Your dog’s coat shields their skin and is a huge part of their overall appearance. A shiny dog coat indicates good health and looks nice, too. Conversely, a lackluster coat serves as a warning sign that your dog’s skin and fur need more nourishment — likely from the inside out.
Your pup’s coat health begins at the skin level. Recognizing the signs of skin irritation, allergies, or topical inflammation will help you catch coat issues before they arise.
Healthy skin typically looks smooth and flexible without flaking, redness, hair loss, crusts, or obvious irritation. During your afternoon cuddles with your pup, watch for signs of irritation, such as odors or crusty, moist, red, itchy, or discolored skin.
Sometimes, your pet’s coat may need a little TLC. Dandruff and itchiness can be signs of hypothyroidism, allergies, or irritation. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, are a great way to improve your pet’s skin health, and they are also easy to work into your pet’s diet.
These supplements also have additional benefits for your pup, including reducing inflammation, helping to manage arthritis, aiding cognitive function, and promoting heart health.
Before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. They’ll be able to recommend dosage amounts and brands to support your pet’s health.
Regular brushing keeps your pet’s fur hydrated, soft, and healthy. You’ll spread natural oils from follicle to tip with every brushing session, alleviating itching and avoiding tangles and mats later on.
Don't bathe too frequently, though, as that can lead to dry skin
Dr. Liza Cahn
DVM
Here are some other bathtime tips:
Your dog’s diet directly impacts their skin health. They need nutrition sourced from vegetables, grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. During the diet evaluation process, pet parents may realize that their pup’s food isn’t quite hitting the mark.
If you plan to switch your pet’s diet to a more nutrient-dense option, speak with your veterinarian. They’ll be able to help you choose the best food for your pup and discuss a safe transition to the new diet, such as gradually switching the food over a week to avoid GI upset.
Skin mites, ticks, and fleas can all affect your dog’s coat, and their presence can have widespread health consequences for your pet. These can range from topical irritation to a potentially life-threatening tick-borne disease, depending on the type of vector.
If you’re concerned about a parasite affecting your dog’s skin and coat, consider reaching out to your vet. They’ll be able to guide you as to what diagnostic tests are needed and the best way to treat them.
You can also preventatively manage the risk of parasites in your pup by taking them to regular checkups and by keeping your dog on year-round heartworm and flea/tick prevention. Regular grooming can help too, as your groomer will also examine your dog’s skin for possible parasites and report any concerns to you.
Oatmeal soothes itchy, irritated skin. If your dog struggles with eczema, oatmeal is especially beneficial, promoting moisture retention and deep hydration. It’s easy to make a pet-friendly oatmeal bath at home with these steps:
You can also purchase over-the-counter oatmeal-based pet shampoo options for a more convenient way to soothe your pet’s skin. Oatmeal baths are safe, but dogs shouldn’t drink the bath water. Discourage this as much as possible throughout.
A shiny coat usually means your pet has healthy skin and a well-balanced diet. It can also mean that your pet is well cared for since a shiny, well-kept coat is a sign of excellent hygiene habits such as brushing and bathing.
If you want to support your dog’s coat health, feed them a high-quality and well-balanced diet. If your dog’s food doesn’t already contain a rich supply of Omega 3s and 6s, ask your vet about a supplement such as Good Growlies.
Every dog’s coat is unique. Common signs of a healthy dog coat include radiance and shine, as well as smooth skin underneath. If you notice hair loss, itchiness (excessive scratching or licking), oiliness, flaking, crusts, or an odor, it’s time to get a checkup. This could be a sign of health and skin problems.
Despite the hype, there is no real benefit to applying coconut oil to your dog’s skin or adding it to their diet. A little bit may not hurt, but it can cause an upset stomach and instigate pancreatitis if consumed.
Just like human hair, dog fur requires different brushes depending on the texture. A rubber glove brush or soft boar brush suffices for short, smooth coats. Dogs with dense short or medium coats, such as the Siberian husky, may need a slicker brush or a de-shedding tool such as a Furminator for heavy shedding months when they blow their coat. Dogs with long, silky fur or hypoallergenic low-shedding coats should only be brushed with a slicker, bristle, or boar brush. Deshedding tools rip their fur, so only use those on breeds that shed.
