrush or finger brush and dog-safe toothpaste. The toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors, so try a few to find the one your dog likes best. Gently lift your dog’s lips and brush along their gum line, using small circular motions. Be sure to reach all teeth, including molars. If your dog is resistant to brushing, start slowly and reward them with treats.
Canine toothbrush and toothpaste are widely available in pet stores and online. Some dogs may even enjoy the taste of toothpaste, making it easier to brush their teeth. Frankly, I have not found one of these Jasper likes. We use a finger brush and brush about once a week. I use high-value treats and make it into a “touch your teeth” game.
I will also get his teeth cleaned at the vet’s as I do my other dogs. I do this once every few years. I’m reluctant to do it more often as they put them to sleep to do the cleaning and that always has some risk.
In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth, provide them with chew toys or treats that promote dental health. These can help remove plaque and tartar buildup between brushings. Jasper loves bully sticks. Unfortunately, these are not cheap and he can go through one in an hour! You might check with your local butcher for bones. They need to be very sturdy such as a femur bone.
If you notice any issues with your dog’s teeth or gums such as bad breath, bleeding or discolored teeth, take them to the vet for a professional cleaning. Regular brushing and dental check-ups can help prevent serious dental issues in your German Shepherd.
Brushing your German Shepherd’s Coat
I love the looks of German Shepherds. Maybe it’s because they resemble wolfs and I love to draw wolfs. What I don’t necessarily love are the tumbleweed Jasper leaves hiding under my furniture
German Shepherds shed. A lot. It is just a trait of the breed. I use both a rake and a slicker brush. My suggestion is to do this outside. Use the rake to get to the underneath double coat and the slicker to finish. You will never run out of hair, so don’t try. Just aim to decrease the number of tumbleweeds under your furniture and keep your dog’s coat healthy.
If you are very picky about your house, you will need to brush daily. You will still have tumbleweeds but there will be less of them.
Also, unless you get a black German shepherd you may want to give up black clothes or at least invest in a very good lint brush.
Bathing your German Shepherd
Baths are also important for your German Shepherd’s hygiene and health. However, it is not necessary to bathe them frequently unless they get dirty or develop a strong odor. Brushing takes care of most of their grooming needs. I only bathe Jasper if he has decided to roll around in the mud.
When bathing your German Shepherd, use dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. Human products can irritate their skin and cause allergic reactions. If possible, use lukewarm water as hot water can dry out their skin.
Be sure to thoroughly rinse off all the shampoo and conditioner, as any leftover products can cause itching or irritation. After bath time, be sure to dry your German Shepherd’s coat completely to prevent moisture from getting trapped against their skin. Jasper loves to be towel-dried after a swim! I haven’t tried a blow dryer on him but I would imagine you’d need to acclimate your dog to the sound. This article belongs to germenshepherdresources.com published 10-13-23
Conclusion
Taking proper care of your German Shepherd’s ears, teeth and overall hygiene is essential for their health and well-being. By following these tips, you can help keep your dog healthy and happy. Remember to always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your German Shepherd’s health or grooming routine.
For more on German Shepherd care check out my article do German Shepherds make good house dogs here.