Dog Community

Restoring your dogs coat

Posted : 4/23/2006 8:30:27 PM

We finally did it... we found Zuni Bear and our family (now two kids and two dogs) a companion. Boo Bear is a two year old male GSP/Lab mix who has an incredible disposition. We picked Boo up from a rescue and will be bringing him home in two weeks when we return from vacation. Boo was given up by his previous owners due to a small child in their house and a fear that he was too large for them and the baby. Apparently Boo spent most of his time outside and as a result has a very course coat (rough nose as well). Beyond proper grooming and conditioning, what can be done to restore the coat to a smooth(er) texture? Ae there products anyone would like to recommend? Any special tips from those who have experienced and remedied this with their own dogs?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Here's the new boy (just to show off a bit)

Justine Freeman

Posted : 4/23/2006 11:11:23 PM

You can attack it internally...we put salmon oil in Marley's food...it helps not only with his coat, but his skin too! Have fun with the new pup. He's a cutie...I'm partial to the black face though [

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Firestorm

Posted : 4/24/2006 6:11:34 AM

Aside from good grooming and good food, try Shapley's MTG.

forpaws

Posted : 4/24/2006 8:56:48 AM

He is handsome. Good food and Omaga fatty acids will do the trick. It will take some time for the coat to regenerate but will eventually. I love his whole unique coloration.
Kisses to the boy.
Congrats on taking him in. He is going to be an assest to you and your family. No doubt in my mind.

jprinz99

Posted : 4/24/2006 9:33:18 AM

I have great results from VitaCaps (F&S). It is an fatty acid supplement. Have used them on several dogs with good results.

He is cute - congratulations!

thedoc617

Posted : 4/24/2006 11:46:55 AM

What food is he currently being fed? Is there any other symptoms? Sometimes a brittle or rough fur (although you're not sure what normal is for him) can signify low thyroid, but if he has gotten a clean bill of health otherwise, I don't think that would be a problem.

He sure is a cutie! I maybe see Australian Cattle dog somewhere in there, but I'm not sure!

brookcove

Posted : 4/25/2006 1:50:15 PM

Believe it or not, a glucosamine supplement will help your new dog's coat immensely. I've restored rescues' coats to full glory within a couple of weeks - I discovered this accidentally when I had a rescue with joint problems as well as a neglected crappy-food coat. On just good food it will take about three weeks to see a complete coat turnover. With the glucosamine I started seeing results much sooner than that, and I made it a regular practice to put all rescues on it. the liquid formulas seem to be more effective than the powders or pills, by the way.

starsenchis

Posted : 4/25/2006 7:13:08 PM

Plush Puppy Revivacoat made my old chihuahua's coarse hair a lot softer and nicer to pet.