We pet owners so adore being able to cuddle up to our furry buddies, scratching their backs and ears, and just hugging them altogether.
But how can you care for their fur to make them that much more huggable? N
ot to mention how a tidy and well-tended coat gives their appearance that extra zing?
Check out brushes for long haired dogs and learn about how to maintain your dog’s fur for health, shine, and softness.
1. Good Ol’ Baths
Bathing your dog regularly is the first step you can take towards ensuring that their coat stays healthy and clean.
Don’t stress just yet because experts agree that once every week or every two weeks is good enough for dog-bath-time. Or as needed.
But if you can get your paws (ahem) on a gentle shampoo and conditioner, a more frequent bathing schedule will be no problem at all.
We stress “gentle” here as too much bathing plus harsh products may dry out their skins.
2. Brush, Brush, Brush Away
On different posts, we’ve clearly stated the importance of brushing your dog’s hair, and what its benefits are.
And here we are again, reiterating that regular brushing is how your pet’s coat can get from frumpy and frizzy, not to mention easy-to-shed, to altogether bright and shiny! No exaggeration here.
Regular brushing detangles hair.
It also smoothens the appearance of it and improves its texture. So when light hits your dog’s coat, it will reflect said light in a gorgeously glossy way.
3. Good, Grain-Free Food
It’s a misconception to think that dog food with “grains” is healthy. The fact of the matter is that “grains” are low-quality additives that are low in nutritional value.
The only thing they do is “fill-up” bags of dog food without filling your dog with the essential nutrients it needs.
Add to that how grain-filled eats affect coat health. Fewer nutrients equal lesser fuel for overall health, including your pup’s skin and hair.
In contrast, grain-free food is brimming with proteins and vegetables that strengthen your pet from within, and onto every follicle of hair on its skin.
4. Pet Hair Moisturizer – Coconut Oil
Here’s a piece of trivia that blew our minds, as we’re pretty sure it will, yours— coconut oil is the holy grail for that dog hair insta-shine.
Some vets recommend adding a teaspoon of it in their chews every day, while others say that utilizing it as a topical can prove just as effective.
Coconut oil is a moisturizer that doesn’t leave any residue. Nor does it make dog hair sticky after application.
Apply an ample amount of it the way you would a leave-in conditioner after rinsing away lathered shampoo.
5. Pest Protectants
Fifth on this list has to do with doing away with parasites that pester dogs year-round.
These parasites cause itch and irritations that are unignorable, to the point of warranting constant scratching.
This will inevitably lead to more skin discomfort, and accordingly, hair matting if left unattended.
Ask your vet about anti-pest pet products for your dog. It’ll hit two birds with a stone, as the saying goes.
One, your pet will be skin parasite-free. And two, it can run around on its four paws with a full and healthy coat all over.