The importance of caring for your dog’s coat
Before revealing the best oils for a dog’s coat, let’s talk about why your pup might need one of them. Having soft and shiny hair is important for more than just looking cute! The condition of your pet’s fluff also reveals something about their underlying health. And taking care of it – for example, with a dog oil for coat health – can help support their overall wellbeing.
How so? Well, your pooch’s fur serves several key purposes. It guards their skin against potential environmental hazards like dirt, bugs, and debris, as well as sunlight and adverse weather. Using the best oil for dogs’ coats to keep their hair in top condition could help it better fulfil this protective role. Conversely, matted fur can be a breeding ground for parasites, and also irritate your pup’s skin.
What’s more, your pet’s coat enables them to regulate their body temperature more effectively. In the winter, their fur acts as insulation and traps their body heat, preventing them from getting too cold. Whereas during hot weather, the individual hairs stand more upright, allowing for greater airflow and keeping your pup cool. This is one reason why you shouldn’t shave your dog in the summer (or at all). Use the best oil for dogs’ coats instead!
Another benefit of caring for your pup’s fluff is that it might help you spot potential health problems early on. As an example, if you regularly brush your pet, you’re more likely to notice issues like fleas, lumps, and cuts. This enables you to deal with them quickly, reducing the chances of a more serious concern developing. That’s a lot of persuasive reasons to treat your pooch to the best oil for dogs’ coats!
How can I tell if my dog’s coat is in a healthy condition or not?
We’ve explained why it’s vital to take care of your pet’s fur by using the best oil for dogs’ coats. But how do you know if you’re doing a good job of it? First, it’s important to note that different breeds of dog have different types of fur. It may be long or short, straight or curly, soft or coarse. Some have single coats, while others have double coats. Spending time researching your pooch’s specific hair characteristics will help you better understand how to look after it. Plus, you’ll be more likely to notice if something’s not quite right.
Having said that, there are some signs of a healthy – and unhealthy – coat that apply to almost all dogs. Ideally, your pet’s fur should be soft, shiny, and hydrated, and free from knots and grease. Some of the most common symptoms that indicate a pup’s hair isn’t in good condition include:
- Dry and/or dull fur
- A very oily coat
- Tangled or matted fluff
- Excessive shedding or moulting
- Bald patches
- Itchiness
- Red skin
- Dandruff
- A smelly coat
There are several potential reasons your pet’s coat might be in poor condition. Sometimes, it’s because their fur hasn’t been looked after properly. In other cases, it’s that their diet is lacking in nutrition. The best oil for dogs’ coats could be useful in these situations, as it has both topical and nutritional benefits. However, in some circumstances, an unhealthy coat is a sign of an underlying wellness concern. If you think this may be the case with your pet, take them to the vet for a check-up.
What is the best oil for a dog’s coat?
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that there isn’t one single best oil for dogs’ coats. There are several varieties you can choose from, each with slightly different nutritional profiles and wellness benefits. This enables you to pick the option that most suits your pet’s individual needs. And find one they like the taste of!
Below, in no particular order, we discuss four of the most effective options. These aren’t only beneficial for your pup’s fur – they also count as some of the best oils for dogs’ skin. And there are plenty more potential advantages in store for pooches who take them. Let’s dig into the details.
Sea buckthorn oil
First up, we have sea buckthorn oil. This comes from a vibrant orange berry rich in omega-7 fatty acids, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and antioxidants. It also contains linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid important for a pup’s skin and coat health. A lack of linoleic acid may result in dull, dry fur and inflamed or flaky skin.(1)
As such, sea buckthorn oil can help to reduce inflammation, fight oxidative stress, and enhance hydration.(2) The ingredient could additionally work to repair damaged hair. This all contributes to shinier, healthier fur, making it a top contender for the best oil for dogs’ coats. It supports skin health too, tackling issues like dry paw pads and itchiness.
Sea buckthorn oil even helps to reduce the symptoms of dry and watery eyes.(3) That’s not only good for your pup’s peepers, but it can also prevent discolouration of the fur in that area. This is an indirect reason that bolsters its case for being the best oil for dogs’ coats.
Chia seed oil
Next, there’s chia seed oil. What qualifies this as potentially the best oil for dogs’ coats? Well, these tiny seeds are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids like alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). And one of the many possible wellness benefits of ALA is that it supports both skin and fur health. It helps to lessen inflammation and keep your pup’s skin hydrated. The ingredient could also promote a shiny coat.
It’s not only omega-3, though. Like sea buckthorn, chia seeds contain linoleic acid, which studies suggest can make your pooch’s fur look glossier.(4) Moreover, linoleic acid may decrease dander (skin flakes) by increasing the formation of a lipid called ceramide. Ceramide is a key component of your pup’s skin, and helps to reduce moisture loss.
