Figuring out how to get static out of a German Shepherd’s fur can be a challenging feat for any pet parent out there.
Once the cold months roll in, you might not be able to go a day without getting shocked while petting your dog. Soon, his once-majestic coat starts looking shabby and attracts all sorts of dust.
Where does this static come from, and how can you keep it at bay? That’s what this article digs into!
Why Is a Dog’s Fur Staticky?
At its core, static is nothing more than electric charges that are produced by surfaces rubbing together. These charges then stick to the pet’s fur, creating that shocking sensation on contact.
Why does that happen in the first place? Well, there are a few reasons why your little buddy’s coat is staticky.
Here are the top three reasons to keep in mind:
- Artificial indoor heating that dries the air
- Unhealthy and dehydrated fur
- Synthetic fibers rubbing together
To put it simply, your German Shepherd isn’t the one producing all these extra charges. Instead, his fur is just responding to the static electric fields in your home.
8 Ways to Get Static Out of a German Shepherd’s Fur
If you’re looking to nip the problem in the bud, you’ll need to reduce the house’s conductivity.
Here are some simple tips and tricks that can help you out:
1. Check the Indoor Humidity Level
Dry air accumulates electric charges faster than humid conditions. That’s why static in a pet’s fur is more common in winter when you constantly have the heating system running.
So, the most obvious solution here would be to boost the relative humidity indoors using room humidifiers. Thankfully, these can be inexpensive, portable, and easy to work with since you can double up the devices to accommodate larger spaces.
However, to evaluate whether the humidifier is actually working, you might need to get a hygrometer. Ideally, you’ll want it to read over 45% to see a significant improvement in the German Shepherd’s staticky fur.
On the plus side, your indoor plant pots will thank you for the extra moisture!
2. Pamper Your German Shepherd With a Conditioner
Just like dry air, dry fur can also lead to static charges.
Your German Shepherd’s coat could be dry if you tend to overwash him with harsh soaps. Keep in mind that the dog’s skin naturally produces oils that nourish and hydrate the fur.
Unfortunately, bath time is crucial for naughty pups that roll around in muddy yards. In that case, using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can keep your pet’s coat soft and static-free!
3. Use Wipes to Help in a Pinch
Suppose you’re looking for a way to clear out that static immediately out of your German Shepherd’s coat without getting shocked.
That’s where pet-safe wipes come in handy. If you don’t have any wipes on hand, a dampened sponge might do the trick, too.
Either way, it won’t really tackle the problem at the roots. Instead, it’ll just be a quick and inexpensive fix.
4. Try Misting the German Shepherd Before Brushing
If your dog’s fur looks and feels too dry despite using hydrating shampoos, you can keep a spray water bottle around the house.
This way, you can grab it and give the coat a couple of misting sprays before your grooming sessions. Keep in mind that you might need to brush your German Shepherd every other day to control the shedding.
The principle here is basically just the same as using room humidifiers, but it’s a lot more concentrated in its range.
5. Swap Plastic Brushes With Wood or Metal Ones
Some people might notice that pet grooming tools made of plastic make the static situation even worse.
In that case, a simple switch to a wooden pet brush can help eliminate the static. Plus, the wood bristles can also help redistribute the pup’s natural oils all over the coat to keep it shiny and healthy.
The main downside here is that these are often smaller and more expensive than the plastic options on the market.
Alternatively, you can opt for a grooming tool with metal bristles to discharge the static electricity from your pet’s fur.
6. Slather Your Hands With Moisturizer
Asides from moisturizing and grooming your German Shepherd’s coat, you can also try to keep your own hands hydrated.
This way, you’ll be less likely to charge the pup’s coat while petting him. Plus, it’ll help your skin survive the harsh winter dryness!
7. Ditch the Synthetic Pet-Wear
Some pet parents like dressing their dogs in vests during the winter. However, these are mostly made of synthetic fibers that are more likely to lose electrons on rubbing and less likely to retain moisture when compared to cotton.
Without digging too much into the technical jargon, these outfits might be cute, but they can contribute to static in the fur.
If you’re worried about the floor being too cold, laying a simple rubber mat in the dog’s favorite napping spot will do.
Keep in mind that the same rule applies to your own clothes as well. So, you might want to put aside wool pullovers or silky shirts when you’re cuddling with your pet.
8. Examine Your German Shepherd’s Health
If your dog’s coat is too dry and dull that none of the solutions mentioned here work, this could be a sign that he’s too dehydrated.
Remember that just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that your pets don’t need hydration.
So, always make sure your German Shepherd has a bowl full of water and a diet with adequate moisture content. You can also talk to your vet to see if fish oil supplements are a good option for the furry fellow.
The Takeaway
Knowing how to get static out of a German Shepherd’s fur can save you the trouble of dealing with annoying shocks every time you touch your pet during the winter months.
All in all, it only takes a few simple changes to eliminate the extra static charges from the dog’s coat, from changing the grooming tools to adjusting your indoor humidity levels.