If you're like most people who are anticipating bringing a German Shepherd puppy home in the near future, you undoubtedly want to take the best possible care of your new friend's coat. Here's what you need to know about grooming your German Shepherd puppy:
Introduce Your Puppy to Bathing and Grooming at an Early Age
Many adult dogs are resistant to being bathed and groomed, and this is usually because they weren't introduced to these activities during their puppy stage. Your German Shepherd can be bathed at around age 3 months—until then, use a damp cloth or tissue on an as-needed basis. You can begin brushing your new pet with a soft brush on the day you bring it home.
Brush Your German Shepherd Thoroughly at Least Twice Per Week
Brushing your German Shepherd at least twice per week helps keep its coat healthy by distributing the natural oils produced by the skin through its fur. It also minimizes snarls, tangles, and mats. Grooming sessions also provide you with an opportunity to check your pet for ticks, sores, or anything else that shouldn't be there.
Use High-Quality Grooming Tools
Low-quality grooming tools may fail to do their job and can even damage your dog's coat. You will need an undercoat rake to remove loose hairs from the animal's undercoat during the shedding season, which typically occurs during spring and fall. You will also need a basic brush for everyday brushing and a de-matting tool so that you can quickly and easily remove any mats that might develop in your dog's fur. You can also use a grooming mitt for everyday brushing so the dog feels like it's being petted instead of brushed. Some dog owners also like to have a blow drying tool made specifically for dogs on hand.
Keep Your Dog's Blankets and Bedding Clean
It won't do much good to bathe and groom your dog on a regular basis if the animal sleeps on dirty blankets and bedding. Buy sturdy, washable items for your dog's bed and resting areas, and wash them in hot water and detergent once per week to keep them clean and hygienic.
Use an Effective Flea and Tick Treatment
Fleas and ticks aren't merely uncomfortable because they produce an itching sensation, but they also have the potential to wreak significant havoc on your dog's coat. Scratching and biting at flea and tick bites results in the loss of fur and can even cause the affected area to become infected. Additionally, fleas and ticks also carry parasites and diseases, such as tapeworms and Lyme disease, that can seriously damage your pet's health, and in some cases, result in the animal's death.
Contact a local breeder or shelter to learn more about German Shepherd puppies for sale.
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