O.K. I know GSDs shed like no other, but I have a question about my pup that just turned 1 year old. Over the past few weeks, she had been shedding undercoat as usual. Now, she has begun losing a lot of topcoat hairs. For example, if I were to pluck at her with two finger, I'd easily pull out about 10 long topcoat hairs. Even if I pet hard, I get lots and lots!

Have a few theories...any comments are welcome...

1. Just turned a year old...getting more of an adult coat?
2. Just switched to a completely raw diet...am I missing something or is she going through a little detox?
3. It's gotten warm out and shedding a ton of topcoat is normal??
4. All of the above

It's been a long time since I had a pup, so can't really remember their coat development. My older GSD sheds very little since switching, but I can't remember her ever shedding topcoat like this...

Silly question, I know...but it's got me a little curious lol.

Thanks,
Melissa

P.S. Regarding the raw in case I am missing something - RMBs mostly chicken backs or ground turkey necks, Muscle Meat - usually beef of some kind, including beef heart, Organ Meat - Chicken or beef liver...admittedly terrible at giving this consistently. Supplements: B-Natural's Green Blend, B-Natural's Immune Blend (half-dose), and fish oil.

Could be coming into heat soon. My females look like near bald coyotes right before they come in.

At any rate, in a female of her age, I would say it is normal.

Thanks, Deanna...she's spayed so no possible heat.

...anywhoo...guess I'll go vacuum...ho hum...

Melissa

My female(not spayed) went through the same thing at about 10 months, about 3-4 months before her 2nd heat, she looked like a mangy coyote like Deanna said about hers. I asked a question about it then too, because I wasn't really sure... and I had to empty out my vacuum canister about 8 times in one setting(yeesh!) Things will get back to normal(shedding profusely is normal for GSD's, just not as bad as it is now).

Keleah, Thank you

I read some where that this is called "Blowing coat" It said that dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors do it like twice a year, but dogs that spend their days inside and dont see the temperature changes as much will only do it once a year and as they get older stop doing it all together and just shed like any dog year round. I can relate with you, My male did this when he was close to a year, I thought he was going to shed till there was nothing left, but now as hes older he does'nt shed that bad anymore. Hope this helps, not sure if if what i said, I cant remember where i read it, try a google search for it. Oh BTW the article started because a guy was using his vacum to help control the shedding, he literally vacumed the dog which appeared in the photos to be very effective.