They say that beauty comes from the inside out and this is certainly true in the canine world. Is your dog’s coat shiny? If so, their overall health is likely in tip-top shape too.
But what does a healthy-looking coat have to do with a dog’s general well-being? A lot!
Maintaining your pooch’s shiny coat takes time and effort on your part (pat on the back for you!), as it involves taking preventative steps in many areas of your dog’s routine. To give you a clear insight into what’s entailed, let’s break down the top five ways to keep your dog’s coat at its shiny best – and improve their overall quality of life as a result.
Maintain a healthy diet
Ensuring your dog meets their nutritional needs through their regular diet is the most important way to achieve healthy skin and a shiny coat. Your dog’s dietary requirements will vary based on factors such as breed and age, along with allergies or medical conditions, so make sure to tailor their food intake to suit their circumstances.
A diet rich in protein is essential for coat health, so opt for food with good quality protein sources like chicken or turkey. Adding a raw egg to your dog’s meal once a week is also a recommended way to ensure their protein intake is on point.
Essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and 6, act as anti-inflammatories, protecting certain skin issues while promoting a strong and healthy coat. Incorporate foods that contain these essential fats, such as oily fish, into their diet, or opt for specially formulated treats and supplements that include Omega-3 and 6, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals.
Keeping the skin hydrated with a regular intake of water is as important for our pups as it is for us. This is particularly the case if your dog’s diet is based mostly on dry food sources. Provide a consistent supply of clean fresh water for your pet so that they can sip throughout the day to their heart’s content.
Be consistent with your bathing routine
When it comes to bathing, consistency is key, but frequency is paramount. How often you should bathe your dog entirely depends on their breed and the type of coat they have. Bathing a dog with thick or water-repellent fur too often could strip the natural oils you’re so desperate to retain. While a monthly bath is a good general rule of thumb for most breeds, it’s best to seek the advice of a groomer to get a better gauge of what’s best for your pup.
Use shampoos and products that are specially made for dogs, particularly those that contain oatmeal, to soothe the skin and relieve any irritation.
Practice regular brushing
While the frequency of baths is a grey area when it comes to dogs, brushing comes with far simpler guidelines: the more the better! Brushing your dog’s coat a few times a week will help to remove dead skin, and loose fur and untangle knots that could lead to matting. It will also keep your dog’s coat looking sleek and glossy. Aside from your regular brushing routine, it’s good practice to thoroughly brush your dog before and after a bath to ensure a tangle-free, silky coat.
While it’s important to have a consistent at-home grooming routine in place, regular visits to professionals will help to keep your dog looking and feeling healthy and cared for.
Prevent fleas and ticks
Ah, the dreaded fleas and ticks! These nasty parasites cause a whole heap of problems for pets and their owners – not to mention the havoc they wreak on your dog’s coat. Constant biting, scratching and licking at an area infected by fleas or ticks can lead to localised hair loss and irritated skin.
Because prevention is better than cure – especially when it comes to this itchy issue – it’s important to put measures in place to avoid an infestation in the first instance. Incorporating a natural flea and tick repellent into your dog’s daily meals protects against these parasites, without having to rely on topical drops that might aggravate your pet’s skin.
Bathing and brushing your dog after an outdoor adventure, such as a walk through a woodland area, can also be an effective way to remove any fleas that might be lurking under the fur.
Seek professional advice
When in doubt, ask the expert. If you notice that your dog’s coat not only looks a little lacklustre but also feels brittle and is perhaps shedding excessively, that is your cue to call the vet. While a change in diet or grooming practices may improve the quality of your pet’s fur, it’s best to get them checked out by a professional to rule out any potential underlying medical issue.
Incorporating all of the above changes into your pooch’s routine will help them to look and feel their best – and give you peace of mind as a pet parent.
