Nutrition Tips for Dog Grooming and Health

Your dog is well-groomed, gets a regular nail clip and is thoroughly bathed each month with a special shampoo. But for some reason it’s lacking its former lustrous coat. She likes a bath and loves the clips and attention. How though do you return the fur to its previous glory? Diet is the next most important factor after a good regular wash and shampoo. The following tips should go a long way to the overall health and well being of your dog, and will see the restoration of a shiny coat too.

Dogs need healthy Fats, especially Omega 3 and 6 which are essential for a dogs health and for proper grooming.

Fatty Acids are an important ingredient in the health of your dog’s coat. Thankfully, most dog foods on the market today contain the healthy fats and nutrients that your dog needs to maintain that well-groomed look and feel, and it’s only the very low quality brands that might pose a problem.

Homemade diets, often with the best intentions, often fall short of nutritional balance and affect the overall groom. Experts on the subject report that many dog owners are pro-active when it comes to the diets of their dogs, however, it is easy to get it wrong. Tara Dell, a veterinarian based in Eight Mile Plains says “To a certain extent, our dogs are susceptible to similar food-based allergies and upsets as their owners. It’s fine to put in more effort into their diet, but a menu of minced chicken and beans, as an example, isn’t likely to do your dog any good. Dogs need a lot of protein and fat. I’m often flabbergasted by well-intentioned dog owners who feel that their dog will benefit by becoming vegetarian and will contribute positively to their grooming.”

Dogs need a lot of fat, and the lack of it can cause a dull coat and a presence of dandruff, regardless of a wash, groom and shampoo. If a puppy has a low fat diet, the chances of lifelong problems such as skin lesions, dry and course hair and higher rates of infection across the board increase significantly. Loving grooming and a regular wash won’t help in this instance, and you should look for evidence in the poop to confirm this. Anything that is not solid over a three day period doesn’t mean you should panic but means some sort of action should be taken.

However, foods aren’t the only offender when it comes to skin inflammations and dull coats. Dogs lose essential oils if they scratch too much or wash too often, especially with the wrong soaps. In this case, dietary supplements will often remedy the situation. Most reputable dog-foods are high in Omega 6 (fatty acids), but if your dogs diet is different, most pet stores carry Omega 6 supplements. Flaxseed oil and fish oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Supplements such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) help with itching and inflammation and can assist with the overall well-being and grooming your beloved pooch.

Vegetable oils are also a source of omega-6 fatty acids. Add a teaspoon of sunflower oil to each meal, or if your dog is a biggun, a tablespoon might be better. Don’t use old oil if you can help it; the fresher the better. Whether you use supplements in a commercial form or manage it yourself, don’t overdo it and allow about six weeks before you see the effects in full. However, there should be no deterioration during that period, and should there be any, desist the program and make an appointment with your vet. Eight Mile Plains have a wealth of amazing veterinarians who can ensure your best friend gets the attention you need. In the latest countrywide report, Brisbane dogs lead the way with regards to health and happiness and grooming.