The first thing most people notice about a dog is its fur.

It links the dog to its unique breed, and it is a sign of how well the dog is cared for. A matted, overgrown coat can be a sign of neglect, while a well-maintained and shiny coat signals that of an attentive and proud owner.

Sometimes against your best efforts and lots of money, your dog’s coat just won’t shine. If this is the case, the problem might not be the product/s you are using. Things like diet and exercise can influence your dog’s coat in more ways than you could’ve imagined. Following these 4 tips can help your dog’s coat look shiny and strong without the need for expensive shampoos and excessive time commitments:

Add Omegas

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are key parts of any mammals’ diet, humans and dogs alike. They are responsible for creating cell membrane walls and helping the heart function more efficiently. Both are essential parts of getting nutrients to your dog’s coat, which are responsible for making it healthy, shiny and strong while preventing hair loss.

Omegas can be easily added to your dogs diet just by adding 2 tbsps of cooked tuna or salmon once a week. You can also use vegetable oil and flax seeds. If you want a more integrated approach, some dog foods have added Omegas, but make sure there aren’t any other unnecessary additives.

Suraj was losing his fur during monsoon

Brush it Out

Brushing your dog’s hair not only detangles it, but also stimulates the health of their skin and coat. Removing excess dog hair helps reduce the stress the living hair strands are under and ensure that nutrients are properly arriving at the follicle. Brushing also helps to keep your dog cool in the summer months by removing unnecessary hair.

Strands are stimulated when brushed, which helps strengthen the hair to make the coat look thick and full. It also promotes oil creation, which keeps the skin moisturized. Additionally, brushing pulls the oil down from the skin to the strands and makes them glossy. Brushing daily might seem like overkill, but you will see the payoff in your dog’s glorious coat as well getting some extra bonding time with your pet!

Choosing the right type of brush for your dog’s coat is just as important at brushing it. Dogs with shorter hair that don’t shed much, like poodles, only need metal brushes that removes dander and kinks. Longer-haired pooches, like Golden Retrievers, need gentler brushes so you don’t tear the ends of the strands or inflict pain. A rubber friction brush is a good option.

Eat Protein

Protein is a major component in hair. Strands are 90% protein content, so a protein-full diet is essential to help the strands thrive. Many dog foods are chicken or meat-rich, but ensuring that the food isn’t high in grains, corn, and wheat is imperative.

Making sure you’re feeding your dog high-quality food is important for much more than just having a shiny coat! Once your dog has a diet filled with proteins, and the amino acids that come from them, they will be well on their way to a shiny coat!

Try CBD Oil

Suraj is looking and feeling better!

What you put in your dog’s hair has a big impact on how it looks. Just like with human hair, low-quality shampoos will take a toll over time, and finding the right one for your dog’s hair type is a key to health. Bathing your dog might seem like a daunting task, but maintaining control of the situation and staying calm will help your pet enjoy it.

Longer-haired dogs need something with conditioner in it, while dogs with dry skin can benefit from natural topical oils, like CBD oil. While CBD is growing in popularity for things like dog anxiety and pain, it can also be used topically. The Omegas in it help moisturize the skin and strengthen the hair follicle while stimulating the skin to generate natural oils. This is what keeps your dog’s coat shiny.

Caring for your dog’s coat may seem like a ton of work. If you follow these easy-to-incorporate tips, though, it’ll become a part of your routine in no time.

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