Keeping your dog healthy and happy is an essential aspect of being a pet owner.
This entails giving your dog enough exercise, feeding him high-quality food, playing, cuddling him, and maintaining his coat. After all, just looking at a dog’s coat can be an indicator of its current state of health.
A dog’s coat can also be a source of comfort and warmth for him. This is why it is essential to keep your dog’s coat shiny and soft. Here are 12 easy ways to do so:
12 Easy Ways to Keep Your Dogs Coat Healthy (Shiny & Soft)
1. Give your dog a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids are not only good for humans but also for dogs. They can help improve your dog’s skin and coat health by making the coat softer, shinier, and less prone to shedding.
You can either give your dog fish oil supplements or feed him food that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or herring.
2. Brush your dog’s coat regularly.
Brushing your dog’s coat on a regular basis not only helps remove dirt and knots but also stimulates the skin to produce natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.
It is best to brush your dog’s coat at least once a week, using a brush that is appropriate for his coat type. Check our guide to help you choose the best brushes for your dog, it will help you make sure you are using the correct brushes on your dogs coat.
3. Bathe your dog only when necessary.
Over-bathing can strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to shedding. Use mild dog shampoo for bathing your dog only when it is dirty or smells bad.
Read here: How often should you wash your dog
4. Use a conditioner after bathing.
Conditioning your dog’s coat after bathing will help replenish the natural oils that were stripped away during the bath. It will also make the coat softer and shinier.
Be sure to use a conditioner that is designed for dogs and that does not contain any harmful chemicals.
5. Give your dog regular massages.
Giving your dog regular massages not only feels good but can also help improve the health of his coat. Massaging the coat helps stimulate the skin to produce natural oils, which keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
6. Protect your dog’s coat from the sun.
The sun can damage your dog’s coat, making it dry and brittle. When taking your dog out for a walk, use a sunscreen that is designed for dogs to help protect his coat from harmful UV rays.
7. Use a humidifier in your home.
Dry air can strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to shedding. Using a humidifier in your home will help add moisture to the air, which will keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.
8. Keep your dog away from cigarette smoke.
Cigarette smoke can dry out your dog’s coat, making it dull and lifeless. If you smoke cigarettes, be sure to keep them away from your dog to help protect his coat.
9. Use a moisturizing dog shampoo.
Shampoos that are designed for humans can strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat, making it dry and brittle. Instead, use a moisturizing dog shampoo that will help keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.
10. Anoint your dog with coconut oil.
Coconut oil is not only good for humans but also for dogs. It can help improve your dog’s skin and coat health by making the coat softer, shinier, and less prone to shedding.
You can either give your dog coconut oil supplements or rub it into his coat after bathing.
11. Keep your dog’s coat clean and free of tangles.
A dirty, matted coat can irritate your dog’s skin and cause him discomfort. Be sure to brush your dog’s coat regularly and keep it clean to help avoid these problems.
12. Give your dog regular baths with a mild dog shampoo.
Over-bathing can strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to shedding. Bathe your dog only when he is dirty or smells bad, using a mild dog shampoo.
Types of Dog Coats
Be sure to understand what type of coat your dog has before you start grooming him. The wrong brush or shampoo can damage your dog’s coat and skin.
There are three main types of dog coats:
1. Single coats have only one layer of fur. They are the easiest to groom and don’t require much maintenance.
2. Double coats have two layers of fur. The outer layer is called the guard coat and the inner layer is called the undercoat. Double coats require more grooming than single coats and can be prone to matting.
3. Wire coats have a dense, course outer coat and a softer, shorter undercoat. They are the most difficult to groom and require special care to avoid matting.
Lets take a look at how you should take care of each of these types of dog coats to help keep their coats shiny and soft.
Long Coat
If you have a dog with a long coat, such as a Yorkshire Terrier or a Lhasa Apso, you will need to brush his coat daily to avoid matting and tangles. Be sure to use a soft bristled brush and be gentle when brushing.
You should also bathe your long-coated dog every two to four weeks, using a mild dog shampoo. After bathing, be sure to use a conditioner designed for dogs to help keep his coat soft and shiny.
Short Coat
Dogs with short coats, such as a Boxer or a Boston Terrier, only need to be brushed once or twice a week. A short-bristled brush will work well for these dogs.
You can bathe your short-coated dog as often as you like, using a mild dog shampoo. There is no need to use a conditioner unless your dog’s coat is particularly dry.
Wire Coat
Dogs with wire coats, such as a Scottish Terrier or a Wire Fox Terrier, require special care to avoid matting. You will need to brush their coats daily, using a wire-bristled brush.
You should also bathe your wire-coated dog every two to four weeks, using a mild dog shampoo. Be sure to use a conditioner designed for dogs after bathing to help keep his coat soft and shiny.
Curly Coat
Dogs with curly coats, such as an American Water Spaniel or a Bichon Frise, require special care to avoid matting. You will need to brush their coats daily, using a bristle brush.
You should also bathe your curly-coated dog every two to four weeks, using a mild dog shampoo. Be sure to use a conditioner designed for dogs after bathing to help keep his coat soft and shiny.
Shedding Coat
Dogs that shed their coats, such as a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever, will require special care to avoid matting. You will need to brush their coats daily, using a bristle brush.
You should also bathe your shedding-coat dog every two to four weeks, using a mild dog shampoo. Be sure to use a conditioner designed for dogs after bathing to help keep his coat soft and shiny.
Dry Coat
Dogs with dry coats, such as a Chihuahua or a Pomeranian, will require special care to avoid matting. You will need to brush their coats daily, using a bristle brush.
You should also bathe your dry-coated dog every two to four weeks, using a mild dog shampoo. Be sure to use a conditioner designed for dogs after bathing to help keep his coat soft and shiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does peanut butter make a dog’s coat shiny?
Some people believe that feeding a dog peanut butter can help make the coat shiny and soft. Peanut butter is high in fat and protein, which can help improve the health of your dog’s coat.
Do eggs make your dog coat shiny?
Eggs are a good source of protein, which can help improve the health of your dog’s coat. They also contain essential fatty acids, which can help make the coat shiny and soft.
Can oatmeal make your dog’s coat shiny?
Oatmeal is a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can help improve the health of your dog’s coat. It also contains essential fatty acids, which can help make the coat shiny and soft.
How often should I brush my dog’s coat?
The frequency of brushing depends on the type of coat your dog has. Dogs with short coats generally only need to be brushed once a week, while dogs with long coats may need to be brushed daily. Be sure to consult your veterinarian or groomer for specific recommendations.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your dog’s coat healthy and looking its best. Remember to brush regularly, use a moisturizing shampoo, and avoid over-bathing. If you have a wire-coated dog, be sure to take special care to avoid matting. Finally, don’t forget the coconut oil!
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your dog has a healthy, shiny coat.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.
