Maintaining Your Dog's Skin and Coat Health
Is your dog's coat losing its shine? If your dog's coat is beginning to look dull, it could be a sign of a skin problem. Dogs can have allergies, just like humans. Allergies can make your dog's skin itchy and flaky, causing his or her coat to lose its shine. You can prevent this by following these steps:
Give your dog omega 3
A healthy diet rich in fatty acids can benefit your dog in many ways. Omega 3 boosts your dog's immune system, promotes a shiny coat, and helps reduce shedding by providing nutrients missing from many commercial dog foods. Adding an Omega 3 supplement like Super Pure Omega 3 to your dog's food can help address "empty calories" and brighten your dog's coat.
Bathe your dog
Following a regular grooming routine can help maintain your dog's coat and remove any dirt and bacteria that has built up, causing itching and irritation. If your dog has skin allergies, or irritation resulting from a cut or skin lesion, he or she will need a weekly bath. A dog shampoo, such as Be Soothed Shampoo, can help kill bacteria and other microorganisms that cause unpleasant odors. If your dog's skin is very dry, consider using 1-800-PetMeds' Oatmeal and Aloe Vera Shampoo to help moisturize his or her skin.
Manage your dog's shedding
All dogs shed and some breeds shed more than others. Although you cannot completely prevent your dog's shedding, you can keep it under control by using the right grooming tools. The FURminator deShedding Tool for Dogs is a popular choice for dog grooming. It removes your dog's loose undercoat hair, reducing the amount of fur you may find on your home's furniture and bedding.
Relieve your dog's itchy skin
Just like humans, dogs can have allergies. Speak with your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog's allergies. If your dog's skin itching is severe, it could be atopic dermatitis. In that case, your veterinarian may recommend using Atopica for Dogs to treat your dog's irritated, flaky skin.
