Have you ever looked at your dog and thought, “wow, that’s a great-looking coat!”? You’re not alone. Many dog owners are proud of their furry friend’s coat, but if it looks less than stellar, what can be done about it? The first thing to do is look over these tips for keeping your dog’s hair healthy and looking great.
These tips will not only ensure that your dog’s coat is in tiptop form but also prevent any kind of allergic infections which is common in dogs. Dogs are prone to various kinds of skin problems that drive them crazy over licking and scratching the affected spot.
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, it’s suggested to give them allergic medicines like Apoquel dog tablets. It is an FDA-approved medicine for treating itchy allergic reactions in dogs.
Unlike steroids and cyclosporine, Apoquel works by targeting cells that cause itching rather than simply reducing inflammation caused by scratching. Plus, it has minimal impact on your dog’s immune system. So your dog will be relieved so as you.
While medications like Apoquel help treat skin irritation and allergies in dogs, it’s always better to avoid them in the first place. Start by keeping your dog’s coat healthy with the following tips:
Wash Your Dog’s Coat Regularly
Washing your dog’s coat regularly is one of the most important ways to keep it looking good. Dogs shed their hair and skin cells all over everything, so if you don’t wash their fur, they will make your house look like a tumbleweed blew through it. In addition to being gross, having an unkempt undercoat can also cause serious health issues for your dog, including hot spots and eczema.
If you have a long-haired breed or want to keep your pup’s coat looking sleek and shiny, then consider giving him or her a bath once every week or two, depending on how often he or she goes outside. If you have a short-haired breed who has thick fur that doesn’t shed much at all, then washing him twice every month should be enough but always check with your vet first.
If you consider using shampoo on your dog’s fur, always remember to look at the ingredients of the product. Using some types of shampoo might cause your dog to scratch excessively, get scabs or hot spots, develop flaky skin and lose patches of fur. Some shampoos contain compounds that are known carcinogens in humans, such as butyl acetate and ethyl acetate, and may pose a risk for cancer development in dogs.
It’s better to use aloe vera or glycerine shampoo that won’t possess any adverse effects.
Use A Dog Brush Or Comb
You can use a dog brush or comb to remove loose hair and help spread natural oils throughout your dog’s coat. These tools will also help remove tangles, which can be especially helpful if it’s time to groom your pup’s fur.
A good brush will come with different-sized teeth, so you can tailor it to your pet’s fur size. For example, a large-toothed dog brush is great for removing any debris that might be stuck in their coat after playing outside.
Wipe Your Dog Down After Being Outside
If your dog has been outside, it’s always a good idea to wipe them down with a wet cloth. If they’re dirty and stinky, wiping them down can help get rid of all the dirt and grime that accumulates on their coat. It won’t take long at all for you to do this. Just be sure to give them a quick pat down after every time they go outside so that they stay clean.
Cut Your Dog’s Fur Properly
The most important thing to remember when cutting your dog’s fur is that their hair is a part of their body. It provides protection from the sun and rain, helps them regulate their temperature, and prevents them from getting cold. In short, they need it.
So what should you do if you want to give your pup a trim? First off, don’t grab just any pair of scissors because this could cause injury or irritation. Instead, consider using electric clippers as they are safer to use.
The amount of hair that you cut from your dog depends on the breed of dog and the type of cut that you want. Some breeds require more frequent haircuts than others. It is always best to consult a professional groomer to determine the best length for your dog’s breed and the best haircut for your pup.
Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Clean your dog’s ears regularly. If your dog has long hair, it can get into the ears and make them dirty. Use a cotton ball or cloth to clean their ears on a regular basis.
Never use Q-tips on your dog. Instead, use something soft like a cotton ball or cloth so that you do not hurt your dog while cleaning its ears.
Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Sun, But Not Too Much
The best thing you can do for your dog’s coat is to ensure it gets plenty of regular sun exposure. Dogs need sunlight in order to synthesize vitamin D3 and make normal amounts of vitamin A, both crucial nutrients for maintaining healthy skin and coat.
In addition, this Vitamin D3 gets consumed when your pup licks and helps groom itself. Plus, dogs love the extra warmth provided by sun exposure because it helps regulate their body temperature.
However, dogs should not be left out in the sun for too long. This can cause sunburn or other problems. If you let your dog spend any time outside during the day, make sure it has access to shade so that he or she doesn’t overheat.
Conclusion
There are many ways to keep your dog’s coat looking healthy and groomed. The important thing is that you do something. It can be as simple as brushing your dog regularly or trimming their nails. At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure your pup feels good and looks even better.
