Everyone likes to hear nice comments about their pets. Being complimented on the appearance of my dog’s coat always makes me smile. Being an Alaskan Malamute, there’s only so much I can do to make Annika’s coat shimmer in the sun. I used to have a big black lab that always had a shiny coat. Here are my 8 tips on keeping your dogs coat shiny.
Brushing your dog’s fur will loosen up the little bit of dirt that accumulates each day. This can be a tedious task if you have an extra hairy dog or one that is constantly rolling in the dirt. It’s truly amazing at how much you can spruce up dingy fur with even a little bit of regular brushing.
Just like with human hair, dog fur can become dingy over time. You know how your hair becomes greasy and dull when it isn’t washed regularly? This same thing happens to your dog’s fur. If you have an extra furry dog, like my malamute, then you might not notice just how dirty the fur actually is. Try bathing your dog every so often and see if this doesn’t help increase the shine of his coat.
You might be able to get away with using a cheap shampoo on your dog. Using a quality conditioner afterwards will generally keep your dog’s coat from being dulled out by the bathing process. Dogs don’t require a daily bath, so putting a little extra money into a good shampoo and conditioner combination might benefit your dog’s coat. This investment should also keep him from scratching due to itchy skin caused by cheap products.
My mom takes her little Silky Terrier to the groomers regularly. I’ve seen the groomer use a finishing spray on Otis to increase the gloss in his coat. All you have to do is spray it on the dog’s coat while the fur is still damp and the shine is amazing!
Fleas are notorious for making fur dingy with their eggs and excrement. These nasty little parasites can easily be gotten rid of with the many sprays, collars, powders, and dips available at pet stores today. Be sure to not only take care of the bugs on your dog, but make sure his bed and living quarters are treated for bugs as well.
Supplying your canine companion with a supplement that is rich in fatty acids will help keep his skin healthy and thus increase the shine of his coat. There is a supplement called Dermatrix that is available for both cats and dogs. It has Omega 3, 6, and 9 in it. This is an excellent supplement to give your dog if you don’t think he’s getting enough vitamins from his kibble.
A healthy dog will normally have a very healthy looking coat too. Taking your dog for his regular check ups will keep you well informed as to his well being. A dull coat might even be a clue that your dog isn’t feeling so well. If you normally have a dog with a glossy and beautiful coat and it has suddenly become dull, it might be time to see the vet.
Generic brand dog food will keep your dog alive, but his coat won’t necessarily be as shiny as it could be. High quality dog food contains all the proper nutrients dogs need. The more expensive kibble is usually made with choice pieces of meat, veggies, and lots of vitamins and minerals. I’m not saying that you need to buy the most expensive dog food around, but investing a bit more in your dog’s food will show in the enhanced appearance of his fur coat.
I hope you find these 8 tips on keeping your dogs coat shiny to be useful ones. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that not all breeds of dog have super shiny coats. Some dogs have coats that are naturally dull and this doesn’t mean anything bad. As long as you know your dog is healthy, happy, and eating properly, then you shouldn’t have any worries. What do you do to keep your dog’s coat shiny?
Top Photo Credit: Batikart