Dogs coats are a great indicator of the general health of the pets. A shiny coat indicates that the dog is in good health; a dull coat may point to several problems (skin or internal). Keeping the dog’s coat shiny can be done by following a few tips.
Why Your Dog Should Have a Shiny Coat
The dog’s coat should be normally shiny. The shine is due to some natural oils that are secreted by the dog’s skin and when these are spread over the coat, the coat will have the shiny, healthy look. When these essential oils are not produced in sufficient amounts, the coat will have a dull, coarse appearance. Consequently, the dog’s skin and coat’s health are interrelated.
Ensure Your Dog Has a Nutritious Diet
The diet of the dog can have a great impact on the appearance of the coat. A diet that lacks the essential nutrients will make the coat look dull, as the skin will be dry also. The dog’s diet should be balanced and include balanced amounts of protein (at least 20%), fibers, fats, vitamins and minerals. You may consider some supplements such as omega fatty acids and vitamin E, which are particularly effective in making the skin and the coat healthy.
Instead of these supplements you may add some ingredients to your dog’s food:
- Fish oil
- Olive oil
- Sunflower oil
- Canola oil
- Flaxseed oil
Add 1 tbsp of these once per day and you will notice an improvement in the appearance of the dog’s coat.
Bathe the Dog
The bathing of the dog should be performed on a regular basis. Talk to your vet to find out how often you should bathe your dog; this will vary according to your dog’s breed and hair length. When bathing your dog you should opt for a suitable shampoo, which will moisturize the skin. If your dog has dandruff, you should opt for a shampoo that contains oatmeal or other herbal ingredients. You may have to experiment with different shampoos; not all dogs respond the same way to the same shampoo, so you need to find a shampoo that is best for your pet and that makes your dog’s coat shiny and won’t irritate the skin.
Brushing and Grooming
The brushing should be performed at least once per week and even more often, if your dog has long hair or double coat. By brushing, you will distribute the natural oils that are secreted by the dog’s skin and keep the coat shiny. Also, when brushing, you will also get rid of the dead hairs that make the coat look dull. Brushing and grooming will make your dog relax and remove stress, which can be a causing factor for dry skin and dull coat.
Regular Checkups
The dog should be taken for regular checkups, so that the vet can detect and treat possible skin and internal diseases as early as possible. A lot of skin infections or internal problems can affect the shine of the coat.