German Shepherd Grooming Guide: How to Keep Your Dog’s Coat Healthy

If you live with a German Shepherd, you already know two things: they’re incredibly loyal, and their hair is everywhere. Your couch, your car, your coffee, nothing is safe from their fur! But, before you start pricing out lint rollers in bulk, know that an effective German Shepherd grooming routine can make all the difference!

According to Giulia D'Ignazio, a professional dog groomer and owner of Brandy's Canine Grooming, the best way to control German Shepherd shedding is through “Lots of brushing!”

Below, we’ll walk you through the basics of brushing that double coat (without turning your living room into a snow globe), German Shepherd bath tips, and tips for deshedding German Shepherd fur so both of you don’t need a nap afterwards. 

German Shepherds come equipped with their own built-in weatherproofing, a double coat. This impressive setup includes a dense, fluffy undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat that helps keep dirt and moisture out.  

Their undercoat makes vacuuming a full-time job, but it plays a big role in keeping your dog safe from the elements all year round.  

In colder weather, it acts like insulation. In warmer months, it helps regulate body temperature by allowing airflow close to the skin. 

German Shepherds shed year-round due to their constant hair growth cycle, including in the winter. Their shedding will also increase twice a year, typically in the spring and fall, coinciding with the seasonal changes.  

Giulia recommends that a German Shepherd be professionally groomed twice a year during their shedding seasons. This is to help remove the old coats before their new summer and winter coats grow in.

Brushing a German Shepherd can be a sizable chore. Aim for at least 3-4 brushing sessions a week to keep things manageable, and plan on brushing daily during those glorious shedding seasons.  

When it comes to grooming tools, not all brushes are created equal. Here’s what you need:

• Undercoat rake: Great for diving into that dense undercoat and pulling out all the fluff before it decorates your floor.

• Slicker brush: Perfect for catching loose fur and smoothing out any minor tangles.

• Bristle brush: Finishes things off with a sleek, polished look.

Step-by-Step Brushing Instructions

1. Start with the undercoat rake, gently working from neck to tail, following the direction of hair growth.

2. Switch to the slicker brush to catch any stubborn tangles or extra fluff. Don’t forget behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail, which tend to be prime matting zones. 

3. Finish with a bristle brush for a smooth finish. 

Managing a German Shepherd’s shedding isn’t about stopping it (which you can’t do). Instead, it’s about staying one step ahead of all that fur! Seasonal shedding might feel like your dog is trying to clone themselves in hair form, but you can manage it with the right routine.  

Start with regular brushing as your first line of defense. Removing fur before it flies around your house is the most straightforward way to keep your home a little more dog-hair free. During shedding seasons, you may even need to brush your dog daily with a good deshedding tool, like an undercoat rake.  

Dietary changes can also be helpful. A healthy diet rich in fatty acids, along with plenty of fresh water, helps support a strong, shiny coat that sheds less and looks better.

German Shepherds don’t need frequent baths (unless they’ve rolled in something especially smelly). Giulia recommends a bath every 3-4 months for double-coated dogs like German Shepherds. 

When bath time does roll around, stick with gentle, dog-safe shampoos that won’t strip away their natural oils. Human shampoo is a no-go, as dogs have more alkaline skin than humans.  

Giulia also notes that the best shampoo for German Shepherds is a good deshedding shampoo. 

Here’s how to wash your dog: 

1. Brush first: Loosen and remove as much hair as you can before your dog gets wet. (Your drain will thank you.)

2. Use lukewarm water: Not too hot, not too cold. You don’t want to shock your dog. 

3. Lather up: Start at the neck and work your way down, being careful to avoid your dog’s sensitive eyes and ears. 

4. Rinse thoroughly: Make sure you remove all the soap from your dog's coat. Leftover suds can cause skin irritation.

5. Towel dry: Use a towel to soak up the excess water, and then let your dog air dry. You can use a pet-safe dryer on a low setting if your dog will tolerate it. 

Nail trims might not be your dog’s favorite part of the grooming routine (or yours), but they’re super important. When a German Shepherd’s nails get too long, it can throw off their natural posture and put extra stress on their joints, especially around their back legs. Over time, this can lead to discomfort and mobility issues.  

