Does your dog have shiny, glossy fur? If not, it’s possible that your pooch isn’t as healthy as it could be. A healthy coat isn’t only a cosmetic issue.
In fact, your dog’s fur directly reflects its overall health. If your pup looks a little rough, it may be time to explore a few solutions so that they can look beautiful every single day.
Here are some tips on how to keep your dog’s coat healthy.
1. Incorporate More Protein
A poor diet can lead to a less-than-desirable coat. Your dog’s fur needs certain nutrients to grow properly. We can say the same for ourselves! When our diets aren’t exactly the best, it’s easy to notice physical changes.
Your pup has essential daily nutritional requirements that you should remember as their owner. These needs include protein plus other vital nutrients like carbohydrates.
Check your current dog food to ensure that there’s enough protein. If not, try a little cooked chicken or egg to boost your dog’s protein intake.
2. Add Fatty Acids
A few supplements can help your dog shine brighter than ever before. If you can’t afford dog food that covers all your bases, it’s smart to give them some daily supplements as an alternative. Like humans, dogs need omega-3s to survive.
These fatty acids aid functions throughout the body, so it’s essential to ensure that your dog consumes a decent amount. Luckily, it’s easy to meet this goal.
You can try a few different approaches. If your dog tends to shy away from fish, like salmon, it’s best to try fish oil supplements as a next step.
You could also stir a spoonful of flaxseed oil into their food. You’ll want to stick with a single method so that your dog doesn’t ingest too much.
3. Use Proper Products
It’s essential to use certain products when you groom your dog. Some dogs only need a bath and a brush to look terrific. Others may need to make frequent visits to the groomer for their coat to stay maintained.
In any case, it’s best to explore options that fit your dog individually. The proper supplies and equipment can transform your pup’s coat as you’ve never seen.
An appropriate dog brush can make a massive difference. You should also explore specific shampoos and conditioners so that you can manage tangles and other details of your dog’s hygiene.
It’s important to remember not to use any human products on your pup. These can irritate your dog’s skin and lead to health issues. As always, it’s best to leave any coat styling to a professional groomer.
4. Choose Nutritious Treats
It’s crucial to check that your dog’s treats are as healthy as their food. While most dog treats aren’t unhealthy, it’s clear that many could benefit from a few additions.
You want your dog treats to help your dog meet their daily nutritional requirements, even if they don’t eat dog treats too often. Every little bit counts toward your dog’s overall wellness.
Look for an organic, natural product that contains ideal ingredients for your dog’s health. It’s smart to stay away from products that include artificial sugars or colors.
You should also avoid meat by-products. Keep an eye out for soy and gluten additions if your dog has any allergies. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if you don’t know which treats to pick.
5. Try Oatmeal Baths
If your pup’s coat seems irritated, it’s time to try an oatmeal bath. Our pets can experience skin problems like dandruff, so it’s important to pay attention to their skin, too.
Oatmeal contains several antioxidant properties that soothe the skin. It’s a proven remedy for people with skin issues like eczema.
Although you can’t cure any conditions with oatmeal, it still works as a treatment.
Oatmeal isn’t toxic to animals, so you can create a DIY oatmeal bath recipe. You’ll need unflavored oats as well as some olive oil if you want to add extra moisture to the bath. Here’s how to treat your pup to an oatmeal bath:
- Grind the oats with a blender until they reach a fine consistency.
- Run a warm bath for your pup.
- Add the oatmeal mixture into the tub as it fills.
- Work the mixture into your dog’s fur.
- Let your pooch soak for five to 10 minutes.
- Dry your dog with a towel.
Your dog should feel as good as new! Feel free to repeat this process once or twice a week to maintain a soft coat.
You may want to contact your veterinarian if you notice that the dry skin persists, as there could be an infection.
Use These Suggestions To Manage Your Pup’s Coat
You can help your dog achieve a shiny, silky coat with these steps.
It all comes down to their diet and care, so pay attention to your current feeding and grooming methods.
A few quick fixes can make a huge difference!