A shiny coat signals vitality and can indicate a pet's health. Pets with dry, flaky or unkempt fur can suffer from conditions such as thyroid disease, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), kidney or liver disease or nutritional disorders. In fact, one of the main ways your veterinarian assesses your dog's health is to look at the condition of its fur and skin.

The animal's skin and fur play a vital role in its health, they function as an important part of the immune system and are essential for maintaining adequate hydration. 

Here are some of the basic functions of skin and fur:

Protection. Skin and fur provide a barrier that protects a dog or cat from external objects, chemicals and environmental stressors. The skin also contains nerves and nerve endings that help a pet feel heat, cold, pressure and pain. In addition, fur protects pets against chemical damage, trauma, ultraviolet light and contact with hot surfaces.

Immunity. The skin also functions as an important part of the immune system. If the skin's immunity is compromised, infections and potentially serious diseases caused by harmful bacteria can occur.

Thermoregulation.  Healthy fur helps keep a pet's temperature properly regulated by providing an insulating layer of fur. A healthy coat can effectively regulate body temperature by moving hair follicles to bring hairs closer together to insulate or allow air to get under looser hairs to cool a dog or cat. 

Hydration. Loss of water through the skin can seriously affect your pet's health. Dogs and cats do not have sweat glands, so excessive water loss through unhealthy skin (transepidermal water loss) often causes health problems. The excessive loss of water through the skin also affects the amount of energy a pet needs to maintain its metabolism.

Nutrient storage. The skin also serves as a storage place for many nutrients. Proteins and amino acids are present in the skin, as well as collagen fibers and enzymes. Dog and cat hair is mostly made of proteins. Up to 35% of a dog's daily protein intake is used to maintain its skin and coat. Linoleic acid and other fatty acids are stored in the skin and are present in the phospholipid double layer to provide flexibility and fluidity to the skin. Fatty acids are important in protecting pets against inflammation. Precursors of vitamin D are present in the skin and are transformed into vitamin D by exposure to ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Minerals such as zinc, copper, selenium and manganese are found in relatively high concentrations in the skin due to their role as cofactors and coenzymes in several biological reactions that take place in the skin. Fat-soluble vitamins A and E can also be stored in the skin. Vitamin A is necessary for the production and maintenance of cells, and vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin. B vitamins are found in the skin, but they are not stored there because they are soluble in water.

Supplements are defined as any product added to a pet's regular diet that contains ingredients intended to improve its health. They must go through a certification procedure and obtain a quality certificate. It is important to purchase only certified and reliable products that already have good recommendations.

Supplements for pets are not medicines. They can be used as an adjuvant along with the medicinal treatment recommended by the veterinarian.

1. Proteins are by far the most important "bricks" for a healthy coat. Hair is the structure with the highest protein level, the hair being made up of 97% of keratin. Keratin is a protein that the body produces from other types of proteins of animal origin, more precisely from sulfur amino acids. Of the total proteins that dogs consume daily, a very important part, between 25-30%, is used by the body for skin and fur.
2. Dry food can contain both proteins of animal origin (meat, eggs) and proteins of vegetable origin (cereals, vegetables). The most valuable for carnivorous animals (dogs, cats) are the proteins of animal origin, because they contain all the essential, specific amino acids for the restoration of hair and skin.
3. Vitamin supplements are among the top preferences of owners who face hair and skin problems. pet's skin. Even if they positively influence the appearance and regeneration of the hair, these supplements represent "saving solutions" (only in the short term). If in the meantime the cause that led to these problems was not found, as soon as the administration of the vitamins stops, we will notice that the fur returns to the old problems.
4. Fish oils are one of the frequently used and recommended supplements because they are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids They contain antioxidants that can improve the health of the fur and skin, support the heart muscles and help develop the brain. 
5. Biotin (or vitamin H) is the main vitamin recommended for fragile hair, as it increases the resistance of the thread, giving it, at the same time, a silky appearance. Biotin deficiency can also be observed by the early whitening of the fur. Biotin supplements have the advantage that they can be given long-term, the risk of overdose being very small (being a water-soluble vitamin, the excess is eliminated through the urine).
6. Vitamin A is essential for the formation of keratin and, in addition, it has an important role in regulating sebum secretion. It is found in most varieties of dry food, in organs such as the liver, but also in vegetables.
7. Vitamin E - maintains the health and normal functionality of the skin, thanks to its strong antioxidant effect.
8. Vitamin C has an overwhelming role in the synthesis of collagen, the main protein in the skin structure, involved in the growth of hair follicles, but also in maintaining its elasticity.
9. Zinc - is an indispensable mineral to reduce skin infections and inflammations. Zinc deficiency affects the follicles in the hair growth phase and can be clinically manifested by excessive shedding, the appearance of crusts on the skin and the itchy sensation.
10. Selenium enters the hair structure, having a special role in its keratinization phase. 
11. Copper is responsible for the production of melanin and hair pigments. A matted coat could be an indicator of copper deficiency.

1. Nutrition: Most often, the health of your animal's fur and skin is closely related to its nutrition. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals play an essential role in the care of your pet's skin and coat.

Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) help protect the skin and coat and keep them shiny . EPA helps fight inflammation. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish and algae oils and flaxseeds.

Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in corn, soybeans, flaxseeds and other nuts, is a key nutrient in maintaining a coat healthy. Many pets with dry, flaky skin are often deficient in linoleic acid. Dandruff, thinning hair, discolored hair, increased shedding and poor healing are all associated with low levels of linoleic acid in the skin and diet.

Zinc is especially important in the skin because of the high rate of cell turnover caused by constant shedding. In addition, zinc helps reduce water loss through the skin. Pets that are fed low levels of zinc develop hair loss, skin infections and a dull appearance.

Biotin and B vitamins play important roles as cofactors in many of the body's metabolic processes, including fat metabolism. This is important for the skin, because biotin and B vitamins are involved in supporting the function of linoleic acid in the epidermis and dermis. Recent research has shown that the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, linoleic acid and zinc in combination increases the luster of the coat and decreases dry and flaky skin (dandruff).

2. Proper grooming can also help maintain the pet's skin and coat. in good shape. 

Bathing and brushing are those actions that will positively or negatively influence the appearance and health of the hair.

General bathing is recommended occasionally, at an interval of 2-3 months, in order not to destroy the natural oils in the skin. Without them, the skin dries out, loses its elasticity, being much more prone to infections. If the skin is not healthy, then the hair will suffer because the nutrients no longer reach this level.

Brushing will be done periodically to let the skin breathe, to remove dead, damaged hairs, as well as dirt from the fur. The brush will be chosen according to the length, texture and characteristics of the hair.

3. Administering food supplements: Supplements for pets are not medicines. They can be used as an adjuvant along with the medicinal treatment recommended by the veterinarian.

Usually, dog owners notice improvements within a few weeks of daily use. However, the results may vary depending on the severity of the problems and the individual response of each dog.

Absolute. As long as you follow the guide and dosage, Suplipet Skin and Coat Supplement should not interfere with other supplements or medications.

Our tasty treats can be offered to your puppy at any time of the day, although we recommend offering them at mealtime, as they help increase nutrient absorption.

The nutritional rewards for skin and fur are recommended for dogs over 12 weeks of age.

To make sure your pup gets the best, our skin and fur treats contain no artificial preservatives. Please store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Use them within 3 months of opening.

If your pet devours an entire tub of Suplipet Dog Skin and Coat Supplement, it will be absolutely fine, as long as the box was designed for its weight category. Adverse effects may include diarrhea or gastrointestinal disturbances. If he ate more than one box, contact your veterinarian for guidance.