A happy dog is a healthy dog, and a healthy dog has strong,
shiny fur. Your dog’s coat is one of the best ways to gain insights into your
dog’s condition, be it physical or emotional. It’s very important to get to
know the ideal qualities of your furry friend’s breed and to set aside time to
maintain his or her coat with regular brushing and washing.
The right food
A balanced diet with plenty of protein and amino acid
content will help strengthen and replenish your dog’s coat by giving it the
building blocks of the hair’s natural structure. Dog fur is made mostly of
protein, so a coat that is dull or fragile can be an indication that your pooch
isn’t getting the best nutrition. Do your research about the best kind of food
and the right portions of it for your dog. If the diet needs an extra boost,
you can talk to your vet about pet supplements.
Unwanted guests
The fur can be an inviting shelter for ticks, fleas, and
other parasites that are very bad for your dog’s health. This is especially
true in dirty, matted hair. Parasites can lead to infections and discomfort in
your dog. Keeping the coat clean and brushed gets you up close and personal
with your dog’s skin and hair, ensuring that parasites stay away or don’t get
to set up shop for very long.
Bad news with balding
Excessive hair loss or patches of baldness on your dog’s
coat can be a sign of any number of problems. This can result from such things
as hormonal problems and tumors, though it can also be a symptom of emotional
problems, like stress or impulse control issues. Different breeds have
different rates of shedding, especially as the seasons change, but extreme or
unusual hair loss can be an indication of more serious concerns for your dog’s overall
health.
That “new dog” smell
The look and feel of the fur aren’t the only ways to monitor
your dog’s health through his or her coat. The fur should also smell fresh in
between baths. A strong, musky, or foul odor on dry fur is often an indication
of bacterial infection, fungus, fleas, or even dry skin. A coat that stays
stinky even after a scrub is a sign that a visit to the vet may be in order.
Keeping your dog’s coat strong and shiny will teach you a
lot about how to care for his or her health in general. It’s a great way to
monitor nutrition, win the fight against parasites, and stay informed about
your dog’s feelings. It’s also a wonderful way to bond. Regular brushing,
baths, and petting are all part of the process, so show your dog love and
attention for the good of his or her health as well as the good of your
relationship with one another.
