Improving the Appearance of your Dog’s Skin and Coat

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to making sure our pets are healthy and happy. We have to ensure they are eating quality food, getting enough exercise, that their teeth, nails, and ears are taken care of, that they’re receiving all the best snuggles, and the list goes on! Of course, on that list, we also need to ensure that our dogs have healthy skin and coat. After all, the appearance of a dog’s coat is an indicator of their overall health. Have you ever wondered how to help make your dog’s fur the best it can be and how to improve the appearance of their coat? Maybe your dog has dirt or excess fur buildup, matting, or maybe they have some dry patches, hair loss, or could simply benefit from a little more shine.

1. Brushing

A weekly brushing can do wonders for your dog’s coat, regardless of their fur type. This removes the excess buildup of loose fur, dust, and dander. Choose a brush that suits your dog’s fur type for the best results, and especially if your dog sheds a lot you may want to invest in a deshedding brush.

2. Bathing

You don’t want to over bathe your dog because that could actually remove some of the skin’s natural oils that benefit the skin and coat and could kill off good bacteria that nourishes the body. Giving your dog a bath on a monthly or bi-monthly basis should be sufficient, especially if they spend a lot of time indoors. A bath after a particularly “dirty” activity like a beach trip or roll in the mud is encouraged so that all that sand or outside bacteria does not cling to their fur. However, a rinsing in this case should suffice if your dog has recently had their routine bath. Grooming wipes are also quite beneficial when you want to clean your dog up and remove any dirt between bath dates.

3. Rub coconut oil into their fur or add it to the diet

Coconut oil has many health benefits including lauric acid that is found in coconut, which is an easily digested fatty acid. There are also many antioxidants in coconut, which assist the immune system. It even improves hydration due to levels of electrolytes. This can be given to dogs as a treat, a teaspoon can be added to their meals, or it can even be used externally to add some shine and moisture to the fur, which may improve the appearance of a dog’s coat.

4. Nutritious food and treats

Health starts from within and translates to outer appearance, the same as it does for people. If we eat healthy and nutritious foods and are well hydrated, our skin will show this. Make sure your dog is eating the best food for their specific needs, and if you are unsure about what their diet should include then always consult with your vet to come up with a meal plan together. When it comes to treats, choose nutritious ones that not only taste delicious to your dog but also provide them with health benefits! We created a list of healthy human foods for dogs that are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. So, treat your furry friend to some tasty and beneficial snacks!

5. Skin and coat supplements

Omegas are important to include in the diet for many reasons, but especially when it comes to the skin and coat. It could be a good idea to implement a supplement that includes omegas, whereas dogs, and even people, could often benefit from additional omegas than what is received in food alone. Our Wonder Paws Skin and Coat chews promote healthy skin and a glossy coat, they are packed with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The formula features vitamin E, which is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. There’s an added bonus with our skin and coat chews—they were also designed to support joints and overall health! When taken in addition to other skin and coat care routines, your dog will really be shining!

6. Salmon oil

Since we know how important omegas are when it comes to skin, coat, and overall health, one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids is salmon. Many pet owners choose to supplement their dog’s diet with salmon oil due to the health benefits. Our Wonder Paws Hemp Oil not only supports calmness and healthy joints, but it is packed with a powerful dose of wild Alaskan salmon oil. Our formula is unique because you get multiple benefits in one with these naturally occurring ingredients!

If you have health concerns about your dog’s skin or fur, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian doctor to ensure there isn’t a medical condition. If they are itching or biting at a specific body part excessively or have experienced hair loss, then they should definitely be checked by a professional. For skin and coat that is already in the normal range but needs regular maintenance and a little extra care and attention, we hope you have found some ideas to keep that coat shining!

Shay Siegel is a young adult author, freelance writer, and editor from Long Island, NY. She has a BA from Tulane University and an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. Always a lover of animals, Shay had several cats growing up. She's now a dog mom to the snuggliest rescue pit bull, Bernie. She enjoys writing on a variety of topics and sharing her love and knowledge of animals with others!