Sit Down Dog Wheelchairs
Dog Hygiene: How to Keep Your Dog's Skin and Fur Healthy
Being a dog owner comes with many perks because having a furry friend around will encourage you to exercise more often and help you easily ward off stress. Dog ownership can also mold important qualities, such as patience, compassion, and time management.
If you have a pet at home, you should be aware of how important it is to keep your pet's skin and fur healthy. The coat acts as a protection against the cold and from the elements, while the coat also provides warmth and comfort. It's your responsibility as a pet owner to keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy; fortunately, there are many ways of doing it.
Here are some of the most basic tips for you to properly take care of your dog’s skin and fur.
1. Use The Right Products
Did you know that one of the best ways to keep your dog's skin and fur healthy is to avoid harsh shampoos and conditioners? The wrong cleansers can dry out your pet's coat, leaving it flaky and unhealthy.
One of the best ways to keep your dog's skin and fur healthy is to avoid shampoos containing harsh chemicals. Instead, look for shampoos that are made from natural oils. These oils are great for moisturizing your dog's skin and keeping it smooth. Shampoos and conditioners that contain natural fragrances, such as chamomile, citrus, and lavender, are also great options to keep your pooch smelling good.
You can also look for products that are solely made for the breed of your dog to ensure that their skin and fur receive the right amount of nutrients. Select the best shampoo for your dog and use it regularly. Take into consideration your dog's skin type, sensitivities, allergies, as well as their fur type. If you have a senior or handicapped dog, make sure to use shampoos and conditioners that are apt to their skin and fur condition
2. Provide A Healthy Diet
Proper nutrition impacts all aspects of a dog's health. Feeding your dog the proper diet is an important component of grooming. It’s recommended that you feed your dog with high-quality foods that contain high amounts of protein. Protein makes up approximately 95% of a pet's hair structure. It helps make your dog's skin develop and heal correctly, as well as helps them develop a thick coat. Inadequate protein can lead to hair loss and dulling of the fur. Some of the most common sources of protein for dogs are fish and eggs, so make sure that these are gradually incorporated to their diet.
Moreover, you should also feed your dog with foods that contain fatty acids. A deficiency of this nutrient can cause dry and dull coat, greasy skin, and hair loss. Over time, your dog will also become more susceptible to skin inflammation if they don’t get enough fatty acids in their bodies. You can prevent these from happening by feeding your dog with chicken fat and vegetable oils.
For people who are looking after senior or handicapped dogs, providing them with a healthy diet can be more challenging. Pet owners will need to consider their unique health and nutrition needs. Senior or handicapped dog with foods also require food that contains high amounts of fiber, vitamin A, and linoleic acid.
3. Invest In a Good Brush
For you to keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy, you should always invest in a good pet brush. You’ll be able to find countless brushes in the market today, so it’s best if you find one that suits the needs of your dogs. This is especially important for aging and handicapped dogs.
As a dog owner, it’s vital that you regularly brush your dog’s fur to help distribute the natural oils from your dog’s body to their skin and fur, prevent painful hair mats, and reduce shedding. Regular brushing can also make your dog look good and feel comfortable, and will make it very easy for you to identify if your dog has any type of skin allergies.
4. Take Grooming Seriously
Regular grooming is one of the most important tips to keeping your dog's skin and fur healthy. Most dogs enjoy their daily grooming ritual as much as they enjoy eating, so it’s important that you don't take this for granted.
Your dog’s grooming routine should include a bath, hair wash, and nail trimming. It may also be a good idea to have them groomed by a professional monthly to ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of pampering for their skin and fur.
Dogs, especially seniors and handicapped, have different needs. Pet's with medical needs and mobility issues may need professional grooming. Improper paw care can be hazardous to dog's with mobility issues. And in some cases can actually make walking across a floor even more challenging.
Paw Care for Senior or Handicapped Dogs
Long hair between a dog's paw pads can lead to slipping. This hair should be kept short to avoid slip and fall injuries. Toe nails should also be kept trim. Long nails can make it harder for a dog to gain traction. You’ll be able to buy several grooming products in the market today, but using one that isn’t suitable for a senior or handicapped dog’s needs will only lead to more harm than good.
Caring for Fur in a "Down Dog"
Dogs dealing with weakened legs or changing mobility will inevitably spend more time laying down. This may cause mats to form. Regular brushing and de-matting will not only keep a coat looking healthy, but it may prevent further health issues. When fur is matted gets progressively tighter when it's left untreated. This tightening can cause skin irritation, and even open sores. Brushing regularly helps to avoid this type of skin irritation.
5. Check With Your Vet
It is vitally important to have your Vet regularly check your dog's fur and skin. While every pet owner can visually assess the condition of their dog’s skin and fur, there are tasks that should be entrusted to professionals. For you to keep your dog's skin and fur healthy, it’s important that you regularly check with your vet to prevent and treat certain skin conditions, such as rashes or infections.
Never attempt to use grooming products or change your dog’s diet without their approval as this can only endanger the life of your pet pooch. If you have a senior dog, for example, it’s best if you consult your vet for the best shampoos and conditioners to ensure that your dog's health isn't compromised.
Vets can properly inspect your dog and check for any signs of skin problems and treat them right away. The more frequent you visit the vet, the easier it’ll be for you to take care of your dog’s skin and fur.
Remain Consistent
Contrary to popular belief, keeping a dog’s skin and fur healthy isn’t expensive or taxing. There are actually many ways on how you can accomplish this goal. Keeping your dog's coat and skin healthy is simple, and only requires your time and consistency. As long as you consistently follow the tips in this article, it won’t be long before your dog will have the healthiest skin and fur!
