Like people's hair, your dog's fur can be as unique as their personality. From long and shaggy to short and curly, there are numerous coat types, lengths, and styles on your furry or, in some cases, not-so-furry friends. Coat health and appearance, while pleasant to touch and look at, also serve various purposes for your pup and can indicate your dog's overall health and wellness. Understanding your dog's coat health needs and ways to care for their fur appropriately is an integral part of responsible pet ownership.
Do Dogs Have Hair or Fur?
Many pet owners may wonder if their dog's coat is considered hair or fur. The simple answer is that there is no difference between dog fur and dog hair. Your dog's fur and hair follicles are made of keratin, the same protein that makes up human and dog nails. However, a dog's coat type, texture, and hair growth will vary depending on genetic factors, breeding, health status, and overall coat care.
Dog fur or hair can be categorized as PDL (predetermined length) and UDL (undetermined coat length). PDL coats will stop growing at a certain point; breeds include retrievers, boxers, or huskies. Dogs with UDL coats will have fur that grows until their hair is cut or breaks. These breeds include Yorkshire terriers, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Maltese, and poodles. These breeds also tend to shed less.
A dog's coat can also be categorized as having a single or double fur coat. Dogs with a double fur coat have an outer coat of guard hairs and an undercoat of finer hair that provides insulation. Double-coated breeds include labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, Portuguese water dogs, border collies, and huskies. Dogs with double coats or long-haired dogs will shed year-round with heavier episodes of seasonal shedding.
Although no true hypoallergenic dog breed exists, people who suffer from pet hair or dander allergies may react more severely to double-coated breeds.
How Often Should Dogs Be Groomed?
Regular grooming, which may include brushing, de-shedding, or trimming your dog's hair, is the best way to ensure your dog's fur and skin remain clean and free of mats and tangles. Grooming offers many benefits for your pu, including removing loose hairs, dead skin skills, dirt, and debris, and it can aid in distributing the natural oils vital for healthy skin and fur. Grooming or brushing your dog at home will also strengthen your bond, improving their overall quality of life.
The frequency and type of grooming or brushing depend on various factors, including coat type and activity level (e.g., spending time in wooded or grassy areas). Your dog's age and underlying health issues can also affect its grooming requirements. For example, senior, arthritic dogs may have difficulty self-grooming, making them more prone to mats or soiled fur. However, all dogs can benefit from daily brushing and regular coat and skin inspections.
Your dog's specific grooming needs should be addressed with your veterinarian and a professional dog groomer. However, general guidelines for grooming specific coats include:
- Long, silky, or curly coats –Daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles; pay special attention to the ears, armpits, and back of the legs.
- Short coats – Brush a minimum of weekly, but can be done daily
- Continuously growing or long fur coats – Brush daily and bring UDL dog breeds to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks for hair trimming.
How Often Should Dogs Be Bathed?
Similar to grooming, your dog's bathing needs are determined by a variety of factors, including activity level and type, underlying health issues (e.g., skin allergies), presence of dirt or soiled fur, and coat smell. Frequency can vary from weekly to a few times a year based on your dog's needs. Always use a dog-formulated shampoo to ensure it's safe.
The pH of a dog's skin differs from that of people, so using shampoos formulated for human hair can alter the skin barrier, and some may contain pet-toxic ingredients. Dogs with underlying allergies or health problems affecting their skin and coats may require veterinary-prescribed dog shampoo and conditioners to care for their skin properly. It can be overwhelming for dog lovers when choosing the right shampoo, so consult with your family veterinarian, especially if your furry friend has underlying health issues.
Healthy adult dogs will self-groom, so a daily or weekly bath is not usually necessary. Overbathing can lead to dry, flaky skin and can strip their coat of the natural oils needed to remain healthy and protect their skin. Generally, your dog should be bathed after swimming, when their fur appears dirty, when they have a "doggy" odor, and as needed if they cannot self-groom due to underlying medical problems.
How to Choose the Right Grooming Tools
The variety of available dog grooming tools, combs, and brushes can rival your local hardware store. Dog hair care can be as advanced as people's, and in some cases, it's best to leave the more intricate grooming to the professionals. Avoid using scissors on your dog's hair, especially when removing matting or tangles, as this can lead to skin injuries. However, keeping basic grooming tools at home will help ensure your pup's hair is healthy and tangle-free.
Types of brushes or combs to consider will depend on your dog's coat type and may include:
- Slicker brushes – This type of brush is best for curly, low-shedding coats, like poodles.
- Combs/stiff-bristled brushes – Dog breeds, like retrievers, with medium-length fur or double coats that frequently shed, will benefit from stiffer bristles brushes.
- Long-toothed combs – Furry friends with longer coats are especially prone to matted hair and tangles. Gently brushing through their coat with a long-toothed comb can help keep the fur smooth and tangle-free.
- Short bristle brushes and grooming gloves – These can be used on smooth-coated dog breeds, like boxers and pointers.
- De-shedding gloves — Besides brushing, de-shedding gloves can help remove excess dead skin and hair, especially for double-coated breeds.
Tips For Keeping Your Dog's Coat Healthy
The outward appearance and texture of your dog's hair, or fur, can be a good indicator of your dog's overall health. Properly nourishing your pup from the inside out will ensure they look and feel their best.
Tips for maintaining healthy fur on your dog include:
- Feed an AAFCO-approved complete and balanced diet to ensure they have the proper nutrients for hair growth and health.
- Bring your dog for yearly or more frequent veterinary visits. A thorough examination of their skin and fur will be included in their checkup.
- Give your dog veterinary-approved parasite prevention medication to keep fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites away.
- Support your dog's skin barrier and immune system health with veterinary-formulated supplements, like Native Pet Omega Oil and Native Pet Skin and Coat air-dried chews.
- Regularly brush and inspect your dog's fur for mites, dirt, hair loss, or skin inflammation.
Although there is no physiologic difference between dog hair and fur, numerous breed and genetic variabilities determine your dog's coat type, length, and health. Developing a tailored routine for your dog's fur and skin is essential to maintaining their overall well-being and health. Always consult your family veterinarian if your dog's coat or skin changes because it may be the first clue of an underlying health issue.
For more information and tips on your dog's health, check out the Native Pet blog.
