Dog Shiny Coat

What it Takes to Get a Dog’s Coat Shiny

For dogs, a shiny, lush, clean and soft coat gives the impression of health and good grooming. Although dogs seen performing on TV and commercials always tend to display a perfect coat, in real life a dog’s coat can often appear dull and lifeless. Dog owners can often address dull coats by paying more attention to the nutritional, cleaning and grooming needs of their pet.

Nutrition

The right nutrition is vital for improving the appearance of a dog’s skin and coat. Dog Omega Fatty Acids, such as Omega-3’s, are very beneficial for relieving skin problems that affect the appearance of a dog’s coat, specifically Dog Itching, flaking skin and dull coats. The supplements are available in liquid or capsule form and can be added directly to the animal’s food. Usually improvements in the shine and health of an animal’s skin and fur can be noticed after roughly six weeks of consistent use. The food a dog is given is another important issue that influences a shiny coat. Dogs that are fed only a homemade diet may not be getting enough nutrients to keep their coats shiny, especially if they are on a low-fat diet. To reduce the chances of dogs experiencing dandruff or a dull coat, choose a high-quality commercial pet food. To add a little extra shine, dog owners can add olive, flaxseed or fish oil directly into their dog’s food.

Cleaning

There are a variety of different shampoos and conditioners on the market, made just for dogs. As dogs routinely groom themselves, dog owners have to be careful that they do not end up over bathing their dog which can strip their skin of natural oils and promote dry skin and a dull coat. Look for moisturizing or shine-boosting shampoos, conditioners and natural soaps to bring the life back to your dog’s coat. Varieties are also available to treat specific conditions that influence the appearance of a dog’s coat, for instance, oatmeal based shampoos and conditioners are available that can soothe itchy, inflamed skin, allowing your dog’s skin to heal whilst promoting an overall healthier coat. Detangling shampoos may also be a great idea for long haired dogs, such as the Samoyed. When using these products make sure to completely rinse them from your dog’s skin and hair, leftover soap residue can dull the appearance of hair and promote further itching.

Grooming Tools

Combs are useful for detangling the hair and getting out tufts of shedding hair. Regular brushing is also vital to getting a shiny coat as it naturally distributes the oil found in skin and hair while preventing matting and removing dust, shedding hair and debris, all of which affect the look of pet hair. If severe matting is noted, than a visit to a professional groomer might be in order. A professional cleaning and cut can dramatically enhance the shine of a dog’s coat.

Flea Remedies

If Dog Fleas are biting a dog and causing Dog Flea Allergy Dermatitis, the scratching, itching and licking they do as a result can be the reason behind their lifeless coats. A monthly flea medication may be the trick to restoring a dog’s normal shiny coat. Do not use a flea treatment designed for cats on dogs, or vice-versa; dog owners can make sure their pet gets the proper dosage by seeing a veterinarian or by using a natural alternative.