As a pet owner, you aim to keep your canine companion happy and healthy. Grooming is one essential part of that equation. A dog’s coat can be an indicator of health; when it’s lustrous and shiny, chances are, your pup’s thriving.
Want to know how to make a dog’s coat shiny? From diet to hair care, our guide will have your dog looking fresh in no time.
Make Bath Time a Routine
Animals (dogs especially) are creatures of habit. They learn from repetition. While you certainly don’t need to be giving your dog a daily bath, it should receive a thorough wash using a dog shampoo at least once or twice a month. And it’s best to start when they’re puppies. That way, they can not only get accustomed to bath time but start to love it. Additionally, if you have been noticing knotted fur on your pup and wondering how to get mats out of dog hair, consider incorporating more bathing into your dog’s routine.
Regular doggy bathing helps you forge a bond, get rid of dirt and odors, and also reduce itchy skin, allergies and shedding. This will help keep a healthy dog coat and create a more lustrous and shiny coat, particularly when you use a medicated, hypoallergenic, paraben-free pet shampoo.
The right treatment helps them retain moisture and essential skin oils while helping to alleviate:
- Itching
- Hot spots
- Dermatitis
- Skin ailments
Nutrition Matters
Did you know that your dog’s coat can be an external indicator of their internal health?
Natural supplements and healthy foods can play a key role in ensuring that your dog has a healthy, shiny coat. According to VCA Hospitals:
“A nutritional deficiency can have a huge effect on a dog’s skin and haircoat. This often happens when a dog is fed a homemade diet over a long period of time. A nutritional deficiency can also occur when dogs are fed a poor quality commercial dry food, a commercial food that contains nutrient excesses, or if a commercial diet is supplemented inappropriately.”
A dog’s hair is largely composed of proteins. When their diet is deficient, their hair suffers. So, if you’re looking for the best dog food for a healthy coat, protein should be the first ingredient listed, rather than a grain or animal byproduct. Per Pets WebMD, the best dog food for healthy shiny coats will contain a combination of proteins and amino acids.
Don’t Forget to Groom!
Curious how to stop a dog from shedding too much? Daily grooming can help! Not only does it bond you with your pet but also keeps their coat glossy and promotes healthy skin.
At the very least, you should frequently brush their coat. This helps remove dead skin, dander, and hair while stimulating skin and hair follicles. The process helps increase the natural production of skin oils, further adding to the luster and preventing a dull coat.
Note: Even if your dog has a short coat, don’t underestimate the importance of a good and regular brushing. While they may not need it as often as a long-haired breed, it’s still an essential process to ensuring a healthy, shiny coat.
Exercise
If you have been wondering “Why is my dog losing hair?”, you may not be exercising your pup enough! Regular exercise is an important part of bonding with your canine companion and maintaining their overall health, but it also has side benefits—namely, for their fur and skin.
Frequent runs or walks improve their circulation. When combined with a routine of grooming, nutrition, and bathing, all of these actions ensure that your dog lives a long, healthy, and shiny life.
Daily Supplements Can Make a Huge Difference
Sometimes, even a healthy diet isn’t enough for your dog. Incorporating supplements into your dog’s diet is an easy way to treat your dog while bolstering their health.
Always look for products that contain an essential fatty acid such as Omega 3 fatty acid since they can play a significant role in invigorating your dog’s coat and skin. Per VCA Hospital:
“Providing omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) from fish can make a dramatic difference. The omega-3 FAs modulate the production of chemicals in the body that contribute to inflammation and itching in the skin. Omega-3 FAs have the greatest impact if the underlying causes of itchiness are controlled (e.g., flea infestation).”
When you give your dog the essential nutrients it needs, it doesn’t just help the coat. It can also aid several other health functions, including:
- Digestive support
- Bone strength
- Mental acuity
- Immunity support
Visit a Vet
If you have already tried these solutions and your dog’s coat is still not looking healthy, or you find that your dog is still experiencing skin problems, it could point to a deeper underlying health issue. In that case, don’t hesitate to take your dog to the vet. There, they’ll perform a comprehensive review of your pet’s condition. Even if nothing’s wrong, your vet may give you some extra ideas and methods which you could add to your dog’s daily routine to help maintain a shiny and soft coat.
Vetericyn—Fortifying Your Pup’s Health and Coat
Your dog’s fur is often an external sign of their internal health. When it looks nice, it helps them feel great. That means you’ve got to take proper precautions to fortify and moisturize their coat.
So, wondering how to care for dog hair?
At Vetericyn, we have precisely formulated supplements and shampoos that are meant to support your furry friend’s health. Our animal wellness products are fueled by cutting-edge science and a passion for innovation. Whether it’s helping condition your pup’s coat and skin or fortifying their overall health, Vetericyn is leading the way in at-home animal care.
Are you interested in supporting your pup’s health? Reach out today to find out more.
Sources:
- VCA Hospitals. Nutrition, Skin, and Dogs. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-skin-and-dogs
- Pets WebMD. Dog Nutrition for a Healthy Coat. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dog-nutrition-for-a-healthy-coat#1
