Dog coat care – How to keep your dog's coat healthy & shiny

Your dog's coat is far more than just a fashion accessory – it protects, regulates temperature, and reflects your pet's overall health. Regular and targeted grooming not only ensures a glossy appearance but also promotes skin health and well-being. This comprehensive guide provides practical tips on how to optimize your dog's coat care and which Gustl products can effectively support you.

• 1. Why is grooming a dog's coat so important?
• 2. Skin and fur at a glance – structure & functions
• 3. Coat types and their specific care needs
• 4. Optimal coat care step by step
  • 4.1 Brushes & Combs
  • 4.2 Bathing & Drying
  • 4.3 Trimming & Cutting
• 5. Healthy skin – the basis for a beautiful coat
• 5.1 Signs of healthy skin
• 5.2 Common skin problems and their causes
• 5.3 Skincare tips
• 6. The role of nutrition for skin and coat
• 6.1 Essential nutrients for a healthy coat
• 6.2 Nutritional tips for a healthy coat
• 7. Nutrition & nutrients for shiny coat and skin protection
• 8. Prevention & Therapy: When the pharmacy can help
• 9. Professional support: When to go to the dog groomer or veterinarian?
• 10. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Grooming
• 11. Conclusion

1. Why is grooming a dog's coat so important?

A dog's coat is far more than just a pretty covering – it's a vital part of its protective system. It shields against cold, heat, wetness, and harmful UV radiation, acts as a barrier against dirt and parasites, and plays a crucial role in temperature regulation. The shine and texture of the coat also provide valuable clues about your dog's overall health.

Regular grooming not only helps prevent matting and skin problems, but also strengthens the bond between human and dog. Dogs especially enjoy the attention and relaxing touch during brushing or massage – a soothing ritual that benefits both body and soul.

• Protective function: Fur insulates and protects against external influences.
• Health indicator: A shiny coat indicates good nutrition and care.
• Parasite control: Proper grooming helps to detect ticks or fleas early.
• Bonding promotion: Care rituals create closeness and trust.

2. Skin and fur at a glance – structure & functions

Skin and coat together form the dog's outer protective layer and are closely connected. The skin contains hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands, which keep the coat supple and protect it from drying out. Healthy skin is therefore essential for a shiny, strong coat.

The fur itself consists of two main components:

• Topcoat: Long, strong hairs that protect against moisture and mechanical stress.
• Undercoat: Soft, dense hairs that insulate in winter and protect against overheating in summer.

In addition, skin and fur perform important functions:

• Barrier function: Protection against bacteria, fungi and environmental influences.
• Moisture regulation: Maintaining the skin's water balance.
• Sensory function: Perception of touch and vibrations via special tactile hairs.
• Wound healing: Supports the regeneration of damaged skin areas.

A well-groomed coat is therefore not only beautiful to look at – it is a crucial component of your dog's health.

3. Coat types and their specific care needs

Every dog ​​has its own unique coat type, which requires individual care. Proper care not only ensures a beautiful, shiny coat but also supports healthy skin. Broadly speaking, the following coat types can be distinguished:

Coat type	Examples	Care frequency	Special feature
Short hair without undercoat	Boxer, Dalmatian	1-2 times per week	Minimal matting, easy care
Short hair with undercoat	Labrador, Beagle	2-3 times per week	Hair sheds twice a year
long hair	Collie, Shih Tzu, Briard	Daily to 3 times a week	High risk of matting, regular combing necessary.
Rough/Wirehair	Terrier, Schnauzer	1-2 times a week + trimming	Regular trimming and dematting required
Curly/Non-shedding	Poodles, Labradoodles	Daily, scissors	Shearing instead of shedding, special coat care

Practical tip: For daily grooming and to reduce frizz and static, Gustl's FellGLANZ Anti-Frizz Spray can be a valuable aid. It makes brushing easier and ensures a shiny, supple coat.

4. Basics of coat care

Regular and thorough grooming is essential for your dog's well-being. It helps prevent matting, detect skin problems early, and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

4.1 Brushes & Combs

Depending on your dog's coat type, you should use different brushes. A coarse undercoat rake is well-suited for dogs with a dense undercoat, while a detangling comb is essential for long-haired dogs. For daily grooming, Gustl's FellGLANZ Anti-Frizz Spray is ideal for keeping the coat soft and preventing knots.

4.2 Bathing & Drying

Bathing should not be too frequent, as it can damage the skin's natural protective barrier. Special dog shampoos cleanse gently and condition at the same time. Thorough drying after bathing is important to prevent skin irritation.

4.3 Trimming & Cutting

Regular trimming is particularly recommended for dogs with rough or wiry coats to keep the coat healthy and prevent matting. For at-home dog grooming, clippers can be helpful, as they allow for precise and gentle grooming.

5. Healthy skin – the basis for a beautiful coat

Healthy skin is the foundation for a shiny and strong coat. It protects against pathogens, regulates moisture levels, and ensures optimal hair production.

5.1 Signs of healthy skin

• Rosy, elastic skin without redness or flaking.
• No bald patches or open wounds
• Neutral natural odor without severe itching

5.2 Common skin problems and their causes

Problems like itching, flaking, or irritation often arise from allergies, parasites, or improper skincare. Gustl's Omega-3ENERGY supports skin regeneration and has an anti-inflammatory effect – ideal for dry or flaky skin.

