A dog’s coat and skin are not only the first things we notice in terms of their appearance but also their first line of defense against disease and weather. This is because a dog’s coat helps to regulate their body temperature, conserve water, and store nutrients. Knowing this, it’s clear that taking good care of your dog’s coat and skin has more benefits than just beauty. Below are a few suggestions on how to fix coat and skin issues for dogs, as recommended by Dr. Aziza, Freshpet’s expert veterinarian.
Consider using
supplements
If you are wondering how to fix coat and skin issues for dogs,
you first should ensure they are getting their essential fatty acids. This is
because fatty acids are some of the best nutrients for maintaining a healthy
coat and skin. There are two forms that we focus on in veterinary medicine:
- Omega-6: Omega-6 fatty
acids are great at promoting healthy cell growth and they also help by adding
shine to coats and replacing oils in the skin.
- Omega-3: Omega-3 fatty
acids are needed for brain growth in puppies and to treat inflammation in the
skin and joints.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can be purchased separately or
combined in oils, chews, and capsules – the format you choose depends on you
and your dog’s preference.
Choose food with
high-quality ingredients
The importance of omega fatty acids is now clear, but these
aren’t the only nutrients you should consider when choosing food for your dog –
biotin and B vitamins are also important. Biotin and B vitamins work together
with omega fatty acids to improve skin and coat health.
The good news is that eggs and sweet potatoes are naturally rich
in biotin and B vitamins and are both safe dog-safe foods. Similarly, fish,
fish oil, and flaxseed oil are great sources of omega fatty acids – just keep
in mind that when using oils, you’ll need to check to make sure they are not
expired or rancid.
If you’re looking for Freshpet recipes that are high in all of
these key nutrients, consider trying:
- Freshpet® Select Multi-Protein Complete Meal: Not only does this delicious recipe pack a serious protein punch, but it also features ingredients such as salmon, eggs, and sweet potatoes that are naturally rich in biotin, B vitamins, and omega fatty acids.
Don’t neglect regular
grooming
Not only does a tangled or matted coat look bad, but it can also
lead to numerous health issues for your dog, including:
- Skin infection
- Scarring
- Hair loss
- General pain
If you are trying to figure out how to fix coat and skin issues such as these for your dog, you’ll be happy to know they can be prevented by having a consistent brushing routine. The length and thickness of their coat will determine the frequency at which it should be groomed, but if you choose to groom at home take a look at these seven tips. If you’re unsure how often you should be brushing your dog, ask your groomer or primary care veterinarian for guidance.
Keep an eye out for
changes in your dog’s appearance
A great way to monitor your dog’s skin and coat health is to simply
look at your dog – I’m not joking! By regularly monitoring the look and feel of
your dog’s coat and skin, you’ll be able to tell when there are changes.
While changes in your dog’s coat will be obvious, changes in
their skin can be a little more subtle. Keep an eye out for skin that is:
- Dry
- Flaky
- Red
- Moist
- Too thick
- Too thin
Changes in the skin can indicate infection, allergies, or
metabolic disease to name a few. When these changes are observed, it is best to
get them assessed by a veterinarian. Once they get to the root of the issue,
treatment will often include dietary changes, antibiotics, medicated shampoos
and other therapeutics.
We hope that Dr. Aziza has given you a better understanding of
how to fix coat and skin issues for dogs. If you have any further questions,
speak to your veterinarian – they’ll be happy to discuss any health concerns.
