Just like humans, a dog’s hair or coat is also their crowning glory. However, their coat can also tell something about health. With that, as their owners, it is your responsibility to keep their coat looking its best. Here’s how.
Bathe
One of the most important and obvious things to do to care for your dog’s coat is to ensure that you bathe your dog regularly. Just like humans, doing this will wash away any dirt and grime from their coat. This will also leave their hair soft and smelling good.
However, it doesn’t mean that you need to bathe your dog every single day as this can also damage their coat and wash away the needed natural oils that their skin produces, which is vital for overall coat and skin health. Depending on your dog’s hair length, activity level, and skin conditions, it is recommended to bathe your dog at least once every three months.
Comb
Whether your dog has already taken a bath or not, it is also important to regularly brush their hair. Needless to say, this will make their coat shiny and tangle-free. Aside from that, the experts at golden-retriever.com say it’s also helpful to release dead hair and cut down excess shedding. Brushing helps with distributing the natural oils in their skin too.
But don’t just use any brush. Apparently, brushes for pets come in various shapes and sizes because they’re used for different purposes. A slicker brush, for instance, is for detangling and removing loose fur, a pin brush is for longer coats, a bristle brush is for short coats, an undercoat rake is for heavy coats, etc.
Use Dry Shampoo
Again, bathing can wash away your dog’s natural oil, which is vital in promoting a healthy coat and skin. But, what if your dog suddenly jumped on a puddle of mud a day after taking a bath? One of the things you can do is to use dry shampoo.
Unlike bathing, you can use it more often to keep your dog’s coat neat and clean in between baths. But, don’t overdo it as it may also get rid of your dog’s natural oil. Instead of using it every day, you can just use it weekly.
Also, note that you only use dry shampoo that is made for dogs as they don’t contain any ingredients that are toxic to dogs unlike the ones made for humans.
Watch their Diet
Believe it or not, but your dog’s diet can also affect their coat’s look and overall health. That said, don’t give them just any treats. If your fur baby isn’t getting the proper diet they need, then their coat can look dull, haggard, or even patchy.
That said, make sure that it’s healthy for them too. Pet health specialists say that foods with lots of protein, beneficial fats, and healthy oils are the ones you’d want to give your dog for a great-looking coat.
Prevent Ticks and Fleas
Ticks and fleas don’t just make your dog’s skin itchy. They can also cause skin and hair problems. These pesky small creatures can cause itch, which causes your dog to scratch away fur and leave bald patches. It could also cause irritation over time.
That said, make sure that you also keep ticks and fleas at bay. One of the things you can do is to use specially formulated dog shampoos and powders to prevent those pests. There are also special collars that will effectively fight ticks.
Consult with Your Vet
Your dog’s overall health, skin, and coat are all connected. If your dog is sick, you’ll notice that their coat also looks dull.
Sometimes, the reason for your dog’s coat’s look is an underlying medical condition. Thus, if you notice your dog’s coat seems to not improve even after all the bathing, combing, and whatnot, maybe it’s time for you to visit your trusted veterinarian.
They can tell if what’s causing your dog’s dull coat is illness or not. In addition to that, they can also guide you on what you can do to improve it, as well as their overall health. And if it’s ticks or fleas that are causing damage to your dog’s coat, your vet can also give medications for your dog to treat their skin and to get rid of the ticks and fleas.
Your dog’s coat isn’t just there to make them look more adorable or majestic. Just like in humans, their hair also protects them from the external environment. Thus, make sure to keep them clean and neat.
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