SHINE BRIGHT

A pet's coat speaks volumes about its health. Smooth, glossy fur is a sign of a wellnourished animal while a dull and brittle coat can indicate a problem

DIET BIGGEST FACTORS

Given that most of your pet’s skin is covered in hair, keeping the skin healthy is key. The best way to do this is to feed your pet good, high-quality food that contains the right amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals and vitamins.

If the skin is clear and supple, your animal is healthy. If its dry and scaly or greasy there may be an underlying issue and it’s best to see a veterinarian.

Each animal’s diet will differ according to its size, age and even breed, but quality and balance remain key when it comes to nutrition.

STRESS AND DISEASE

If your pet is stressed or unwell it will show on the coat. It will lose lustre and the texture might change.

An increase in itching and scratching can also occur as well as excessive hair loss overall or in patches.

EXTERNAL GROOMING

You can help keep your pet’s coat healthy with regular brushing and washing.

Because cats self-groom, they need less brushing than dogs, but they will benefit from the odd brush.

Benefits of brushing include getting rid of airborne allergens (which can exacerbate human allergies), dead skin cells and loose hair, which leads to less shedding in and around the house. With cats it can lead to less hair being swallowed, which results in less hairballs.

An occasional bath can do a lot to remove loose hair, dirt and odour, especially if your dog is long-haired. Make sure you use shampoo specifically formulated for pets. If your animal has a skin allergy, consult your vet on what product to use. While cats generally don’t need baths, long-haired breeds or older cats that struggle to self-groom may benefit from the occasional one.