Love and care for every member of the family is important, including our pets. For the sweet pup in your life, we have great tips to keep their skin and coat healthy.
- Feed your dog quality food and treats. A diet based on meat is best suited for a dog's digestive system. The first ingredient of anything you feed your canine should always be meat, not grains or carbs. If possible, choose something made with fish as the omegas encourage the growth of a healthier, glossier, softer coat.
- Brushing regularly can help remove loose fur and prevents the coat from tangling. We like doing this outdoors to keep clean up simple.
- Check for fleas and ticks regularly. Warmer climates often bring exposure to biting bugs that can make the dog itch for relief. There are drops, pills, sprays and combs to help keep bugs at bay.
- Be mindful of what gets on your dog. Walking around streets in winter means trudging through slush, dirt and salt. It's important to wash off the muck after each walk with a gentle soap.
- Bathe your pet regularly but be careful not to overdo it. This can strip important natural oils that keep skin and coat healthy.
- Choose natural. The best dog shampoo is one that contains natural ingredients. Dogs can be very sensitive to chemicals so you want to avoid parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances and other questionable ingredients.
If you're on the last wash of your old dog shampoo or looking for something new to bathe your pup with, we recommend our natural dog shampoo bar. Our bar is free of funny fragrances. (No strange fruit or flower smells here!) Our vegan dog shampoo bar will leave nothing but a clean coat and a faint herbal scent that'll fade as fur dries. You may not be used to washing your pup with a bar but we love that there's no plastic bottle to throw away and its perfectly portable for a wash at the dog park or beach.
How can you tell if your dog's coat is healthy? Look for the tell-tale shine. You're on the right track if your dog's coat is even, glossy and without bald spots, flakes or strong odors.
How do you keep your dog's coat healthy and clean?
(Image courtesy of Mpho Mojapelo)