What Does a Healthy Coat Look Like?

What signs should you look for in a healthy coat? For starters, you should get to know your pet's unique characteristics. Be sure to do a head-to-paws check daily for both cats and dogs, and brush your pet at least once a week. For dogs, brushing more often (even daily) helps spread natural oils throughout the coat and untangle mats. Cats (and your carpet) also benefit from reduced hairballs and the cuddle time they get from being groomed.

Cats are devoted self-groomers, so an unkempt coat may be a sign your kitty isn't feeling their best. Osteoarthritis could be leading to painful joints and preventing your cat from grooming certain spots, and a dull, greasy or matted coat can also point to health problems or a lack of essential nutrients. A stressed cat can also over-groom and end up pulling out tufts of their own fur.

Grooming needs for dogs tend to vary by size and breed. The PDSA explains that a dog with long hair or a plush coat, like a husky, may need daily brushing, while a short-haired dachshund may be fine with a weekly brush. Blue Cross says it’s best to leave as much time as possible between washing to avoid drying out your dog’s sensitive skin. Unless they’re particularly dirty or they roll in something smelly, they recommend letting the natural oils in your dog’s coat do most of the work. Dogs with thinner, light-coloured skin can also be more susceptible to skin irritations like insect bites, seasonal allergies and, notes the PDSA, sunburn. If you have a lovable mutt, reading some guidelines for caring for short and long hair can help establish a baseline.

When brushing your cat or dog, keep an eye out for:

• Clumps of fur falling out or bald patches
• Dry, red or irritated skin
• Sores or rough areas
• Greasiness
• Little black or white specks, which could be ticks or flea eggs

If none of these things appear, your pet likely has a healthy coat. However, if you do notice any of those symptoms, it's time to look deeper to determine the cause of your pet's coat issues.

Still a Head-Scratcher? Talk to Your Vet

If you notice your pet scratching their ears or constantly licking themselves, it's possible something in their surroundings is causing the irritation. Your vet will be able to look at the condition of your pet's coat and skin and determine if additional testing is needed. For dogs with irritation and itchy skin, the Merck Veterinary Manual explains that your vet will look for common causes like parasites (fleas, ticks or mites), bacterial infections, fungal infections, seasonal allergies or environmental irritants. You can help your vet narrow down the possibilities by taking an inventory of any new cleaning products, air fresheners, colognes or soaps you've introduced into your house, or any changes you’ve made to your pet’s routine, e.g. a new walking route. Depending on the cause, your pet may need solutions like antibacterial medication, antifungal shampoo or antihistamines.

If your vet rules out all outside factors, they may recommend reviewing the contents of your pet's current and past foods. They might suggest feeding a special food to determine if your pet has a food intolerance or allergy, or supplementing your pet's nutrition with a missing vitamin, antioxidant or fatty acid. Since nutrition plays a key role in skin and coat health, it is important to keep your dog or cat on any special meals your vet recommends. Even if the condition improves, do not go back to other food without first discussing it with your vet. Don't spend months or years searching for dog food for a healthy coat; get your pet to the vet early and often to manage any skin and coat issues.

You are the start of a healthy future for your pet, inside and out. Through good nutrition, proper grooming and regular vet checkups, you can keep your dog or cat's coat and skin healthy and vibrant for years.