Why is his fur so dull??

[yorkiemom08]

Hello my little guy's fur is VERY dull ... what can I use to give it shine? His fur looks fine compared to other Yorkies I've seen pictures of here on YT ... is this normal? I've brought it to my vet's attention but he doesn't seem concerned about it.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by yorkiemom08

Hello my little guy's fur is VERY dull ... what can I use to give it shine? His fur looks fine compared to other Yorkies I've seen pictures of here on YT ... is this normal? I've brought it to my vet's attention but he doesn't seem concerned about it.

Mostly it's genetics, there are some things you can do to enhance shine, and some things you can do to dull the hair. Use a shampoo made for dogs, and a good conditioner. Human products have a different pH, and can dry the hair and skin over time, this doesn't happen overnight, so people don't always know. The most important step is rinsing thoroughly; residue from products dull he hair. There are also, different additives and supplements that can be added to the diet that some say add shine, most involve some type of oil. I use Missing Link, but don't really know if it works, or Joey just has shinny hair. You can read about these in the grooming section.

[Wylie's Mom]

Nancy gave you great advice. You may also want to find a supplement that has Omega 3,6 & 9 - this may help his skin/coat. Sometimes also, feeding a better food/diet can help. My older guy, Wylie, used to have a dry, mat-prone coat - when he was eating less premium ingredients. As I learned more, and started feeding better and better food - his coat changed dramatically.

[yorkiemom08]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Mostly it's genetics, there are some things you can do to enhance shine, and some things you can do to dull the hair. Use a shampoo made for dogs, and a good conditioner. Human products have a different pH, and can dry the hair and skin over time, this doesn't happen overnight, so people don't always know. The most important step is rinsing thoroughly; residue from products dull he hair. There are also, different additives and supplements that can be added to the diet that some say add shine, most involve some type of oil. I use Missing Link, but don't really know if it works, or Joey just has shinny hair. You can read about these in the grooming section.

Great to know! I've been told about adding olive oil to his dry food ... would that help?

[yorkiemom08]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Nancy gave you great advice. You may also want to find a supplement that has Omega 3,6 & 9 - this may help his skin/coat. Sometimes also, feeding a better food/diet can help. My older guy, Wylie, used to have a dry, mat-prone coat - when he was eating less premium ingredients. As I learned more, and started feeding better and better food - his coat changed dramatically.

Thank you! I'm currently feeding Paco Eukanuba small breed puppy food. I asked my vet if I should change his food, but he suggested me not to. If you don't mind me asking, what do you feed Wylie?

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by yorkiemom08

Great to know! I've been told about adding olive oil to his dry food ... would that help?

Wylies Mom knows more about this then I do. It seems there are so many different opinions on which oils and if they work, and people all swear to different ones. I read years ago, oil only helps if they aren't getting enough fat or oil in their diets anyway. Recently, I've read about special oils like Omega 3,6 & 9, and I don't think there has been any testing on it, but, if it doesn't hurt why not try? To answer your question some people do swear by olive oil. I think the Missing link suppliment relies on the oil from flax seed. Some people say peanut butter!

[Wylie's Mom]

Great article for you to read :

Omega Fatty Acids: Sources, Effects, and Therapeutic Usesin Dogs

[yorkiemom08]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Wylies Mom knows more about this then I do. It seems there are so many different opinions on which oils and if they work, and people all swear to different ones. I read years ago, oil only helps if they aren't getting enough fat or oil in their diets anyway. Recently, I've read about special oils like Omega 3,6 & 9, and I don't think there has been any testing on it, but, if it doesn't hurt why not try? To answer your question some people do swear by olive oil. I think the Missing link suppliment relies on the oil from flax seed. Some people say peanut butter!

Thank you for the info.!

[yorkiemom08]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Great article for you to read :

Omega Fatty Acids: Sources, Effects, and Therapeutic Usesin Dogs

I will definately read the artile. Any suggestions on good puppy/dog food? I was told Eukanuba was good and is what Paco is currently eating. What does Wylie eat?

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by yorkiemom08

I will definately read the artile. Any suggestions on good puppy/dog food? I was told Eukanuba was good and is what Paco is currently eating. What does Wylie eat?

I feed raw (Natures Variety, Primal, or Suzys). But a good kibble would be Orijen, Natures Variety, Evangers canned. If your only option is Petsmart/Petco though, then I'd go w/ Wellness CORE. I would not feed Eukanuba, personally.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I feed raw (Natures Variety, Primal, or Suzys). But a good kibble would be Orijen, Natures Variety, Evangers canned. If your only option is Petsmart/Petco though, then I'd go w/ Wellness CORE. I would not feed Eukanuba, personally.

Great reply, I love it when we are given choices!