Simple ways to achieve a healthy and shiny dog coat

Simple ways to achieve a healthy and shiny dog coat

Your dog’s coat is one of the first things anyone notices about them. It is also said to be an indicator of their health, both inside and out. Digestive problems, heartworms, flea and tick infestations, and even stress can cause their coat to lose texture. So, if you want your dog to have healthy, shiny, and enviably glossy fur, you must take certain precautions. Here are three easy ways to obtain that dream coat.

Proper nutrition
A healthy coat comes from a healthy body, which, in turn, comes from healthy food. So, give your dog the right amount of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients. In most cases, a dull coat results from unbalanced meals that fail to meet the body’s nutritional needs. It is recommended to choose whole foods-based meals to benefit your pet in the long run.

Regular grooming
Regular grooming activities like brushing helps stimulate blood circulation to the coat, making it shiny. It also helps get rid of dead skin and damaged fur. Try brushing both ways, as doing so is said to add shine to the coat. Another common practice is regular bathing. An oatmeal bath will take care of any itching if they have a flea and tick infestation.

Timely vet visits
If regular grooming and balanced meals do not help, you might want to contact your vet. Problems like digestive distress, hormonal imbalance, metabolic issues, and parasites like fleas and ticks can result in an unhealthy coat if left unchecked for long. Many experts recommend an annual complete physical check-up, irrespective of any problems.

Achieving a shiny and healthy dog coat involves choosing whole foods over processed varieties, grooming, regular vet visits, and natural supplements rather than chemical ones. However, in some instances, like a major flea and tick infestation, it can become necessary to include store-bought solutions to protect your dog against the tiny monsters.

K9 Advantix® II
K9 Advantix® II is a topical treatment for ticks and fleas in dogs. It also works on flea eggs and larvae. In addition, K9 Advantix® II can prevent heartworms in dogs by killing infected mosquitoes before they bite. It is advised to let the topical solution air dry instead of rubbing it into their coat. The solution starts working within two hours of application and can be reused after a month.

Simparica (sarolaner) Chewables
Simparica (sarolaner) is an FDA-approved oral prescription for ticks and fleas in dogs. It comes in the form of chewable tablets that must be given once a month. Simparica tablets for dogs can eliminate adult fleas and prevent infections from Gulf Coast ticks, black-legged ticks, and lone star ticks. The tablet’s effects are long-lasting and can protect your pet for up to 35 days.

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5 tips to choose the right dog food

