5 Tips for Keeping Your Dog's Coat Healthy
A shiny, healthy coat is one of the best signs of a happy, well-cared-for pup. While regular professional grooming is important, what you do at home between appointments matters just as much. Here are my top five tips for keeping your dogās coat in beautiful condition.
1. Brush Regularly
This is the single most important thing you can do at home. Brushing removes loose fur, prevents matting, and distributes natural oils throughout your dogās coat. How often depends on your dogās breed:
- Long-haired breeds (Shih Tzu, Maltese, Poodle): Daily brushing
- Medium-coated breeds (Golden Retriever, Border Collie): 2-3 times per week
- Short-haired breeds (Labrador, Boxer): Weekly brushing
Make sure youāre using the right brush for your dogās coat type ā a slicker brush works well for most breeds, while a bristle brush suits short-haired dogs.
2. Feed a Quality Diet
Your dogās coat is a direct reflection of their nutrition. A diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promotes a shiny, healthy coat. Look for quality dog foods with real meat as the first ingredient, and consider adding a fish oil supplement if your vet recommends it.
3. Donāt Over-Bathe
It might seem like more baths = cleaner dog, but over-bathing strips the natural oils from your dogās skin and coat, leading to dryness and irritation. For most dogs, a bath every 4-6 weeks is ideal ā unless theyāve rolled in something particularly questionable!
When you do bathe at home, use a dog-specific shampoo. Human shampoo has a different pH and can irritate their skin.
4. Keep Up with Professional Grooming
Regular professional grooming isnāt just about looking cute (though thatās a bonus!). A proper groom includes thorough deshedding, coat conditioning, and checking for skin issues you might miss at home. I recommend booking every 4-8 weeks depending on your breed.
5. Watch for Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for changes in your dogās coat that might indicate a health issue:
- Excessive shedding or bald patches
- Dry, flaky skin
- Dull, lifeless coat
- Excessive scratching or licking
If you notice any of these, chat with your vet. Sometimes a coat issue is the first sign of an allergy or underlying health condition.
Need help figuring out the best grooming routine for your pup? Book a session and Iāll be happy to chat about your dogās specific needs and recommend a care plan that works for both of you!