How to Care For Your Pet’s Coat

When it comes to caring for your pet, keeping on top of their coat health is a priority. Why? Because if you don’t regularly groom and even trim your pet, chances are their coat will become lacklustre, in poor quality and even matted (which can lead to further complications down the line).

So, if you’re wondering how you can get your pet's coat looking shiny and in great condition, you’re in the right place.

Because in today’s blog, we’re going to share how to care for your pet’s coat, including how to spot signs of trouble in your pet’s coat condition, give you some grooming tips, and share some healthy diet tips that can make your pet's fur look fantastic.

Let's unlock their best lives with proper coat maintenance.

How to Keep a Dog Coat Healthy

Caring for your dog’s coat, to prevent it from getting matted, is an essential skill for any pet parent. Not only can it support their wellbeing and quality of life, it also has the practical benefit of helping your pup look and smell great too.

So if you’re wondering “why should I groom my dog?” the answer is simple: your dog’s health depends on it. Additionally, grooming also allows you to check for any lumps, bumps, or skin irritations that may need professional attention.

(Plus, it promotes a stronger bond between you and your furry friend!)

Fun Fact: The first basic dog grooming "barber shops" didn't appear until the 1940s in the United States, a far cry from the lavish royal grooming of previous centuries.

Signs of Poor Coat Condition in Dogs

Here are some quick signs that your dog’s coat condition needs addressing. Hopefully you’d be able to spot these signs before they develop, however for example you may find recently adopted dogs from rescues exhibiting some or all of the following signs:

• Excessive shedding
• Bald or thinning spots
• Constant itching and scratching
• Dull and lacking moisture

It’s important to note that a dog’s poor coat condition can also be linked back to their diet. So if you believe your canine companion may be suffering from a nutritional deficiency, consider the quality of their food and the possibility of transitioning them to more nourishing food like our BARF blends.

Dog Grooming Tools You Need to Get Started

The following tools are pieces of equipment we’d recommend every pet parent have to hand. They’ll help keep your dog’s coat in tip top shape:

• A selection of Brushes (you can choose a slicker brush, bristle brush, or pin brush, depending on your dog's coat type)
• Dematting Tool (to help reach the innermost layer of your dog’s fur)
• Wide-toothed comb (useful for teasing out those trickier knots)
• Detangling spray (particularly if it’s been a long time since your dog’s been groomed)
• High-quality dog shampoo and conditioner (to help cleanse and nourish your dog’s coat)

Plus a few additional tools to include as part of your dog’s grooming routine:

• Nail clippers
• Ear cleaning solution and cotton balls

Tips For Caring For a Dog's Coat

So now that you’ve got the proper equipment to hand, here are our top tips for caring for your dog’s coat:

• Regular brushing is key to maintaining a healthy, shiny coat.
• Establish a proper bathing schedule to keep their coat clean without stripping away those essential natural oils.
• Consider blow-drying after bath time or brushing to prevent mats and tangles from forming.
• For adorable breeds like Goldendoodles or Poodle mixes, remember to schedule regular trimming sessions to keep their coats neat and tidy.
• If you see or feel any mats, grab a detangling spray and a metal comb to gently separate the hairs, especially around the collar and harness areas.

Trust us, your pup will thank you for it!

Grooming Double-Coated Dog Breeds

Not sure if your dog is a double-coated breed? Here are a few examples of the breeds that fall into this category:

• Akita
• Alaskan Malamute
• Australian Shepherd
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Border Collie
• Chow Chow
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Great Pyrenees
• Labrador Retriever
• Newfoundland
• Pomeranian
• Samoyed
• Siberian Husky
• Shiba Inu

You might notice more shedding during moulting seasons for double-coated breeds. But don’t panic; just be sure to schedule regular grooming appointments with a professional dog salon or if you’re able to keep on top of it, regularly groom your dog-coated dog yourself.

We’d recommend brushing your dog frequently, at least once a week, to remove that loose undercoat. And whatever you do, resist the urge to shave your double-coated dog – as it can actually ruin their fur!

Foods and Supplements for Healthy Dog Coats

As we mentioned before, your dog’s diet can have a major impact on their coat quality.

