can I shave a german Shepherd?

Question

He sheds so much no matter how much i brush him.

Answer 1

It isn't healthy for them. Just brush very thoroughly to get out the winter undercoat. You can have this done at most pet grooming shops ( not the chains) and its called 'blowing' the coat.
Or, you can do it yourself using the Shedender or Furminator.
both are available online, at many pet supplies, and cheapest on ebay..they really do stop the shedding, just as in the TV ads.

There are several videos here to see the Furminator in action: http://furminator.com/

Answer 2

You may find some legitimate reasons to shave a dog but shedding is not one of them. If you don't like shedding, dogs probably aren't the pet for you. To minimize shedding, make sure the dog has a great diet (I prefer raw), brush them out at least every other day. I find that if you do a thorough brushing (line brushing with a greyhound comb) this will last quite some time. You may want to have a knowlegeable groomer show you how to brush the dog properly (most typical brushes sold for this do not work well).
Also, I've had people rave about how well Missing Link helps in reducing shedding. I've never tried it but it doesn't look like it would hurt http://www.calvetsupply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=320

Answer 3

That's why they're called German SHEDDERS.

You can shave him, but it won't reduce the shedding much, he'll just shed shorter hairs.

You could try taking him to a good groomer for a thorough brush-out and bath. If it's properly done, it will remove a large quantitiy of the loose coat and reduce the shedding for a time.

Answer 4

I would NEVER shave a German Shepherd or any dog. Dogs have fur that helps to keep them cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Please don't shave him.

Instead why don't you try to feed a higher quality pet food with no grains.

google dog + food + grain free

Then why don't you try adding in some Omega 3's. You can buy capsules at Walmart (Rexall brand) of Salmon Oil capsules. Then give 1000 mg./20 lbs. Start out with just 1 a day until you make sure it doesn't cause any bowel problems, then slowly add more... You will notice a big difference in the quality of your dog's coat, and in the amount of shedding.

Good luck.

Answer 5

No, it's a bad idea. The coat insulates them from heat as well as cold, and the hair growing back would be intensely itchy and make the dog miserable. It would open the dog up to sunburn, and open sores from the scratching. If heat makes it miserable, make sure it has plenty of COLD water at all times, shade, or even better for really hairy northern breeds like huskies & GSD, keep them in the AC. If they have to be outside, a hard plastic kiddy pool half full (refilled daily) can also help. Brush daily, and don't forget the flea/tick medication.

Answer 6

Have you heard of a grooming treatment called "Furminator"? (no joke!) It can reduce a dog's shedding by 75% for up to 6 weeks - and it's not terribly expensive. it works wonders for my black Lab mix. He's cooler and more comfortable, and my partner and I don't have to sweep and vacuum every day :-) My friend has her german shepherd furminated regularly, and by all accounts, it works great.

Look up grooming salons in your city, call a few, and ask if they offer the Furminator.

Seriously - try it. It rocks!

Answer 7

Well, I think a few people would like to know why you want to shave your German Shepherd? I know I would!
I really can't think of a good reason to do it!.

Answer 8

you can I didn't shave mine I would back brush him for hours and get all the winter under coat out then shave his belly. They lie on the cool ground to cool off this will make that easier. dip youre dog and get a on spot treatment for ticks and fleas keep looking for these they are harder to find on a long haired dog.
Although when I devod his daddy and he stayed with daddy he didn't get brushed every day and got hot spots.

Answer 9

You can shave anything with hair.

Is it a good idea? Sometimes, if your shepherd is out in the tall grass where foxtails are abundant it is not a bad idea. Thorns and foxtails will use the thick hair to gain malicious entry into his skin, causing lots of problems. Regular brushing and inspection of the body is usually sufficient to prevent this, however.

Make sure to keep him on heartworm and flea/tick preventative if you do shave him, their fur helps protect them from heartworm spreading mosquito bites, and jumping fleas and ticks. (actually, he should be on those preventatives regardless, but especially so if he is to be shaved.)

Answer 10

Why would you want to do that? You could shave any pet you have, but it's not recommended. The fur that they have actually keeps them cooler, so don't shave them.