How often do you gaze in admiration at the long coat of the galloping golden
retriever in a pedigree advertisement? If the ad makes you fantasize about your dog playing in the sun with its coat gleaming like sparkle, you're not alone. Every pet parent obsesses over a sleek mane for their paw companion.
A healthy skin and coat condition is an indicator of the optimal nutrition and
well-being of a pet. It is important to have a hair care routine for your pet that
includes more than simply external grooming.
The coat and skin are thought to be the most fragile parts of a pet's body. Pet
parents should therefore be aware of the underlying critical aspects that reflect a
healthy coat.
Signs your dog has an unhealthy coat
It's natural for pets to have a bad hair day with tangles, just like humans. Even
seasonal variations can cause certain alterations in the coat. The majority of
shedding happens in the spring and fall. For instance, in preparation for the warmer weather, your dog's coat will lighten in the spring.
If despite that delightful spa day, your pet's coat is dull and brittle, his skin is flaking, and his hair is shedding more than usual, it's time to consider underlying concerns in his body. Skin problems, endocrine diseases, nutritional or vitamin deficiencies, and other metabolic disorders can all be a cause of excessive hair shedding or a change in hair growth rate in our bowwow’s body.
The role of a diet in a healthy coat
In order to maintain the skin and hair in a healthy state, Your dog needs a
well-balanced meal that includes high-quality digestible proteins, carbs, fats,
minerals, and vitamins, as well as the right amount of calories to suit its energy
needs.
Your dog's ideal diet should be tailored to his or her life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and health status. Quality and balance are the cornerstones to optimal nutrition in all cases.
Some of the most essential nutrients to keep in consideration are:
1. Biotin- This water-soluble nutrient helps in maintaining the thickness of the
hair follicles and coat shine.
2. Zinc- Zinc promotes hair growth and helps to keep hair from becoming dry
and brittle. Red meats, healthy grains, poultry by-product meals, and fish
meals are all good sources of zinc for dogs.
3. Copper- Copper is essential to prevent your pet from having a dry or
discolored coat similar to sunburns caused on us humans.
4. Vitamin A- The right amount of intake of Vitamin A encourages faster growth
of hair follicles.
5. Omega 6- It provides shine to the coat, restores luster, and aids in the
replenishment of skin oils.
6. Protein-Protein makes up the majority of dog and cat hair. Up to 35% of a
dog's daily protein intake is used to maintain her skin and coat.
Despite eating a well-balanced diet, nutritional deficiencies can still occur for a
variety of reasons. Pet supplements come to the rescue in these situations.
However, before incorporating any vitamins into your pet's regimen, you should
consult with your veterinarian.
Grooming products for hair care
As much as a dog requires essential nutrients in its diet, special attention should be paid to ensuring that its most exposed zone, its fur, receives the appropriate amount of pampering through proper grooming and the use of carefully selected pet care products.
Like humans, dogs need a hair care routine too! Brushing is an important aspect of thorough grooming practice for keeping your dog's coat healthy and attractive.
Long-haired breeds, such as Shih Tzu and Pekingese, should be brushed once a week, or more frequently if the coat appears matted, while short-haired species, such as Greyhounds, should be brushed every couple of weeks to remove loose hair.
Shampoo, on the other hand, should be used every 6-8 weeks when your pet
becomes smelly or unclean (unless your pet has fleas!). Excessive shampooing can deplete natural oils in the skin and fur.
Never use shampoo intended for human hair, including baby shampoo or products labeled sensitive. The PH levels of human and canine skin are vastly different, therefore human soaps and shampoos will be too harsh for your pooch.
What should you look for in your dog shampoo?
Utmost care needs to be taken by using the right grooming products to keep the fur and skin healthy especially for our friends with a double coat who are more prone to getting tick fevers.
Captain Zack's curated dog shampoos and puppy shampoos, which are enhanced with essential oils, are now available to meet the needs of our collar friends. These shampoos are suitable for a wide range of our collared companions, from different coat textures to different lengths. Puppies and dogs with especially sensitive skin might also benefit from their puppy shampoo.
They are used for moisturizing & conditioning dry coats and are pH balanced to
prevent infection or irritation. It contains anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties and forms a protective layer against ticks or other harmful microorganisms. All their products are free of harmful chemicals or artificial fragrances.
For when you and your pet are on the go, they also have a line of waterless
shampoo and shampoo spray. After all, there should be no excuse why you can't
keep your pet baby looking like a snack!
