How do I care for my dog's skin and coat?
Just as we care for our skin and hair, dogs also need special care to maintain healthy skin and a strong, shiny coat.
Your dog's skin and coat are a reflection of their health. Therefore, they are one of the most reliable indicators of potential problems that could affect their well-being, from allergies to illnesses. Excessive hair loss, bald spots, loss of color, or the appearance of skin ulcers and eczema are just some of the warning signs we should address if we detect them.
Furthermore, a dog's coat acts as a natural barrier that defends and protects them from external agents such as cold, heat, and parasites and bacteria. Beyond purely aesthetic concerns, taking care of our dog's skin and coat also protects their health.
We're bringing you an article that tells you how to care for your dog's skin and hair, ensuring their well-being, health, and, of course, a perfect appearance.
The importance of nutrition
Did you know that many food intolerances manifest themselves through your dog's coat? The composition of our pet's diet must provide the necessary nutrients. If there is an excess, deficiency, or imbalance in vitamins and nutrients, we can tell from their coat.
It's vitally important that we feed our dog high-quality products, taking into account factors such as the dog's age, lifestyle, breed, and size. Palatability is also important, meaning that it's both tasty and digestible for our dog.
A good diet will help keep your dog's skin and coat in optimal condition. In this sense, food or supplements rich in Omega-3 will provide extra nutrition and vitality to your dog's skin and coat. They will also help increase shine, combat excess weight, and aid recovery from viral infections.
Suitable shampoo
Play and leisure time are vital to keeping your dog happy and fit. Exercise inevitably leads to dirt, but bathing helps keep their coat and skin clean.
Choosing a shampoo requires time and analysis. We need to know our dog's needs, what stage of life they're in, and whether they suffer from any skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or allergies.
Short-haired dogs will need nourishing shampoos because, as their coats aren't very thick, they need extra hydration and nourishment during bath time. Long-haired dogs, on the other hand, need a good dose of softness. We'll also opt for conditioning shampoos that help detangle mats.
As we've mentioned, if our dog suffers from a skin condition, we can find a wide range of products specifically designed to treat the condition we are dealing with.
Dogs with sensitive skin will need a hypoallergenic or dermatological shampoo that, far from irritating the skin, cleans it deeply and keeps it healthy. We can also face problems with allergies, irritations, bites, or eczema that cause our dog to scratch excessively, worsening the condition. In this sense, the Arquivet brand has an anti-itch shampoo for dogs , specially designed to naturally moisturize the skin and coat, soothing irritation.
Regular brushing
Regular brushing will prevent your pet from accumulating dead hair, which can cause itching. Brushing also helps eliminate unpleasant odors.
For short-haired dogs, brushing three times a week is sufficient. It's recommended to brush gently first, in the direction of the hair. Then, brush against the grain, which will help remove dead skin cells while providing a pleasant massage for your pet. Finally, brush again in the direction of the hair.
If your dog has long hair, it's recommended to do this routine daily to prevent possible tangles. If, on the other hand, the knots have already formed, before starting brushing, grab some scissors to remove them. Afterward, wet the coat and begin brushing with a long-toothed comb that will allow you to reach all layers.
For curly-coated dogs, opt for a comb with blunt, wide-toothed teeth, which will prevent pulling while you comb your dog. First, remove any tangles with scissors and continue with a gentle brushing against the grain, finishing with a brushing in the direction of the hair.
Dirt, dust, and potential parasites easily stick to our dog's skin and coat. Regular or frequent brushing—depending, as we've said, on the coat type—will prevent potential future problems. Prevention is always better than cure.
Regular deworming
Taking care of the outside is just as important as the inside. Regular deworming, as prescribed by veterinarians, will help keep your dog free of the dreaded fleas and ticks. Attacks by these parasites cause, among other conditions, skin lesions such as allergies, ulcers, itching, and eczema.
If we check our dog's coat and ears frequently, we can quickly detect an infestation by these parasites. As for ear care, adopt a routine cleaning with gauze to reduce the chances of mites entering them and causing infections.