How To Make a Dog’s Coat Shiny in 6 Simple Ways
As a pet owner, you want your dog to be healthy, so it can be worrisome to see your pup's fur become dull over time. You may wonder how to make a dog’s coat shiny without harsh shampoos or cosmetics.
Don’t worry — you can restore your dog’s shiny coat using veterinarian-approved strategies. Below, XDOG professionals list six methods you should consider to improve the quality of your dog’s fur coat.
1. Brush Your Dog
This first step may seem obvious, but many pet owners neglect this essential responsibility. Brushing your dog’s fur can invigorate their hair follicles and allow them to produce natural body oils for a cleaner coat. Still, how often should you brush your dog’s coat?
The answer depends on the type of breed you own. For example, you should brush short-hair breeds — like pugs, terriers, and labs — every few weeks. This method will reduce the amount of loose hair.
On the other hand, it’s important to brush your dog’s coat once a week if it has long hair. These long-haired breeds include German shepherds, golden retrievers, and bearded collies. Tangled hair can prevent their skin from getting the oxygen needed to produce healthy oils.
2. Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Do you bathe your dog once a month? If not, you should consider prioritizing it in your schedule. Excess dirt can create dull coats and irritate your dog’s skin.
Routine baths every few weeks will clear away debris and loose fur. Veterinarians usually discourage bathing your dog more than once a week because too-frequent bathes can prevent the buildup of natural oils that contribute to a shiny coat.
Invest in veterinarian-recommended shampoos and moisturizing products to highlight your dog’s coat. These products usually have vitamin-infused properties for healthy skin.
Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t know how to bathe their dogs correctly to achieve a shiny coat. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Try to calm your dog down if they have bath anxiety
- Brush out loose fur
- Make sure the water is warm
- Soak your dog for several minutes, then apply a generous amount of shampoo
- Thoroughly rinse away the shampoo
- Dry your dog with a blowdryer far away from their skin and on a low setting
The Oatmeal Bath Method
Learning how to make a dog’s coat shiny with home remedies can be an excellent way to save money. Oatmeal is a popular solution that really works. Simply fill your bathtub with powdered or fine oatmeal and add hot water.
Let the water cool to a warm temperature and place your dog in the tub. This method typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Repeat this process every week or two, and you will start to see the results quickly.
Oatmeal baths can also:
- Alleviate itchiness
- Eliminate ticks and fleas
- Reduce redness and irritation
- Soften fur
3. Introduce Natural Supplements
Herbal or veterinarian-prescribed vitamins, like XDOG bully puppy supplements, may be just what your dog needs for a shinier coat. These supplements are rich in amino acids and vitamin B to support skin, bone, and hair growth. In most cases, you can put this health enhancer in your dog’s food, and they won’t even know it’s there.
Always speak to a licensed veterinarian before giving your dog supplements. It’s important to give the correct dosage corresponding to your dog’s breed, size, and age. These solutions may also not be appropriate if your dog has a medical condition that discourages the use of certain supplements or medication.
4. Try Using Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains moisturizing properties that are safe for dog skin and fur. You can administer this solution directly to your dog’s coat or feed it to them via a supplement.
Wait a few minutes after you bathe your dog to apply coconut oil directly to its skin. This method allows your canine’s hair follicles to trap moisture. Massage the oil in gently, then let it sit for several minutes.
Your dog’s hair follicles will absorb the oil and begin metabolizing certain restorative properties, resulting in a shinier, healthier coat.
Coconut oil is also a popular stomach medication. Feed a small amount of coconut oil to your dog every day to reduce its risk of experiencing diarrhea or discomfort. A veterinarian may also recommend other natural oils to improve skin and hair health, such as chamomile or lavender oil.
5. Monitor Your Dog’s Nutrition
Your pup’s diet is one of the most important things to consider when learning how to make a dog’s coat shiny. A well-balanced meal includes high-quality meats, vegetables, and fats for cleaner skin and muscle growth.
Omega-6
Fatty acids like omega-6 can lead to softer and more vibrant hair. Most dog food products include this nutrient.
Omega-3
Omega-3 is another fatty acid that promotes clear skin and a shiny coat. Fish are a good source of this nutrient, though you can also find it infused with many dog food products.
Feeding your dog omega-3 could help restore its shiny coat within just two months. However, it’s important to monitor their intake. Too much omega-3 can lead to stomach pain and vomiting.
Healthy Snacks
Many pet brands also offer treats that promote healthier skin and fur.
Giving your dog a treat every now and again will also improve its mood and lower stress levels. Happier dogs tend to have healthier coats.
6. Visit the Vet
You can always visit a trusted veterinarian if the above methods don’t yield results. Your vet can:
- Check your dog for underlying medical conditions
- Recommend alternative solutions
- Prescribe medicine or supplements
- Schedule routine checkups to monitor progress
The Important Takeaways to Keep Your Dog's Coat Healthy
Keeping your dog happy and healthy with a proper diet will significantly improve the color and quality of its coat. Professionals at XDOG can help you learn more about how to restore shine with vitamins for bull breeds, dried beef meal enhancers, and other incredible products.
Learn more about how to make a dog’s coat shiny with XDOG and explore our range of dog vitamins and supplements to support healthy coats.