There are many different reasons why dogs can be itchy or have poor coat condition, and often the problem can be easily solved with either proper nutrition or appropriate supplements! Whether your dog has allergies, needs a nutritional boost, or has a predisposition to dry skin and coat - there are several ways you can dramatically improve your dogs skin and coat safely and naturally.
First and foremost, you must ensure that your dog is receiving proper nutrition. If your dog is eating a low quality diet, you should consider switching to a raw food diet, a homemade dog food diet or a high quality grain-free kibble diet. Check your dogs food and make sure there are no bad ingredients such as corn, animal digest, poultry by-products and artificial flavouring.
First and foremost, you must ensure that your dog is receiving proper nutrition. If your dog is eating a low quality diet, you should consider switching to a raw food diet, a homemade dog food diet or a high quality grain-free kibble diet. Check your dogs food and make sure there are no bad ingredients such as corn, animal digest, poultry by-products and artificial flavouring.
Omega fatty acids are "essential" fats that the body cannot produce, so they must be derived from food. Omega fatty acids are required for many functions; From maintaining healthy nerve function to building healthy new cells. Omega fatty acids are essential for thick, soft, luxurious fur and help prevent skin from becoming dry and flaky. Not only are omega fatty acids great for dogs with allergies to help soothe itchiness, but they also act as an anti-inflammatory.
Omega fatty acids can help keep skin and coat in top condition! Dosage is 1000mg per 30lbs of weight!
Omega fatty acids can help keep skin and coat in top condition! Dosage is 1000mg per 30lbs of weight!
Virgin, unrefined coconut oil consists of approximately 90% saturated fats, yet most of those fats are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). The main component of the MCTs in coconut oil is lauric acid; which is antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial and helps to balance the immune system.
Coconut oil is very beneficial to the skin and coat. Coconut oil can help alleviate skin conditions such as itchy skin, eczema and allergies. Coconut oil can reduce allergic reactions and improve the overall health of the skin and coat while making fur soft and shiny. Coconut oil can also be used to treat both fungal and yeast infections, including candida overgrowth. Dosage is 1 teaspoon per 30lbs of weight.
Coconut oil is very beneficial to the skin and coat. Coconut oil can help alleviate skin conditions such as itchy skin, eczema and allergies. Coconut oil can reduce allergic reactions and improve the overall health of the skin and coat while making fur soft and shiny. Coconut oil can also be used to treat both fungal and yeast infections, including candida overgrowth. Dosage is 1 teaspoon per 30lbs of weight.
Raw apple cider vinegar with mother is also very good as improving the condition of a dog's skin and coat. Apple cider vinegar acts as a tonic that promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin. Being that it is also antiseptic, it can help fight off and prevent skin infections (especially in the ears).
Apple cider vinegar is most well known for dissolving fatty deposits at the surface of the skin and improving scaly or peeling skin. Since vinegar also regulates the pH of the skin, which is why it is so good for dog's with skin issues! Dosage is 1 tablespoon per 50lbs of weight!
Apple cider vinegar is most well known for dissolving fatty deposits at the surface of the skin and improving scaly or peeling skin. Since vinegar also regulates the pH of the skin, which is why it is so good for dog's with skin issues! Dosage is 1 tablespoon per 50lbs of weight!
Kelp, especially the Norwegian variety, is a powerhouse multivitamin in natural, whole form! Kelp is packed full of vitamins and minerals, and is often used as a general supplement for dogs.
The sheer nutrient density of kelp alone is the reason why it helps improve skin and coat condition so dramatically. Kelp is a favorite supplement among show dog handlers, and tends to make the fur thicker while adding beautiful shine! For dosage, simply follow the directions on the packaging. I give 1/2 a teaspoon to my two large dogs every other day.
The sheer nutrient density of kelp alone is the reason why it helps improve skin and coat condition so dramatically. Kelp is a favorite supplement among show dog handlers, and tends to make the fur thicker while adding beautiful shine! For dosage, simply follow the directions on the packaging. I give 1/2 a teaspoon to my two large dogs every other day.
Raw eggs are protein rich nutritional boosts that are well known for improving a dog's skin and coat condition. The combination of proteins, fats and nutrients can help make your dog's fur thick and shiny! Eggs contain all eight of the essential amino acids in a form that is easily digested.
Dosage for all dogs is one raw egg several times a week, that is often all that is needed to get the benefits for skin and coat improvement!
Dosage for all dogs is one raw egg several times a week, that is often all that is needed to get the benefits for skin and coat improvement!
Zinc is an essential mineral that is an important component for skin and coat health. A zinc deficiency will often express itself as cracked paw pads, hair loss, lesions around the eyes, ears and mouth, dry flaky skin and even thickened skin.
Natural sources of zinc include red meat and bone, spinach, fish, flax seed, egg yolk. chickpeas and brown rice. You can supplement your dog with a zinc tablet (human grade) but be careful not to overdose. Discuss how much you should be giving your dog based on their weight and current diet with you veterinarian for proper dosage!
Natural sources of zinc include red meat and bone, spinach, fish, flax seed, egg yolk. chickpeas and brown rice. You can supplement your dog with a zinc tablet (human grade) but be careful not to overdose. Discuss how much you should be giving your dog based on their weight and current diet with you veterinarian for proper dosage!
Adding the above supplements to your dog's diet will definitely improve their skin and coat! Be sure to rule out allergies and other medical conditions if things are not improving with the addition of the items mentioned in this article.
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