Taking care of your dog's coat is a crucial part of maintaining their health and well-being. The right grooming routine can promote a healthy and shiny coat while helping to prevent problems such as skin irritation, parasites, or hair loss. A dog's coat isn't just for show either—it plays an integral role in the animal’s overall health and can indicate underlying medical issues.
In this article, we'll go into our top 9 tips to help you keep your dog's coat in top condition so your dog can have the shiny, smooth coat they deserve.
Why is it important to take care of my dog's coat?
Let's first talk about why it's important to keep your pup's coat clean and healthy in the first place...
A healthy coat helps to keep your dog comfortable and regulate their body temperature. It also serves as a protective barrier against dirt, debris, and other environmental hazards. Grooming your dog's hair coat also allows you to detect any health issues early on, such as skin irritations or parasites.
When you aren't taking care of your dog's coat, you can expect a variety of problems such as a dry coat or skin, excessive shedding or matting, and hair loss.
5 Tips to Care for Your Dog's Coat
Now that we've talked about why you need to care for your dog's coat, let's go into our top 6 tips that you can use to keep your pup looking and feeling their best.
Bathing
Bathing is an important part of keeping your pup's coat healthy. Regular baths can help keep their coat looking shiny and free from dirt and debris. It also helps to reduce shedding so that you don't have dog fur everywhere all over the house!
When it comes to bathing, make sure you use a shampoo formulated specifically for dogs. Human shampoos are too harsh on their skin and can strip away natural oils that protect their coat. Additionally, by using a conditioner post-bath you can be sure to leave their coat looking and feeling softer.
How often should I bathe my dog?
It's best to bathe your pup every one or two months depending on their activity level or breed type. Breeds with thick coats, such as huskies, may need more frequent baths than shorter-haired breeds like Chihuahuas.
Try to bathe your dog only when necessary, as overbathing can strip away essential oils from your dog's coat, leading to dry skin and matting.
What shampoos are the best for bathing dogs?
When it comes to choosing the right shampoo for your pup, look for one that is formulated specifically for dogs. You'll want to make sure your dog's hair is free of harsh chemicals and scents, as these can be irritating to your dog's skin and cause dryness or irritation.
Additionally, you may want to consider shampoos with natural ingredients such as oatmeal or aloe vera, which are known to soothe the skin and keep coats healthy and soft.
How do I dry my dog's coat after bathing?
The best way to dry your dog's coat is by lightly patting the coat with a towel until it’s just damp and brushing out the fur while it’s still damp – this will help to prevent matting. You can also follow up by drying longer hair with a blow dryer set on a cool setting (check with your vet before using) to avoid your laying around the house with a damp dog coat everywhere.
Brushing
Why is brushing important?
Brushing your pup's coat is an important part of grooming that helps to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair from a dull coat. It also promotes healthy circulation by stimulating the skin’s production of natural oils which keeps their coat looking shiny and soft. Additionally, brushing can help prevent matting in long-haired breeds.
How often should I brush my dog?
It’s best to brush your pooch at least once a week for short-haired breeds and two or three times a week for longer-haired breeds. You may need to brush more frequently during shedding season when they're losing a lot of fur.
There is an array of different tools, you can use to brush your dog–ultimately be sure to use a quality brush that won't irritate their skin!
Different brushing methods depending on the fur
When brushing your pup, use the right technique for their coat type. For short-haired breeds, use a brush with hard bristles and brush in the direction of the fur growth. For long-haired breeds, you can use a rubber curry brush or a pin brush and start at the bottom of the hair shaft while brushing in an upward motion.
Nutrition
Say bye to a dull coat, and hello to a balanced diet.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in coat health. Make sure that you’re feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet with all the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep its coat looking shiny and healthy. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids are also key to promoting a healthy coat.
If you're unsure about what diet is best for your dog, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes.
Environment/Protection
It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the environment and protect your pup from extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Dogs with long hair or thick coats may be more resistant to cold and wet weather, but they still need a coat or jacket during colder months.
Additionally, consider using sunscreen if you're going out for extended periods—yes, dogs can get sunburned, too!
Parasite Control
Finally, keep your pup free of parasites such as fleas and ticks. Not only can these pesky critters irritate their skin, but they can also spread diseases and illnesses. Make sure you’re using a quality flea and tick preventative that is appropriate for your breed or size of the dog.
How can I prevent fleas and ticks?
You can prevent fleas and ticks by regularly using quality flea and tick prevention products, moreover ensuring that while your dog is outside, they aren't consistently going deep into the woods where parasites such as ticks live.
You should always check your pup's coat for any signs of parasites while brushing or grooming them. If you find anything, take them to the vet right away so they can be treated promptly.
Things to consider before caring for your dog's coat
It’s helpful to understand different coat types so you can properly care for your pup’s coat.
Different dog coats
There are tons of different coat types for dogs, but the three main types of coats are single-coated, double-coated, double coat, and curly/wavy coats.
Single-coated dogs (such as Greyhounds) have short fur that's easy to maintain. Double-coated dogs (like German Shepherds) have a thick undercoat with a longer outer coat that needs frequent brushing. Curly or wavy-coated breeds such as poodles and bichon frises require more specialized grooming techniques due to their unique coat texture.
How do I care for single coated dogs?
Single-coated dogs require minimal grooming. Brush once a week to remove excess dirt and debris, bathe every one or two months, and keep an eye out for any parasites such as fleas and ticks.
How do I care for double coated dogs?
Dogs with a double coat need more frequent brushing and bathing due to their thick undercoat. Make sure you brush twice a week (or more depending on the shedding season) with a slicker brush to remove any more loose hairs, fur, and debris. Additionally, it's best to bathe your pup every month using a gentle shampoo specifically formulated for dogs.
How do I care for curly/wavy coated dogs?
Curly or wavy-coated dog breeds may need the most specialized care. Brush their coats daily with a slicker brush (or more frequently during shedding season) and use a mild shampoo made specifically for curly-coated dogs when bathing. Additionally, you may want to consider using conditioner after bathing your pup to keep their coat hydrated and prevent matting.
Proper coat care during specific seasons
Pay attention to your pup’s coat and adjust your grooming routine depending on their breed and the season.
Winter
During winter your dog's coat might be thicker and longer than in spring or summer; this naturally happens as a response to the temperature, after all, dogs need a winter coat too.
During winter, your pup can benefit from an extra brushing and a good massage to remove any knots or mats from their coat. Additionally, consider using a high-quality dog shampoo that contains natural oils and fatty acids for added moisture as the winter seasons can make your dog's skin more dry.
Summer
In the summertime, you generally want to keep your canine’s coat shorter so they can stay cool in the heat, although more shedding naturally happens to keep a dog's body cooler.
During the summer, groom your pup regularly with a slicker brush to remove any debris and excess fur, and use a high-quality dog shampoo to keep their coat clean. Additionally, you can apply sunscreen to your pet's nose and ears, as they are particularly sensitive to the sun’s rays.
Summer is also a time when allergens such as pollen and parasites come out to play. Allergens can stick to your dog's coat if not regularly maintained and cause an array of problems for you and your pup. So, grooming should be high on the list during summer, especially for those dogs with long coats.
Our message to pet parents...
By following these tips, you can keep your pup's coat healthy and protect them from the elements. Proper coat care is key as it not only keeps your pup looking their best, but also prevents potential skin issues and keeps them free of parasites.
If you find that your dog’s coat needs extra TLC or you're unsure about what type of grooming routine they need, contact your veterinarian to discuss a customized plan for your pup. This way, you can ensure their health and happiness in any season!
