Our pups are in great shape when they come home from the groomer. Their coats are shiny and clean, their ears and eyes are bright and crust-free and their breath, for once, smells amazing. Wouldn’t it be nice if they could stay that way forever?
In some ways, they can. The following tricks and tips can help you keep your pup looking and feeling her best in between her dates with the groomer:homeowners insurance without dog breed restrictions
6. Healthy Dog, Healthy Coat
Maintaining a healthy and shiny coat starts on the inside.
“A high-quality diet is the basis for skin and coat health,” says Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian.
Make sure your pup is eating a balanced diet appropriate for her age and activity level. Supplements like omega-3 fish oils and coconut oil can also help decrease shedding, dryness and flaking, Morgan says.
“Egg yolks are another great addition,” she adds. “They contain fats and fat-soluble vitamins that feed the skin and coat.”
Go easy when introducing your dog to new foods or ingredients, however, and make sure all supplements are used in moderation.
“Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, check with your veterinarian to see if they have any recommendations or warnings,” says Dr. Rob Hance, owner of Creekside Pet Care Center in Keller, Texas.
5. Don’t Forget Exercise
Regular exercise will keep your pup, and her coat, in great shape, says Hance.
“Making sure your dog stays healthy is key in developing and maintaining a shiny, beautiful coat,” he says, and that includes daily activity and walks.
Bored with your same-old stroll around the block? Consider trying a new dog-friendly form of exercise together.
4. Brush, Brush, Brush
Regular brushing helps keep tangles to a minimum, Morgan says. It also helps distribute the body’s natural oils throughout the coat.
She recommends using a wire slicker for longhaired dogs and a soft bristled brush for short-coated pups, while Hance recommends a rubber brush for dogs with really short hair.
He suggests brushing long-haired dogs daily, while dogs with shorter coats might only need a once-a-week brushing.
No brush? No problem.
“Simply petting or rubbing with a soft cloth can also help bring out the shine,” says Morgan.
3. Consider Using Oils
Applying topical oils can help your pup’s coat stay well moisturized in between grooming appointments and may also help reduce skin irritations. Hance recommends using an olive, coconut or vitamin E grooming oil formulated specifically for pets.
Morgan adds that coconut oil is particularly helpful if your pup has dry spots or rashes.
“The lauric acid in the coconut oil helps kill bacteria and yeast, and the oil is soothing to any irritated areas,” she says.
2. Mind the Ears
Don’t ignore the ears during your at-home grooming sessions, but do make sure you’re using the right products to keep them healthy and sanitized, Morgan says.
“Water-based cleaning solutions can leave moisture in the ears, leading to yeast or bacterial infections, while alcohol-based solutions can burn, particularly if there is an ulceration in the ear canals,” she says.
She recommends using a product with a witch hazel base, just make sure it’s specifically designed for cleaning dogs’ ears.
1. Don’t Over or Under Bathe
A regular bath can help your dog’s coat stay healthy in between grooming appointments, just make sure you’re using the right products and not overdoing it.
“The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog once every three months unless he or she spends a lot of time outside, has skin problems or gets dirty,” Hance says. “Be careful not to bathe your pup too frequently, because doing so can strip her coat and skin of necessary oils and moisture.”
If you take your dog in regularly for professional grooming, you’ll likely only need to bathe her when she gets extra messy, he says.
As for which products to use, always use products specifically designed for dogs, Hance says.
“Most shampoos, soaps, and conditioners formulated for humans can irritate your dog’s skin, making her fur look flaky and brittle,” he says.
And if you have a particularly dirty dog, use an oil-based shampoo that will not dry the coat, Morgan says. If you find yourself washing your dog more than once a week, she also recommends adding a conditioner to your bathing routine.
