Tricks For Keeping Your Dogs Coat Shiny

To a pet lover there is nothing more beautiful than a dog with a magnificent shiny coat. We admire those creatures and wonder what those dog owners know that we don't know. We speculate about what we could do differently to improve our dog's coat.

First of all, it's important to know that a shiny coat, as beautiful as it is, is much more about being healthy than it is about beauty. But in this case, as in many others, health and beauty seem to go hand in hand. Your dog's coat will not look its best if his health is suffering.

In essence there are five things you can provide or do to contribute to your dog's beautiful coat:

- Good Nutrition
- Keep Him Parasite-Free
- Use A Good Conditioner
- Buy Him His Own Shampoo
- Brush Regularly

Being a responsible dog owner means providing proper nutrition for your pet. And believe it or not, just because you pay a lot for a dog food does not always mean your dog is getting everything he needs in his diet. Check with your veterinarian about your pet's specific needs and learn to read the labels on the pet food products you purchase. Compare the ingredients from one product to another.

If you feed your pet home-cooked foods you may need to add a quality supplement to insure that he is getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary. Your veterinarian can guide you in making wise decisions about a supplement choice.

Most dogs end up getting at least some fleas during their lifetime. It's up to the owner to see that this problem never becomes an infestation. Some dogs are more sensitive than others to fleas and flea bites. These dogs are likely to bite at themselves, sometimes to the point of developing sores or even losing hair, in the areas where the fleas are or have bitten the dog.

Routine fur and skin checks can keep a problem from developing. Some dog owners prefer to use flea prevention medications year round so they never have to deal with the problem at all.

While we all agree that dogs do not need to bathe as regularly as humans there is some disagreement about just how often is right for our pets. In general, dogs should not be bathed more often than once per week unless there are special circumstances. But of course, some breeds need to be bathed more often than others simply because of their lifestyle.

Additionally, dog fur is not exactly like human hair so it should not be treated the same way. Specially formulated shampoos and conditioners will work to make the dog's coat shiny and help to keep it tangle free which makes it easier to brush. Another important point is that while these products are strong enough to be effective, they are gentle to your pet's skin and his eyes, if you should accidentally get the product in them.

The last thing I want to mention is probably the most basic and the most obvious. Brushing your dog's hair will help distribute natural oils and help remove dander and loose fur. The result will be a shinier and healthier looking coat. Every dog should be brushed at least once or twice a week, but some breeds, such as a Shih Tzu, should be brushed daily.