How To Keep Your Dog's Coat Healthy

When you have a dog in the family, it’s natural for grooming to come into play. You want their fur coat to be kempt, not just for the looks of it all, but because a good looking coat ultimately means a healthy dog. It’s all connected! So what’s the secret behind maintaining a healthy and shiny fur coat for a dog? Here are some tips and tricks for maintaining that with your fur baby!

Know the nutrients your dog needs.

Each dog breed may require different nutrients, but the key to a shiny coat rests with the essential fatty acids. Low-fat diets can pose a risk of deficiencies for dogs which lead to dandruff and dullness of the coat. Luckily, most dog foods are packed with omega-6 fatty acids. This helps give dog coats their shine. Another fatty acid to look for is omega-3. Flaxseed and fish oils are great sources of omega-3 and work as great anti-inflammatory solutions.

Develop a grooming plan.

It’s recommended to brush your dog’s fur coat regularly so that you remove dead skin cells and promote healthy circulation. When it comes to bathing your dog on the other hand, there may be differences in frequency depending on the breed of your dog. Research how often your dog’s breed type should be bathed and go with a shampoo that benefits their needs most. For example, if they are prone to ticks or fleas, lean towards shampoos that are created to treat that. Dogs that may need more help with moisturizing would benefit from shampoos that are formulated to lock in moisture and prevent dryness or flakiness.

Consult with a veterinarian. 

Before you think about picking up supplements to help your dog’s fur coat reach a desirable shine, it’s best to consult with a trusted veterinarian. Excessive amounts of supplements can cause a reaction with your dog so it’s best to get a second opinion before administering supplements! In some cases, where dogs have an affliction like seborrhea (scaly skin), more vitamin A might be a solution. But again, excessive amounts can yield more problems and it’s best to have these issues identified by professionals so that they can inform you on how to provide for your beloved fur baby.