Did you know that 38.4% of households in America have dogs? The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 saw an almost 11% rise in dog ownership. It goes along with the old saying that a dog is a man's best friend.
Dogs make wonderful companions and enhance our lives in so many positive ways. If you have a pup, you may understand that keeping their coat shiny and healthy can be quite a handful. But there are many things you can do to keep your dog’s coat in tip-top condition.
Keeping dog fur healthy is vital for the appearance of your pooch and its overall health. It may be only your dog’s hair to you, but each strand of fur acts as a miniature filter to keep your dog's skin clean and dry. Without proper care and maintenance of their coat, your dog may develop an oily or flaky scalp, which could lead to dirt build-up on their skin and cause irritation and redness.
If your furry friend lacks the shiniest coat, there is no need to worry. There are a lot of things you can do to keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Read on to learn how to better care for your pup’s fluffy floofs.
Dog Washing Tips for a Shiny Coat
We aren't going to say that you need to bathe your dog daily. Bathing your dog too often might harm its coat by removing its natural oils. It should only be necessary once or twice a month, especially if your pup spends most of its time indoors.
It's best to bathe your dog with organic shampoos. Make sure they contain only natural ingredients. It will lessen itching or skin irritation and protect your dog's coat.
When it's time to bathe your dog, do your best to avoid getting the shampoo in its eyes. After giving your dog a lukewarm bath, consider applying coconut oil (which we will discuss later). It will seal in moisture and may prevent skin diseases.
Brush Your Dog’s Coat
It does not matter the type of fur your dog may have; you should comb or brush your pup's coat often. So, start looking for a brush that matches the breed of your dog. If your dog sheds a lot, you should also purchase a de-shedding comb or brush to keep its fur looking well-groomed at all times.
Regular brushing stimulates the skin, increases oil production, and encourages the growth of hair follicles. Taking the best care of your dog's coat means investing in a high-quality standard hairbrush.
Provide Your Pooch With Quality Food
You should provide your dog with a nourishing diet if you want their fur to be robust and healthy. Pay close attention to the ingredients, and feel free to add a little boost to your dog's meal. You can do this by adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil.
In the same way, you should give your dog high-quality food; you should also provide him with nutritious treats. Raw carrots are an excellent option! They are healthful and helpful for your dog's chompers.
Protect Your Dog Against Harmful Parasites
Your dog's skin is easily irritated by fleas and ticks. These little nasty critters cause your pup to bite and scratch herself. You should guard your dog against these parasites because they can harm not only your dog's coat but they can interfere with their health.
While keeping fleas and ticks at bay may seem like a huge undertaking, you can rid your home of pests and insects by regularly vacuuming and washing your pet's bed. Cutting your grass also helps. This will lessen the risk of fleas and stop these buggers from hopping onto your pet.
Use Coconut Oil
As a treat, you can offer your dog coconut. You can add a teaspoon of coconut oil to your dog's food once a day.
Try applying coconut oil to their fur to restore shine and add smoothness to the coat. Both your dog's skin and coat will become hydrated as a result.
Also, massage your pup with coconut oil for a few minutes. A good pup massage is a great way to bond with your canine friend.
Coconut oil is one of the best treatments for treating dry skin and hair. The oil gives your dog's coat a healthy shine in no time!
Add Omega Fatty Acids to Your Dog’s Diet
Some of the best supplements for a dog's fur are omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. While Omega-3 can improve your dog's mood and lessen the pain of arthritis, Omega-6 also aids in the battle against infections.
Keep in mind that for them to be effective, you should give them while they are fresh. Don't overdo Omega acid supplements because doing so could irritate your dog's stomach.
Get Your Pupper on an Exercise Regimen
Exercise enhances the outward appearance of your dog, including its eyes, face, and tail, and helps provide a healthy coat. Exercise also plays a role in contributing to helping your dog be a more social and friendly pet. Providing much-needed activity for your pooch is good for overall health, inside and out.
Talk to Your Vet About Your Dog’s Coat
Finally, if your dog appears to be itching, it may suffer from allergies. Because every dog is unique, you want to ensure you're doing the correct thing for your pet. So, consult your veterinarian for advice on the appropriate course of action.
Skin health may be an indicator of medical conditions that your pet may suffer from. Problematic dog coats can result from pesky parasites like tapeworms, thyroid issues, and unseen infections.
An unhealthy coat can also result from stress and anxiety. Make an emergency appointment with a licensed veterinarian for quick and efficient treatments if your dog often complains of dry and itchy skin.
A Healthy Coat Takes Commitment
It takes dedication to get your dog's coat to shine. Understanding the relationship between your dog's diet and coat health, as well as the relationship between your dog's diet and general health, enables you to provide your precious pet with the ideal diet for a healthy life and coat for years to come.
Bubbly Paws Dog Wash and Grooming can help your pet get on its way to sporting a shinier and healthier coat! Contact us or check out our Blog section for helpful tips and tricks.