How to Restore Shine to your Dog's Coat and Keep it that Way

You're walking your dog when struck by a stunningly beautiful breed with a shiny coat one morning, which probably made you wonder how to get your dog's skin to look healthy and shiny. Right?

Perhaps you're thinking, is it a breed thing, something they eat, a grooming regime, or straight-out magic? Frankly, it's a combination of all of these things! 

If you're looking for ways to make your dog's coat shiny, you have come to the right place. Whether you want your dog to retain their fine sheen or just maintain healthy skin, we hope that this article will prove helpful for your grooming routine! 

What does a dog's lustrous coat imply?

Nothing looks better on a dog than a shining coat, and it's usually seen as a sign of good health! Is that true, though? What makes a dog's coat so lustrous? Conversely, is a dull coat a sign that your dog isn't in good health?

Skin oils are responsible for the lustrous shine of the hair, including our own. These coat the strands and reflect light, nearly making the coat glow. So a lot of what goes into a dog's beautiful coat is making sure they have enough of these oils – but not too many! – and getting them to the appropriate area to shine.

On the other hand, dog coats are guaranteed to be less gleaming at times. Moulting dogs and dogs who have their coats stripped have dead hairs in their coats, which are naturally less glossy and might result in a dull coat. Due to the colour of their fur, white dogs might have highly healthy skin and hair without much of a visible shine.

Point to consider: Some types of furs are naturally less shiny than others, so getting a wirehaired dog to shine is quite tricky! 

Dogs prone to rolling in mud or dust have a covering of grime on their coat that makes them look dull. While this is simple to remove, some dogs will immediately get dirt on them sooner than later, making it difficult to achieve a decent gloss!

A dog's coat might also become less glossy due to specific disorders. A dull coat can be caused by any ailment that causes hair loss or affects the skin. Therefore the list is long! The following are the most common medical causes of a dull coat in dogs:

• Allergies to the skin
• Parasites such as fleas and other parasites
• Obesity
• Arthritis, IBD, and other gastrointestinal issues
• Alopecia areata is a kind of hair loss (hair loss)

Common causes of dry skin and coat issues:

The first thing you should do is identify the cause of your fur babies' problem. If it's due to a lack of nutrition in their diet, it's pretty easy to solve. However, it could also be that your dog isn't drinking enough water.

Health issues can also dry, brittle, and dull a dog's coat. Fleas and ticks are some of the most common causes of allergies and stress as well.

Harsh shampoos or bathing too frequently may also lead to dry skin and coat issues in dogs; look for natural shampoos with fewer chemicals to avoid this problem. 

Some dogs can develop dry skin and coats due to poor genetic factors as well.

If you think any of these problems might be causing your dog's dry coat issue, consult a veterinarian for advice and treatment options. 

First, start with good quality dog food

If you're looking to restore your dog's shine and softness, the first step is to make sure your dog is eating quality food. The food should balance protein, fat and carbohydrates. It should also contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, essential in keeping their skin healthy. Finally, look for food that includes vitamins like vitamin A and E, which will improve their skin health and keep their coat shiny.

Of course, you can back it up with a supplement, but make sure to consult with his vet first. If you haven’t found the right supplement yet, try out the Silky Fur by Dr. Shiba. 

It is a revitalizing snack that can bring out the most paw-werful look in your dog’s skin and hair. With its undeniable doggo-approved yummy taste, nutritional content with its pre-and probiotic ingredients, and different fish oils it is paw-ssible for your dog to feel and look healthy at the same time! Check it out here.

Keep your fur baby hydrated

The third key to restoring your dog's coat is to help it stay hydrated. The best way to do this is by ensuring your dog has free access to water at all times. You can supplement this with canned food, which mainly comprises water. When selecting canned food for your dog, be sure that you choose a high-quality brand. Check the ingredients list and avoid foods with too many fillers and additives like cornmeal, wheat flour, sugar, artificial colours or flavours.

Build a regular brushing routine into your pet care regimen

Regularly brushing your dog—even if they have a short coat or are hairless breeds—is one of the best ways to provide optimal skin and coat care. Brushing helps distribute natural oils throughout the fur, moisturizing their skin and helping their coats to look shiny and healthy. It also removes dirt, debris, and loose hair that would otherwise mat up on your pet's body (or worse, shed all over your carpets!).

Brushing is more than just a way for you to keep your house spotless, though! It can be an excellent opportunity for bonding time with your dog too. It stimulates blood flow in their bodies; it can be mentally stimulating and soothing for them. Most dogs enjoy being brushed so much that they may even fall asleep during the process!

Use these additional tips to help your pup's fur shine

To help your dog's fur shine, you can add a tablespoon of coconut oil, olive oil or apple cider vinegar to his food once or twice a week. Honey is also a good alternative that will help improve the coat and skin.

 

Our Takeaway

Hopefully, following these suggestions for getting a gleaming dog coat will result in a show-ready dog coat that you can be proud of. However, keep in mind that changes in diet and nutrition for optimal coat condition might take 6-10 weeks to show results. 

Even then, you may have to deal with moulting, an obesity plan, and behavioural concerns. So, talk to your vet if you're having trouble getting your dog's coat to shine. It’s always a good idea to consult first before doing anything that might worsen or damage your fur baby’s coat.