The condition of your dog’s coat is greatly affected by the type of care they’re given. A dull and dry coat can be a sign that your pet may have key nutritional deficiencies, while a shiny coat is indicative of good health and proper care.

A dull and dry coat may also be caused by use of harsh dog shampoos, a flea or mite infestation, bacterial or fungal infections, thyroid problems or a poor diet. Whatever the cause, it is important to ensure that you find the correct remedy and take steps to ensure that your dog’s coat retains a shiny and healthy look. Below are five strategies you can use to achieve this:

Protection from the elements

As is the case with humans, it is important to protect your dog from harsh conditions such as extreme heat and cold. You can do this by providing adequate shelter, using an FDA approved sunscreen and using t-shirts or reflective jackets on short-haired breeds.

Coat health supplements for dogs

You should also consider buying coat supplements for dogs in order to ensure that your dog’s coat stays shiny and healthy. These supplements will often contain healthy ingredients like fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, enzymes and others that will guard against nutritional deficiencies and help to ensure your dog’s coat gleams with health. In addition, ensure that you incorporate omega 3 supplements or fish like sardines and tuna to your dog’s diet in order to improve the condition of their coat. Omega 3 enriched eggs will also suffice if you are unable to find fatty fish.

Regular but infrequent bathing

Bathing your dog too often will strip their coat of the natural oils necessary to keep their coat healthy. You should bathe your dog on a regular basis but not too often as this will strip a dog’s coat of natural oils. A good rule of thumb is to bathe your dog once or twice a month with a gentle natural moisturizing shampoo followed by a conditioner with Vitamin E or coconut oil.

Spa treatments

At home spa skin treatments will work wonders for your dog’s coat. A regular olive oil or tea tree soak will keep their coat smooth and supple. Using essential oil baths will also help to fight off bacteria and fungi, thus preventing itchy and dry skin conditions that are unsightly to look at and uncomfortable for your dog.

Regular checkups

Regular visits to the vet are necessary for keeping your dogs’ coat healthy and shiny. Your vet will be able to tell if something is amiss and point out problem areas that you might not have noticed. In addition, they will be able to provide you with information on the best diet based on your dog’s breed, age and gender.

Conclusion

Keeping your dog’s coat healthy and shiny is as easy as ensuring they eat the proper foods, get regular but infrequent grooming, providing them with the right supplements and keeping them protected from extreme weather. With the right strategies, you should be able to keep your dog’s coat healthy and ensure that it is shiny for a very long time.