Shiny and healthy fur is considered an important indicator of a dog's overall condition. A coat that appears flaky, dry, dull, or messy may not only indicate that dogs are not being groomed adequately but can also signal various health issues. For example, it is known that nutritional deficiencies, as well as kidney and liver diseases, can affect the health of a dog's coat.

The skin and fur make up approximately 10-15% of a dog’s total body weight. The dermis, which consists of collagen, is the largest part of the skin. This metabolically very active part contains sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The sebaceous glands are responsible for secreting skin oil known as sebum. The epidermis layer of the skin houses specialized cells responsible for keratin production. Skin and fur cannot be considered separately. Regardless of how healthy a dog’s coat is, a certain amount of shedding occurs daily. In addition to daily shedding, the amount of fur that falls out during seasonal transitions can significantly increase due to the renewal of the coat. Maintaining the health of a dog’s skin and fur has a protective effect similar to strengthening the immune system: the skin plays a role in many processes, from protecting internal organs against external factors to supporting the integrity of the immune system, regulating body temperature, and preventing dehydration.

Given the importance of skin and fur health, it is known that having a dog with shiny and soft fur signifies much more than just appearing well-groomed. In this article, you will find information about the measures that can be taken to ensure that your dog's coat is shinier and healthier.

Regular Exercise is Essential
Regularly taking your dog outside and ensuring it gets exercise can contribute to its skin and fur health. Improved blood circulation during exercise can help transport more nutrients and oxygen to skin cells, promoting better nourishment of the fur. Dogs that do not get enough exercise and do not spend time with people may experience increased stress levels and a higher likelihood of both physical health issues and mental problems. Regular exercise reduces the chances of obesity, joint problems, and anxiety. Moreover, exercises involving people are important for strengthening the bond between humans and dogs.

Bathing at Ideal Intervals is Important
Whether short or long-haired, dogs can have healthier and shinier fur when bathed at ideal intervals. The ideal bathing frequency can vary based on your dog's breed, living conditions, fur type, and skin sensitivity. Therefore, when creating a healthy bathing routine for your dog, it is best to follow the recommendations of veterinarians. Bathing too frequently, as well as not using shampoos specially formulated for dogs during bathing, can cause skin irritation and damage to the skin barrier.

The Importance of Organic Products
Using organic products when bathing your dogs can greatly benefit their fur and skin health. Chemical ingredients can lead to irritation and allergic reactions in dogs over time. Organic shampoos and grooming products, made with natural ingredients, protect the skin barrier and do not cause irritation. Additionally, regular care with organic creams enhances the shine of the fur and helps maintain the skin's moisture balance. Therefore, choosing organic products for your dog’s grooming can contribute to achieving healthy and shiny fur in the long run.

Regular Parasite Control is Necessary
One of the factors that disrupt a dog’s skin and fur health is parasites. Even when antiparasitic medications are used, it is known that dogs can become susceptible to parasites due to their environments. External parasites can cause dogs to scratch, bite, and even chew on themselves. Parasites that damage the coat and skin can also harm the skin barrier, triggering infections in dogs. Internal parasites must also be considered for the health of dogs. If not controlled, internal parasites can pose serious risks to their health by preventing them from accessing essential nutrients.