A number of dog breeds come with certain health concerns. While some concerns are minor, some are major. For example, some dachshund owners have to face issues related to their dog’s skin and coat. It is possible that my coat may become thin and dull. Some dogs regularly scratch or bite their own skin. So how can my owner keep my coat shiny? Below are some tips that can help. To start with, a dull and lackluster coat is generally the result of poor diet or poor quality food.
Ensure That Protein Is Present In My Diet
My coat is made up of nearly 90% protein. Therefore, when my diet is deficient in protein, naturally, the quality of my coat is going to suffer. So when purchasing dog food, my owner should look for a brand with a protein source among the ingredients. Generally speaking, avoid buying food that has grains, animal byproducts or preservatives as the first or the main ingredient.
It is best if my owner opts for something that has turkey, lamb or chicken as the base ingredient instead of chicken meal, soy, wheat or corn. When you start giving me a balanced diet that has a lot of protein and amino acids, then I will have all the required building blocks for the right structure of hair and I’ll be on my way to having a shiny coat worthy of a television advertisement.
The Need For Omega-3 And Omega 6 Fatty Acids
These omega acids have a very good anti-inflammatory effect. They can prove to be beneficial in treating other skin problems as well. My owner should go for dog food that has omega-3 fatty acids. The other option is to include fish, fish oil or flaxseed oil in my diet. If my owner is willing to use fresh fish, then it is best that a small amount (nearly two tablespoons) of raw or cooked fish be added to my diet for improving the luster of my coat. The fish can be tuna, sardines or salmon, which are the tastiest options available. Nearly once a week will be sufficient to see visible results. However, it is not harmful if you give me small amounts of fish more frequently.
Adding fish oil or flaxseed oil to my diet can be done by stirring one tablespoon into my food, but you need to make sure that you are using only one method and not both of them. You also need to ensure that you do not go overboard with the oil. Too much oil can upset my stomach and may result in diarrhea.
Omega-6 fatty acids also play a significant role in the health of my coat and skin; a lack of these acids may result in dry skin, overall irritation or hair loss. Supplements can usually be found at your nearby pet store or you can add vegetable oils to my food, as they are also a significant source of omega-6 fatty acids. Adding a teaspoon of sunflower or grapeseed oil to each meal is easy; the rough guideline is one teaspoon for small dogs and one tablespoon for large dogs.
Treats Are Okay, But The Ingredients Should Be Good
If you are looking for a more convenient alternative, then offering me a healthy treat is an equally good method of making sure that my diet has all the necessary ingredients. Make sure to use healthy, organic and natural products and look for treats with high-quality ingredients as they will make my coat gleam and they can also be used to supplement my diet.
Dachshunds have different types of coats and there are unique ways of caring and grooming for each.
Shorthaired Dachshunds
Even though the hair is short, this type of coat must still be groomed. Brushing with a soft bristle brush is sufficient. Do not use a comb. After brushing your dog, you can rub him over with a rubber curry brush to remove any loose hairs and prevent matting.
Wirehaired Dachshund
Wirehaired dachshunds require a bit more grooming. Frequent brushing is needed, particularly in the spring and fall, when dogs shed the most. A short napped wire bristle brush can help remove the shed hair and tangles from your dog’s coat.
Long-Haired Dachshunds
Effort and attention is required for maintaining the coat of a long-haired dachshund. Long-haired dachshunds are prone to developing mats behind their ears and also in the parts of their bodies where the hair is much longer. In case the mats become hard to untangle by using a comb or by hand, the mat should be cut out.
Conclusion
It is very important to take care of my coat. A dachshund’s coat is his crowning glory. Regular grooming and a high-quality diet should keep it practically gleaming. The proper brushing stroke for a dachshund, regardless of his coat type, should be in the direction of hair growth.
