We all want what is best for our dogs, after all, they are man’s best friend and often loved as if they were our children. One of the key factors in keeping your dog happy, healthy, and looking great is fur maintenance. There are several things you can do to improve and maintain a healthy, glossy coat for your pups. These include ensuring their diet supports a healthy coat, buying good grooming scissors, using dog-friendly shampoo, brushing their fur regularly, protecting them against parasites like fleas and ticks, and treating your pooch to an oatmeal bath. For more information, check out the list below.

1. Fur-Friendly Meals and Treats

Nutritious diets keep dog fur strong and healthy so pay attention to ingredients when choosing your dog food. Adding Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to your dog’s diet can be beneficial for their health and fur, but do not go overboard with adding fats to your dog’s meals, as this can cause an upset stomach.

Raw carrots are a great dog treat, as they are low calorie, healthy and great for your pup’s teeth, as well as providing vitamin A which improves eye health and is beneficial for their skin and coat.

2. Good Grooming Scissors

Depending on your dog’s fur, you can choose the right shears for your pup’s needs, whether that is a curved set, texturizing shears, or thinning scissors. For more information on shears available, visit GroomingScissorsDirect.com.au for a range of good quality scissors at factory-direct prices. Designed to be sharpened multiple times throughout their life, these scissors are meant to be durable, long-lasting, and great value for money. Moreover, they have a seven-day return policy and lifetime warranty. You can even jazz up your grooming routine with rose gold or matte black shears. Now that is grooming in style.

3. Special Shampoo

You should bathe your pup semi-regularly, as in once or twice a month. You do not want to bathe your dog too regularly, as this could remove natural oils in their coat and actually make their fur and skin less healthy. When it is time for bath day, remember to only use dog-specific shampoos! Human shampoo should never be used on dogs, as it can cause skin irritation and remove all of their natural oils. Search for a dog shampoo that has conditioning properties for a glossy finish, and any specific medical properties that your dog might need, such as anti-skin irritation.

You can even rub some coconut oil into your dog’s fur and skin post-bath, or add it to their shampoo, to keep their coat shiny and their skin moisturized. 

4. Brush Regularly

Aim to brush your pup’s fur every few days, regardless of their breed. Find a brush that suits your dog’s specific fur type for the best results, and a de-shedding brush if your dog sheds a lot. Remember to brush down and out, always in the direction that the fur grows. Brush gently, or you could end up pulling at your dog’s fur and stretching hairs until they break or tangle. 

If your dog is resistant to the brushing routine, try creating a relaxing and cozy environment to relax their nerves. Giving them a treat before you begin and reinforcing their patience with treats throughout is also a good idea. Keep talking to them and telling them how well they’re doing, your soothing tone and compliments will resonate with the pup and give them a little more courage and a feeling of security.

5. Protect Against Parasites

Parasites like fleas and ticks live on your dog’s fur and skin, and cause them to scratch and bite themselves. This can damage your dog’s coat and cause health complaints, so you should keep on top of parasite prevention, using anti-flea medications, and bathing after walks in long grass or other high-risk environments.

6. Oatmeal Bath

This is a cheap and very effective technique for skin and fur health for dogs. Especially for pups who suffer from allergies and itchy skin, an oatmeal bath can soothe their skin, reduce itchiness and alleviate allergy symptoms. What a treat!

Get That Glossy Finish For Your Pup

With these simple but highly effective fur-maintenance techniques, your dog will be ready for its close-ups, have a healthy coat and skin, and be its happiest self. From proper diet management to a well-regulated grooming regime, with a suitable brush, good shears, and even a splash of coconut oil, these top tips can make all the difference.