Any loving and responsible pet parent would want their dog to eat the healthiest food. After all, a nutritious meal plan directly affects their mood, behavior, overall health, and longevity. However, if you’re looking for dog food, you might have realized that choosing one isn’t easy. There are a variety of options from numerous brands, all claiming to be the most nutritious dog food in the market. To help you narrow down your options, we have shared a few tips to pick the right food product for your dog. Read on to find out! Consider your dog’s breed, weight, and age The physical characteristics of dogs vary significantly from one breed to another. Accordingly, their nutritional requirements also change. For example, a German Shepherd needs a totally different set of nutrients to stay healthy and active than a Chihuahua. Similarly, overweight dogs’ meal plan is a lot different than that of underweight and ideal-weight dogs. Age also plays a vital role in determining a dog’s nutritional needs. Verify nutritional requirements When shopping for dog food, be sure to pick one that's not overloaded with artificial ingredients like preservatives that can harm their health. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary organization that has laid down strict requirements to ensure that a product has all the essential macro and micronutrients for pets. So, you should only buy dog foods that are certified by AAFCO. Check the labels and ingredients Reading the ingredients list is crucial to selecting appropriate dog food. The best products have whole proteins, such as ground beef, diced chicken, or dried yeast, listed as their first ingredients. Keep in mind that dogs, unlike cats, are not strict carnivores. Though meat is generally the most vital component of their food regimen, grains, fruits, and vegetables also provide them with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The best dog foods are packed with high-quality versions of meats and plant-based ingredients. Freshness matters Many dog foods are loaded with preservatives to make them last longer. These additives can lead to weight gain and diabetes, among other health problems. Typically, foods with shorter shelf lives are healthier, as they contain more nutrients and fewer additives. If you’re unable to find such readily available food products, consider getting a subscription to fresh dog food delivery services, like The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, and PetPlate. Opt for top dog food brands The many options available in the market can make it overwhelming to choose. Here are some of the most well-known and reliable brands you can turn to: Hill's Science Diet They use natural ingredients to make their delicious products. Royal Canin Each formula is customized to deliver nutrition based on a dog's health needs. ORIJEN Their products are made with the finest ingredients and are packed with protein. Purina Their ingredients are responsibly sourced, and the products are enriched with high-quality protein and nutrient-rich fats and oils. Taste of the Wild This brand offers budget-friendly dog foods with high-quality ingredients. Blue Buffalo Many of their product lines, like Blue Basics, Baby Blue, and Blue Freedom, are for puppies. Wellness Pet Food They specialize in food for smaller dog breeds, offering both wet and dry food options. Nutro Natural Choice™ Nutro™ Natural Choice™ is a collection of dog food recipes by Nutro™. These are flavorful combos of both dry and wet food that constitute a complete meal. It is made with non-GMO ingredients like lamb, venison, chicken, brown rice, turkey, potato, and peas. Everything your pooch will love. They have a wide variety of recipes that you can select based on texture, life stage, breed size, and health needs.

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4 houseplants that should be kept away from dogs

Dogs tend to chew and nibble on anything and everything they come across. But this habit can be rather dangerous when it comes to plants. Certain plants contain toxic elements and can lead to severe symptoms and make your pet pooch ill. Dogs do not know which plants can be toxic to them, and therefore, it is safe to just remove or avoid having such plants in your household. Read on to find out more. Aloe vera Aloe is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Not to mention, it can work wonders for your skin and makes for a great indoor plant. But, what many do not know is that aloe vera can be toxic to dogs. This is because of the saponins in the succulents. Consuming even small amounts of the aloe vera plant and gel can cause severe poisoning in dogs. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even cause general central nervous system depression. Sago palm Another popular houseplant that is toxic to dogs is the sago palm. Commonly known as cardboard palm or coontie palm, this plant contains the toxic element cycasin. Consuming even small amounts of any part of this plant can lead to poisoning and cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even liver failure. Note that while the leaves and bark also contain poison, the seeds and nuts are the most toxic part of this plant. Tulips Tulips are commonly found in many homes, thanks to their colorful flowers and pretty esthetic. But, if you do have pet pooches at home, you may want to skip out on having these plants. Dogs are likely to chew the long leaves of this plant and this could lead to digestive troubles. Not to mention, if your dog does somehow end up eating the bulbs of this plant, they could experience severe poisoning. This is because bulbs of the tulip plant contain high concentrations of toxins known as Tulipalin A and B. Consuming these can lead to vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and even hypersalivation. Oleander Oleanders are usually kept at homes for their esthetic appeal. These plants have beautiful and colorful flowers that make for a great addition to the backyard garden. But, every part of this plant contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to dogs. Even if consumed in small amounts, this can lead to drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and depression. Ensuring that you steer clear of toxic plants is essential to the health of your dog. But, dogs are also prone to infections and diseases from bugs such as ticks and fleas, which can lead to diseases such as heartworm, tick fever, and much more. Moreover, ticks can latch onto humans and spread the disease. To avoid this, it is important to try treatments such as Advantix® and Simparica Trio. Advantix® is a monthly spot-on treatment that helps get rid of fleas, ticks, sandflies, mosquitoes, and other such bugs. It can be used for puppies over the age of 7 weeks and adult dogs. Simparica Trio, on the other hand, is a monthly chewable that provides protection and prevents heartworms, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms in dogs.

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