How to Manage Your Dog’s Hair Better?

PetSutra SEO
Jul 10, 2017 · 5 min read

If your dog’s hair has been feeling dull, coarse, or lifeless lately, it is time to take a few steps to make his/her fur shiny, smooth, and soft again. Apart from the quality of the hair, excessive hair shedding is a serious problem that is encountered by dogs of all breeds and ages. However, dogs with thicker hair or denser coats tend to shed more. But do not worry, we’ve got the solutions for you. Here are 6 steps you can take to ensure minimal shedding and maximum health for your dog’s hair.

Good-Quality Food

If you feed your pet low-quality or cheap dog food, it will not only have an adverse impact on his general health but specifically on his fur as well. Similarly, while homemade food may be safer and sometimes healthier, it can lack some essential nutrients that a well-balanced dog diet ideally require. Coarse and dry hair can be caused by low-fat diets that lack omega-6 fatty acids. You must ensure that you check the ingredients and labels of the dog food you are buying to know the amount of omega-6 it contains. Providing supplements like fish oil and flaxseed to your pet can have excellent results in the form of healthier skin and coat. However, you need to be careful about the quantity being given as excessive consumption can lead to stomach issue.

Brush Regularly

Brushing your dog’s hair is not something that can be done occasionally. It must be done at regular intervals so as to get rid of dead hair and skin cells. Regular brushing also increases the natural production of skin oils, and this leads to softer hair. It improves blood flow and circulation in the skin, providing energy and stimulating hair follicles. One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce excessive hair shedding is to brush your dog on a daily basis.

Frequent Baths

Just like humans, dogs too need frequent baths to stay clean, healthy, and free of infections. Based on their specific requirements, bathing schedules can be different for different dogs. For example, dogs with oily skin need more regular baths than others to keep clean while those with dry skin should be bathed less frequently to avoid coarse and dry hair. It is also determined by the activities your dog engages in. Active and playful dogs are more likely to get their fur dirty in a small span of time, and thus need to be shampooed more often. In general, bathing your pet once every month is a good idea. It is just enough time for the fur to retain its natural nutrients and oils while simultaneously removing the accumulated dirt and grime before it builds up to unmanageable amounts. You can also use a natural conditioner when shampooing your pooch to add an extra layer of moisture and protection against environmental stressors. Conditioners which contain Vitamin E, as well as completely natural ones such as coconut milk, are useful.

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Coconut Oil

It is common knowledge that the quickest way to get shiny, silky hair is a hot massage with coconut oil. Well, this magic potion works on dogs’ hair too! Not only does it work wonders for their hair and skin, it also promotes their digestive health. Coconut oil moisturizes dry skin and hair and can transform your dog’s fur from dry straws to lustrous locks in no time. It can be applied externally or consumed orally. You can massage the oil into your dog’s fur for a few minutes or alternatively, you can put a teaspoon of it into his/her food daily.

Oatmeal Bath

If your dog is constantly scratching himself and there is a noticeable deterioration in the quality and appearance of his fur, one solution is an oatmeal bath. This can soothe the skin immediately, stopping your dog from excessive scratching which makes the hair dull.

Take some finely ground oatmeal and immerse it in warm water in a tub. Allow your dog to soak in it for approximately 10 minutes.

An oatmeal bath not only makes the fur visibly softer and smoother, it also soothes the affected skin that hides behind dull and dry hair. Oatmeal works like magic because it contains Vitamin E, which is known to be good for hair and skin.

Herbal Remedies

Two effective herbal remedies for your furry friend’s hair problems are Horsetail and Spirulina. Horsetail benefits dogs’ skin, bones, and fur as it contains silica. On the other hand, Vitamin B and carotenoids are found in Spirulina.

It is important to be careful about the quantity of the substances that you are giving to your pet. Make sure to consult a vet and conduct a patch test before using these remedies.

Implement these tips and you will notice an almost immediate improvement in the quality and health of your dog’s fur. Be a proactive pet parent, and ensure your mutt is in the pink of health always!

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