As a responsible dog breeder or owner, you want to ensure your loved pet stays healthy, so you will wonder what to look for in a healthy dog coat and the signs of an unhealthy dog coat.
A dog's coat is a sign of their health. It can indicate long-term conditions, nutritional deficiencies, genetic predispositions, and whether the dog is suitable breeding stock. The coat should be glossy, smooth, and shiny. Your dog should look lovely and healthy. There should also be no shedding flakes or patches on the skin.
What are the particular signs to look out for when evaluating the health of a dog's coat? As a breeder, you might meet stud dogs and need to decide whether you think they are a suitable sire or not. So, being aware of the signs of unhealthy dog coats can be very useful. And also when choosing a new puppy for breeding stock. We also look at how to keep a dog's coat healthy and help new puppy owners take care of a puppy’s coat!
If you are concerned about the signs of unhealthy dog coats, it's always best to seek professional advice. Vets will look for several indicators of an unhealthy coat.
A dull coat will look dry and coarse rather than shiny or glossy. It will be brittle, much like split ends in human hair. You should find that a dog’s coat has life and volume, whereas a dull coat on the dog will look flat with little movement, and it might also look greasy. Or, it might be so dry that it is flaky and dry, like dandruff.
There are many reasons why a dog may show signs of an unhealthy coat. They could have an internal health condition such as a digestive, endocrine or thyroid disorder.
Or they could have a basic issue, such as dehydration or a poor diet. These simpler problems can be quickly resolved, but can be serious if they are left unresolved. Your dog's diet must have sufficient healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 and balanced vitamins and minerals. Your dog could have a food allergy or another allergy, such as dust, mold, etc.
Another simple issue to resolve is poor grooming. Some puppies need particular care for their coats with regular grooming and washing. If puppies and dogs are not groomed regularly, grease, dead skin and loose hairs can build up and get trapped in the coat, leading to a dull appearance.
The dog could have an external issue such as a parasite on the skin, a skin infection or an allergy. Some dogs, particularly hairless breeds, can suffer from sunburn, so they might need to wear sun cream when playing outside to keep them safe.
A coat changing color could be ageing, but if it fades or turns red, it could be related to a dietary issue.
If you are a breeder and notice a dull coat on dogs in your care, you want to rectify the problem straightaway. Your breeding sire and dam must be in the best condition. Unless you can identify an obvious cause, you should seek the advice of your local veterinarian.
For example, an allergy might cause signs of an unhealthy dog coat, so if you’ve just changed to a new brand of food, you might want to try changing back in case of a food allergy. Ensuring your dogs' diet includes healthy fats such as fish oil can make a huge difference. Or if the coat is flaky or scabby, you should check for external parasites on the skin. You might be able to apply an over-the-counter medication.
However, you need to ensure that signs of an unhealthy dog coat are not due to an underlying health issue, perhaps with hormones, the endocrine or digestive system. Make sure your veterinarian is aware that your dogs are breeding stock, and they will be able to advise you on whether or not the condition is of concern and if it is a genetic condition.
If you find that the unhealthy dog coat is related to a genetic condition, you will likely want to retire the sire or dam from your breeding projects. Additionally, puppies with glossy, full and healthy coats will be more likely to find homes if the parents are in great condition.
As a dog breeder, you will want the sire and dam to be of high quality, and their coats should be in top condition. A healthy coat indicates strong, healthy genetics. If you are using a stud dog, you should know what to look out for when choosing a suitable pairing for the bitch.
As a breeder, it’s critical to understand the signs of an unhealthy dog coat. Knowing the indicators is key when selecting your breeding stock, and being aware of signs of potential health problems with your breeding dogs as they age. This knowledge ensures you are only breeding from dogs that produce healthy puppies.
Keep on top of any small changes to your dog's coat. If you’re wondering why a dog's coat looks dull, it could be a simple issue to resolve, such as a change to their diet, a more regular grooming regime, or a sign of an underlying health condition that needs investigation and treatment from your veterinarian.
09 May, 2025