Most Dogs are covered in fur and some more than others. Protecting their skin from harsh conditions and keeping it in tip top condition is one of the things that can make our dog's happy. The skin is the largest organ on a dogs body and most of it is covered in fur. The fur offers protection against the cold, rough vegetation and terrain and regulates temperature .Most importantly it gives them a sense of touch and for some dogs (including my own Labrador) they love it when we groom them or cuddle or stroke them! It brings our dogs an immense sense of pleasure and lots of lovely dopamine swishing around their body!!
But keeping their skin in tip top condition can be difficult as many dogs suffer from food allergies or environmental allergies or for a medical reason. Regular grooming at home or professionally allows us to note when we see changes in their skin colour, perhaps see that they are itching more or the coat is dull and not as shiny as it was. Talking regularly with our vet is crucial if we see any changes in keeping our dog's skin in the way it should be and is part of making them happy dogs to be with.
Wild canid species such as Wolves or Coyotes they have a short to medium double coat with a soft undercoat for insulation close to the skin and an outer coat of guard hairs. Many working dog breeds have a similar coat make up . Most dogs, although not all dog breeds, have a coat built for function and performance or for survival . Thinking about survival we see breeds developed in colder climates with denser longer coats than breeds developed in warmer climates. Dogs living in warmer climates have often shorter ,single based coats but there are always exceptions. What i think is fascinating that dogs as a species can adapt to their local climate making them happier as a result!
Dog's feet and noses lack a protective thick covering of fur but appear to be less sensitive than our human hands. They are thick skinned and tough to provide protection against the canine activities they love to do. They use them to fight with, play roughly and of course dig! Digging is one of dog's most desired canine enrichment activities , some breeds more than others. Their ability to dig massive holes through rough earth and vegetation with no apparent pain or discomfort never fails to amaze me. We can safely assume is that dogs paws benefit from a lack of great sensitivity and are in fact quite tough!
But keeping their skin in tip top condition can be difficult as many dogs suffer from food allergies or environmental allergies or for a medical reason. Regular grooming at home or professionally allows us to note when we see changes in their skin colour, perhaps see that they are itching more or the coat is dull and not as shiny as it was. Talking regularly with our vet is crucial if we see any changes in keeping our dog's skin in the way it should be and is part of making them happy dogs to be with.
Wild canid species such as Wolves or Coyotes they have a short to medium double coat with a soft undercoat for insulation close to the skin and an outer coat of guard hairs. Many working dog breeds have a similar coat make up . Most dogs, although not all dog breeds, have a coat built for function and performance or for survival . Thinking about survival we see breeds developed in colder climates with denser longer coats than breeds developed in warmer climates. Dogs living in warmer climates have often shorter ,single based coats but there are always exceptions. What i think is fascinating that dogs as a species can adapt to their local climate making them happier as a result!
Dog's feet and noses lack a protective thick covering of fur but appear to be less sensitive than our human hands. They are thick skinned and tough to provide protection against the canine activities they love to do. They use them to fight with, play roughly and of course dig! Digging is one of dog's most desired canine enrichment activities , some breeds more than others. Their ability to dig massive holes through rough earth and vegetation with no apparent pain or discomfort never fails to amaze me. We can safely assume is that dogs paws benefit from a lack of great sensitivity and are in fact quite tough!
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