What's Your Dog's Coat Telling You?

Daily Longevity Tip: What’s Your Dog's Coat Telling You?

Tip Summary: Your dog’s coat can tell you numerous things about their health. Today we’ll cover 7 coat indicators, and their solutions.

Hey Dog Longevity friends! A large part of providing longevity support to our dogs means evaluating and understanding their health state. One of the best indicators that we have is our dog’s coat. Another is the nose, which we covered in a previous tip. Like their nose, the coat functions as an indicator for underlying health issues. Let’s cover 7 things that your dog’s coat can tell you about their health, along with solutions for each:

7 Coat Health Indicators:

1. Dull Coat: May indicate poor nutrition. A shiny coat is ideal.
   Solution: Enhance your dog's diet with high-protein foods and consider supplements like omega-3 fatty acids. Regular grooming with a quality shampoo can also help.

2. Dry Skin or Fur: Can be due to bathing issues, allergies, or infections.
   Solution: Use a moisturizing, hypoallergenic dog shampoo and ensure thorough rinsing. Consider adding fish oil supplements to your dog's diet.

3. Lumps: Most are benign, but should be checked by a vet.
   Solution: Regularly check your dog for lumps and consult your vet for any new or changing lumps.

4. Matted Fur: Often a result of allergies or insufficient grooming.
   Solution: Regular brushing and combing, particularly for long-haired breeds, and trimming mats carefully can prevent fur matting.

5. Excessive Shedding: Could signal stress, poor nutrition, or health problems.
   Solution: Ensure a balanced diet and regular grooming. If shedding is severe, consult your vet to rule out underlying health issues.

6. Bald Spots: Might be due to allergies, parasites, or hormonal imbalances.
   Solution: Identify and address the root cause, such as allergies or parasites. Special medicated shampoos or dietary changes may help.

7. Open Sores: Require immediate vet attention; could be a sign of infection or disease.
   Solution: Clean the area gently and consult your vet immediately. Avoid self-treating as open sores can signify serious health issues.

Keeping a close eye on your dog's coat can be a key part of ensuring their long-term health and well-being.

Source: 7 Things Your Dog's Coat Can Tell You About Their Health.

Announcement: We’ll be doing a (free) weekly Facebook Live longevity discussion + Q&A with Dr. Helen Stortz, DVM, on Friday, 8 December at 8PM EST. This will be held in the Dog Longevity Facebook community. The link to join the community is below:

Can you help spread the word? If you’re enjoying this newsletter, I’d greatly appreciate you passing it along to other dog parents, using the link below.