Have you ever snuggled up with your pooch and been covered in enough hair to confuse yourself with your furball? This may be a sign of poor coat health. Maintaining your dog’s coat health is important for safety reasons, but it also helps with confidence and overall mood. If you’ve noticed any of the following issues, these tips will surely help. In no time, your pup will feel like a million bucks!
Signs of an Unhealthy Coat
- Brittle texture.
- Dull colors.
- Abnormal excessive shedding.
- Abnormal excessive licking, biting, or scratching.
- Red patches.
- Dry flakes.
Grooming Tips
The easiest way for your pet to maintain a beautiful coat is to groom it frequently. Sometimes, grooming can be intimidating, but your dog doesn’t need to go to a five-star spa to experience the benefits of some TLC. Brushing your dog daily helps to break up matting and removes dead skin. It’s important to remember that not every dog breed needs the same amount of grooming, so research the best way to groom your pup beforehand. To that point, brushing your furball regularly promotes hair growth by massaging hair follicles to grow while enhancing skin oil production at the same time. This will improve their overall texture and shedding.
We recommend bathing your four-legged counterpart at least once a week. This simple task reduces skin irritation and itching while allowing you and your dog to enjoy quality time together. Coat colors will become more vibrant and shine brighter.
Once your bathing and brushing are all complete, moisturize your furry friend’s coat with coconut oil to lock in moisture and prevent dry skin.
How Diet Effects Your Dog’s Coat
Your doggie’s diet plays a vital role in the health of its coat. Like us, canines benefit from balanced meals and specific food groups over others. Due to the heavy protein content in dogs’ coats, they need a lot of good protein throughout their diet to shine. Consider prioritizing chicken or lamb rather than grain or animal by-products.
Another huge factor in the health of your dog’s coat is how omega-rich its diet is. Omega-3 and Omega-6 are fatty acids that are extremely important to various bodily functions. These polyunsaturated fats combat hair loss, dry skin, and overall irritation for dogs. Many dog food brands specialize in prioritizing these nutrients to guarantee a healthy coat and a happy pup.
You can also increase fatty acids and other nutrients by introducing fish, fish oil, or flaxseed into your pooch’s diet. However, if you choose this route, keep a close eye on your dog’s tolerance of a pescitarian-heavy diet. This lifestyle may not be suitable for all pets, but feel free to experiment with your vet’s approval.
Overcoming Day-to-Day Obstacles
Ticks and fleas are among the most significant issues dog owners and canines face. These pesky parasites can cause a massive headache if not taken care of properly and can be very damaging to your dog’s coat. If left untreated, your pooch can suffer from itching, causing irritation or even abrasion to soothe the painful bites. To prevent this issue, anti-pest medications and repellents should be considered. If the situation worsens, you can always contact your veterinarian for a quick and efficient solution.
You may also consider pruning your lawn to reduce fleas and prevent other insects from coming into the house with your furry friend.
Promoting daily exercise and time outdoors can be a great way to maintain or improve your pup’s coat. Daily walks improve circulation, which helps bring blood throughout your dog’s body—including their skin. Regular exercise allows the body to bring nutrients to where they are needed most. A healthy coat isn’t the only benefit of exercise. Fido can also enjoy a lowered risk of obesity, depression, anxiety, and joint issues.
If you’re spending all that time outdoors exercising, you may also want to consider protecting your doggie’s coat from the sun. There are many options for keeping your pet’s skin from burning, such as clothing, hats, and even dog sunscreen!
Understanding how to take care of your pet’s coat is an essential part of dog ownership. They will surely appreciate the care you put into their health and overall confidence!