5 Ways to Help Your Pet’s Coat Shine

Everyone loves the way their pet’s coat looks when it shines. It brings out the natural colors of your pet’s fur and makes it irresistible to pets. But did you know that the shine of your pet’s coat goes way deeper than just appearance? The shine, or lack thereof, of an animal’s fur, is an indicator of their health status.

Keep reading to learn more about the health-coat connection and five ways to help your pet’s coat shine.

1) Provide a Balanced Diet

For your pet’s coat to look its very best, the first step is to ensure that they are eating a well-balanced diet. Ask your vet for the food they recommend, and if your pet has any health conditions or vitamin and mineral deficiencies that they receive the necessary supplements.

Check out these recipes for healthy homemade dog treats.

2) Protect Their Health

A chronically dull coat may be a sign of health problems. If you notice a sudden change or can’t seem to get your pet’s coat to shine, speak to a veterinarian. Dull coats can be caused by a wide range of conditions, from simple allergies to arthritis or kidney problems. It’s imperative to seek a professional opinion.

Learn how to look for warning signs of dog gingivitis at home, as their oral health can affect their coats too.

3) Use the Right Grooming Products

Make sure you use a shampoo that promotes healthy, moisturized skin when you bathe your pet. Like humans, shampoos with perfume or artificial color can dry out your pet’s skin and dull their coat. Some animals get dry skin if they are bathed too frequently, so pay close attention to your pet’s skin after each bath. Frequent scratching is a sign that they may be over-bathed or have an adverse reaction to bathing products.

Additionally, if your pet has a long coat, be sure to detangle their fur using a specialized brush daily.

4) Add Omega Fatty Acid Supplements to Their Food

Experts say that omega fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, are essential for skin and coat health in pets. The supplements help address any internal factors that may be affecting the shine of their furs, such as allergies and inflammation. It may take several months to see a change in your pet’s coat.

Speak to your vet before adding supplements to your pet’s diet.

5) Moisturize

Just how your skin sometimes gets dry and flaky, your pet’s skin does too. When this happens, you may see dandruff in their coat, and their fur may appear dull. Pets need moisturizer too. Again, try to go all-natural and stay away from products that are scented or colored. Natural options include topical olive oil and coconut oil.

Maintaining a GR8 Shine

Once you’ve got your pet’s coat to shine, keep up with the grooming and health habits. Maintaining a healthy, shiny coat is an on-going process. Follow your vet’s recommendations and continue the grooming process that works best for your pet. They’ll have that sun-glistening, shiny coat in no time.