Use dog-specific nail clippers or a grinder to safely trim your dog’s nails. Trim just a little at a time, especially if your dog has darker nails and you cannot see the quick easily. Sometimes, putting a flashlight on the other side of your dog’s nail makes the quick easier to see.  

If your pup is new to the process, start by just getting them comfortable with the clippers and rewarding every tiny win. Treats and praise go a long way. Luckily, German Shepherds often catch on quickly due to their heightened intelligence.  

And don’t forget the paws! German Shepherds are active dogs, and their paw pads can take a beating. After walks or playtime, check for any debris, cuts, or stuck pebbles. If you live in a cold, snowy area, be sure to use dog-safe wipes for a quick clean after each trip outside. The salt used to prevent ice from forming can quickly dry out your pup’s paw pads. 

German Shepherds have those alert, upright ears that are always on high alert for squirrels, snacks, or the sound of you opening the fridge. 

Even though their ears stand tall, they may still collect dirt, wax, and the occasional mystery gunk. If this is the case with your GSD, cleanings are necessary to prevent infections, especially if your dog tends to roll around in the mud.  

Here’s how to safely clean your pup’s ears:

• Examine carefully: Look for redness, swelling, or a funky smell. These can all indicate an ear infection. Take a trip to the vet if you notice any of these.

• Use dog-safe ear wipes: Gently wipe the parts of the ear you can see. Don’t go too far into your dog's ear canal as this can damage their eardrums. 

• Pause for shake: It’s just part of the process!

• Reward generously: Because your pup just let you clean their ears without filing a formal complaint, they probably deserve a treat or two!

You also need to keep your dog’s teeth in tip-top condition. Regular teeth brushing helps fight off plaque and bad breath (your dog’s, not yours). Aim for a few times a week, using a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. They make all sorts of different flavors these days, so hunt around for one you think your dog would like.  

You can also use dental chews to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. Check for products specifically recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. 

Even the most well-informed and devoted dog owner can make a grooming mistake every now and then. Here are a few to be aware of:

• Brushing after baths: It may be tempting to start brushing your dog as soon as they hop out of the bath, but brushing a wet dog can lead to skin infections. Wait until your dog's coat is completely dry before pulling out the dog brush. 

• Shaving the coat in summer: Giulia explains that a GSD should never be shaved. 

• Brushing too infrequently: It might seem harmless to skip a brushing session or two, but this only makes the job harder next time around. It can also lead to tangles and matting, which can be challenging (and painful) to remove. 

• Brushing too often: More isn’t always better. Too much brushing can damage your dog’s healthy fur, leading to even more shedding. Aim to remove the majority of your dog’s undercoat (which is plush and fluffy). But, once you start catching mostly overcoat on your brush (which is dark and coarse), it’s time to stop. 

• Using the wrong tools: Not all brushes are made equal. Stick to tools designed for a double coat and deshedding, not ones that tug or scratch. 

• Neglecting ear, nail, or dental care: It’s easy to forget the "small stuff," but ignoring ears, nails, or teeth can lead to some not-so-small problems down the road. A little routine maintenance now = fewer vet visits later.

The key to keeping your German Shepherd well-groomed is consistency with plenty of rewards. A little bit every day goes a lot longer than one long session once a week (and you’re much less likely to skip the shorter sessions). 

When it comes to keeping your German Shepherd clean, comfortable, and (mostly) not shedding all over your couch, the right tools make a huge difference.  

That’s where Earth Rated’s grooming collection steps in. It offers high-quality, thoughtfully designed products that can make grooming feel a little less like a chore:

• Grooming wipes: For quick clean-ups between baths or cleaning off your dog’s paws after a walk. Perfect for muddy paws and mystery smells. 

• Double coat shampoo: No harsh ingredients to help keep your dog’s natural skin barrier intact. It’s gentle on skin and designed specifically for double-coated breeds, like your GSD. 

• Pet ear wipes: Makes keeping your dog’s ears clean just that much easier. 

Every Earth Rated product is formulated with pet-safe materials and a focus on responsible dog ownership, so you can feel good about using them on your pup.

Regular grooming helps keep your German Shepherd looking good and healthy. It’s the key to keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy while also avoiding a tumbleweed of fur rolling across your floor. On top of brushing, don’t forget to give your pup regular nail trims and ear checks, too.  

So grab your tools, stock up on Earth Rated grooming must-haves, and build a routine that fits your pup’s needs (and your schedule).