Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
A glossy coat is a sign of a healthy, vigorous dog. But even the most hale and hearty animal may sometimes have a coat that looks dull and untidy. Glossy, sleek coats don't happen automatically, but are a result of proper nutrition, regular baths, grooming and brushing -- which loosens dead, loose fur and distributes the coat's natural oils. Use appropriate supplies made for specifically for dogs, and don't attempt to use brushes or shampoos created for humans.
Lambskin, also called sheepskin, coats are attractive outerwear, available for both men and women. These coats are ideal in cold weather, since their interiors are made from lamb's wool. The exterior of a lambskin coat is made from the treated skin, or suede, of the lamb. Lambskin coats are luxurious and somewhat expensive. The cost and varying materials used in manufacturing lambskin coats makes it essential to follow proper care and cleaning procedures.
Dogs shed to get rid of old, dead hair. All breeds shed; some, like Labrador retrievers, shed more than others. Indoor dogs tend to shed continuously while outdoor dogs have more seasonal sheds. Shedding is affected by a number of factors including grooming, hormones, sex, allergies, temperature and diet. You can't stop your Lab from shedding but you can take steps to reduce the amount of hair. A healthy, well-groomed Lab will shed less.
Coonhounds are a type of dog that are bred to hunt small game like raccoons. They are trained to track this game by scent, because their noses are well developed. Many individual dogs can find a scent trail even if it was made days before. They are taught to bark when trailing a scent and especially when they locate the animal that made it.
Proper nutrition and regular grooming are natural ways to make your dog's coat shinier. Poor nutrition shows in your dog's coat while a bright shiny coat indicates good health. No matter the breed or coat type, you must provide the proper balance of protein, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Internal and external care are equally important to ensure a healthy coat.
When a dog is fed a limited diet, is given poor quality dog food or isn't healthy enough to eat his daily rations, nutritional supplements may be necessary. Maintaining a dog's skin and coat with supplements nourishes the pet from the inside out with vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. This leads to less frequent shedding, decreased skin irritation and a smooth, silky coat. Available at major pet retailers and veterinarian offices, most supplements are liquids, flavored-tablets or food additives, all simple to administer.
A beautiful skin and coat is the cornerstone of a healthy cat. While cats are generally clean animals due to their grooming habits, nutritional supplements can help improve the quality of a feline's skin to support a healthy coat.
Dry and itchy skin on dogs often results from the rapid formation and death of skin cells. The dead cells dry out causing the skin to appear dry and an itchy sensation for the dog. This process can be treated with proper supplements and diet.
All breeds of dog can suffer from chronic eczema, or dermatitis, which is an uncomfortable skin condition that can cause irritation and itching. Sometimes, this condition can be caused as a result of poor diet and nutrition. There are specific foods and diets that you can feed your dog to help alleviate its symptoms.
