Hair is an indicator of a dog's health. Dull and damaged fur can indicate disease, poor grooming, or parasites. If you're sure your dog doesn't have an illness that's affecting his coat, it's time to get your dog's coat shiny.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Improving Dog Hair Quality
Step 1. Feed your dog a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet
If you buy dog food that is widely sold over the counter, make sure the nutritional content and nutrition are balanced. You may need to ask your vet about a good brand and the right dosage. A diet rich in nutrients is very important for maintaining the health and condition of a dog's coat.
If you're making your own dog food, talk to your vet to make sure it's nutritionally balanced (including vitamins and minerals). You can ensure that your dog is getting a balanced diet by making your own food for your dog
Step 2. Give the dog omega fatty acid supplements
Look for an omega-6 supplement or try adding saffron or sunflower oil. The dose of the two oils is 1 teaspoon for small dogs and 1 tablespoon for large dogs. Do not give too much because it will cause diarrhea. You can also give omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 is contained in flax seeds and fish oil. Whatever supplement you use, make sure you follow the dosage according to the directions on the package.
- Omega fatty acids can reduce itching on the skin of allergic dogs because they contain natural anti-inflammatory properties.
- This supplement also nourishes the cells that develop in the inner layers of the dog's skin. These skin cells will become the outermost layer of the skin in 28 days and give rise to extra hair so don't stop giving supplements prematurely.
Step 3. Groom your dog's coat regularly
You should groom your dog's coat, both long and short, at least once every few days. Use a dog brush and comb as they are designed to straighten out tangles, tangles, and remove dead skin cells from your dog's coat. Find a tool that best suits your dog's coat. Use a brush to spread the natural oils onto the bristles and a comb to smooth out any tangles.
- Fur grooming will increase the oxygen supply to the dog's skin. This will improve the health and appearance of your dog's coat.
- You should rub dry chamois skin to polish and polish all of your dog's coat.
Step 4. Bathe the dog with an appropriate shampoo
Don't shampoo your dog more than once a month to prevent stripping of the natural oils from your dog's coat, which can cause dry skin. Choose a shampoo specifically for dogs and look for a brand that is suitable for the sensitivity of the dog's coat and skin. For example, if your dog scratches a lot, choose a shampoo for sensitive hair or look for one made from wheat, as wheat is a natural itch reliever.
- If your dog likes to roll in mud and needs repeated baths, choose a mild, moisturizing shampoo if possible.
- Make sure the dog's coat is thoroughly washed. Any leftover shampoo and conditioner will irritate the skin and make the coat look dull and damaged.
Step 5. Look for parasites in the dog's fur
Look for parasites like fleas as they can affect the health of your dog's coat. Run your fingers through different areas of the dog's hair (such as behind the ears, near the tail, and on the belly). Look for small dots on the fur. The dots may be flea droppings and are usually concentrated in one spot.
- You may want to visit your vet to check if your dog has internal parasites such as worms. This parasite robs the dog of the nutrients it eats and damages the dog's health, including the health of its coat. The doctor will examine the dog's feces and prescribe medication for your dog.
- The cheyletella parasite is also known as “walking dandruff” because of its large dandruff-like shape and, if you look closely, you can see it walking. The doctor will check for this parasite and recommend spraying the drug once every 2 weeks for 2-3 times.
Part 2 of 2: Finding Dog Skin and Health Problems
Step 1. Check your dog's health
If your dog feels sick or nauseous, grooming will be discontinued, leaving the coat looking dull and untidy. This is a sign to the veterinarian that the dog has a medical condition. Take your dog to the vet if any of the following symptoms appear:
- Decreased appetite
- Excessive thirst
- Throws up
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Bad breath
- Bad ear smell
- Sluggish
- Difficult to breathe
Step 2. Check the dog's dental health
Toothache makes it difficult for dogs to eat. As a result, dogs appear messy and eat their fur. Lift the dog's lips and examine the dog's teeth and gums for disease. A dog's mouth should look like a human's: white teeth and pink gums. If your teeth are coated with plaque (white deposits), wiggle, or you have bleeding or inflammation in your gums, you need to take your dog to the vet for a check-up.
Dogs may have bad breath and may not eat well. If you have a toothache, your dog will drop its food while chewing. This can stain the dog's coat
Step 3. Check if the dog has arthritis (joint pain)
Arthritis or joint pain can cause stiffness and pain in your dog's joints. Your dog may feel sick and stiff to the point of having trouble taking care of himself. Joint pain can be recognized if the dog walks stiffly and has difficulty climbing stairs or jumping into vehicles. Take your dog to the vet and ask about possible treatments.
In the meantime, help your dog by grooming his coat every day. Pay more attention to areas that are difficult for dogs to reach
Step 4. Check if your dog has oily coat or scaly skin
Watch for scaly, dandruff-prone skin or extremely oily coat. Dogs may develop a condition called seborrhea which means the dog's skin follicles produce too much oil. This can trigger flaking or dandruff. The vet will determine the cause of this condition and choose the best treatment method for your dog.
Your veterinarian may recommend adding vitamin A or zinc supplements to your dog's diet to treat skin conditions that your dog has
Tips
- Flaxseed oil and fish oil are rich in Omega-6. However, fish oil smells fishy, so it's best to give supplements in the form of odorless capsules.
- Be wary of over-the-counter medications if you suspect your dog has internal parasites. These medications can be toxic to dogs.
