The Glow of Good Health:
Working from the Inside Out for Healthy Skin and A Great Coat

WHAT AFFECTS COAT CONDITION?

There is something special about the look of a healthy dog. It is a gleam in the eye, a bounce in the step, and above all, a glossy, healthy coat. That glow is a reflection of your dog's overall health and is a good gauge of what is happening both inside and outside your dog.

Several factors play roles in a dog's skin and coat health.
" Heredity
" Nutrition
" Internal or external parasites
" Health
" Grooming

Although heredity determines the thickness, length, colour and texture of a dog's coat, your care can do a great deal to influence your pet's skin and coat health.
Regular veterinary check-ups will ensure that your dog is disease-free and does not carry parasites. Flea bite allergy and external parasites, such as mange, are primary causes of hair loss and skin problems.

BALANCED NUTRITION CREATES BETTER COATS

Feeding a quality pet food is the best thing you can do for your dog's skin and coat health. Although dogs can be considered omnivores, they are best fed as carnivores. They need protein and thrive on diets rich in animal-based protein sources.
Hair is actually 95% protein! Although coat growth varies by breed, the combined growth of all the hair can add up to 30 metres per day in some dogs. This means that nearly 30% of the animal's daily protein requirement is used just for coat growth during some seasons.
If your dog's skin seems thick or scaly, lacks elasticity, and you observe hair loss, these may be signs of nutritional deficiency. Check with your veterinarian, and try feeding a high quality, premium diet.

Premium pet foods are carefully formulated to be complete and balanced, which means the food includes all the nutrients that a pet needs. Ingredients in premium foods are highly digestible so your dog's body uses the nutrients efficiently.
Less costly foods may contain lower-quality proteins. Though a bag of premium food may cost a bit more than other brands, you will generally feed less, which minimises the cost difference.

DIETARY FATS GIVE THAT GLOW!

Recent scientific studies have found that certain fatty acids play a critical role in canine skin and coat health. For some time, veterinarians and scientists have known that linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is important for achieving and maintaining a full, glossy coat. But just because linoleic acid is good, consuming large quantities is not better!
Exciting new research shows that the right amount and also a precise balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that is important. Supplying a dietary fatty acid balance (or ratio) of between five and ten omega-6 fatty acids to every one omega-3 fatty acid can be important to a healthy skin and coat.

FATTY ACIDS AND SKIN HEALTH

Fatty acid supplements of omega-3s or adding fat, such as corn oil or bacon grease, to the pet's diet is usually not successful in helping make a healthy skin and coat. It is very difficult to achieve the precise balance necessary, except through a complete diet.
A diet with a properly adjusted fatty acid balance may also be helpful for skin health. The ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids should be between 5:1 and 10:1.

It will usually take between 6 and 8 weeks after a diet change to see the results. If your pet continues to scratch and chew his skin, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

WORKING ON THE "OUTER DOG"

The overall health of your "inner dog" is most important in creating a beautiful, healthy coat, but your care of the "outer dog" plays a role as well.
Regular grooming removes loose hair, dirt and mats, and also distributes skin oils. It gives you a chance to check your pet closely, catching any skin problems early and your dog will love the attention!

As dogs age, their skin may become more sensitive. Select a mild dog shampoo for your older dog. Shampoos made from coconut or palm oils are the mildest. Unusual or "doggy" odours can signal disease, so if odours persist, contact your veterinarian. Do not use human shampoos since they can actually be too harsh for a dog's skin.

Thorough rinsing is the most important part of your dog's bath ritual. Residue left on the skin can be irritating.

When summer approaches, it is time to pay close attention to your dog's skin and coat. Since many dogs shed a winter coat and others face a seasonal flea problem, it is a good time to evaluate your dog's skin and hair coat condition. You do not want the situation to get out of control as your summer becomes busy.

Essential Grooming Tools
" Brush
" Flea comb
" Nail clippers
" Mild dog shampoo

Attention to your dog's coat and skin from the inside out will produce a healthy, lively dog that is a joy to look at and a pleasure to live with every day!

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