We’ve recently been talking a lot about our ‘coming out of lockdown’ hair and how to care for it, but I have lots of freinds with dogs who remind me of the importance of looking after their coat in the most natural way possible too.
My daughter is furious that we don’t have pets (I’m mad busy!) but we do borrow dogs from time to time, so I asked a guest writer to write this piece for us on good grooming naturally for dogs.
When your dog’s coat is healthy and shiny, it not only looks good but also makes your dog feel more comfortable. That’s why it’s a good idea to visit the vet to make sure there are no underlying conditions if your pet’s fur begins to lose its lustre. Once your dog gets a clean bill of health, here are some steps you can take to get your dog looking and feeling its best.
Brush Often
It’s the natural oils in your dog’s skin that keep its coat looking shiny and vibrant, and regular brushing helps stimulate the hair follicles that produce these oils. As a result, more oils are distributed down each hair shaft, resulting in healthy and lustrous fur. Both long- and short-haired pups benefit from daily brushing; most enjoy the process because it makes their skin feel good, and many really seem to relish getting that extra TLC from their owners. If you love the idea of brushing your pet more often but dread the mess that can sometimes result, get yourself a self-cleaning dog brush for easy cleanup. That way brushing will be a task that both you and your dog can look forward to.
Bathe Routinely
A clean coat is important for your dog’s well-being, so bathing your pup on a regular basis will help keep its fur in top shape. Keep in mind that constant cleaning isn’t a good idea; although humans are used to showering daily, most dogs should only be bathed about once a month to ensure their coats aren’t being depleted of their natural oils. If shampooing at home seems like a messy and exhausting proposition, then scheduling regular appointments for grooming to take care of the task. Most towns now also offer self-washes, which can be more cost-effective than paying for a full-service groomer. Self-wash facilities typically provide you with a basin, shampoos, towels, dryers, and brushes to do your own cleaning; when you’re done, you just walk away and leave the tidying up to the employees.
Nourish Daily
Last but not least, don’t overlook the role that proper nutrition plays in keeping your dog’s coat in good condition. Dull fur can often be the result of missing or low levels of certain nutrients. Everything from omega 3 fatty acids to vitamins A and E to zinc contributes to healthy skin and coats. (For supplements I’ve arranged for you get a ten per cent discount on your orders at www.naturalhealthpractice.com All you need to do is use the code TENJLG21 when you are placing your order).
Of course, feeding your dog a high-quality, well-balanced food product is essential for its overall health, not just the look of its fur. That being said, if you’re offering nutritious food but your pup’s coat is still not looking its best (and there are no medical concerns), then you might want to try adding a coat-boosting supplement to its diet.
If your dog’s coat isn’t as lustrous as it should be, there are several things you can do to help improve its appearance. By brushing and bathing your pup regularly, offering it nutritious meals, and adding supplements as needed, you’ll be doing your part in keeping your dog’s fur shiny and healthy.
So…just like us humans really! Eat well, get nutrient dense food, lots of good oils = healthy hair!