The texture and appearance of a dog’s fur is not only for visual purposes.
It can also reflect a dog’s health and tell a dog owner whether or not they are getting the right nutrients and proper hygiene. If you notice that your dog’s fur seems coarser than usual, you may be asking yourself.
“Why is my dog’s fur not soft like it used to be?”
While there are different reasons your dog’s coat may become coarse, there are various things you can try to soften it. Here are several ways to make dog fur soft:
- Provide your dog with collagen and omega fatty acids
- Brush your dog daily
- Bathe your dog regularly
- Use proper shampoo for your dog’s fur and skin type
- Home Remedies for a shiny dog coat
- Have your vet check for underlying issues
Provide Your Dog With Collagen And Omega Fatty Acids
If you’re wondering how to make dog fur soft, collagen and Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids may be the answer. Many times, the reason your dog’s skin or fur conditions change is that it lacks these essential nutrients.
Collagen is essential for dogs to have a healthy, soft coat, as 70% of the skin is made up of the protein. Check out my dog Max’s fur:
People are amazed whenever they see Max out and about and can’t help but have a feel of his fur coat! I often get asked, “how did you make his fur so soft?” Guesses have ranged from daily brushing to recent grooming, to special shampoo or conditioner being used.
The real secret to Max’s soft and shiny fur is collagen!
Ever since he was a puppy, we have given Max chicken bone broth with his daily meals. The gelatin that is extracted from the bones is packed full of collagen and is very nutritious for dogs.
I have no doubt that is the reason behind Max’s beautiful coat, which stays silky smooth and soft all year round.
Collagen also helps with digestion and joint health, and is a wonderful nutrient for dogs overall. Read our complete guide on collagen for dogs here!
Other than collagen, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that can change your dog’s fur and skin texture. Thankfully, it is simple to boost your dog’s coat condition by introducing food or supplements into its diet that is rich in these nutrients.
Flaxseed oil and sunflower oil are both good options that can provide your dog with the fatty acids needed for a shiny and healthy coat. You can easily find capsules and liquid forms of these ingredients. Nevertheless, it would be a good idea to check with your vet first.
A vet can also do tests that can provide you with information about what nutrients may be lacking in your dog’s diet and recommend supplements you can provide.
He can also help you determine how much you should give your dog depending on it’s breed, size, age, and other contributing factors.
1. Brush Your Dog Daily
Regardless of the length of your dog’s coat length, brushing it daily, or at least every few days, can keep the coat shiny and soft. It’s best to introduce daily brushing as a puppy.
Nonetheless, you can certainly still get your adult dog used to regular brushing by making it part of your dog’s daily routine and doing it consistently, preferably at the same time every day.
Regularly brushing and grooming your dog will keep it’s fur and skin healthy and looking its best. Brushing and grooming are also important for keeping the bond between you and your dog strong. Not only does it promote good hygiene, but it also keeps your dog socialized when done regularly.
When you brush your dog, you remove dead fur and skin cells from your dog that can cause itching and discomfort. Just removing the dead fur will help your dog’s fur feel softer, but it also distributes the natural oils in your dog’s coat, making it lighter and shinier.
2. Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Depending on your dog’s breed, coat, lifestyle, and health, your dog may need bathing more or less frequently. Dogs with medium or long coats should get a bath every 4-to-6 weeks.
Meanwhile, a dog with a shorter coat may only need a bath every 2-to-4 months. Factors such as whether the dog is very active, spends a lot of time outside, or is a working dog will also affect how often it needs baths.
You should be careful not to wash your dog too frequently as this can have the opposite of the desired softening effect. If you wash your dog too much, you can take away the natural oils in its fur and make your dog’s shiny coat coarse.
You should also avoid washing too frequently if your dog had recently undergone any surgical procedures such as neutering. Excessive washing over or around the wound site will delay recovery and may cause irritation.
Some dogs with skin conditions or allergies may need to get a medicated shampoo from a veterinarian or groomer and follow a specified bathing schedule. While these types of shampoos may ultimately improve the condition of your dog’s coat and skin, medicated shampoos should only be used on dogs with professionally diagnosed medical conditions to treat a specific condition like mange.
3. Use Proper Shampoo for Your Dog’s Fur and Skin Type
Before purchasing a softening shampoo for your dog, make sure you know your dog’s fur and skin type. It’s a good idea to research your dog’s specific breed for the correct information about how to care for its coat and skin and determine how frequently it will need baths.
Some dogs are prone to dry skin so that they will need an extra moisturizing shampoo.
Other dogs may need a shampoo with added vitamins and minerals to make their coat shinier. Dogs with fur that is long and gets matted will benefit from a detangling shampoo that will help replenish the natural oils in their fur.
Also, be sure you know what is typical of your breed when choosing a shampoo for your dog.
Different dogs have different coat types that serve a variety of purposes. A dog with naturally coarse dog hair will never have luxuriously soft fur because the structure of the coat won’t allow for it.
Some dog breeds like the Puli have fur that is naturally corded, and some dogs don’t even have fur! Some dog breeds such as Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs have hair rather than fur, and their shampoo needs may be different from other breeds.
Home Remedies for Shiny Dog Coat
You don’t necessarily need expensive supplements and shampoos to help improve the appearance of your dog’s coat.
If you’re wondering how to make dog fur soft without spending a lot of money, there are some inexpensive home remedies you probably have right in your kitchen pantry. Adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to your dog’s food will give its coat extra shine.
Feeding your dog chicken liver and cooked salmon are also a great way to introduce omega fatty acids into your dog’s diet. Eggs are another nutritional boost you can use. Eggs are full of zinc, protein, and omega fatty acids that keep your dogs skin and fur healthy and looking its best.
If you want to know how to make your dog’s fur soft without altering their diet, then there are some topical remedies you can also try. You can apply coconut oil directly to your dog’s fur to help give its fur luster and moisturize its skin.
If you’ve ever taken an oatmeal bath, you know how soothing it can be to itchy, irritated skin. It has the same effect on dogs. An oatmeal bath is a safe and inexpensive way to help keep your dogs skin healthy and coat shining.
Have Your Vet Check for Underlying Issues
If you’ve provided your dog with proper nutrients, brushed and bathed it regularly using the suitable products, and tried home remedies, but you still can’t seem to make your dog’s fur soft, it might be time for a check-up with your vet.
Your vet can pinpoint what nutrients are lacking and recommend safe food and supplements that can help make your dog’s fur softer and shinier.
They can also determine if your dog has allergies that you might not be aware of and detect other health issues that may be to blame for the condition of your dog’s fur.
Summary
There are many ways that you can make your dog’s fur silky smooth and soft to the touch.
You can do this by providing the right types of food and supplements, such as salmon or flaxseed oil that are high in omega fatty acids. Collagen is also a great option that will help to keep your dog’s skin supple and strong.
Taking care of your dog’s fur directly is important as well. By washing your dog regularly with shampoos that are suited for it, you can help to ensure that its coat is getting the treatment that it needs.
Heather Abraham is a professional blogger who owns two dogs, a cat, a parrot, and a leopard gecko. She has a connection with animals since she was a child. She shares her love for all pet breeds and provides information on pet food, toys, medications, beds, and everything else.
She is committed to learning about the internal workings of animals. Her work permits her to work closely with knowledgeable vets and obtain practical expertise in animal care. When she is not working, her love of animals continues in her writing. Her goal is to educate and uplift readers who also have a passion for animals through her writing.