If you have a dog, maintaining the health of the pet is a priority. Well, the skin is the largest and widest organ in the dog's body. The cells on a dog's skin also tend to change quickly so you need to take good care of it. For most dogs, almost all of the skin is covered with hair that sheds regularly and is then replaced with new coat.
To keep skin and hair healthy, dogs need a balanced diet that contains protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. In addition to needing a healthy and balanced diet, you also have to be diligent in combing and bathing it so that your dog is protected from germs that cause infection.
So, what are the signs of healthy dog skin? This is what you need to know.
Signs of Healthy Dog Skin
According to the American Kennel Club, healthy dog skin appears supple and smooth, with no scabs, growths, white flakes, or red areas. Healthy skin is also not oily, flaky, or bumpy. Colors range from pale pink to brown or black depending on the breed of dog.
If you see spots on your dog's skin, this could be normal depending on whether the dog has mottled or dense fur. You may need to check your dog's skin regularly for fleas or other external parasites.
To check, gently blow on the dog's belly or comb the fur back in several places. The goal is to see if there are small spots that come out or there are lice stuck to the skin. Black droppings on the dog's skin or bedding can be a sign of dirt or fleas.
Tips for Maintaining Dog Skin Health
One of the most important things for a dog's skin health is the dog's nutrition and hygiene. Therefore, you need to provide both internal and external care for your dog. Internal care includes providing a nutritionally balanced diet. While external care includes cleaning the fur and cage regularly. So, here are some tips for keeping your dog's skin healthy:
1. Bathe the dog
Bathing the dog is something that must be done regularly. However, dogs don't really need to be bathed too often. We recommend that you bathe your dog at least once every three months and not once a week. Don't forget to choose a shampoo that moisturizes the skin so it doesn't get irritated easily. Often bathing with water alone is sufficient, rather than soaping the dog with shampoo.
2. Give the right food
Nutrition plays a very important role for a dog's health. Avoid giving food carelessly like human food. Giving wrong food can actually make the hair fall out and be susceptible to disease. If your dog has sensitive skin, consider giving them a prescription specifically designed to nourish their skin and coat.
3. Go to the vet regularly
You also need to take your dog for regular health checks at the vet. Doctors can recommend vaccines for dogs to avoid dangerous diseases. Regular checkups are also useful for detecting unusual symptoms in your dog so that the condition can be treated immediately.
4. Brush the hair regularly
Brushing your dog's coat regularly will help stimulate the hair follicles and natural oil glands in the skin. This will remove any patches of skin when you brush the surface. Removing dead skin cells and hair loss from the coat will give the skin a chance to repair itself naturally.