Snuggling your face into your pooch’s fluff makes all your worries melt away. There’s nothing better than a cuddle with your dog.
But it’s always better when your pooch smells clean and fresh, not like a wet towel that was accidentally left in the washing machine for a week.
Other than rolling in some delicious fox-poo, did you know that your dog’s coat health has an impact on how he smells? Keeping your dog’s coat healthy is important, not just for the smell, but it impacts their overall health and well-being too.
So, let’s learn how we can support our furry friend’s fur.
Why is coat health important, not just for us as humans, but for our dogs?
Dogs have all kinds of coat types: short, medium, long-haired, double-coated, single-coated, silky, rough, curly, wired, and smooth. Each breed and type of dog has different coat types for different reasons. Perhaps they’re more waterproof if they’re a swimming breed. Maybe they’re super thick because they originally lived in the snow. Or perhaps they have tight curls and don’t shed much because they’ve been bred to be more suitable for those with allergies.
Whatever the coat type, keeping it healthy is vital because it’s your dog’s first defence against the outside world. It protects their skin and organs from external stresses like irritants, allergens, and physical damage. It also helps with thermoregulation—keeping your dog’s body at its optimal temperature, whether that be to cool them down or warm them up.
How do I keep my dog's coat healthy?
Diet and supplementation
The food your pet eats has a major impact on the condition of their coat. A diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for healthy skin and coat maintenance.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, support the growth of the hair in the skin, helping the coat to look healthy and shiny. EPA also maintains normal inflammatory processes in the skin, which is important for your dog’s overall skin health. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in high-quality joint supplements, as well as in whole foods such as salmon and sardines.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in nuts, corn, soy, flaxseed, and other sources, including some joint and wellness supplements, is crucial for maintaining a healthy coat. Pets who have dry, flaky skin are often deficient in this fatty acid. Low levels of linoleic acid in the skin and diet have been linked to thin hair, discoloured hair, increased shedding, and other skin concerns.
Zinc
Zinc is especially important for skin health due to the high cellular turnover rate caused by constant shedding. Hair loss, skin irritation, and a dull coat are common signs that your dog could benefit from more zinc. It is important to check your dog’s diet to ensure it provides an adequate amount of zinc to maintain healthy skin and overall health.
Regular Grooming/Brushing
Getting coated in your dog’s fur is just part of being a pet parent. But brushing your dog regularly actually helps maintain their skin and coat health and condition.
Brushing your dog regularly, no matter the coat type (unless they are hairless), helps spread their natural oils through to the ends of the hair and prevent buildup. This is why (unless advised by your vet) washing your dog regularly is not recommended. It washes away their natural oils and can dry out their skin and coat.
Brushing your dog helps to prevent matting and knots, which cause irritation and can even become painful as they pull on the skin. A build-up of matted fur also increases the risk of skin infections.
Regular grooming helps reduce the shed fur floating about your house—so less vacuuming for us pet parents, which is always a win! It’s also a fabulous bonding experience and gives you the opportunity to check for cuts, fleas, ticks, irritations, infections or those pesky grass seeds!
A healthy coat is an outward indicator of your dog’s overall health and one of the first things you might notice looking shabby if they’re not feeling their best. As with everything, if you’re concerned about any changes to your dog’s coat or skin, please consult your vet first.
Antinol for skin and coat health
Antinol is a super potent wellness supplement that is scientifically proven to support your dog’s skin and coat health. A healthy, shiny coat starts from within, and Antinol is packed with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which supports your dog’s skin health by locking in moisture, nourishing hair follicles and helping to maintain that beautiful coat that you can’t resist snuggling into. Grab our Starter Pack today and see the difference in your dog.
