Keeping your dogs' fur healthy and looking great
Cindy Frendo
Keeping a dog's fur healthy and looking great isn't as difficult as you think. It does take some work to keep it in good condition but it is definitely worth the effort. With a little extra work you can make your dog's coat shine but also protect his skin from disease.
Dietary changes you can try Your dog's skin and coat are linked to their diet and nutrition. Due to this, many skin conditions and coat problems can be treated through homeopathic dietary methods. Fatty acids are essential when trying to enhance your dog's hair coat condition and tissue repair. You can try the method of raw egg on their kibble, but nowadays you have several dog supplements available that can help you increase your dog's coat and skin health. Salmon Oil is an excellent source of fatty acids and oils that will benefit your dog's coat and also their arteries and immune system. Additionally you can find products that will enhance your dog's coat and help prevent shedding. Cod liver oil is an essential ingredient in this type of dog nutritional supplement as well as garlic, soybeans and crude proteins that help promote healthy skin and fur. To keep your dog´s coat glossy, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to your dog´s food. Safflower, canola, corn or soybean oils are options to consider.
Grooming your dog It is important that you bathe your dog every so often to keep the skin clean. However bathing your dog too often can cause problems to the skin, specifically robbing the dog's skin of essential oils. One bath a month, after the age of six months is good enough to keep a healthy look to the fur and skin. Veterinary dermatologists suggest bathing your dog at most once a week, but only if you are using specific shampoo designed for your dog. There are many different kinds of shampoo and conditioners that help keep the skin healthy, but some do other things as well. Many protect against flees, while some keep the fur shiny and strong. It is best to consult your veterinarian before starting any bathing. If your dog develops an itch or skin irritation it is most likely because you are bathing him or her too much and should reduce the amount of baths your are giving. Otherwise it is recommended that you keep your dog's fur clean and healthy.
Trimming your dog's fur is another way of keeping the skin and fur healthy and still looking great. In warmer climates a long coat can cause skin irritation and skin disease, as well as keep your dog's energy at a minimum due to extreme heat. Trimming the fur down a little bit will help keep the dog cool and help prevent skin irritation.
You can purchase any grooming supplies from your local pet store and same with the shampoo. Consulting your veterinarian is always important before purchasing anything. I hope this summary offers you a brief understanding of how and what you need to do to keep your dog's fur and skin in good condition.
About the author: Cindy Frendo runs her own puppy training and dog training school from her hometown of Ottawa, Canada. She also runs her own website at puppytrainingrevealed.com