Chia seeds are additionally full of antioxidants, such as vitamin E. These benefit the condition of your pet’s fur by protecting their cells – including their hair follicles – from oxidative stress. Just another reason why it could be the best oil for dogs’ coats!
Coconut oil
If popularity alone could determine the best oil for dogs’ coats, coconut oil would probably be the winner. It’s certainly one of the better-known ones on this list. The ingredient is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs, as well as a fatty acid called lauric acid. Lauric acid is able to penetrate the hair shaft, and make it both shinier and less prone to damage.(5)
Applying coconut oil can have benefits for your dog’s skin, too. It could reduce inflammation, increase hydration, and prevent dandruff and irritation. One caveat is that you should use coconut oil in moderation. This is because too much might cause stomach upset and raise the risk of high cholesterol. It’s also quite high in calories, so consuming a lot of the ingredient may lead to weight gain. Of course, moderation is a principle that applies to any food you feed your pet. No matter how often they turn those puppy-dog eyes on you!
Milk thistle oil
Our final contender for the best oil for dogs’ coats is milk thistle oil. This is another potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which helps protect your pup’s cells from free radical damage and chronic inflammation. What’s more, it’s an excellent source of vitamin E. Your pooch’s body uses this to form collagen fibres, which are a key component of their hair and skin.
Similar to other oils on this list, milk thistle contains unsaturated fatty acids, further enhancing the condition of your pup’s fur. As a bonus, the ingredient could also help to support liver health and have a cleansing effect.
How to use oils for dogs’ coats
So, once you’ve chosen the best oil for dogs’ coats, what do you do with it? In terms of our oils, you can give these to your pet neat or mix them into their wet food. For chia seed oil and milk thistle oil, we suggest ¼ of a teaspoon per 5kg of their body weight. For sea buckthorn oil, we recommend one or two drops per 5kg of body weight.
You could also apply a small amount directly to their skin and fur. Massage it into areas where your pup experiences dry skin or irritation, or run it through their hair. They may lick it off, so don’t use too much!
A couple of quick safety tips:
- Always stick to the recommended dosage of your chosen oil. This will vary depending on factors like your dog’s size, and whether you’re using it topically or in food.
- Even the best oil for dogs’ coats is not a replacement for professional veterinary care and treatment. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health because of the condition of their fur, book an appointment.
Are oils suitable for all dogs?
All the oils we’ve mentioned in this post are generally considered safe for consumption by our canine friends. They wouldn’t be a great candidate for the best oil for dogs’ coats otherwise! However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that every pooch can have them.
For example, we don’t recommend giving these oils to puppies – they’re intended for fully grown-up animals only. In a similar vein, you shouldn’t feed them to pets who are pregnant or nursing. This doesn’t mean they’re dangerous for these groups, just that there hasn’t yet been enough research to confirm their safety.
Another factor to consider is that your pup might be allergic to one of these oils. As with any new food, monitor your pet closely when using your choice of the best oil for dogs’ coats. That’s both if you’re applying it topically and if you’re adding it to their diet. If you notice any negative reactions, stop using the oil and take your pooch to the vet straight away.
Finally, if your pet has an existing health condition or takes medication, functional foods might not be suitable for them. Speak to your vet before feeding them any of these oils or applying them on their fur. This will help reduce the risk of unwanted side effects or interactions between the oils and medicines. The vet will hopefully be able to assist in choosing the best oil for dogs’ coats to match your pet’s individual needs.
Other ways to keep your dog’s fur in top condition
Of course, using the best oil for dogs’ coats is just one way to care for their fur. And it shouldn’t be the only technique you employ. Another important step is to bathe your pooch regularly – exactly how often will depend on your dog’s breed and personality. For instance, mucky pups will need more frequent baths than tidy ones! The same is true for pets with long fur compared to those with a short coat. Don’t pop your pup in the bath too often though, as this will wash away their valuable natural oils. In addition, only use shampoos that are specially formulated for dogs, not humans!
We also recommend brushing your dog regularly. This is vital for removing loose hairs and dead skin cells, plus keeping their fur free from dirt and parasites. What’s more, it helps to distribute the natural oils produced by your pup’s skin along the individual hairs. Brushing your pet additionally prevents and removes clumps and tangles. Again, the specific frequency will vary, and this is most important for those pups with longer fur. It’s also a good idea to get them professionally groomed from time to time if you can.
Adding the best oil for dogs’ coats to your pup’s diet is only one way to support the health of their fur through nutrition. Choosing high-quality dog food that’s rich in all the vitamins and minerals they need is key too. Be sure to pick one that’s appropriate for your pet’s age and any health needs they have.
Between using the best oil for dogs’ coats and following these other tips, your pup’s fur should be looking gorgeous and healthy in no time!
