We all love that dog smell that comes wafting toward us whenever our little one comes over to cuddle.
It's not always the freshest scent, but it's comforting and familiar all the same. And, as a dog owner, you most likely don't even notice it anymore; it's so common in your home.
But have you noticed something different lately? Maybe it has nothing to do with smell and more to do with an unfamiliar texture.
There are a number of underlying issues that can be causing a change in your dog's coat and it's important to take note of anything new and different about their fur.
It's one of the benefits of petting them — you can take that opportunity to make sure their coat is feeling smooth and healthy.
If not, a quick call to your vet should get you some answers and a solution to the issue, whatever it may be.
#1: Thinning Fur
If your pup's hair seems to be thinning out, this could point to a thyroid or hormonal issue. This type of issue is most common in middle-aged dogs of medium or large size.
#2: Bald Patches
Like humans, dogs can start losing patches of their fur for any number of reasons. Health issues, stress, or anxiety could be to blame for this. It's best to get the vet involved for some concrete answers.
#3: Unkempt Fur
We all have bad hair days, but if there's just nothing you can do to get your dog's fur looking put together, then there might be a bigger issue at play. The causes here are broad, so be sure to contact your vet to get to the root of the problem.
#4: Stinky Fur
A smellier than average dog is most likely suffering from a skin condition. We all know what that normal puppy smell is like, so be sure to take note if it's been replaced by something not so nice.
#5: Lackluster Fur
If your dog's coat is looking dull, his or her diet is most likely to blame. More specifically, a lack of healthy fats. Head over to your vet and see what you can do to get those fats back up!
#6: Shedding More Than Usual
While some level of shedding is normal for most dogs, there is a point when it borders on hair loss. This can be caused by an underlying problem, such as allergies or a hormonal imbalance. Be sure to check with your vet if you notice an issue!
#7: Shiny Fur
On the flip side, your dog's fur can also reflect when he's feeling great. Shiny fur is the sign of a happy, healthy dog! The coat that looks amazing is worn by the dog that feels amazing. So if that shine suddenly goes away, start to pay close attention to any changes in your four-legged friend.
Please SHARE this important information with all of the dog owner's in your life!