When it comes to fur parents, a dog’s health is one of their top priorities. While feeding them good-quality food with the proper nutrients and giving them their daily exercise is an absolute must, it doesn’t just end there. Excellent pet care includes coat and skincare as well. Poor maintenance can result in harsh-looking fur, along with redness and possible infections.
There are numerous ways to keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy. Just ensure that you practice it routinely to maintain its beautiful appearance. Listed below are some tips to help you do so:
1. Incorporate Protein Into Their Diet
Your dog’s diet can significantly affect their health. That’s because they get their nutrients from the food that they eat. So, it’s essential to feed your dog meals that are packed with protein, as it can significantly improve and maintain the appearance and health of their coat.
Surprisingly, 90% of your dog’s coat is affected by protein intake. While adding table food might not be an option, there are a variety of dog foods that can give them the protein their body needs. You may want to start introducing taste of the wild with ancient grains to your pet’s diet and check for improvements in their coat after a month of continuous use.
2. Groom Regularly
One of the most obvious ways to keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy is by grooming them regularly, ideally every three months. This will help maintain an appropriate length, and it’ll be easier to detect possible skin concerns that need immediate care. The faster you find any skin or hair issues, the quicker you can handle them.
With proper grooming, you or your groomer will cut your dog’s hair into your desired length and trim their nails. Short claws will reduce the chances of wounding skin due to excessive scratching, which they may be prone to doing even if they don’t have any fleas. And aside from all the health benefits of grooming, your pet will always look their best.
3. Have Regular Baths
No matter how many times you bring your dog to the grooming salon, if you don’t give them regular baths, you may end up with a lot of fleas and infections that can harm their skin and coat. To practice proper hygiene, you should bathe your dog regularly, even if they’re not big fans.
It doesn’t mean that you have to wash them every day. Ideally, it would be best if you only bathe your dog once every two weeks. At most, you can wash them weekly or whenever necessary. Doing this too often can strip their coat’s natural oils, making it look dull and unhealthy. Stick to a scheduled bathing routine that’s just right for keeping your dog’s fur in its best condition.
4. Use The Right Shampoo
With such a broad market for pets, there are plenty of dog shampoos available at pet stores. While buying the most expensive one might be your first instinct, price shouldn’t be the only thing you look at. Consider the benefits and ingredients of each option as well.
As you shop for the perfect shampoo, try to look for organic ingredients with fewer chemicals. These ingredients will help promote natural healthy hair growth. Moreover, each breed has a different hair texture and, therefore, different maintenance requirements. There are a variety of shampoos that cater to the needs of these breeds, and it’s best if you can find one that specifically suits your dog. Be sure to check out Calgary dog groomers for great options.
5. Brush Fur Daily
In addition to bathing, you should also brush your dog’s coat daily as a part of their fur care. Regular brushing can stimulate blood flow, encouraging good and healthy hair growth.
When brushing your dog, make sure you use a brush that works for their fur type. Certain brushes are suitable for long, short, curly, or straight fur. You can look for reviews online, or you can ask your vet if they have any brush suggestions and recommendations fit for your pet.
6. Ask Your Vet For Supplements
One of the best ways to guarantee excellent hair and skin condition for your dog is asking your vet for supplements. Vitamins, especially omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, help make your dog’s skin and coat healthier. You can also add sunflower, flaxseed, and fish oil into their food for easier consumption while getting all the benefits.
When giving your dog oils and supplements, ensure that you consult with your vet first about an appropriate dosage for your dog. Giving too much can upset their stomach or lead to harmful complications. But at the right amount, you should start seeing great improvements to your dog’s appearance and health.
The Verdict
A shiny coat and healthy skin not only make your dog look more cuddly and well-cared for but also improve their mood and ensure that they’re comfortable and itch-free. Properly caring for their fur means your dog will always look and feel good.