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Skin is 24% of a puppy's body and 13% of an adult dog's. As a result, it's no surprise that a healthy coat and skin contribute to your dog's overall health and well-being. Prioritizing dog skin care, regular grooming and good nutrition can go a long way toward keeping your pooch's coat and skin healthy. In this guide, we'll dig into why coat and skin health matter and discuss what you can do to pamper your pup and set them up for a shiny coat and irritation-free skin.
Importance of Healthy Skin/Healthy Coat in Dogs
Your dog's skin and coat help protect them from the world around them. They serve as a barrier between internal tissues and organs and hazards in their surroundings, such as ultraviolet light, germs and chemicals. Nerves within the skin also detect pain, pressure and temperature extremes, providing warning signs for dogs when they're in areas or situations that could harm them. In addition, your dog's coat and skin help to regulate their body temperature, keep them hydrated and store nutrients that their body needs.
Paying close attention to your dog's skin and coat year-round is important, as some are prone to seasonal dog skin conditions. For example, dry skin on dogs is more likely to occur during the winter months due to reduced humidity indoors, and dog skin allergies are more common during the spring and summer pollen season.
Signs of a Healthy Coat/Skin
Looking out for certain signs can help you assess your dog's skin and coat health and signal when you should talk to your vet about modifying your grooming and pet care routine to address skin and coat issues. These signs include all of the following.
Shine
A healthy coat will have a noticeable sheen due to the presence of oils that keep the coat and skin hydrated. A dull coat could indicate the need for dry skin care for dogs or an underlying skin issue. While shininess is a positive sign, greasiness or visible oiliness is not and might indicate skin disorders like canine seborrhea.
Texture
Texture is another key sign of coat health in dogs. Although coat thickness varies among different breeds, your dog's coat should generally be smooth rather than brittle or coarse. If a dog's hair is matted, it may mean that you're not grooming or bathing them frequently enough.
Regardless of thickness, coverage is also important, as symptoms of dog hair loss like a dog losing hair in patches and scabs could be signs of a skin or health problem.
Lack of Irritation
Healthy skin in dogs is generally free of bumps, greasiness and flakiness. Since it can be difficult to see the skin through a thick coat, look out for warning signs of irritation, such as your dog scratching, rubbing or chewing on the same spot. If you notice these behaviors, your dog may be suffering from a dog skin infection, skin condition, allergies or another issue.
How to Pamper Your Dog's Coat and Skin
To pamper your pooch and promote a healthy coat and skin, follow these tips.
Focus on Nutrition
A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids is vital to coat and skin health. Choosing a dog food that is ideal for your dog's age, breed and size can help to ensure that they're getting the nutrients they need. If your dog has allergies, your veterinarian may recommend that you switch to a special feed.
Keep Them Hydrated
Drinking enough water every day can help to keep your dog's skin and coat hydrated. If your dog doesn't seem to be drinking enough, consider offering a different source. Switching bowls or using a drinking fountain may encourage them to drink more. You can also try giving your pooch ice cubes or adding a splash of broth to their water to enhance the taste.
Grooming
To keep your pet's coat free of tangles, brush them every 3 to 4 days. Regular bathing can also help to remove irritants and dirt to support coat and skin health. How frequently you should bathe your pet depends on their breed and their skin and coat health. For most dogs, one or two baths per month will suffice, but ask your vet for specific advice.
Sun Protection
Just like people, dogs can suffer from skin irritation due to time in the sun. Using a dog-safe sunscreen and setting up shady areas for them to relax in while outside can help lower the likelihood of sunburn.
Exercise
Regular exercise contributes to overall health and well-being in dogs but also offers specific coat and skin care benefits. Physical activity helps to release natural oils that lubricate and protect the skin and coat, contributing to that healthy shine. To get your dog moving, take regular walks, play catch or set up a DIY agility course for them to explore.
Try Supplements
As previously mentioned, choosing the right dog food for healthy skin can be beneficial for your pet. Supplements can go a step further by supplying additional nutrients. Kradle Skin Recovery Chews feature biotin and collagen plus a balanced vitamin and mineral blend to support skin health, and dogs love their delicious beef flavor. For best results, combine with Kradle Skin Recovery Spray, made with broad-spectrum CBD oil and our proprietary BotaniTek blend of proven natural calming ingredients.
See Your Vet Regularly
Routine visits to the veterinarian can lead to early diagnosis of coat and skin issues. You should also talk to your veterinarian when you have questions about symptoms, such as "Why is my dog losing hair?" or "Why is my dog itching and losing hair when they don't have fleas?" If your dog has a coat or skin problem, your vet can recommend additional treatments, such as topical medications or prescription foods that can help address the issue.
Kradle's Here to Help
Supporting skin and coat health can help your dog feel their best every day, and you can do so through grooming, providing opportunities for exercise and following the other tips outlined above. Kradle Skin Chews and Skin Spray can also play a role in your efforts to help support coat health. Learn more about our products to see for yourself how they can help you pamper your pooch.