GROOMING does NOT always involve money. Nor does it always involve a comb or brush!
Grooming is about hygiene and good health. It involves the skin, fur, teeth, nails, eyes and ears. Most of what you see on the outside has to do with what's on the inside.
TRY A BETTER FOOD
What your dog eats has a big impact on his health, but it also affects his skin and coat. Dogs on poor diets tend to shed more and have dull, brittle coats. They may be itchier and suffer from skin allergies, rashes and hot spots. These are the dogs people talk about when they say, "I can't give him to many baths or his skin ets irritated," On the contrary, not only is more bathing with a natural, chemical-free shampoo helpful, but a better diet can help relieve those problems from THE INSIDE OUT!
Poor diet can have a ripple effect. Poor skin and coat may be the 1st problem. Then dogs become more susceptible to fleas and ticks, who seek out less healthy animals with problem skin. They may develop hot spots and bald spots. And they just don't look as good.
Many pet owners report dramatic improvements in their dog's skin and coat after upgrading their food. Dogs on premium food (such as Dog Lovers Gold) tend to have much more resilient skin and shiny, silky coats. They may drop dirt out of their coats more easily, so you may not need to bathe them as often. A good diet may discourage fleas and ticks and could even reduce shedding.
A better diet may also reduce TEAR STAINING in some dogs and could improve your dog's overall dental health. Because his stools will get firmer, denser and less messy, a long-coated dog may require less yucky rear-end clean-up. A premium diet may SEEM more expensive, but the health benefits (and savings on future vet bills) more than make up for a higher price.
The best food for your dog's skin and coat depends of your individual dog, his environment and sensitivities he may have. In general, look for a food with whole-food natural ingredients like freshe meat, small amounts of WHOLE grains (optional) and some fruits and vegetables. Some excellent foods also contain probiotics and essential fatty acids, especially Omega-3's which support good health in general and good skin in particular.
AVOID foods with long lists of unreconizable ingredients, by-products and chemical additives. Some people see rapid skin improvements after feeding a refrigerated or commercial frozen RAW diet. Many swear that a home-prepared cooked or raw diet is the secret to dramatically improved skin and coat. Finding the right diet to maximize your dog's skin and coat health may take a little trial and error, but don't give up. High quality foods will ripple into every aspect of your dog's life, especially grooming.
TRY ESSENTIAL FATTY-ACID SUPPLEMENTS
EFA's as they are known can reduce the risk of cancer, slow tumor growth and reduce general inflammation in the body, including in the kidneys. They support healthy cardiovascular function and they help turn dry coats into silky coats and itchy skin into strong, healthy skin!
They can also reduce excess shedding. Vets often prescribe EFA's for dogs with skin problems, but even healthy dogs (including young puppies) can benefit from EFA's. We at Barking Beauties recommend and sell SEA PET OIL. Dog Lovers Gold dry dog food DOES contain EFA's but its not enough for some dogs. And if the company put more oil IN the food, it would turn rancid on the shelf, especially in warm climates. SEA PET OIL is a blend of herring, anchovie and salmon oils.
TRY STRESS REDUCTION
Dogs get stressed just like people do, and when they are stressed, they tend to shed more.
A chronically stressed dog may be a chronically heavy shedder (although some breeds shed alot when they feel just fine). Stressed pets may also be less healthy, have more skin allergies and be more susceptible to ear infections, runny eyes, and gastrointestinal problems. And what stresses dog the most! YOU! Dogs mirror our emotions---when you get stressed, your dog gets stressed!
When YOU become stressed, you are less likely to perform grooming chores, such as combing your dog. Practicing a little stress-reduction on your own can make a big difference in how stressed your pet gets, howmuch he sheds, and how healthy he is. Try deep breathing, getting more exerise, eating a healhier diet, and taking some time out for yourself every day---if not for you, do it for your dog. One tip for you: dogs THRIVE on regularity. When they know someone is in charge, they know what to expect, so they can relax. They will also be more relaxed if you spend more time with them, which you can acomplish by mutual exercise, an obedience class or just hanging around together. You will both enjoy the stress-reducing benefits of the human-animal bond!
Of course, even with a premium diet, essental fatty acids, a regular routine, exercise, and bonding time, your dog will still need brushing bathing, nail-trimming, dental care and occasional haircuts, ear wash or tear stain removal as well as anal gland expression. But if you are already grooming your dog from the inside out, then grooming from the outside in will be a breeze!
Written by Eve Adamson, Iowa City.
