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Importance of healthy skin & coat in Dogs
Just like humans, a dog’s skin provides protection against the outside world as well as acts as a barometer of his overall health. Soft, shiny coat and supple skin without redness or flakiness are signs of a healthy dog but dry itchy skin, brittle rough coat, redness, scratching, and hair loss are all indications that your dog may not be feeling at his best and may need a visit the vet. Skin and coat issues are all signs of what could be a variety of health issues in dogs ranging from allergies, parasites, infections, illness, side effects, and nutritional deficiencies.
Rajas Kulkarni
A zoologist by qualification, she studied veterinary nursing at the Bicton College of Agriculture, UK. She is in-charge of liaising with vets/ breeders/ clients regarding their queries about nutritional supplements marketed by Venttura.
Why do healthy skin and coat matter?
Healthy skin and coat are important for a dog in several ways:
- Hygiene: A healthy skin and coat help to keep the dog clean and free from skin infections and parasites.
- Comfort: A healthy skin and coat provide insulation and protection from external irritants, helping to keep the dog comfortable.
- Health indicator: A dog's skin and coat can reveal underlying health problems, such as allergies, hormonal imbalances, or poor nutrition.
- Appearance: A healthy skin and coat can improve a dog's appearance, making them look and feel better.
The skin is the largest organ of a dog’s body and acts as a protective barrier between the external and internal environment. It also gives mechanical support to the body, acts as a neurosensory receptor, and helps regulate body temperature. With a proper diet and regular grooming healthy skin and coat can be maintained.
Dog coats depending on a variety of breeds are as follows:
Smooth Coat:
The coat is thick and plush with long smooth hair without any curl to it. Breeds like Labrador, Beagle, Doberman, Boxer, etc. all have a smooth coat. This type of coat can be easily maintained with regular brushing and monthly baths.
Long Silky Coat:
These dogs have long, flowing silky coats that need frequent grooming to prevent knots and keep the coat shiny. Afghan Hound, Irish Setter, and Silky Terrier are some of the breeds with this coat. These dogs have long, flowing silky coats that need frequent grooming to prevent knots and keep the coat shiny. Afghan Hound, Irish Setter, and Silky Terrier are some of the breeds with this coat.
Wiry Coat:
The coat is bristle-like, wiry, and feels coarse to the touch. A lot of Terriers, Schnauzers, and Wire-Haired Dachshunds have a wiry coat. This type of coat needs regular and expert grooming including hand stripping the coat.
Curly Coat:
The coat can have either tight curls like a Poodle or wavy curls like Irish Water Spaniel. Other breeds include Curly Coated Retrievers, Bedlington Terriers, and Bichon Frise. This type of coat requires expert and regular grooming.
Double Coat:
A double coat refers to two layers or types of coat- a medium-length outer coat which is soft and silky and a shorter fuzzy undercoat that acts as a protective insulator. German Shepherds (GSD), Newfoundland, and Bernese Mountain Dogs have this kind of coat. Regular brushing with appropriate brushes keeps this coat manageable.
Hairless:
As the name suggests, these dogs are practically hairless and have very little coat or very fine hair on the body. Mexican Hairless and Chinese Crested dogs are examples of hairless breeds. These dogs are very easy maintenance and ideal for people with allergies to pet dander.
What makes a dog’s skin and hair healthy?
Protein:
Hair is mostly made of protein so sufficient protein in the diet is absolutely necessary for a healthy coat. Up to 30% of the dog’s daily protein requirement is used for coat growth. That’s why it is essential to give your dog good quality food and dietary supplements like Venttura Fur+ and Venttura Amino+ to promote healthy skin & coat.
Omega Fatty Acids:
These are essential fatty acids that are needed in the diet since the body cannot make them. Omega Fatty Acids help in combating inflammation and support skin and coat health. Include Venttura Omega+ for a glossy coat, smooth skin, and overall health benefits.
Zinc and Copper:
Zinc improves immunity and integrity of skin and helps maintenance of healthy skin and coat. Copper is required for the production of hair color pigments.
Vitamins A, C & E:
Vitamin A is required for the formation of keratin, the protein that makes up the hair. Vitamins C & E act as antioxidants and maintain skin smoothness and function. Vitamin C is needed to form collagen which is an essential part of the skin.
Biotin:
Helps support hair quality, improves hair structure, and reduces brittleness. It also improves coat shine and smoothness.
Omega Fatty Acids:
These are essential fatty acids that are needed in the diet since the body cannot make them. Omega Fatty Acids help in combating inflammation and support skin and coat health. Include Venttura Omega+ for a glossy coat, smooth skin, and overall health benefits.
