5 Proven Tips to Keep Your Dog's Coat Healthy and Shiny

Pet owners often discuss with fellow pet owners “how to keep their dog’s coat healthy.” They often get tired of seeing their furry friends scratching and licking a lot.

Sometimes, pet owners ignore these symptoms in their dogs until it turns out to be a big issue.

If you, too, have ever asked this question to your friend, neighbor, or relative or are part of a Facebook group or Reddit forum related to pet care, this blog post is for you.

We are sure you’d want a healthier and shiner coat for your pet. Don’t you? Let's dive in to discuss how you can do so.

Understanding Your Dog’s Coat and Skin

We all love the furry balls and cuddle and kiss them. That’s only because of their well-groomed skin and coat, whose shine and brilliant color make your dog feel and look amazing and reflect on how well it is doing overall.

Your dog’s coat consists of Keratin, a protein found in human hair. It develops from follicles located in the skin’s inner layer. What sets it apart from your hair is that once it reaches a specific length determined by its breed’s genetics, it stops growing and then sheds.

Also, like humans, dogs possess various hair types, including curly, fluffy, coarse, long, and short hair, and show different indicators of coat health. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the ideal appearance and texture of your dog's coat based on their breed and to take steps to help them feel comfortable, light, and at ease in their skin.

We returned to the same question, “How can you keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny?” Let's talk about it without wasting any more time.

5 Ways to Maintain Your Dog’s Coat Healthy and Shiny

• Regular Brushing:

We urge pet owners to brush their dogs regularly. It helps distribute natural oils across their skin, enhancing the shine of the coat and maintaining overall health. Additionally, brushing provides an excellent opportunity for quality bonding time. Brushing helps eliminate loose fur and prevents matting. Matted fur can block oxygen and moisture from reaching the skin, causing bacterial infections that manifest as itchy, red spots. The tangled hair can also exert pressure on the skin, potentially weakening it. Even if your dog is groomed by a professional, keeping a selection of grooming supplies at home is wise. Read the labels carefully to choose the appropriate size and firmness that suits your dog.

• Bathe Your Dogs Frequently:

Dogs don’t require as many baths as people do, as their sensitive skin takes some time to develop its natural hairs, and they can clean themselves well.  If your dog is dirty, has long hair, or lives in a muddy area, bathing it every three months is a reliable option for most breeds. However, some breeds may require more frequent bathing.

• Include Multivitamins in Their Diet:

Dogs greatly benefit from multivitamins, which are the cornerstone of their healthy, shiny, and lustrous coat and skin. When you add a dog multivitamin syrup to their diet, which includes ingredients like L-carnitine, you will see your dog getting all the goodness they need. On the other hand, a dog who does not receive a proper diet will have a lackluster, dry coat and may frequently shed fur.

• Include Zinc in Their Diet: 

Zinc is a crucial mineral for dogs, contributing to a shiny coat, healthy skin, proper thyroid function and a robust immune system. Since dogs cannot produce zinc alone, dry or flaky skin may indicate a deficiency. You can provide zinc to your dog through fresh meats like turkey, beef, pork, or lamb or by using a convenient supplement to mix into their food.

• Protect Them From Fleas and Parasites:

Intense itching and scratching because of fleas can lead to significant skin irritation and dryness in pets. When they continuously scratch because of the irritation caused by parasites, it can lead to skin and coat damage. Just a single flea bite can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs. To avoid a flea infestation, providing year-round protection for your pet, home, and yard is essential. Various preventive options are available, such as topical treatments, chewable pills, and collars. Consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable products for your dog.

Overall, ensuring these tips can help your dog maintain a soft, shinier, and lustrous coat.

The Takeaway

To conclude, as a pet owner, you must ensure you provide the best care to your pooch and learn everything about their hygiene. Following the tips mentioned in this blog post can stop them from developing skin problems.