How to Make Dog Fur Soft & Shiny: 12 Tips for a Healthy Glossy Coat

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shampoo and towelfor a dog bath to soften the dogs fur

Keeping your dog’s coat clean and well-kempt is important. Not only does it keep them looking presentable, but it can also help achieve better overall health!

The quality of your dog’s fur isn’t just about aesthetics. The fur acts as a good indicator of what’s going on internally. A healthy dog will have gleaming fur that’s soft and cuddle-ready.

Looking for ways to improve your pup’s dull fur? Try these tips!

#1. Brush Regularly

Whether your dog has a thick double-coat of fur or curly hair, they can benefit from regular brushing.

Ideally, you would brush your dog’s hair every day to get rid of tangles and potential mats.

If that’s not possible, every few days will suffice.

The goal is to get rid of any grime that’s stuck in the fur. It’s a great way to shed the coat of any dust they collected throughout the day. Plus, it will reduce the chances of serious tangles from forming.

#2. Stick to a Bathing Routine

Your dog’s bathing needs will vary based on their breed and coat length.

Figure out what those needs are and stick to a regular bathing routine. The trick is to get rid of dirt without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Bathing too much will dry out the skin and worsen the problem! Generally, baths every two to four weeks are recommended.

#3. Choose the Right Shampoo

Don’t just use any old shampoo! Choose one that’s right for your dog’s coat concerns!

Do they struggle with flea infestations? Use a flea shampoo! What about dry skin? Go with a moisturizing product!

You can even find shine-boosting shampoos. They’re usually infused with vitamins and minerals to improve luster.

Related: Best Smelling Dog Shampoos

#4. Follow Up With Drying and More Brushing

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your job is done after you rinse your dog off.

Giving Fido a bath is a long process! You need to dry your dog out fully and give them a good brushing.

Use a thick towel for preliminary drying. Then, follow up with an air dryer if it’s available. Don’t use a standard hairdryer. The heat could damage the coat and cause injury.

Once the coat is dry, brush it again to detangle it. Taking the time to complete these follow-up grooming steps will ensure that the hair dries cleanly and evenly.

#5. Use Pampering Products

There are tons of products out there that are designed to improve sheen and finish. Give some of them a shot and see what they can do for your dog!

Leave-in conditioners are great for moisturizing the skin. They give a boost of hydration and keep the follicles nourished.

Meanwhile, detanglers prevent serious mats. They can make daily brushing easier and minimize shedding.

#6. Spoil Your Pup with an Oatmeal Bath

If your dog suffers from skin allergies, an oatmeal bath may be the solution you’re after. Allergies and dry skin are notorious for making the coat look dull and lifeless.

puppy with washed soft coat

Oatmeal baths can control inflammation and help put a stop to itchiness. Not only that, but the oatmeal can nourish the fur and keep it supple.

All you have to do is add finely ground oatmeal to some bathwater. Let your dog soak for about 10 minutes and they’ll be good to go!

#7. Improve Your Dog’s Diet

The dog food you provide has a direct effect on the quality of your pup’s coat. Substandard foods filled with unnecessary fillers and byproducts aren’t going to do much to achieve a glossy coat.

To improve coat quality, you’ll need a balanced food filled with beneficial vitamins and nutrients. The food should also have healthy fats.

*Fats keep the skin supple, which improves overall fur quality.

#8. Supply Healthy Treats

Those treats that you use to reward your furry friend are important, too! Most owners gravitate towards fatty foods. Dogs love them, so they can’t be doing much harm, right?

Unfortunately, treats are notorious for causing all kinds of problems. High fat content and cheap ingredients are a recipe for disaster when it comes to coat health

Stick to protein-rich treats with healthy extras. Your dog’s snacks should supplement their primary diet, not hinder it!

#9. Take Advantage of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an age-old moisturizer that dogs can enjoy. It’s completely safe for them to eat.

Prepare some frozen snacks or drizzle some over their food! You can even apply it externally for a boost of hydration to the coat.

The oil is very healthy. It helps fight infection while also preventing dry skin.

#10. Provide Natural Herbal Supplements

There are all kinds of herbal supplements that can benefit the skin. Spirulina and horsetail are known to improve the quality of a dog’s coat.

Consult with your vet to find a health supplement for your canine companion.

There’s no shortage of vitamin products out there, so you shouldn’t have any issue finding a suitable one to improve your dog’s coat.

#11. Use Omega Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are some of the best supplements that you can provide. Omega fatty acids offer a couple of different benefits.

Internally, they can improve blood circulation and boost the immune system. Externally, it keeps the skin hydrated and gives the coat a glossy finish!

Many top-tier dog foods include omega fatty acids already.

Regular consumption should lead to some noticeable improvements in only a few months. If your dog food doesn’t have omega fatty acids, you can provide salmon or flaxseed oil as a supplement.

#12. Invest in Pest and Parasite Protection

The final tip we have is to invest in some pest protection.

There are many products you can try. Topical solutions are readily available at most stores. Alternatively, you can go for prescription medication from your vet.

Either way, pest protection will keep fleas, ticks, and mosquitos at bay. This reduces the chances of parasitic infections, skin flare-ups, and more.

Conclusion

Improving your dog’s coat takes time. But, the effort is well worth it. Soft and shiny fur is a sign of a healthy dog. Plus, it just feels good when your dog is cuddling up to you!

Try these tips and see what kind of difference they can make. You’ll be surprised at the results you can achieve.

Before you know it, your pup will have a lustrous coat that’s the envy of everyone at the dog park!

Also Read: How to Minimize Shedding in French Bulldogs

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