If you’re a dog owner, you know that shedding can be a big issue.
Between vacuuming up hair every week to brushing your pup every day, it seems like your home is always clouded with fur.
Spring is coming and many people with pets are noticing their household is becoming a bit furrier than usual.
If you have a German shorthaired pointer (GSP), you might be noticing the same thing. Don’t worry though, this article will give you everything you need to know about GSPs shedding.
Does a German Shorthaired Pointer Shed?
German shorthaired pointers are one of the most popular dog breeds. They’re easy to train, they’re good with children, they’re extremely intelligent and obedient, but they also shed.
They might have short hair, but don’t let that trick you into thinking they’re a hypoallergenic breed. GSPs shed year-round in warm climates, and will shed seasonally in colder ones.
They shed because they have a double coat this means that the undercoat is always growing and the topcoat is always shedding.
Shedding can be reduced by brushing your dog daily to remove loose hair, but it will never stop entirely.
Although all GSPs shed, it’s important to note that there is a healthy shed and an unhealthy shed.
Unhealthy shedding comes as large clumps of fur, and is often due to poor grooming, whereas healthy shedding is a steady and consistent flow of fur.
Keeping Your Home Clean with a German Shorthaired Pointer
You might love your GSP to death, but there’s no getting around how much they shed.
This can make it challenging to keep your home clean and fur-free, but there are some things you can do to minimize the mess.
The key to keeping your home clean with a GSP hanging around is to brush it regularly. Get a pair of brush-gloves or a grooming brush, and brush your GSP daily.
Not only will it minimize the amount of fur that ends up on the floor, but your GSP will love the attention!
If you’re brushing your GSP daily and you still find fur throughout the house, simply spot clean wherever needed.
Spot cleaning is easier because it does not require a lot of time or effort. The hair that sticks to clothes, furniture, and the floor can be swept up in seconds.
Removing the need to clean the entire house just little bits at a time.
What Type of Brush Is Best for My German Shorthaired Pointer?
To keep German shorthaired pointer hair out of the house, you will need a brush designed for this type of breed. It is important to use a brush that gets down to their skin and removes loose hair.
You should also be aware that they shed heavily. The best brushes for GSPs aren’t actually brushed. Since they have short hair, you aren’t going to need a brush with multiple rows of bristles.
Instead, purchase a metal comb with narrow bristles. This works to remove fur much more effectively on GSPs than brushes with multiple rows, as these are designed for dogs with longer fur.
Another fun option is rubber brush gloves. They may not be as effective as what was previously mentioned, but they will make brushing your GSP a much more enjoyable and playful experience for both of you!
Brush Your GSP in the Direction of Their Fur
The best time to brush your German shorthaired pointer is after it has been exercised.
Brush your dog in the direction of its fur, using a firm brush that is not too rough on the coat. Start at the back of the neck and work your way down to its paws.
You can use a comb or rake for longer coats.
When using a metal comb to remove shedding fur, it’s important to be gentle. You don’t want to remove too much of the coat at once, as this can cause dry skin and discomfort for your GSP.
Also, metal combs can scrape and damage skin in sensitive areas such as the ears and underbelly, so it’s good to be careful.
Signs of a Healthy Coat
Dogs are not perfect, they will shed their coats, which is normal. It does not mean that there is something wrong with them or that you should give them a bath more often to prevent shedding.
Healthy dogs shed less because their skin balances oil production and it’s easier for dead hair to come out.
Signs of a healthy coat include the dog having a shiny coat that’s not overly greasy and doesn’t have a strong odor.
It will shed less because of increased oil production, it has no bald patches, and has no dry skin patches.
Don’t be alarmed if you find that your GSP sheds a lot though it could just be the time of year.
However, if your dog’s coat is uneven, greasy, and smells, it’s probably time to take action.
Give Your Dog a Bath
This may be a no-brainer, but there are certain precautions to take when bathing your dog. For starters, you must make sure the water is not too hot.
Your dog’s skin and paw pads cannot handle cold or hot weather like yours can, so it’s essential to keep the temperature at a level that is not too extreme.
You should also only use a type of shampoo recommended by a vet when bathing your dog. Using anything else might end up irritating their skin.
When bathing them, it’s important to take your time and make sure that you work the shampoo into their coat and all the way down to their skin.
GSPs may have short hair, but they still have two coats, so it may be helpful to use a rubber brush or gloves to aid in the process.
Conclusion
German shorthaired pointers are intelligent, highly active, and they shed just like most other breeds with a double coat.
Make sure your GSP keeps a healthy coat by grooming it regularly and only use a shampoo recommended for short-haired dogs, as their skin is more vulnerable.
