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My GSD has excessive shedding. may try omegas but want opinions first

  • This topic has 4 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 7 years ago by Anonymous.
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    • #509533
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      My almost 1yr old gsd is shedding a huge amount everyday. It’s like you can never get it all up. I bathe him once a week with shedding shampoo recommended from the vet but it doesn’t seem to be working that well. Vet said to try omegas but would like more options. He already has really bad skin allergies so don’t want to put him on more meds

    • #624472
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Hi Maegan, Sorry to hear your dog is having these problems. My dog does not have “excessive” shedding, but she, as a GSD, is very furry and sheds a lot. I can tell you what I do to help with her coat condition and help keep shedding down. First, I feed her Earthborn Holistic dog food, its a little pricey, but after a lot of research, I believe its the best dog food on the market. I think I get a 28lb bag for $42. When I feed her, I mix 1/3 of a small can of sweet potato into her food. I’ve used canned, puree and a baked sweet potato left over from my dinner… she doesn’t care 🙂 I even use pumpkin if I cant get sweet potato. I read a book from a holistic vet that believe that hip dysplasia may be connected to Vit C deficiency. I don’t know if this is true, but I figured its easy to add the extra sweet potato/pumpkin to her food, just in case, and she LOVES it!!! Also, I always give her Noni juice. Its the one for canines, called CaninePerform by a company called MorindaCare. I use the one for working dogs. It is packed with Noni nutrients and oils…Fish/Safflower/Flaxseed/Microalgae. I had been talking to friends in the horse community and they love this stuff, swear by it. They add it to the feed of their horses that compete. I gave it a try and I can tell a difference with my GSD. Her coat is beautiful and shiny. The bottle I buy is about $35 but I just drizzle a little on her food. I think I have had this bottle for 2 months, so it goes a long way. Just remember, oils are empty fat calories, same as for people, and any oil you add to your dogs food will add weight on your dog if you are not careful. A light drizzle, even just a little less. I kind of drip, drip, a little drizzle, a little drip, drizzle… if that makes any sense at all 🙂
      Aside from what I feed her, I also brush her and strip her often. I got a Furminator off of Amazon, I think I paid $16. I remember at the pet store they wanted a ridiculous amount…. like $80! I do this about once a week for as long as she will let me. And do it outside, omg, at first, I got so much fur off of her I could not believe it. Now I get about the same, small pile, but I always get something. It makes a HUGE difference. As long as I have a dog, I will not be without a Furminator.
      Ok, that was a lot, sorry it was so long. Good luck with your dog, he’s so cute.

    • #642260
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Our GSD also has this problem, and it just requires some extra time and steps. Make sure you are feeding a quality food that is right for your dog. We feed Victor dog food, but do your research on dogfoodadvisor.com and figure out what food will suit your dog’s needs. Sweet potato and pumpkin are great to add in to a dog’s food and also keep their bowel movements regular. Fish oil is great for a dog’s skin and coat, and you can purchase it in many different forms in a grocery store or online. Regular brushing with a de-shedding brush like the Furminator or something similar, and lots and lots of vacuumming. Haha

    • #1035003
      wickedfast79
      Participant

      hello, i have 3 gsd (5yr,2yr and 3mo) and yes they’re known to shed like crazy especially when climates change throughout the year drastically in MN. I use Dinovite (1/2 cup twice a day) and give them 1/2 oz omega 3 and 6 with their dry food (grain free) once a day. once a week wet food and twice a month fresh raw chicken legs. They hardly at all shed anymore and i love it. their coat is soft and shiny as well.

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    • #1096226
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Hello! The only thing I can think to add after everyone’s suggestions is that I’ve heard you are not supposed to bathe dogs as often as once a week. I bring my GSD Gracie to the groomer every 3-4 weeks for a deluxe bath and de-shed because I am physically unable to do it myself. I do make a point to brush her outside every other day to help keep her coat clean between baths and also to help combat the “dust-doggies” that always seem to want to take over my house if I Don’t brush her! Good luck and God bless!

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