Mary Allen
Our dogs have fur that protects them and keeps them warm. At the same time, the coat is an indicator of the health of the dog.
This applies to all coat types such as short-haired or long-haired breeds.
What can I do against greasy fur?
Sebum is supposed to protect the coat, then the hair shines healthy. If the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, the coat quickly becomes greasy. This can be due to the feed, a predisposition, or diseases.
If the dog is healthy, the coat is shiny and beautiful.
A dull, dull coat, on the other hand, indicates that the dog is ill or lacking important nutrients.
But greasy fur is also a sign that something is wrong. In this case, it could be seborrhea, a skin disease.
The coat is completely different from dog to dog. There are dogs with short or long fur. The coat hair can be wavy or straight, rough or silky.
Sebaceous glands in the skin
There are sebaceous glands in the dog’s skin. They secrete sebum, which is very important for a healthy coat.
Tallow provides a natural shine, protects the coat, and makes it supple. The sebum is given to the hair as it grows. Later, the dog spreads the tallow on its fur coat while cleaning.
If the sebum production gets out of control, it is called seborrhea.
This disease is divided into
- primary seborrhea
- secondary seborrhea
Seborrhea can be inherited
Primary seborrhea is hereditary. Even puppies show symptoms that can worsen with age.
Dogs that are often affected by this disease are English Setters, Labradors, Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, West Highland White Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels.
In a healthy dog, skin renewal takes about three weeks. In dogs with primary seborrhea, however, the formation of new skin is much faster.
Excessive sebum production leads to oily skin and hair. Increased accumulation of earwax can also occur.
Seborrhea as a secondary disease
Seborrhea is often a secondary disease. Secondary seborrhea is then primarily a symptom of an underlying disease.
Secondary seborrhea can occur in connection with the following diseases:
- allergies
- thyroid disorders
- fungal diseases
- leishmaniasis
- parasite infestation
- Cushing’s disease
- atopic dermatitis
However, excessive sebum production can also be the result of poor nutrition.
Proper nutrition is important for healthy skin and a beautiful coat. If the dog does not get enough essential fatty acids, this can promote the disease.
Skin disease makes fur smelly
You can recognize the disease with very greasy skin and greasy fur. It even goes so far that your hands get greasy and oily when you pet the dog.
In most cases, the animal also develops a very unpleasant body odor. It smells rancid. The skin is also greasy and flaky.
It is not uncommon for infections to occur and in some places, the dog loses its fur. Dogs suffering from seborrhea are often prone to itching.
The disease makes the dog significantly more susceptible to infections, fungi, or parasites.
Ask your vet
If the disease is congenital, the dog cannot be cured. Therefore, dogs with seborrhea must not be used for breeding.
If the dog is affected, only treating the symptoms will help. This is usually treated with special shampoos.
The situation is different with secondary seborrhea. Here the veterinarian will first determine the underlying disease and treat it.
Proper feed is important
If your dog suffers from the symptoms described, you should first and foremost reconsider feeding.
- Does the animal get all the important nutrients?
The essential fatty acids are particularly important here. - However, if the dog receives high-quality dog food with all the necessary nutrients, it is likely to be ill.
You should therefore present the animal to the veterinarian. He will determine the underlying disease.
Essential fatty acids can help
In any case, essential fatty acids are helpful for seborrhea – especially those contained in fish oil, salmon oil, or safflower oil.
The fur is ideally treated with a special shampoo. Pay close attention to the instructions for use and leave the shampoo on long enough.
Above all, these shampoos take away the itching, which is very unpleasant for the animals. Only use shampoos in consultation with the vet, as they affect sebum production.
The wrong shampoo can do more harm than good here.
In addition, you should not forget to regularly groom your fur with appropriate brushes and combs. Your dog will soon have a beautiful and healthy coat again and will feel comfortable with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog have such greasy fur?
If the feed lacks essential fatty acids or other nutrients, the coat will become dull, dull, and lackluster. But too much is also possible: If the dog food contains too much fat, the coat becomes oily and feels greasy.
Why does my dog’s fur stink?
Dead skin cells, hair, dirt, and bacteria have settled in the coat: If the coat is not brushed regularly, it will start to smell, especially in long-haired dogs. If your dog smells and scratches, you should check the skin.
What is good for dog fur home remedies?
There is shampoo, dietary supplements, special fur brushes, etc. However, there are also very good old home remedies for a shiny coat on your dog: you can feed them a few brewer’s yeast flakes every day, or for example linseed (which should then be crushed or ground).
What food for a beautiful fur dog?
In most cases, good oils in the food will help keep your dog’s coat shiny. You can get salmon oil, linseed oil, safflower oil, or olive oil from specialist retailers and add some of it to the feed every day. A teaspoonful of oil is sufficient for dogs up to 15 kg, more for larger dogs.
Which oil is good for the dog?
Coconut Oil: Very good for coat and skin. Also as an external application against ticks. Salmon Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Black cumin oil: Absolute tip against flea infestations or ticks if you give it to your dog regularly.
How much olive oil is for the dog?
Olive oil can be mixed into dog food every 3-4 days. For dogs up to 10 kg, ½ tablespoon of olive oil is sufficient. For medium-sized dogs up to around 30 kg, feeding 1 tablespoon is recommended. If your dog weighs more than 30 kg, you can mix 1 ½ tablespoon of olive oil into the food.
Is brewer’s yeast good for dogs?
Areas of application of brewer’s yeast in dogs
Brewer’s yeast is also helpful for skin problems such as eczema, rashes, or lichen. But the natural remedy not only helps with externally visible problems but can do much more: It regulates cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and thyroid function.
Which food for coat problems?
A healthy diet with as few hard-to-digest fillers as possible is the basis for a healthy coat. Dog food with a high meat content is easier to digest. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish or high-quality oils, are important for soothing the skin.