Regular Baths
Making sure your dog is bathed often enough is the first and most basic step to a luxurious and shiny coat. Be forewarned though, TOO much bathing can actually hurt the quality of your dog's skin and fur from removing needed natural oils. A bath once or twice a month should be just right for your dog's cleanliness.
Brushing
No matter what kind of fur your canine companion's coat is made of, regular brushing will go a long way to preventing tangles and matting. Its best to brush your dog's fur every 3 or 4 days. If your dog is of a breed particularly known for large amounts of shedding, then a de-shedding brush designed specifically for such dogs is preferable.
High-Quality Food
Make sure your dog is getting food of superior quality. One tell-tale sign of low-quality dog food is that it often leaves dogs with dull, matted coats. This is because poor nutrition has a negative impact on dog coats. Check ingredient labels or consult with a vet to make sure your dog is receiving all the nutrition they need to thrive and maintain their full and shiny coat.
Don't Give Your Dog Unhealthy Treats
We would never advise against rewarding good behavior with a treat! But not all dog treats are created equal. If your dog has a taste for raw carrots, they can be a nutritious and dental health-promoting choice, but there are many other options. If going with store-bought treats, make sure they have good nutritional value and are not just empty calories for your dog.
Ensure Your Dog Takes Parasite Prevention Medication
Parasites can pose a serious health risk to pets and people in the Richmond area. If left untreated, parasites can be life-threatening for your pet and in some cases can even be transmitted to you or other members of your household. Our parasite prevention products can help to protect your dog from many common parasites including fleas, ticks, ear mites, and a gaggle of intestinal worms.
Parasites wreak havoc on the quality of your dog's coat, so preventing them altogether is ideal for keeping their coat healthy.
Utilize Coconut Oil
There are two methods of using coconut oil to make your dog's coat shiny and healthy. Firstly, you can offer a treat by putting a tablespoon of coconut oil into their food once per day. You can also apply the oil directly to the skin and fur with coconut oil to moisturize their skin. You can either spend a few minutes massaging the oil over their body or put a few drops of it into their regular shampoo for similar results.
Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal baths are an affordable way to give your dog a relaxing and itch soothing treatment. For dogs with allergies especially this is a useful way to help them feel better and dull the aching in their skin. Oatmeal baths are excellent for maintaining a beautiful sheen to your dog's coat.
Omega Fatty Acids
Adding omega fatty acids to your pet's diet has the benefit of helping them develop a healthier coat of fur. Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids get the job done but don't overdo it with supplements as they can make your dog nauseous in too high quantities
Herbal Supplements
Certain herbal supplements including horsetail and spirulina have a positive impact on softening dog fur and improving the health of their skin. It is important to speak with a vet about a proper dosage before.
Similarly, herbal supplements, like horsetail and spirulina, can soften your dog’s fur and improve the health of his skin. Just make sure to consult your vet about the right dosage for your dog before adding supplements into their routine.
Speak With Your Veterinarian
As always the best thing you can do is consult your veterinarian about how to maintain your dog's coat. Especially if your dog seems to be itchy, a medical professional can help you take care of them.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.