Healthy skin and a healthy coat

Brush regularly

Brushing is the most important part of grooming a dog. Long- haired breeds will need to be brushed twice a week, while dogs that are prone to shedding, or have thick undercoats, should be brushed once a week. Even short- haired breeds will benefit from regular grooming to remove loose hair.

Like any job, brushing requires the right tools and there are as many different types of brushes as there are types of coats on a dog. Ideally you need two brushes, one with widely spaced teeth for the outer layer of your dog's coat and a finer spaced one for thorough combing and for around the face. Ask your veterinarian or groomer what they recommend.

Bath time

"Doggy Smell" is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria and oil on a dog's coat. And although your dog is likely to be perfectly happy without a bath, a good wash will eliminate this build up. It is however, possible to "over bath" your dog, leading to dry skin and irritation, so unless he's particularly dirty (with mud, faeces etc.) don't bath your dog more than once a month.

As a general rule don't use a shampoo designed for people. Baby shampoo is safe and won't irritate the eyes but the detergents are so mild that they won't remove heavy grime or grease. Ideally use cleaning products formulated specially for dogs. Your veterinarian or local pet store should carry them.

Proper diet

Another very important aspect of maintaining a healthy coat is diet. Hair is mostly made of protein, and the better your dog's diet, the better his coat will be. Foods that are rich in essential fatty acids are particularly good for your dog's coat. If your dog is showing signs of trouble with his coat or skin, his diet may be the culprit. Be sure to talk to your vet about what kind of food is recommended for your dog and his coat.