From the short-haired Malinois, the fluffy and curly poodle, all the way to the impressive mane of a Komondor, every dog has its own needs when it comes to grooming. Just like with us, humans, their fur is a reflection of their health and overall wellbeing, but also a factor in how comfortable they’ll feel throughout the year, and how messy they’ll leave your home!
How well you maintain their coat also adds to the pleasure of those daily cuddles, and of course, the grooming sessions make it all the more fun and enjoyable for your kids to bond with the pet. To that end, let’s delve deeper into the matter of dog coat care, what you can do to keep their lovely coats sleek, clean and healthy, and what signs to look out for if need arises to see your favorite vet.

As with many of our own problems, sometimes the simplest solution hiding in your kitchen cabinet could be the best one. The same goes for your pooch and the perks of using coconut oil to boost their health and keep their coat shiny and strong. Much like with us, coconut oil is great for treating various skin issues, from itching, irritation, all the way to eczema and allergies.

This soothing oil is great both for regular consumption as well as topical application. In case your dog likes taste, then you’ll have no trouble adding an occasional treat to their diet. On the other hand, picky eaters might prefer for you to apply the oil directly onto the coat and let it work its magic.

For dogs with sensitive skin, the regular scratching becomes an everyday, all-day ritual that also affects their skin and coat health. They’ll shed more than needed, irritate their skin, and perhaps be unable to sleep properly from the frequent need to scratch.
An oatmeal bath is a simple solution you can use to soothe the itching, but in all of its power, it won’t resolve the underlying problem. Whether it’s an allergic reaction, an infection, or fleas, you should definitely visit your vet and check for the cause while you ease the symptoms.

Some dog breeds shed throughout the year, no matter if the season is hot or cold, while others rarely shed a single hair. Depending on the needs of your dog, you should definitely create a grooming ritual that allows them to shed in a healthy manner, and that promotes healthy hair growth as well as normal oil production.
Particularly tricky beasts can benefit from using a de-shedding tool such as the Furminator brush, which is designed to remove most of the extra hair from the coat as well as the undercoat – and that translates to less fluff on the carpet and bed, and less scratching and irritation for the pooch! Keep in mind that these tools are made differently depending on the length of the coat and the size of your fluffy friend, so make sure to pick the right one for your dog.

Just like your daily grooming should be scheduled, you should also consider making a monthly routine that includes your dog’s bath. Just like with everything else related to their health, their breed and their personal needs will determine this schedule to a great extent. Some dogs will benefit from a monthly bath, while others could use more frequent cleansing sessions.
Typically, most dogs with healthy skin will be happy with a single bath per month, and you can use either dog shampoo or mild baby shampoo. For more frequent baths, make sure you find a nourishing shampoo such as the EQyss Premier Pet Shampoo, which is meant to protect and nourish their skin in addition to cleansing the fur.

If you notice that your canine’s coat is looking dull and it feels coarse under your fingers, without any of the accompanying symptoms of skin irritation, chances are that their diet is not optimal. When they don’t get the right amount of all the micro and macronutrients, their coat tends to become brittle, and their skin dry.
Check if your kibble contains the right balance of these nutrients for your pooch, as each breed and size has different needs, and it also depends on their age. Some dogs may require supplements, especially of those essential fatty acids such as omega-6, in case their food doesn’t provide them with enough of this key ingredient.

With all your efforts to keep your dog looking and feeling fabulous, there’s only so much you can do in case there’s an underlying medical issue that needs treatment. That is why, no matter how many dogs you’ve taken care of, and how vast your knowledge may be, schedule regular checkups with your vet.

Additionally, as soon as you notice a change in your dog’s behavior that points to a skin condition, such as irritation, redness, itchy skin, or too much shedding, don’t put off your vet visit, and your beloved pet will always be grateful!