If you have a Labrador Retriever, you already know how loveable they are. They’re equally at home giving cuddles to the family as they are on patrol, in the field, or working as guide dogs. They are loyal, friendly dogs, but can also be protective of their families. Labs are classic dogs, and year after year, they rank as the #1 most popular dog breed in the United States.
Though generally low-maintenance, Labs may also suffer from many different skin conditions. This can lead to all manner of troubles: raw, infected skin, hair loss, and coat problems. Of course, it’s mandatory to consult with your vet to understand what, why, and how to address your dog’s skin and coat condition. Sometimes the solution is very simple!
In addition to any pharmaceutical recommendations, many vets recommend adding omega-3-rich fish oils to dogs’ diets. Not only does fish oil give your dog a boost when it comes to their skin and coat, but it also can boost their brainpower! But let’s not get off track yet: we’re here to talk about how to make Labs’ coats shiny by addressing common skin conditions.
Skin and Coat Problems: The Facts
There is a wide variety of different skin conditions that affect Labs’ shiny coats, but some are more common than others. Labs can develop allergies and skin issues at any age, so it’s always wise to keep an eye out for any symptoms.
Types of skin conditions
- Allergies. Both environmental and edible triggers may be the culprit. Environmental allergies are triggered by contact with the offending substance, whether that’s pollen, mold, dust mites, a tree or bush…the possibilities are endless. Food allergies often manifest in the face, feet, and ears. These allergies may be developed over time, and the triggers are so wide-ranging (beef, dairy, wheat, vegetables) that your vet will likely recommend some sort of elimination diet to suss out the cause.
- Bacterial infections. Just like humans, dogs can contract bacterial infections. One of the most common types of infection is yeast infections. Yeast infections love to hide in warm, moist areas like the ear canal, in between toes, and near the groin. Left untreated, your dog may itch and bite at the affected areas.
- Dandruff. Sometimes called “scurff”, dandruff is often a sign of another infection. However, some dogs just have dry skin, particularly in winter. Vets will generally recommend a course of medicated shampoo and omega-3 fish oils. This will help to restore and maintain the skin’s natural moisture.
- Parasites. If you’re not treating your dog regularly with flea and tick medication, it’s time to start. The scratching that parasites’ bites can cause can open up sores if left untreated, leading to all sorts of flakes, sores, and even flea- or tick-borne disease.
Symptoms of skin conditions
- Itching
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Sores or lesions
- Dry, scaly, flaky skin
- Hair loss
- Rashes
- Redness
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of the symptoms of skin and coat issues, so any behavior that’s atypical for your pooch should be discussed with a vet posthaste.
How Do I Make My Lab’s Coat Shiny Again?
Treating your lab’s skin condition may take many forms: prescription pills and creams, dietary changes, natural supplements, and more. Many of these treatments can be used in concert with one another.
Common treatments:
- Prescription pills and creams. Prescribed by your vet, antifungal creams and allergy pills can be very effective when it comes to solving skin issues and restoring a shiny coat.
- Over-the-counter shampoos and conditioners. Bathing your Lab with oatmeal shampoo and/or conditioner may stop the itch temporarily, but bathing your dog too often can exacerbate the problem.
- Dietary changes. If your Lab’s skin issues stem from food allergies, your vet may recommend an elimination diet to suss out what the trigger is. Special food may solve the problem and help to nurse your dog’s skin and coat back to health.
- Natural supplements. Omega-3-rich fish oil is one of the most effective (and easiest) ways to address your dog’s skin issues. Fish oil targets itchy, dry skin and helps to produce the oils that make your Lab’s coat the best it can be.
Omega-3 Fish Oils for Labrador Retrievers
Omega-3 fish oils are one of the most popular recommendations — from vets and owners alike. They’re the powerhouse of Lab skin and coat supplements and provide additional benefits from head to tail, including brain-boosting essential fatty acids DHA and EPA.
Fish oil is also easy to give your dog. Instead of fighting to get a pill down your dog’s throat, simply add fish oil to their food. And unlike a cream, your dog can’t lick it off. It’s one of the most efficient ways to deliver the nutrients that your Lab needs to kick skin issues and gain and maintain a shiny coat.
However, it’s important to pick a high-quality fish oil. Inferior products may contain toxic byproducts like heavy metals. There are hundreds of options on the market, so it’s important to read the labels! Look for a formula that’s cold-pressed, distilled, and third-party-tested to make sure your Lab is getting the safe, pure product they deserve.
Boost Skin and Coat Health With Omega-3 Fish Oils
When your Lab has skin issues, it’s important for you to educate yourself as much as you can so you can make informed choices about the course of action to take to address your Lab’s skin and coat problems. Because skin and coat issues can be caused by (or exacerbated by) underlying issues, it’s vital to consult with your vet first.
If your vet approves, you’ll want to pick up some high-quality fish oil right away. At SeaPet, we are dedicated to providing the very best in natural supplements for your dog’s health. Choosing a high-quality canine skin condition treatment like SeaPet’s line of Omega-3 Fish OIls is an easy, effective way to address your Lab’s skin issues and make your Lab’s coat shiny and healthy — the way it should be.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/labrador-hunting-labrador-fetch-3839545/
