A dog with a shiny, healthy coat can and does turn heads. And your dog's health is directly related to how shiny and luxurious its fur looks. Here are 5 really easy ways to protect its health and insure a beautiful coat.
Feed a Healthy Diet —- You are what you eat is true for dogs too. Making sure you're providing your pooch with the best food for its size, breed, and individual needs can be a big job. With so many kinds of food on the market, and scary recalls of food that is unsafe, it's hard to know where to turn.
After the major pet food recall several years ago, many have returned to feeding dogs the way it was done 50 years ago — from the table. Confer with your veterinarian about foods to avoid and to get ideas about what kinds of daily portions make for a healthy diet.
If you choose to buy commercially produced food, make sure the first ingredient listed is protein (chicken / lamb) rather than a by-product of some sort. Also make sure it is grain free, as in no corn, soy, or wheat. Rice and oats are the two acceptable exceptions. A healthy looking coat is a result of good nutrition and healthy skin. And the right diet is 90% of the battle.
Regular Bathing -Setting up a regular schedule for bathing will keep the skin healthy and ward off germs that lead to hot spots. Not only are these skin problems miserable for your dog to end, but they can lead to Staph (short for staphylococcus) infections and other more serious problems.
It's important to use a shampoo that is specifically designed for dogs. Do use your vet as a resource for helping you choose whether it needs to be for oily, dry, or just healthy skin. Be sure to ask about frequency because bathing too often can lead to dry skin which can cause excess itching and damage to the skin and coat.
Veterinarian — Sign up for yearly check ups for shots, blood work, and a thorough examination of teeth, ears, eyes, paws, and heart. The best defense is a strong offense. And finding potential problems early will keep your pet and its coat healthy.
Preventative Medication — The adage "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is so totally true here. Tablets for heart worm should be given once a month every month regardless of temperature or location. Frontline or something like it should be applied to the skin to kill ticks and fleas to avoid the problems that can occur when they bite.
Proper Grooming — Every coat is different in terms of what it needs to stay looking good. Some tangle more easily than others. Some are late to matting. Every pooch can benefit from having their fur brushed and untangled regularly. Not only is it good for the fur, but it stimulates the skin and helps keep it healthy.
