German Shepherds have lots of hair, but they need it for warmth and protection from the elements. Without their thick coats, German Shepherds can get too cold, sunburned, or dry. It’s crucial to keep an eye on their hair growth to know if they need special products or attention from their local veterinarian.
Your German Shepherd’s hair will grow back within six months. After half a year, most German Shepherds will have grown their full coat back and should be ready to be professionally groomed. You can use hair growth shampoos to increase your dog’s hair health, but these products prevent excessive shedding that could stop their hair from coming back.
Throughout this article, we’ll break down whether or not your German Shepherd’s hair will grow back after shaving it, how you can increase their hair growth and problems that could hinder their coat’s overall health.
Does German Shepherd Hair Grow Back After Shaving?
German Shepherd hair grows back after shaving, but it’ll likely be prickly and sparse. Your dog’s hair grows at varying rates, which means their coat will look patchy for a few months. Shaving their hair could also cause skin rashes, ingrown hairs, excessive skin dryness, and more. It’s best to avoid shaving their hair at all.
If you shaved your German Shepherd’s hair before you knew it was unhealthy, use a soft brush to scrub their skin right after. This will prevent them from developing too many ingrown hairs. You should also wash their hair with an all-natural shampoo to encourage natural hair growth.
Some dog hair conditioners will soften the sharp hairs, making them less itchy. They also prevent excessive shedding, dryness, and dirty coats. Below, you’ll learn all about how you can use supplements, dietary changes, exercise routines, and other suggestions to boost your German Shepherd’s hair growth much faster.
How To Make Your German Shepherd’s Hair Grow Back Quicker
To make your German Shepherd’s hair grow back quicker, follow these steps:
- Feed them a protein-rich diet. Protein is one of the most important building blocks of your dog’s hair. A lack of protein makes the hair follicles weak and more likely to fall out.
- Use a gentle brush to comb their hair one to two times weekly. A soft brush will prevent the comb from removing small hair, but it’ll get rid of dead skin that could keep the hair from growing. It also ensures your dog doesn’t overheat from too much hair. Never use a brush on a rash or ingrown hair, though.
- Opt for high-quality hair shampoo. Moosh Natural Dog Shampoo is made out of all-natural ingredients designed to enhance your dog’s hair and skin. It naturally deodorizes, softens, and lubricates hair follicles for optimal growth. This dog shampoo also keeps their hair from splitting.
- Make sure your German Shepherd gets enough exercise. Exercise helps with hair growth almost as much as your dog’s diet. They need to get up and move for about 30 minutes each day. Adequate exercise promotes healthy blood flow, which ensures all of the nutrients get to their hair follicles.
- Consider dog supplements to improve their skin and hair health. Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Bites are some of the best chewables for your dog’s hair growth. Whether you accidentally shaved off too much hair or your dog has a skin condition, these tablets have enough Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins to improve their hair growth.
While you can’t make your dog’s hair come back after a week, you can shave several months off of their hair growth schedule. Using these tips and tricks drastically reduces the chances of your German Shepherd developing skin and hair problems down the road.
Why Won’t Your German Shepherd’s Hair Grow?
Your German Shepherd’s hair might not be growing back due to a skin condition or weakened hair follicles. Many skin conditions can clog or loosen your dog’s hair, which prevents it from growing. Their hair might grow in patches or not at all. You can use certain supplements or visit a vet for prescribed supplements and shampoos.
Let’s dive into a detailed list of reasons below:
- Your German Shepherd’s skin has ingrown hairs from a close shave. It’s better to use dog hair cutting scissors instead of clippers. While they might be faster, clippers can cause jagged edges and ingrown hairs. These hairs won’t grow, which makes their coat look much worse.
- They might have dandruff and dry skin. Dogs with dandruff need special shampoo. Dandruff is caused by dryness and fungal growth. Failure to use the right kind of shampoo will worsen their hair growth and cause itchiness, redness, and more. It could also make them scratch their skin and cause sores.
- Aging German Shepherds have weak hair follicles. Most dogs lose a bit of hair as they age. Their softer skin prevents them from holding the same amount of hair that they did in their younger years. You could switch to senior diets, supplements, and shampoos for better results.
- Your German Shepherd might have a poor diet. The American Kennel Club recommends a diet high in protein for healthy hair. If their hair keeps falling out or won’t grow back quick enough, it might be time to change their diet. Make sure there aren’t too many fillers that could cause digestive problems.
It’s a good idea to visit the groomer a few times a year with your German Shepherd. They can keep their coat in check in between weekly brushing habits. Most groomers can also identify the reason their hair won’t grow back quickly enough.
Final Thoughts
German Shepherds are some of the most beloved dogs in the world. Their hair is an essential part of their health, so it’s important to ensure that they have a healthy, lively coat. Shampoo and condition their hair as directed by your veterinarian, and don’t forget to brush them daily.