Working from the Inside Out for Healthy Skin and A Great Coat

There is something special about the look of a healthy dog. It is a gleam in the eye, a bounce in the step, and above all, a glossy, healthy coat. That glow is a reflection of your dog’s overall health and is a good indicator of what is happening both inside and outside your dog. Several factors play roles in a dog’s skin and coat health:

• Heredity
  
  
• Nutrition
  
  
• Internal or external parasites
  
  
• Health
  
  
• Grooming.

Although genetics determines the thickness, length, colour and texture of a dog’s coat, your care can do a great deal to influence your pet’s skin and coat health.

Regular veterinary checkups will ensure that your dog is disease-free and does not carry parasites. Flea bite allergy and external parasites, such as mange, are primary causes of hair loss and skin problems.

Feeding a quality pet food is one of the best things you can do for your dog’s skin and coat health. Although dogs can be considered omnivores, they are best fed as carnivores. They need protein and thrive on diets rich in animal-based protein sources.

Hair is actually made up of 95% protein! Although coat growth varies by breed, the combined growth of all the hair can add up to 33 meters per day in some dogs. This means that nearly 30% of the animal’s daily protein requirement is used just for coat growth during some seasons.

Premium pet foods are carefully formulated with high-quality ingredients and are complete and balanced. Ingredients in premium foods are highly digestible so your dog’s body uses the nutrients efficiently.

Less costly foods may contain lower-quality ingredients including protein sources. Though a bag of premium food may cost a bit more than other brands, you may feed less, which minimises the cost difference.

Recent scientific studies have found that certain fatty acids play a critical role in canine skin and coat health. For some time, veterinarians and nutritionists have known that a diet which includes vitamin-rich fish oils can help achieve and maintain a full, glossy coat.

The overall health of your "inner dog" is most important in creating a beautiful, healthy coat, but your care of the "outer dog" plays a role as well.

Regular grooming removes loose hair, dirt and mats, and also distributes skin oils. It also gives you a chance to check your pet closely, catching any skin problems early, and your dog will love the attention!

As dogs age, their skin may become more sensitive. Select a mild dog shampoo for your older dog. Unusual or "doggy" odours can signal disease, so if odours persist, contact your veterinarian. Do not use human shampoos since they can actually be too harsh for a dog’s skin. Thorough rinsing is the most important part of your dog’s bath ritual. Residue left on the skin can be irritating.

When summer approaches, it is time to pay close attention to your dog’s skin and coat. Since many dogs shed a winter coat and others face a seasonal flea problem, it is a good time to evaluate your dog’s skin and coat condition. You do not want the situation to get out of control.

Essential Grooming Tools:

• Brush
  
  
• Flea comb
  
  
• Nail clippers
  
  
• Mild dog shampoo

Attention to your dog’s coat and skin from the inside out will support a healthy, lively dog that is a joy to look at and a pleasure to live with every day!