Four simple steps to a shiny coat
Whether they’re pups or OAPs (old age pooches), your four-pawed pals love a puddle or a roll in something pungent. And you love to see them having the time of their lives. But, you also want their coats to look perfect. That’s why we’ve prepared four steps to a stunning coat.
1. Bathe according to breed
If you’ve got a Basset Hound it’ll have an oily coat and probably needs a bath once a week. However short-haired dogs like Beagles and those with water repellent coats like Golden Retrievers probably only need a soak once a month. The same goes for thick haired dogs like Samoyeds, although they need a lot of brushing to remove dead hair and distribute natural oils.
Whether it’s once a month or once a week, be sure to use a high quality natural shampoo and take care to rinse your pet thoroughly, so you don’t cause itching and irritation.
2. Brush up on your grooming
Just like bathing, your routine will depend on which breed of dog you have. If you’ve got a Lab, once or twice a week should do the trick and keep him or her looking the part. But a German Shepherd or any other double-coated dog will need a daily dose of the brush.
Make sure it doesn’t become matted, as this will make it hard for you and painful for your pet. If does become matted, try brushing a little more regularly. As a general rule, it’s good to start them early and get them used to the brush from a young age.
3. It’s what’s inside that counts
A beautiful coat begins on the inside. Just like your hair, your dog’s is about 90% protein. So, as you can imagine, it’s a pretty important ingredient for your dog’s food. When you’re at the pet shop, look out for the ones that have chicken, lamb or turkey as the main ingredient. That way you can be sure it’ll provide the protein your pet’s coat needs. Try to steer clear of grains like corn, soy or wheat, especially if you have a pup, as they can cause skin issues.
Another way to ensure that canine shine, is to choose foods with fatty acids – specifically omega-3 and omega-6. High quality dog foods contain just the right amount to protect your pooch from dry skin, hair loss and irritation, and keep them looking pristine.
Applaws is a great option, because their foods are high in protein and contain the important fatty acids your pet needs to help them stand out in a crowd.
4. Visit your vet
Get into the habit of popping to see your vet for regular health checks. And, do your own simple examinations – run your hands over your dog to see if they have any lumps, bumps parasites or flaky skin. You can do this while you’re giving them a brush or a bath.
And that’s it, your four simple steps to a shiny coat.
