Looking for ways to improve your dog's skin and coat? This article has the science behind a healthy coat & 10 ways to improve your dog's coat shine and health!

People reach out to us with questions about how to improve their dogs’ skin and coats all the time. Here are some of the most common questions we get:

“My dog scratches and licks a lot. How can I make my dog’s skin healthier?”

“How can I get my dog’s coat shiny and healthy?”

“How can I give my pet a shinier coat?”

If you’ve ever asked one of these questions, or something similar, this article is for you. Or, if you just love your dog and want them to be their healthiest inside and out, this post is also for you!

And if you’re a dog who wants your coat so shiny and soft that your human can’t help but give you constant pets and rubs, you’ll definitely want them to read this! 😉

10 ways to improve your dog's skin and coat

*DISCLAIMER: This article is not a replacement for proper vet visits, health care, etc.

Your dog’s fur is made up of keratin, which is a type of protein. It grows from follicles on the inner layer of the skin, just like human hair.

But what makes it different from your hair is that when it reaches a certain length (as defined by their breed’s genetics), it stops growing and falls out.

You (and your vacuum) know that process as shedding.

Another difference between your dog’s coat and human hair is that there are actually three different types of hair in your dog’s coat: the undercoat, the guard, and the whiskers.

The undercoat sits closest to the skin and is a thick, soft layer of hair that keeps your pup warm.

The guard is a thicker, longer layer that produces oil to protect your dog from the elements.

Whiskers are only found on the face and serve a totally different purpose. Their long length helps dogs sense their surroundings when they can’t see.

If you’ve pet dogs of different breeds, you’ve probably noticed that their coats are different textures, colors, and thicknesses.

Each breed’s genetics defines the combination of hair types and amount of melanin (which controls coat color) based on the surrounding environment it has adapted to.

The Science Behind a Healthy Dog Coat & Skin - All About the Omegas

Remember, a shiny, soft coat isn’t just nice to have, it’s a key indicator of its health (and often your dog's overall health, too).

Essential fatty acids aid the foundation of your dog’s skin and coat by fortifying proteins and boosting collagen production, making the skin stronger and coats shinier.

Having good essential fatty acid levels means your dog’s skin will retain moisture, protect against the environment, and grow a shinier coat.

The fatty acids that play the biggest role in your dog’s skin and coat are the Omega fatty acids -- Omega-3s, Omega-6s, and Omega-9s.

Here’s what you need to know about each ⤵️

This type of polyunsaturated fat can’t be produced by the body but is important for strengthening the proteins of the skin and fur.

While Omega-3s have many health benefits, when it comes to your dog’s skin and coat health, you’ll find their anti-inflammatory properties most beneficial.

Like Omega-3s, Omega-6s are also polyunsaturated fats that can’t be produced by the body.

The difference is the chemical makeup -- Omega-6s have six carbons on the omega end of their last double bond, which is how it got its name.

Omega-6s help keep cells within the skin and fur healthy and regenerating quickly.

One of these things is not like the other! Omega-9s are monounsaturated and are produced within the body.

However, it’s still beneficial to consume more than the body makes since there are a number of health benefits.

In terms of your dog’s skin and coat, Omega-9s reduce inflammation and aid in the construction of healthy skin cells and hair follicles.

Getting Your Dog Enough Omegas -- Inside and Out

Now that you know how important Omegas are for your dog’s skin and coat health, let’s talk about how you can get them the amount they need.

One of the simplest ways to make sure your dog’s skin and coat are getting everything needed is through diet.

You’ll want to include a variety of foods that are rich in Omegas, including:

Cold-water fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines

You may hear that nuts and seeds are rich in Omegas, and while that’s true, you probably won’t want to include them in your dog’s diet as they can cause digestive distress.

Topical treatment can be just as effective for getting Omegas into your dog’s skin and coat!

After grooming, rub your dog with some coconut oil to get some fatty acids into the follicles, give them an extra boost of moisture, and leave them smelling sweet and delicious.

This should be done sparingly in most cases, and you may want to consult your vet beforehand.

Skin and coat supplements are a great way to give your dog the extra boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they need for optimal health.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of supplements out there that are made with fillers, chemicals, and other junk you wouldn’t want to give to your dog.

When selecting a supplement to improve your dog’s skin and coat, look for the following:

Developed by an expert in the field with extensive knowledge of canine nutrition.

Contains ingredients rich in Omega fatty acids, like Green-Lipped Mussel.

Supports other areas of health like immune support, joint health, and digestive support.

Looking for a supplement for your dog that checks those boxes and then some?

Check out Super Pup... we're biased, but it's pretty h*ckin' special!

It’s important to make sure your dog gets enough water throughout the day for many health reasons, including keeping their coat shiny and healthy.

It’s even more important to prioritize hydration if your dog eats mainly dry food, as they aren’t getting any water from their food at all.

On the go with your dog a lot but want to make sure they get the water they need?

Keep this collapsible dog bowl in your car, backpack, or a suitcase for easy portable hydration.

Know The Signs Of Unhealthy Dog Coat and Skin

Being well versed in the warning signs of undernourished and unhealthy skin and coats will help you correct the problem before it becomes too severe!

If left untreated, your dog could develop breaks in the skin, infections, or lose their fur.

Excessive shedding, sparse coat, or balding patches

On top of the tips we'll give in this article, be sure to consult your vet if you notice these signs in your dog! Diagnosing an unhealthy dog coat early is key!

10 Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Skin and Coat: Supplements, Hygiene & More | Pupford