Did you know your dog’s coat equates to good health?
April 27, 2011 • Health & Wellness •
From the Editors of Exceptional Canine
The next time your son or daughter needs a gross fact for show-and-tell, send him to school with a baggie of dog hair and this information: Some dogs grow 100 feet of fur per day — the equivalent of the length of six SUVs! (That’s adding up all the new strands covering the entire animal end-to-end, including the fluff between your dog’s toes.)
So if it seems your four-legged best friend sheds a lot on your blue velvet sofa, well, it’s probably true. In fact, your dog expends so much energy growing its coat that nearly 30 percent of its protein requirement is dedicated solely for that purpose.
And your dog isn’t growing all that fur just to look pretty. Consider that dog fur:
Is eight times warmer than wool
Is fire-resistant
Wards off dirt
Repels static
Protects from parasites
In addition to these amazing traits, your dog’s coat is a good indicator of its overall health. So even if you don’t show your Maltese on the breeder’s circuit, it’s critical you keep an eye on your dog’s fur to ensure it’s in top condition.
Maintaining a Healthy Coat
One of the best ways to help your dog maintain a full and healthy coat is to ensure your dog is eating right. A high-quality commercial dog food should be:
Rich in protein. If your dog lacks this essential building block, its body will dedicate the nutrients to muscle first, leaving its fur and skin dry and dull.
Balanced in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fat building blocks keep your dog’s coat healthy, thick and lustrous. They may also help reduce itching, dandruff and allergy-related skin problems.
Talk with your vet to determine your dog’s daily nutritional needs. By feeding your dog the right food and practicing regular grooming, you’ll keep your dog safe from the elements — and its coat will gleam with good health.
