The long haired German Shepherd is regarded as the ideal working dog; they need particular care during the chilly winter. Based on your environment, you should incorporate some of the following ideas and tricks into your daily routine.
The German Shepherd is a lovely creature that requires special attention. These dogs are fantastic companions and can be great warriors when relying on their masters and homes.
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Attire
Most German Shepherds withstand cold weather well, even in harsh conditions such as those found on a typical Berlin winter night. However, given the popularity of plush and coated German Shepherds, whose fur isn’t as water-repellent as its stock-coat equivalents, the usefulness of dog blankets and shoes should be highlighted.
It’s hit or miss when it comes to dog shoes. If your dog is unusually tolerant or has had paw injuries in the past, it’s something you should consider. They can help keep your dog safe, mainly if you reside in the city, where your dog might come into contact with salt and other substances on the pavement and sidewalk as he travels through the snow. You could get your german Shepherd a coat if you live in a freezing climate to help protect them from the weather and the elements.
Grooming
In winter, maintaining a well-groomed and brushed dog is also critical. While it may be surprising how much cats shed in the winter, keeping them cleaned and groomed reduces shedding and maintains their coats healthy, which aids in insulating and defending from the cold.
When bathing a dog in the winter, try to wash them in a garage or somewhere warm, and ensure they dry thoroughly before heading outside, so their coat doesn’t freeze and put them in danger of health concerns like frostbite or hypothermia.
Maintaining your pet’s coat and keeping it clean is a good strategy for all German Shepherd parents, but keeping your dog’s coat combed and healthy is especially crucial during the winter, when your dog will rely on his jacket to stay warm more than ever. Brushing your German Shepherd daily (or at least monthly) allows you to check his coat and skin closely.
German Shepherds are available in three coat types: standard, plush, and long coat. Stock coat dogs will experience the easiest time in the winter since their harsh external coat repels water and keeps them dry. While velvety and long-coat dogs appear to perform well in the cold, they can get soaked quickly, become ill, or even perish if not kept warm.
Bathing
As a new owner, you may believe that long haired dogs must be cleaned frequently since their coats accumulate a lot of filth.
Bathing, on the other hand, is harmful to the shepherds. They exhibit delicate skin that becomes parched when exposed to water. Bathing your dog once a month is plenty. You can wash the dog more frequently if it has parasites or gets excessively dirty. When cleaning the dog, ensure the shampoo does not come into contact with the skin.
Health
Certain disorders affect all dogs. Long haired German Shepherds have the same health issues as typical German Shepherds. These dogs are prone to hip problems, seizures, dermatitis, and stomach issues. You must take your pet to the veterinarian annually to ensure its health. X-rays, blood work, and other tests may be performed as part of the examination. German Shepherds live between 9 and 13 years.
When your dog comes in from the outside, inspect him thoroughly, paying particular attention to his feet and stomach. Many cities chemically clean their roadways with salt, which will most likely adhere to their fur and paw pads. Wiping him down with a towel or dog wipe is excellent practice, and it also keeps your dog familiar with touching his paws and legs, a skill every dog should have.
Taking the dog to the vet early in the winter can also help you manage pre-existing medical concerns before they turn into a problem. Even dogs who appear to be in good health can develop chronic health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia.
Sleeping Conditions
During the winter, keep plenty of comforters on hand for your German Shepherd, even if it means purchasing a few new ones. This is a no-brainer, but it is critical. Consider replacing blankets they may use during the summer with a plush material that is more insulating. For example, in the summer, some puppies may only have a towel or sheet in their kennel, but in the winter, they usually get upgraded to a fluffy throw blanket to keep them extra toasty.
It is critical to note that dogs confined in indoor kennels at night will warm up considerably faster than dogs kept outside. If your dog sleeps in a kennel, ensure he has enough space to move away from blankets and beds if he becomes overheated. If your dog sleeps with you or in his bed, this is less crucial because he can move around freely and will likely stay hydrated.
If They Sleep Outside
While some people feel that your German Shepherd should always sleep within the family home, if he must sleep outside for whatever reason, he must have a raised dog kennel with either a curved entry or a flap over the door to keep him warm when the wind kicks up.
German Shepherds should be kept inside for only half of the day. Puppies should spend considerably less time outside alone because they require extra socializing.
If your German Shepherd is an adult and the weather is pleasant, you may allow them to sleep outside. However, the best place for them is inside or in a crate. After all, a German Shepherd is unlikely to guard anyone out.
Like all shepherd breeds, these dogs are incredibly loyal to their owners. They also require a lot of socializing, so they should be around people as much as possible.
How Much To Feed Your Long Haired German Shepherd In Winter
These pets can lose weight without the extra calories. According to studies, dogs exposed to cold temperatures require two to three times the calories they need at a more reasonable temperature. The increase in calories causes more fat storage and insulation while decreasing or compensating for the calorie loss caused by shivering and non-shivering.
Cold-exposed pets have different metabolism. They prefer fat over glucose for metabolic purposes. Dogs kept outside during the winter require higher dietary fat. This could imply switching from their current dog food to a higher-fat food.
All year, dogs should be fed according to their Body Condition Score, or BCS. The BCS is an assessment of a pet’s fitness based on observation. The technique has been shown to correspond with the most advanced X-ray technologies for assessing pet body fat percentage.
When viewed from above, these dogs have a lovely hourglass waistline, a tight belly tuck when viewed from the side, with ribs that are not visible but can be felt.