Omega fatty acids, like those found in fish oil, work wonders for maintaining moisture and shine in your dog's coat. Likewise, biotin is another super vitamin that supports hair growth and strength, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that works to protect coat health.

Our suggestion is to check out our Meat and Bones collection, as a number of our products contain these beneficial ingredients and have been created with canine nutrition and health in mind.

How to Keep a Cat Coat Healthy

Cats may be renowned for lazing about grooming themselves, but it’s still important for us pet parents to keep on top of their grooming too. Because regularly brushing your cat can not only help to reduce hairballs but also give them sleek and shiny coats.

Also, a fun fact: almost all cat grooming is done at home, as statistics from Groomer to Groomer Magazine estimate that fewer than 1 in 15 pet groomers offer cat grooming services, highlighting the relatively low availability of professional cat grooming compared to dogs.

That’s why it’s important to read up on the best grooming practices for cats too!

Why Should I Groom My Cat?

Although cats are known for their self-grooming habits, regular brushing and combing by their human companions can help prevent matting, reduce hairballs, and keep their coats looking sleek and shiny.

Grooming also allows you to spend quality bonding time with your feline friend while checking for skin issues or abnormalities.

Signs of Poor Coat Condition in Cats

Here are some of the key signs that your cat’s coat condition is in poor quality and could use from TLC:

• Flaky dandruff
• Dull and lack of shine
• Excessive shedding and hairballs
• Matting and clumping

If you’re at all concerned that your cat’s coat condition is a sign of a more serious underlying health condition, we’d recommend booking in to see a trusted veterinarian as soon as possible.

Best Cat Grooming Tools to Get Started

So, what are the essential tools you’ll need to keep your coat’s coat looking lustrous and in fantastic condition?

Here’s our list of the top cat grooming equipment you’ll need:

• Slicker brush or bristle brush (depending on your cat's coat length and type)
• Wide-toothed comb (perfect for gently teasing out tangles)
• Detangling spray (especially useful for long-haired cats who have a tendency to become more knotted than short-haired coats)
• Cat-specific shampoo (but only if necessary. You can also try a waterless variety)

You may also want to take a look at our Small Animal Care Kit, which includes a selection of other grooming products to support your feline friend’s wellbeing.

Top Tips For Caring For a Cat's Coat

Once you’re all kitted out, the next step is to establish a regular grooming routine with your cat, as even a few minutes every day can be beneficial, with regular brushing or combing to help remove loose fur, dead skin, and any hidden debris.

So aim for daily brushing sessions, but if that's not possible, a few times a week will still do wonders. While most cats aren't big fans of bath time, if you need to give them a quick clean because they’ve become quite dirty and matted, this may be necessary. Our warning is just to be cautious with shampoos, as they can strip away those essential natural oils.

For long-haired cats, consider sanitary trimming to prevent mats from forming in those hard-to-reach areas - such as around the hind legs, on the chest, on their stomach and in their “armpits”.

Dealing with Matted Cat Fur

Matted cat fur is not something to be underestimated, as it can cause considerable discomfort for our feline friends. So if you see or feel matted fur on your cat, grab a detangling comb and gently stroke the mat.

In severe cases, it might be necessary to carefully cut out/shave the matted fur and let the fur grow back.

If the matting is extensive, don't hesitate to seek professional grooming services or seek assistance from your vet. Remember, consistent brushing is the key to preventing future matting.

Foods and Supplements for Healthy Cat Coats

Just like with dogs, a healthy diet is crucial for maintaining a gorgeous cat coat.

Our recommendation is to specifically look for foods high in Omega fats, vitamin E, and zinc, whilst a high-protein diet will also help promote fur growth and quality.

Once again, here at World 4 Pets we offer a range of fantastic food options for your feline companion. Check out the ZiwiPeak range of wet cat food which features delicious, high-quality ingredients to support cat coat health.

And make sure to reach out to us for assistance if you need some help selecting the perfect food for your cat.

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, a healthy coat should be shiny, smooth, and free of tangles, while healthy skin should be supple and clear. By combining regular grooming with a nutritious diet, your pet's coat will be the talk of the town, regardless of breed or hair type.

So go ahead and give your furry friend extra love and attention – they'll be prancing around with pride in no time!