Question about coat...
 

As you all know by now, I have adopted a 5 year old little girl , Foxy..Her coat is in rough shape, not at all what it should be. Im feeding her a better diet than she was on, and know that will help as well. But my question is, is there any kind of supplement, vitamin ,etc. that would help as well? Thanks!

Congratulations on your new addition. Give the new diet time to work and use good hair products to aid the hair repair. I would be leery of playing with supplements or oils unless I knew her health history in detail. Also, too many changes at once may be a shock for her system.

What are you feeding her?

right now shes being fed a mixture of acana and royal canin. I know royal canin isnt the best but right now im trying to entice her to eat.

a suggestion:

my yorkie LOVES blue buffalo and it's really good for them. gives him a beautiful soft coat!

Royal Canin is not a horrible food. Some of my dogs are on it....some are on Merrick..... What you must consider is if your dog is eating it. I would add a bit of wet food (a teaspoon) to assist her liver in processing the food.

There are several things that you might consider.....but, check with your vet first. I use Glo & Gro when growing coat, it's by copperfarms.com

Also, glucosemine assists in a healthy growing coat......Also, Show Stopper can be purchased at pet smart.....

However, most good quality pet products, Plush Puppy, Laser Lites, etc. have great restructuring products and protien packs that help in repairing damaged coats.

Awesome thanks so much! I will check into these things, and in fact Im going to call my vet and make sure its ok to give ...Shes so small and the fact that she will even eat the Royal Canin is a blessing..Thanks for all the info, you guys are a lifesaver!

Hi. I'm just seeing this thread today... congratulations and kudos to you for adopting Foxy...

Coat problems can sometimes result from medical issues. As she will be spayed and have a dental in the near future, I would highly recommend getting bloodwork on her, including a BAT (Bile Acid Test) to check her liver function. These tests can be run up to around a month before any surgery is done, but check with your vet.

If all tests come back good, then I would procede with finding the best food for her and supplements that may help her, with the vet's recommendations. Proteins are utilized by the body for growing coat, but any liver issues need to be ruled out as a higher protein food could make her sick.

Also, I have found out that my pups take better to supplements if I add a smaller than recommended amount to begin with, and gradually work up to the correct dose over a week or two. This allows their tummies and their taste buds to adjust to the new flavors and consistancy of the supplements.

When helping dogs who haven't been properly fed and cared for, even though we are in a rush to see them vibrant and healthy, the process should be done slowly or gradually. As my vet says, 'They didn't get that way overnight, and you will not be able to fix it overnight.' Until she has bloodwork done, it might be best to stay with a food that has a mid-range protein content of 18-22%. Adult dogs don't really require super high protein diets, unless they are working dogs (showing, agility, etc), or are extremely active.

Also with a few teeth needing pulled, she may have a problem chewing kibble. Soaking it in water to soften it may help her to eat better, if a tooth or two is bothering her. I belive kibble is usually more nutrient dense than canned foods, so soaking it would be worth doing, as opposed to feeding her canned food alone.

And because she is small, IMHO she may do best on a minimal vaccine protocol, such as Dr Dodds Protocol. I wouldn't allow her to have more than one vaccine at a time, and never if she has any fever, nor at the same time she has any surgeries. Safer that way to wait 3-4 weeks inbetween vaccines and procedures, and the pup will benefit more from each vaccine when given a month apart.

Here is a link to Dr Dodds Protocol:

DR. JEAN DODDS' CANINE VACCINATION PROTOCOL ? 2010

Kathy,

Thanks so MUCh for that infomative post! I will def. get that bloodwork done, she goes back April 28th for those last few shots, Ill see if they will go ahead and do that blood work then. Thanks!

:thumbup::thumbup:

Hi Kelly

I will recommend Pet Silk Coat Oil for the coat. What shampoo and conditioner are you using currently? Are you brushing her daily? Please let me know.

I am using a shampoo for her called Buddy Wash, I found it at my local pet store. I am trying to brush her daily. Thanks!

Kelly my recommendation will be using a better shampoo and also a conditioner then finish off with coat oil (i am biased towards petsilk) :) and offcourse u r already brushing her daily :) these grooming habits will soon improve her coat! Also before brushing her i will recommend wiping the coat with puppy wipes to keep the coat clean

What is a better shampoo and conditioner? And I am assuming that you carry the coat oil?

oops katie :( my apologies on messing up the name. I love Pet Silk's moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. I do carry all 3 items (coat oil is a big hit), you can also try their serum (comes in a smaller bottle and provides more shine). I know some people like mink sheen also but i have never tried it personally.