Coat Supplements?

[Westwood]

Lately I've been noticing that Henry's coat looks a little dull, especially compared to Luke's. I can remember thinking at one time that he actually looked a little greasy down the spine because his coat was so shiny, but it definitely doesn't look like that now. I'm not sure if it's because he's in between blowing his coat / getting his winter coat or what but it just just looks a little dull to me.

Can anyone recommend a good supplement? I was looking at Missing Link but I'm not sure if he needs all the extra stuff it has at his age (1.5 years), but I'm sure it couldn't hurt. What about fish oil/salmon oil? Anything else I should look into?

Henry says "my coat is fine mom, stop being a worry wart!"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v70/westwood/Henry/DSC01384.jpg

Luke says "oh, you wanted me to keep looking at the camera? But I'm trying to show off my shiny coat!"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v70/westwood/Luke/DSC01387.jpg

[Jespah]

First off, black fur or hair is always much shinier than red or blonde hair. I wouldn't compare them - if Henry's seems duller than norm, then it could be the time of year and nothing else. Jemma has been on MissingLink Plus since she was under one year of age.

Salmon oil would be good - it also provides good omega 3 acids - don't use flax oil, it won't hurt him, but it won't do any good as dogs can't metabolize the omega 3's from it.

Deb

[dcole]

+1 for the salmon oil.

I don't really give it to Trevor but I did give it to one of the kittys when she first came here. Dull, dry coat, lots of flakey skin. Supplementing with the salmon oil really helped. Her coat is now thick, shiny and soft. So if Henry's coat is looking a little dull to you, it certainly won't hurt!

[Dillydoodle]

Luke sure is shiney!!! My two around this time of year seem to get slightly duller coats becuase of them blowing coat. Also it gets drier out as the cold comes in ...
I have been using Salmon oil for a few years now and it really agrees with them. I currently am using and LOVE Grizzly salmon oil. I get it here:

http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=937&ParentCat=240

Not only good for the coat, but for eyes, heart, boosts immunity and is good for arthritis...

one squirt per meal per dog and the 32 ounce bottle lasts me 4 -5 months... I just checked and my last bottle was shipped to me the last week in June.. so i started it in about mid july and i am using that same bottle and probably have enough to last until December. So that is a pretty long time

[Westwood]

Thank you for the input everyone, I will definitely look into the salmon oil. :BIGGRIN" His skin doesn't seem flakey, but even if I'm just petting him his coat just feels...dry. I'm sure the season change has something to do with it, but I figure it couldn't hurt to look into the supplements now. If he is starting to have some dry skin I'd like to try and fix it before it gets any worse.

I know I really shouldn't compare the two of them (but it's really hard not to lol) - Luke doesn't even have much undercoat yet so it's easy for him to look all smooth and shiny. :BIGGRIN" He better start growing some coat though or he's gonna be sorry in this Wisconsin winter!

[misspiz]

I know its hard not to compare coats. Daisy is black on her back and her coat is pretty shiny, we have a supplement in her food for that. My sisters dog is a completely different breed, more of a redish color and her coat is always super shiny. They have given her the salmon oil, so another vote for that!

[CorgiMum]

The D Boys get both Salmon Oil and Nu Pro (Joint Supplement) daily, and much to their delight 1-2 sardines each which were bought in a can, packed in water.

[taflar]

Lately I've been noticing that Henry's coat looks a little dull, especially compared to Luke's. I can remember thinking at one time that he actually looked a little greasy down the spine because his coat was so shiny, but it definitely doesn't look like that now. I'm not sure if it's because he's in between blowing his coat / getting his winter coat or what but it just just looks a little dull to me.

When they're blowing coat, about to, on inbetween coats, yes, the coat can look dull and feel dry. It's normal. The salmon oil won't hurt, but my guess is the coat will improve on it's own as his new coat grows in.

And Deb is right, don't compare a red coat to a black one. Black almost always looks shiner.

Peggy