Poor coat in dogs, what causes it and what can you do about it?
A poor coat in dogs can have various causes. After all, a dog's health is often reflected in its coat. The coat is the body's largest organ, and if it is not doing well, this is immediately visible. A healthy coat is full and shiny. However, if you notice that this is no longer the case and the dog suffers from one or more of the symptoms below, it is high time to visit the veterinarian.
The symptoms of a poor coat in dogs
There are several symptoms that can indicate a poor coat in dogs. In most cases, it is more than just a dull coat, and the dog also suffers from one or more of the following symptoms:
- Itching (recognizable by excessive scratching, licking, and/or biting)
- Bald spots
- Skin rash/red skin
- Skin flakes
- A smelly skin
- Excessive hair loss
- Bumps and crusts on the skin
What are the causes of a poor coat and what can you do yourself?
There are various causes that can lead to a poor coat in your dog. We will discuss them one by one below and explain what you can do yourself to combat these causes of a poor coat. If the tips do not (sufficiently) help, consider visiting the veterinarian.
Allergies
Both environmental allergies and food allergies can result in unpleasant skin and/or coat problems. This is because skin and/or coat problems are among the many symptoms of a (food) allergy. If your dog suffers from a food allergy, try to find out what the animal is allergic to and avoid these ingredients in its diet.
If your loyal four-legged friend suffers from an environmental allergy, it becomes more difficult to combat the symptoms. In this case, contact the veterinarian.
Washing a dog too often
A dog's coat maintains its own balance. This means that a dog does not need to be washed regularly. If you do, there is a chance you wash away the protective layer of both the skin and the coat. As a result, they are no longer water-repellent and much more susceptible to parasites and infections. Only wash the dog when really necessary. Always use a special dog shampoo available at the vet or pet store. Never use human shampoo, as it can irritate the dog's skin and make the coat dull.
Poor quality of food
Many coat problems can be traced back to poor quality food. When a dog does not receive the right food and therefore insufficient nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, it is bad for the animal's health. This often first shows in the coat. Therefore, always provide a dog with high-quality food. Additionally, daily supplementation with essential fatty acids (such as fish oil) can support the skin and coat.
Parasites
Very often, parasites are the cause of a poor coat in dogs. Unwanted guests such as fleas, mites, lice, and fungi find your loyal companion's coat a true paradise and will do everything to nestle comfortably in the coat. This causes a lot of itching, making the dog scratch almost continuously. This leads to bald spots, skin inflammations, and more. Therefore, ensure good flea control. If you think your dog has mange or a fungal infection, contact the veterinarian.
Indoor temperature
The temperature we find comfortable indoors and what is comfortable for dogs is worlds apart. The indoor temperature is often too warm and dry for a dog, especially in winter. This can be problematic, especially if the house has underfloor heating. Therefore, ensure the dog has a cool resting place that is moderately lit.
Incorrect coat care
Each dog breed has a different coat, and each coat requires different care. Some coats need to be brushed or trimmed more often than others. Breed clubs and grooming salons can advise you on the best way and which brushes to use to care for your dog's coat.
Hormones
Every living being's body produces hormones, including dogs. If a dog suffers from stress or a certain disease (for example, Cushing's disease), the hormone balance can be disturbed. This causes the dog to lose more hair and develop bald spots. Hormone balance can also change due to neutering or spaying, which can alter the coat's texture. In such cases, always consult the veterinarian.
