Being a pet owner can be very rewarding. Not only does it encourage you to spend more time outside and socialize with others, but having a dog will also make it easy for you to ward off loneliness, depression, and improve your mental health. You’ll enjoy many benefits when you have a dog, but don’t forget that owning one requires responsibility. Among other responsibilities, you must watch out for fleas and ticks on dogs, and take care of their skin and hair.
The condition of a dog’s hair and skin can affect the quality and length of their lives. It’s hard for your dog to have fun if they’re always scratching or suffering from allergies. Thus, aside from feeding them well and exercising them regularly, you must also tend to their coat.
Here’s how you can keep your dog’s hair and skin healthy:
- Regular Brushing
One of the easiest yet most effective ways to keep your dog’s hair and skin healthy is to brush it as often as possible. Regular brushing is a great way to spread the natural oils produced by your dog, and ensure that these oils coat all of their hair and skin.
Moreover, regular brushing can also help you determine whether your dog has any skin conditions. Since you’ll be parting your dog’s hair when brushing, this enables you to see if your dog is infected with fleas, or has any visible rashes.
Regular brushing can also help prevent mats and remove loose fur. Contrary to popular belief, matted hair is actually a cause for concern because leaving it can prevent moisture and oxygen from reaching your dog’s skin. Matted hair can also cause severe bacterial infections and put a lot of pressure on the skin.
- Proper Nutrition
The kind of diet you feed your dog can affect the condition of their hair and skin. Regardless of whether your dog naturally has a long and silky coat or wiry hair, there will always be a perfect diet to support its hair and skin health.
Before you decide to give your dog any specific diet, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet first. Qualified vets have the necessary training and experience to give accurate advice as to the best diet for your dog. They can also recommend products that meet your dog’s nutritional requirements while making sure they still maintain a healthy weight.
Generally, your dog’s diet should contain foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as these may relieve your dog’s skin allergies, and help other skin diseases. You may also choose to incorporate foods containing garlic and yeast to your dog’s diet as these work as natural flea repellents.
- Professional Grooming And Bathing
You can now buy products over-the-counter so you can easily groom and bathe your dog at home. The market is saturated with dog soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and even perfumes. However, proper grooming and bathing don’t just require the necessary tools for the job—you should also have the proper knowledge to do it effectively.
Another way to keep your dog’s hair and skin healthy is by taking them to a professional groomer. Ideally, you should let the pros handle your dog’s grooming and bathing every four to eight weeks, depending on the breed, or more frequently if your dog loves to spend time outdoors.
Paying for professional grooming will give you peace of mind that your dog’s hair and skin are properly clean.
- Protect Your Dog Against Sun, Sand, And Sea
Dogs are naturally energetic and love to spend a lot of time outdoors. This is especially true if you’re raising a puppy. Although letting them play outdoors can be highly beneficial to their development, excessive sun exposure can damage your dog’s skin and even cause skin cancer. This condition is more common among dogs with white fur.
To ensure your dog is protected while having fun under the sun, invest in a special pet sunscreen with at least SPF 15 sun protection. High-quality products may also prevent irritation and ensure your dog’s hair doesn’t look spiky and dull.
If you love spending time at the beach with your pup, make sure to bathe them afterward. Seawater can cause your dog’s hair and skin to dry out, especially when left unwashed for long periods.
Leave A Lasting Impression
Keeping your dog’s hair and skin healthy should always be one of your priorities as a pet owner. The coat health and appearance of your dog can say a lot about your efficiency as a pet owner and your love for your furry friend.