What does it take to improve my dog’s coat?
A healthy dog coat is the sign of a healthy body and to maintain a healthy coat and skin you need to take care of the outside and inside of the body. A good diet, parasite control and regular grooming will all help to keep the coat shiny and smooth and the skin supple and clear.
A healthy coat should feel soft, pliable and smooth. An unhealthy coat will have dry, coarse and brittle hairs and the coat may also be sparse and thinning or shot and underdeveloped. A healthy coat and skin is clean and free of scales, scabs and crusts and will look harsh, dull or even dusty. The first thing you need to look at is your dog’s diet. Make sure you are feeding a healthy diet full of real meat and protein, with few if any by-products, preservatives and grains like corn, wheat and soy, which can cause allergies. At Clippity Snip we recommend a promote a raw or BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet.
So what other natural ways are there to help maintain a healthy coat?
REGULAR BRUSHING
Regular brushing stimulates the skin and hair follicles, increasing the natural production of skin oils that make the coat shiny. We recommend brushing your dog once every couple of days.
REGULAR BATHING
Bathing regularly with the appropriate pet shampoo will keep the coat clean. At Clippity Snip we recommend the use of natural shampoos that have the correct ph balance and bathing once a month to ensure you are not stripping the coat of essential oils. Over-washing can lead to dry skin and irritation.
FEEDING FISH
Fish such as Tuna, Sardines and Salmon are full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help contribute to a healthy coat. You can add some to your dog’s food.
A LITTLE OIL
Stir between one teaspoon to one tablespoon of sunflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil or flaxseed oil into your dog’s food to keep the coat healthy. Coconut oil can also help to clear up any skin conditions whilst flax oil will help reduce itching.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Try Horsetail which is high in silica and is essential in the maintenance of healthy and strong skin, bones and fur. Spirulina is also good as it contains protein, vitamin B and carotenoids but be careful not to use too much.
PROTECTION
Dogs that have no shelter from the elements and are kept outside most days will have coats that change to be more thick and dry, to provide natural protection. Providing additional shelter will help to encourage a shinier coat.
OATMEAL BATH
Dogs with dull coats often have skin problems as well. An oatmeal bath helps soothe the skin, tame itching and leaves the coat soft and shiny. Oatmeal contains vitamin E which acts as a natural softener.
“A healthy coat is the sign of a healthy body.”
-CLIPPITY SNIP
For further advice and information or to make an appointment please emailĀ mark@clippitysnip.co.ukĀ or call 07590 053758.