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How to Care for Your Dog’s Coat

First and foremost your dog’s coat is dependent on the nutritional health of the dog. If a dog is unhealthy, the body will choose to fight illness or conserve energy instead of using that energy to grow a shiny and lustrous coat. A dry, itchy, or brittle coat is often an indication that something could be wrong with your dog’s diet. Does your dog have a red itchy belly? Maybe you’ve noticed them licking their paws, or shaking their ears more often. These are all signs that your pet’s skin and/or coat are being affected by inflammation usually from an allergic reaction. Common dog allergies include flea dermatitis, food, or environmental. Narrowing down which allergen is affecting your pup can be a long road, but is certainly worth it for their long-term happiness and health! If you’re worried about the health of your pet the most important thing to do is get in contact with your holistic veterinarian and express your concerns.

What Are Signs of an unhealthy Dog Coat?

Dull coat in dogs can be a major indicator for its internal health. Studies have shown that the health of a dog’s coat is greatly connected to their nutrition, internal health, and how they are groomed. Poor coats can often create hot spots, excessive shedding, and itching. Fortunately we have compiled a list of ways to help maintain a healthy coat on your dog, and warning signs to look for.

How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs?

Your dog requires a long list of vitamins and minerals in its daily diet to perform normal body functions. Some of the most important nutrients in your pet’s diet are protein, fat, and Vitamins A, D, and E. Not only is it important that your pet receives these nutrients, it is equally if not more important that they intake them in proper quantities and ratios. For example, a normal adult dog should consume a diet with at least 18% protein. However, a growing puppy or a highly active working dog may require more protein to maintain a healthy balance. Understanding what you’re feeding your pet is the first step to achieving a truly happy and healthy dog. As with human food, it is equally important to read the ingredient label on your dog’s food. Common foods to avoid are corn, wheat, and soy as well as animal by-product and meal. To find a board-certified veterinary nutritionist® near you please visit: https://acvn.org/directory/ 

Omega fatty acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C,  and Biotin have proven to encourage healthy hair growth and shiny coat. So, how do you ensure that your dog is getting all these nutrients? Supplements. There are many products on the market that claim to produce the same outcome including farmed fish oils, artificial colors or flavors, and some other stuff no one can pronounce. 

NatrixOne™ Camelina Dog Supplement is plant-based, produced in a sustainable manner, and wraps many benefits into one simple easy to use topical oil. “Nearly 60% of the dogs in our 100-dog trial saw significant improvement in coat quality,” says Dr. Rich Coleman, DVM, and chief veterinary officer for NatrixOne.

When do Dogs Shed their Coat?

Dogs have two types of hair in their coat. The guard hair are long and stiff and meant to protect the coat. The secondary hair, also known as the undercoat, help keep the dog warm during winter months.

Dog breeds with a double coat will typically shed both in the fall and spring, while breeds that have an evergreen coat will shed hair year round.

How to reduce dog shedding?

Unfortunately you can’t stop a dog from losing it’s coat. Regular grooming will help keep the amount of hair that is shed around the house to a minimum. A healthy diet that includes vitamins and nutrients found in NatrixOne Camelina Oil will also prevent excessive hair loss.

How Often Should I Groom My Dog?

“Nearly 60% of the dogs in our 100-dog trial saw significant improvement in coat quality,” says Dr. Rich Coleman, DVM and chief veterinary officer for NatrixOne.

Last, but certainly not least, is grooming. Every breed, age, and size of dog can benefit from a regular grooming routine. Just like us, different styles of hair require different levels of grooming. Dogs with curly, double coated, or non-shedding breeds are often thought of as ‘high maintenance’ when it comes to grooming. While they may require a more dedicated grooming schedule to maintain a healthy tangle free coat, short or wire coated dogs can benefit just as equally from proper grooming. There are many different styles of brushes out there, all designed for a specific hair coat. So, if you’ve checked all the boxes and still aren’t satisfied with the glow of your dog’s fur, you should do some research and find what kind of grooming routine best fits your lifestyle and your pup.  

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About the Author

Rich Coleman

Rich Coleman

Dr. Rich Coleman grew up in Fairfield, Ohio and began his journey into veterinary medicine as a kennel attendant at the age of 15. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Cincinnati before graduating from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Dr. Rich took over Plum Veterinary Clinic in December 2006, changed the name to Four Paws Animal Hospital in 2007, built a new facility in 2012 and began a remodel in March 2019 to allow for more growth and opportunities for our community. Dr. Rich Coleman is the Chief Veterinary Officer for NatrixOne™ and completed our 100 dog study in 2018. After seeing results firsthand, he joined the NatrixOne team!