Your Guide To Dog Hair Care

Taking care of your dog’s shiny fur coat is an important part of pet care. However, like humans, dogs have different types of hair too.

While some pets have shorter hair that is relatively easier to groom and clean, some dog breeds shed heavily and coarse hair that might not be so easy to groom. Rest assured, we have compiled an easy to follow guide to help you learn about dog hair care.

Combing And Brushing

Combing and brushing your furry pal’s hair keeps their coat in good condition. Not only does it naturally help distribute skin oils, resulting in a shinier fur coat but it also removes loose hair and prevents hair knots and mats.

Proper dog hair care reduces the need for frequent bathing. Dampen your dog’s coat using a spray bottle and some lukewarm water to help with detangling. Brushing your dog’s hair when it is dry can lead to excessive hair fall and breakage. In some cases, you can deal with matted hair using a pair of scissors.

Regularly brushing your dog’s hair can prevent mats and tangle.

Bathing Your Dog

Bathe your dog once every few weeks to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Bathing your dog too frequently can strip their skin of essential oils, causing it to appear dry, damaged and unhealthy. Monthly baths can reduce the risks of allergies, prevent scratching, itching and also help treat problematic skin infections.

However, first things first, you will have to start by investing in a quality dog shampoo. It is best you ask a vet to recommend a product according to your dog’s hair and skin type. Consider investing in a therapeutic shampoo if your dog suffers from skin problems.

The right shampoo will prevent your dog’s fur from drying out and may also help get rid of fleas, ticks, and other external parasites. Be careful not to ‘over-bath’ your pet. This can eventually lead to dry skin and irritation.

Unless your furry friend has spent the whole day playing around in the mud and is particularly dirty, limit bath time to only once a month. Additionally, do not use shampoos designed for humans since the chemicals may be too harsh for your pet. Baby shampoo is a safer option and contains milder detergents that will not irritate your dog’s skin.

Tips For A Shiner Fur Coat

Apart from investing in the best grooming tools, there are some ways to ensure your dog’s fur coat shows off a healthy shine. Here are a few simple tips to ensure a shinier fur coat:

• Quality Nutrition: A nutritious diet is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy fur coat. After all, hair and hair follicles are mostly made from proteins, which is why you should ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of nutrition he needs to stay fit and healthy. Feed your dog a diet that is rich in essential fatty acids that are good for your furry friend’s coat. Sometimes, a dull coat is a result of a poor diet. Consider investing in a quality dog food brand that contains essential vitamins and nutrients needed for a healthy life.
• Do Not Bathe Your Pet Too Frequently: The frequency of baths typically depends on the breed and length of your dog’s coat. In most cases, it is recommended you bathe your pet only once a month so that it does not strip off their coat of essential oils. If your dog’s coat tends to appear dry and damaged after bath time, resort to using a moisturizing shampoo that won’t irritate your dog’s skin. Using a natural conditioner can also reduce the ill effects of shampooing your dog’s coat. Some pet owners choose to moisturize their pet’s coat naturally using coconut milk.

• Take Preventive Measures: Taking preventive measures, such as keeping your dog indoors, will protect their fur coat and will prevent it from collecting dirt and debris.
• Oatmeal Bath: Yes, you read that right. Giving your dog an oatmeal bath cannot only soothe irritation but can also be effective in growing a shiner and healthier fur coat. Oatmeal contains natural oils, such as vitamin E, that works as a natural skin softener.

To whip up an oatmeal bath, simply, grind a cup of plain oatmeal and add it to a tube of lukewarm water. Add the powder and continue stirring until the water until it appears cloudy. Now, help your dog hop into the tub and pour the oatmeal soaked water over his fur, avoiding the eyes.

Massage the oatmeal gently on your dog’s skin and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Now rinse and pat your dog dry.

Essential Grooming Tools

Proper dog hair care is not possible if you do not have the right tools. Here are a few essential items that you will need:

These are a few factors you ought to keep in mind when it comes to good dog hair care. Good luck!