7 Signs of an Unhealthy Coat
Most dogs have fur. Its primary purpose is to protect them against the elements. The other purpose—no it’s not to make a fashion statement—is to provide a window into their overall health. Dull or shiny, matted or tangled, dry or oily, lumpy or smooth, all tell a ‘tail’ of just how healthy your dog is. So what exactly should you look for in your dog’s coat? Glad you asked. Here are seven signs your dog may need a checkup.
Dog fur contains protein, so a dull coat is often a sign your dog is not getting the right nutrition. The goal is a shiny coat, so a change in diet might just be the ticket to a healthier pooch. For an even healthier shine, use a high-quality shampoo and ask your vet about adding vegetable or fish oil to their regimen.
Flakes in your dog’s fur are often an indicator of dry skin. This can be due to improper rinsing after bathing, using shampoo that contains harsh chemicals, allergies or something worse. Smell the fur to identify if there’s a musky or foul odor. If that’s the case, it could be a bacterial infection, which means it’s time to pay a visit to the vet.
Nothing instills more fear in a dog owner than finding a lump. If your dog has one, it’s easy to think the worst, but keep in mind that most lumps are benign fatty tumors that will not cause any harm. Still, it’s best to have any lump checked out. If your next vet appointment is weeks away, keep an eye on the lump. If you see fast growth, redness, swelling, pus or an opening, change your appointment to sooner.
Mats occur when your dog is rubbing or scratching at their fur—often due to allergies or another irritation. Matted fur can also be the result of old, loose fur that has not been completely brushed or combed out. If your dog plays outdoors, those mats can collect burs, leaves and grass. Mats prevent oxygen and moisture from reaching the skin and can become a breeding ground for parasites. To remove them, use your fingers to unlock the hairs and then brush out smaller tangles with a de-matting comb.
For many breeds, shedding is a normal process. It usually happens in late spring and fall. If you believe your dog is shedding excessively, it could be the result of stress, poor nutrition, allergies or a medical problem. If they are scratching a lot, try bathing them with a pet shampoo formulated for dry, itching skin. If that doesn’t do the trick, seek professional advice to determine the underlying factor and remedies.
Bare spots in your dog’s fur are not extremely unusual. Often, they’re due to an allergic reaction to food or pollen. However, if you notice your dog licking or biting at the area of concern, it may be parasites such as fleas or mites. Another cause of hair loss in dogs is a condition called Cushing’s disease, which is caused by the overproduction of the hormone cortisol. This is more common in dogs six years or older and signs include eating, drinking and urinating more. In any case, a visit to the vet is advised and most underlying causes can be treated with medication.
If you find a lesion or open sore on your dog, it’s best to get it checked out immediately as there are many causes, including disease, infection and skin conditions. The latter is often the culprit and can be addressed with medication. But open sores can also be the result of something more serious. If the sore continues to drain but is not healing, it may be a bacterial or fungal infection.
Keeping an eye on your dog’s coat is a great way to stay on top of potential health problems or concerns. Consider making these inspections part of your dog grooming routine. Regular brushing and bathing will not only help you survey their coat, but are essential to the health of your pooch.
For more pet grooming tips, check out our Pet Grooming page.
What are the different types of hair coat that a dog might have?
Selective breeding has led to the development of dogs with a number of different types of coat characteristics. Some breeds have hair that grows continuously and does not shed. These breeds of dog require regular trips to the doggy salon for a shampoo and cut. Breeds such as Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and many Retrievers have long, thick hair coats with both an outer coat of guard hairs and an undercoat of fine hair that serves as an insulating layer. These breeds often go through two heavy seasonal shedding cycles per year (late spring and late fall), during which much of the undercoat falls out in clumps. Many short-haired breeds lack a distinctive undercoat, and these breeds often shed hair in low levels all year round.
How does nutrition influence the appearance of my dog’s hair and skin?
The skin is the largest organ of the body, and the cells of the skin turn over rapidly. For most dogs, virtually all of the skin is covered with hair, which is either being shed regularly or, in non-shedding breeds, is growing constantly. In order to maintain the skin and hair in a healthy state, your dog requires a properly balanced diet that contains high quality digestible proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins, as well as provides the appropriate number of calories to meet its energy needs.
If the nutrients are not digested well and are of poor quality, not only will they be unavailable to meet the bodys needs, but they will also cause the liver and kidneys to work harder to eliminate the indigestible waste products. The ideal diet should be individualized to your dogs specific life stage (i.e., puppy, adult, senior) and health status. In all cases, quality and balance are the keys to good nutrition.
A dog whose diet is inadequate to meet his dietary needs will have a dull, dry hair coat and will often shed excessively. For more information about dog nutrition related to specific conditions, it is recommended that you read the appropriate client education handouts and discuss the best nutrition plan for your dog with your veterinarian.
The SECRET To A Healthy And Shiny Dog Coat!
Your dog’s coat doesn’t just offer them protection from the elements â it can give you insights into their overall health. Noticeable changes to the look, feel, and smell of your dog’s fur can be the first indicators that something is wrong.
Read on to learn what your dog’s coat should look like, common changes you may see in their fur, and what those changes are trying to tell you about your pup’s overall health.