5.3 Skincare tips

• Use mild, pH-neutral grooming products specifically for dogs.
• Regular use of nourishing oils and sprays, e.g. the FellGLANZ Anti-Frizz Spray , which moisturizes and makes the coat supple.
• Consult a pharmacy or veterinarian early if you experience skin problems.

6. The role of nutrition for skin and coat

6.1 Essential nutrients for a healthy coat

A balanced diet provides the building blocks for a strong, shiny coat. The following are particularly important:

• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids: Promote skin elasticity and give the coat a natural shine. Gustl's Omega-3ENERGY is a recommended supplement.
• B vitamins: Important for skin renewal and coat growth – B-ComplexBOOST specifically delivers these vitamins.
• Vitamins, minerals and trace elements: Support the skin barrier and the immune system, as contained in WohlfühlVITAL .

6.2 Nutritional tips for a healthy coat

• Feed high-quality, protein-rich food without unnecessary additives.
• Use nutritional supplements if needed, especially during shedding season or in case of skin problems.
• Observe your dog's reaction to supplements – patience is important, as skin and coat improvements take time.

7. Prevention & Therapy: When the pharmacy can help

Proper coat care also includes targeted prevention and treatment of problems. At the pharmacy, you will find tried-and-tested, pharmacy-exclusive products that effectively support skin and coat health.

• Grooming sprays and oils: For example, the FellGLANZ Anti-Frizz Spray , which makes brushing easier, reduces hair breakage and prevents static electricity.
• Skin and coat protection: Special oils and balms help with dry or irritated skin, such as the Omega-3ENERGY oil to supply essential fatty acids.
• Anti-itch preparations: Lotions with soothing ingredients relieve itching and promote regeneration.
• Parasite protection: Spot-ons, collars and sprays from the pharmacy reliably protect against ticks, fleas and mites.
• Dietary supplements: Complementary preparations such as WohlfühlVITAL and B-KomplexBOOST strengthen skin and coat from within.

Expert advice from the pharmacy helps to tailor the right products to your dog's individual needs.

8. Typical mistakes and misunderstandings in coat care

• Brushing or dematting too infrequently, especially with long-haired or undercoated fur, can promote matting and skin irritation.
• Using human grooming products such as soaps or shampoos is often too harsh and can alter the pH of a dog's skin.
• Incorrect cutting height when shearing, e.g. in summer – the fur also protects against UV radiation, therefore do not cut it too short.
• Bathing without rinsing thoroughly – shampoo residue can cause itching and skin irritation.
• Ignoring skin problems or parasite infestations – professional advice should be sought early on, for example at a pharmacy.

A common mistake is neglecting the support provided by high-quality nutritional supplements. Products like Omega-3ENERGY or WohlfühlVITAL can sustainably improve skin and coat health.

9. Professional support: When to go to the dog groomer or veterinarian?

Sometimes home care isn't enough and professional help is needed. In these cases, in particular, you should consult a dog groomer or veterinarian:

• Massive mats or hairballs that cannot be loosened with a brush or comb.
• Skin changes such as redness, bald patches, eczema or hot spots
• Persistent itching, hair loss, or unusual changes in odor
• Dull, brittle coat despite adapted diet and care.
• Uncertainty regarding proper skincare or new skin problems

The pharmacy also offers advice on specially formulated products, such as FellGLANZ Anti-Frizz Spray , which makes brushing easier and adds shine. Additionally, nutritional supplements like B-Complex BOOST can specifically support skin renewal and coat growth.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I brush my dog?

It depends on the coat type. Short-haired dogs usually need brushing once or twice a week, while long-haired dogs or those with a dense undercoat, like Briards, should be groomed daily. An anti-frizz spray from Gustl can make brushing easier for matted or unruly coats.

Am I allowed to shave my dog?

Shearing should only be done in exceptional cases and with care, as the coat also provides UV protection. If you are unsure, consult a professional or pharmacist. Nutritional supplements such as Omega-3ENERGY support skin regeneration after shearing or shedding.

When should I bathe my dog?

Only bathe your dog if it is very dirty or medically necessary, for example, in case of skin problems. Use pH-neutral shampoos and avoid human products. After bathing, a conditioning product like FellGLANZ Anti-Frizz Spray can help keep the coat soft and manageable.

Which parasites are commonly found in dog fur?

Ticks, fleas, mites, and lice are the most common parasites. Early detection and prevention are important. Ask your pharmacist about suitable products and supplements to strengthen the skin barrier, such as WohlfühlVITAL .

How can I improve dull and brittle fur?

A balanced diet and targeted nutritional supplements are crucial. Products like B-ComplexBOOST or Omega-3ENERGY provide important nutrients that strengthen skin and coat, giving them a healthy shine.

11. Conclusion: Implement targeted and responsible coat care

Proper coat care is essential for your dog's health and well-being. Depending on coat type and individual needs, grooming measures vary – from regular brushing and targeted cleaning to supporting skin health with high-quality care products.

Products like the CoatGLANZ Anti-Frizz Spray make daily grooming easier, while supplements like B-ComplexBOOST and Omega-3ENERGY strengthen the skin from within. The combination of external care and internal support ensures a healthy, shiny coat and happy dogs.

Opt for a well-coordinated grooming routine and use high-quality products to provide your four-legged friend with the best coat care – for a long, happy dog ​​life.