How to Keep Your Dog's Coat Shiny and Healthy

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By jaredsgirl
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Keep Your Dog's Coat Shiny and Healthy

Maintaining a shiny, healthy coat for your dog takes regular care and attention. Minor things are often overlooked by dog owners who aren't sure how to properly groom and feed their pet. Here's some ideas for promoting and keeping your dog's coat shiny and healthy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Feed your dog a diet high in protein. A healthy, shiny coat comes from adequate amounts of protein in a dog's diet. Meat based dry food is best because it contains at least 20% of protein that your dog needs and is easily digestible.
Step 2

Omega fatty acids is important in a dog's diet as well. Most dog food does not show this as an ingredient, but will contain flaxseed which contains a mixture of omega three and six fatty acid. You can also add some avocados and brown rice to your dog's diet to which reduce shedding and add shine to his coat.
Step 3

Do not over bath your dog. If you live in a warm climate, try to bath him only once a week. Those in cooler climates can get away with bathing their dog once a month. Be sure to choose a dog shampoo that contains Pathenol as this ingredient helps to enhance a shiny, healthy coat.
Step 4

Brush your dog regularly. Brushing helps to prevent matting and dryness and should be done at least once a week. Regular grooming will reduce shedding and distributes natural oils throughout the dog's coat. Finish with a conditioning spray for added shine and protection.
Step 5

Regular exercise not only keeps your dog's body healthy, but his coat as well. Exercise stimulates blood and oxygen flow adding shine to your dog's coat. When his body is healthy, his skin will be too. When a dog's skin is fresh, his coat will be shiny.
Step 6

Dogs can also have vitamins on a daily basis to enhance their coat's shine. Oils such as flax seed oil, salmon oil, and cod liver oil are great for promoting a shiny, healthy coat. Add these oils to your dog's food for wonderful results. Be sure to consult a veterinarian first.