What is Dull Coat?

When we see a dog or a cat with a shiny healthy coat, we regard it as a sign of health and vitality. However, without proper care - the coat of any animal may become lackluster, brittle and may even begin to fall out.

What Causes Dull Coat?

While many factors influence a healthy coat, nutrition is crucial. The right balance of protein, carbohydrates and minerals can go a long way to help keeping your pet’s coat healthy.

Although it may be cheaper to purchase generic brands of pet food, these brands may not contain high quality ingredients – and may not be the best choice for a shiny coat. Homemade pet foods (preferably using organic produce) contain essential minerals and nutrients. The skin of an animal requires these nutrients to produce natural oils to help keep the skin and hair follicles hydrated, moisturized and protected naturally.

Although you may not realize it, worms and internal parasites can sap vital nutrients from your dog or cat’s system – causing harm to his or her coat (as well as other, more serious health problems). Your vet should perform a fecal examination during a routine check up to look for worms.

Fleas and ticks can also wreak havoc on an animal’s coat. Severe itchiness will most likely lead to consistent scratching, hot spots and weeping skin, leading your pet’s coat to look ‘patchy’ and uneven.

Help for Dull Coat

For dogs and cats alike a healthy coat depends a great deal on proper grooming. To remove matted, tangled longer hair, you may try using a special comb. Grooming brushes will help to remove dead surface hair and dead skin cells, also helping to distribute the natural oil on the coat.

Having your pet’s hair shaved can sometimes be the only alternative when his or her coat is matted and tangled to the skin. Shaving can actually be a lot less painful than trying to get the knots and tangled loose. Once your pet’s hair is shaved, you can start with regular grooming as the new coat grows in.

Natural remedies

There are a number of herbal and homeopathic remedies known for their beneficial effects on the skin and coats of animals. Equisetum arvense (Horsetail) has high silica content, an essential component in the maintenance of healthy and strong skin, bones, claws, and fur.

Arthrospira platenis (Spirulina) is another natural ingredient used as a source of chlorophyll. It contains protein, vitamins (including B12 and folic acid) and carotenoids. Homeopathic ingredients such as Kalium sulphate can address health on a cellular level – helping to maintain skin and hair follicle health.

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