Dull coat? Check the food before the shampoo.

What Makes a Healthy Coat

A healthy dog coat should be:

• Shiny but not greasy
• Soft and smooth to touch
• Full without bald patches

Additional tips: free of excessive dandruff, resilient and not brittle.

Your dog's coat is a reflection of their overall health. When something's off internally, it often shows externally. Start with the food side in our skin and coat picks for dogs, then the bath side in our sensitive skin grooming picks.

Nutrition: The Foundation

Essential Nutrients for Coat Health

• Protein: Hair is made mostly of protein, so quality protein sources matter
• Omega-3 fatty acids: a common pick for dull coats (ask your vet about dosage)
• Omega-6 fatty acids: found in many dog foods; check the label
• Zinc: A standard mineral in complete dog foods
• Biotin: Promotes hair growth and strength
• Vitamin E: Antioxidant protection for skin cells

Signs of Nutritional Deficiency

• Dull, dry coat
• Excessive shedding
• Brittle hair that breaks easily

Additional tips: dry, flaky skin, slow hair regrowth after shaving.

Supplements for Coat Health

Fish Oil

A common coat supplement:

• Rich in omega-3s (EPA and DHA)
• A common pick for dull coats; ask your vet about dosage

Additional tips: look for high-quality, mercury-tested products, dosage based on your dog's weight.

Other Helpful Supplements

• Coconut oil: Can be given orally or applied topically
• Biotin: Supports hair growth
• Zinc: Part of a complete diet; ask your vet before adding more
• Complete skin and coat formulas

Always consult your vet before starting supplements. Adding a chew? See how to add an omega-3 chew to your dog's routine.

Grooming Practices

Brushing

Regular brushing:

• Distributes natural oils for shine
• Removes dead hair before it sheds on furniture
• Stimulates blood flow to skin

Additional tips: helps detect skin issues early, frequency depends on coat type (daily to weekly).

Choosing the Right Brush

• Slicker brush: Great for most coat types, removes mats
• Bristle brush: Good for short coats, distributes oils
• Undercoat rake: Essential for double-coated breeds

Additional tips: dematting comb: for tangles and mats, deshedding tools: help during shedding season.

Bathing

Proper bathing supports coat health:

• Use dog-specific shampoo (pH balanced)
• Don't over-bathe (strips natural oils)
• Bathe when your dog is dirty or smelly, not on a timer. Your vet or groomer can suggest a rhythm for your dog's coat.

Additional tips: rinse thoroughly (residue causes dullness and irritation), use conditioner for dry or long coats.

Managing Shedding

Some shedding is normal, but you can minimize it:

• Regular brushing removes loose hair
• Quality nutrition reduces excessive shedding
• Ask your vet about an omega supplement

Additional tips: regular bathing removes dead coat, de-shedding tools during seasonal changes.

When Shedding Is Abnormal

See your vet if you notice:

• Sudden increase in shedding
• Bald patches
• Excessive scratching with hair loss

Additional tips: skin changes accompanying hair loss, hair that doesn't regrow normally.

Common Coat Problems

Dry, Dull Coat

Causes and solutions:

• Poor nutrition → Upgrade food quality, add omega-3s
• Over-bathing → Reduce frequency, use moisturizing shampoo
• Environmental factors → Increase humidity, use conditioning spray
• Health issues → Vet checkup recommended

Oily, Smelly Coat

• Seborrhea (skin condition) → Vet diagnosis and treatment
• Hormonal imbalances → Vet evaluation needed
• Diet issues → Consider food change
• Yeast overgrowth → Medicated bathing

Excessive Dandruff

• Dry skin → Increase fatty acids, use moisturizing products
• Allergies → Identify and address triggers
• Walking dandruff (Cheyletiella mites) → Vet treatment
• Environmental → Add humidity to home

Coat Care by Type

Short Coats

• Weekly brushing usually sufficient
• Bristle brush or rubber curry
• Less prone to matting
• Still benefit from regular grooming

Long Coats

• Daily brushing ideal
• Regular trimming to prevent mats
• More prone to tangles and debris
• May need professional grooming

Double Coats

• Heavy shedding twice yearly ("blowing coat")
• Need undercoat rakes during shedding season
• Never shave: Undercoat regulates temperature
• Regular brushing to prevent matting

Wire/Rough Coats

• Require hand-stripping or specific grooming
• Don't shed as much
• Need regular maintenance to stay healthy

The Bottom Line