Easy Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Coat Healthy and Shiny


Easy Tips to Keep Your Dog's Coat Healthy and Shiny

Okay, let’s be real—who doesn’t love a dog with a soft, shiny coat? It just feels amazing to pet, and it’s a clear sign your dog’s in good shape. But getting that healthy shine doesn’t just happen. It takes a bit of work, but honestly, it’s not that hard once you know what to do.

Here’s what I’ve learned after a few years of taking care of my own dog.

1. Feed Them the Right Stuff

You know how we feel better when we eat well? Same goes for our dogs. If they’re not getting the right nutrients, their coat can end up looking dull and rough. I’ve noticed that high-quality proteins and healthy fats, like omega-3s and omega-6s, are key to keeping my dog’s fur looking its best.

At one point, my dog’s coat wasn’t as shiny as I wanted, so I started adding fish oil to his food (after checking with the vet, of course). It made a noticeable difference in just a few weeks. If you’re curious about your dog’s diet, maybe chat with your vet about adding a supplement like that.

Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Formula for Dogs & Cats - Omega 3 Skin & Coat...
  • A tasty & body nourishing treat for cats & dogs - Essential fatty acids for a healthy coat.
  • Powerful Omega Fatty Acids - This premium fish oil liquid formula is loaded with the healthy Omega-3 fatty acid (with epa and dha) to support health...
  • Help your pet stay looking great - The rich Omegas in Salmon Oil are a dog health supply to nourish skin and coat and keep your four-legged friend...

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Brushing—It’s a Game Changer

If I’m being honest, I didn’t think brushing would make such a huge difference. But wow, it really does. Brushing helps spread your dog’s natural oils throughout their fur, which keeps it looking shiny and feeling soft. Plus, it’s great for getting rid of all that extra hair they shed.

For shorter-haired dogs, you can get away with brushing once or twice a week. But for dogs with longer fur? Yeah, you’ll want to brush them more often. My dog actually loves our brushing sessions now—it’s like a mini spa day for him!

Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush and 2X Grooming Gloves Combo - Double...
  • PERFECT PET GROOMING TOOLS: Our dog brushes for grooming set includes a deshedding dog brush rake and pet grooming gloves, the perfect solution for...
  • DUAL-SIDED DESIGN: Our grooming brush is perfect for dematting and deshedding your pet's coat! With a dual-sided design, use the 9-teeth side to...
  • HEALTHY COAT AND REDUCED SHEDDING: Our dog hair brush is designed with sharpened but finely rounded teeth. The deshedder brush for dogs allows you to...

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Don’t Over-Bathe

So, here’s something I learned the hard way—too many baths can actually dry out your dog’s coat. I used to think frequent baths were a good thing, but it turns out, over-bathing strips away their natural oils. Now, I only bathe my dog every month or so (unless he gets into something gross).

When you do give them a bath, stick with a dog-specific shampoo. Human shampoos are way too harsh for their skin. I’ve found oatmeal-based shampoos work really well, especially if your dog has sensitive skin. And don’t forget to rinse well—any leftover shampoo can leave their coat looking kind of dull.

Wahl USA Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs – Oatmeal Formula...
  • Made in the USA - Our oatmeal formula pet shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol free, paraben free, PEG-80 free, and is highly recommended for moisturizing...
  • Oatmeal Formula – This coconut lime verbena scented pet shampoo is great for moisturizing dry skin, cleaning dirty coats, & itch relief. The thick...
  • Less is More - Wahl has a higher concentrate of a coconut-derived sodding agent, which means you don’t have to use as much as other dog shampoos. A...

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Keep Them Hydrated

This one’s easy but often overlooked. If your dog isn’t drinking enough water, it shows up in their skin and fur. I noticed when my dog wasn’t drinking enough, his coat became dry and dull. Make sure their water bowl is always full of fresh water. If your dog’s on dry food, adding a bit of wet food can also help with hydration.

Sale
Petmate Pet Cafe Waterer Cat and Dog Water Dispenser 1.5 gallon, Pearl Tan
  • AUTOMATIC REFILL: The cat & dog water bowl dispenser slowly dispenses water to prolong time between refills. Perfect for pet parents with busy...
  • SPILL-FREE WATER STATION: Easy-grab cutouts allow pet parents to easily lift the pet water bowl without spilling. Wide-mouth bottle of the cat & dog...
  • FOOD & WATER: Keep pets fed with fresh food & water with a variety of our products. Check out our airtight dry food storage containers, bowls for...

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Try Some Supplements

If you’re already feeding your dog a balanced diet and their coat still isn’t shining, supplements could be the answer. Fish oil is a popular choice (yep, I’m bringing it up again), and some folks also swear by coconut oil. I’ve used both at different times, and they really do help boost coat health.

But seriously, always check with your vet before adding anything new to your dog’s routine, just to be safe.

6. Don’t Forget About Fleas and Ticks

These little pests can really mess up your dog’s coat. Fleas and ticks don’t just make your dog itchy—they can lead to hair loss and skin issues, which makes their coat look terrible. I make sure to check my dog regularly for signs of fleas and ticks, especially after we’ve been outside. And using preventative treatments has been a lifesaver in keeping his coat in good shape.

If you notice your dog scratching a lot or their skin looks irritated, it’s time for a vet visit.

7. Stress Affects Their Coat Too

I never really thought about it before, but stress can have a big impact on your dog’s coat. When my dog’s stressed, he sheds more, and his coat loses that healthy shine. Keeping him calm with regular exercise, playtime, and attention has definitely helped. Plus, it’s good for his overall health.

If your dog gets anxious, especially in certain situations (like thunderstorms or being left alone), it’s worth talking to your vet about ways to help them chill out.

Dogmusic.com has a selection of music designed for dogs to help with anxiety problems. Thunderstorms definitely count. Some pups are known to relax so much that they fall asleep.

8. Routine Vet Visits Are a Must

You probably already know this, but I can’t stress it enough—regular vet checkups are key. Sometimes, a dull coat is a sign of something more serious, like allergies or thyroid problems. Catching these issues early makes a huge difference. Plus, your vet can give you advice on the best grooming practices for your specific dog breed.

Wrapping It All Up

So, that’s pretty much the gist of it. Keeping your dog’s coat shiny and healthy is all about the basics: good food, regular brushing, staying hydrated, and making sure they’re free from pests. Every dog’s different, so you might need to adjust things depending on their breed or needs. But once you figure out what works best, you’ll have a dog with a coat so shiny, people will be asking for your secret.

And hey, who doesn’t love a dog with a soft, shiny coat to cuddle up with?

Maria

Passionate lover of dogs and proud owner of a friendly, mischievous and energetic golden retriever named Beethoven! I’m incredibly excited to share my experiences on how best to care for your beloved pet. The more we know, the happier we and our canine friends will be!

Recent Posts

Get Your Free 5 Dog Training Videos

Enter your Email Below to access the free training...

Enter Your Email Address Below To Instantly Download The Free Report