The decision to become a pet parent can be emotional or conscious. But choosing a dog from as many as 340 breeds can be exciting and challenging. You have Alaskan Malamute, English Bulldogs, Pugs, and many others. Each species has something unique based on its size, temperament, personality, and physical traits. You want to explore all these aspects before selecting a breed for your family. Pay attention to something like dog coats when discussing physical attributes. Some dogs flaunt long fur, some shorter, and others may have a medium type. There are also hairless dogs. Then, some shed their coat in specific seasons.
Whether you are genuinely interested in studying this animal or plan to bring one home, dog coat patterns are a fascinating subject. So, let’s get into this quickly.
Dog coat types
As hinted, coats can be of many types. Research classifies them into eight categories, including oversized, short, medium, double, hairless, curly, wire, and silky. Silky coats usually look appealing because of their soft and shiny texture. But these need proper maintenance to avoid the issues of matting and tangling. You may have to bathe and brush your dog regularly using shampoo, sprays, combs, and brushes. Are you ready to do this? You may pick from Afghan Hound, Silky Terrier, and Irish Setter.
However, if you have problems with pet hair, you can still become a pet parent by adopting a hairless breed. Hairless dogs also need special care because of their exposed skin. You can safeguard them from the sun and make them wear a jacket during winter. Using gentle bathing products is recommendable. Some popular options include the Chinese Crested and the Mexican Hairless. Wire or broken coats look stiff and coarse. It doesn’t face shedding issues. You can groom this coat by hand stripping – eliminate old hair for new hair growth. With regular care, the hair turns soft and neat. You can look for German Wirehaired Pointer if you love this coat style.
Another magnificent coat variety is curly or wavy fur. The thick curls can be loose or tight. You can brush the coat regularly to free it from tangles and mats. Use a slick brush to groom the curly coat. If you like this fur type, your adoption choice may include Bichon Frise and Poodle. You must have noticed references about double coats regarding dogs’ coats. It consists of a longer top coat and a short undercoat. This fur growth helps maintain your dog’s temperature so they are warm during winter and cool in summer. During seasonal changes, your pet will shed its hair. Please care for their coat well, especially the undercoat. This feature is typical of Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Corgis.
If you juggle with busy schedules, your preference can be dogs with medium coats, which are not too long or short. You can bathe them monthly. Brushing will be part of its regular grooming routine but requires lesser elbow grease. Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds can be an ideal pick in this case. You can also consider Akitas for the same reason. How do you find Rottweilers, Boxers, Bull Terriers, and Doberman Pinschers? They all boast short and shiny coats requiring less grooming and care. However, brushing and bathing will be there. And if you feel attracted to a dog’s long hair or fur, you cannot resist Yorkshire Terrier, Sheepdog, and Lhasa Apso. They come with beautiful long hair that demands little more maintenance. But you can be proud of this physical feature. To protect it, you would trim and clean it regularly.
What makes your dog’s coat shiny and healthy?
Your dog’s shiny and soft hair is not just the mark of its beauty but also health. The reason behind your dog’s healthy coat can be the essential fatty acids that take care of proteins and collagen. You can divide these fatty acids into Omega-9, Omega-6, and Omega-3. A balanced acid level allows your dog’s skin to be moist and protected.
The power of the three
Omega-3 acid is the polyunsaturated fat created by the body. It fortifies skin and fur protein. Available in three forms, this acid contains anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-6 is also a polyunsaturated fat in the body. This acid takes care of the cells and their regeneration. Omega-9 is a monounsaturated fat that your dog’s body can produce. However, you can also supply this essential nutrient additionally. A healthy fatty acid level will protect your dog’s skin and fur from inflammation. It will also promote the growth of hair follicles and skin cells.
How do you maintain the level of Omega acids in your dog’s body for its skin, coat, and overall health? Diet is a critical area. Some sources include eggs, plant oils, salmon, sardines, tuna, etc. Nuts and seeds also contain Omegas, which may not suit your dog’s digestive health. Another way to fulfill your dog’s need for Omegas can be the topical treatment. You can massage coconut oil into your pet’s skin and coat to boost moistness. However, get your vet’s opinion on this first. Some pet parents also use supplements to maintain the level of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in their dogs’ bodies. But one should be careful with these products as some use a lot of chemicals, fillers, and other unwanted additions.
Looking after your dog’s health is a never-ending process. But you enjoy this because these moments can lead to some fun and loving memories. You create a reliable bond with your pet. When you do everything for your pup’s health, keep it well-hydrated. Drinking water is essential for any dog, especially on a dry diet. Healthy skin and coats are smooth, shiny, silky, and vibrant colored. Skin will have an even tone and no flaking issues. However, you must be alert if the coat has become sparse, brittle, or faded. You can also check its skin for redness. These can be telltales about underlying health conditions demanding immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis can solve your pet’s problem before its symptoms aggravate.
