Your dog's coat is one of the first things anyone notices about them. It is also said to be an indicator of their health, both inside and out. Digestive problems, heartworms, flea and tick infestations, and even stress can cause their coat to lose texture. So, if you want your dog to have healthy, shiny, and enviably glossy fur, you must take certain precautions. Here are three easy ways to obtain that dream coat. Proper nutrition A healthy coat comes from a healthy body, which, in turn, comes from healthy food. So, give your dog the right amount of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients. In most cases, a dull coat results from unbalanced meals that fail to meet the body's nutritional needs. It is recommended to choose whole foods-based meals to benefit your pet in the long run. Regular grooming Regular grooming activities like brushing helps stimulate blood circulation to the coat, making it shiny. It also helps get rid of dead skin and damaged fur. Try brushing both ways, as doing so is said to add shine to the coat. Another common practice is regular bathing. An oatmeal bath will take care of any itching if they have a flea and tick infestation. Timely vet visits If regular grooming and balanced meals do not help, you might want to contact your vet. Problems like digestive distress, hormonal imbalance, metabolic issues, and parasites like fleas and ticks can result in an unhealthy coat if left unchecked for long. Many experts recommend an annual complete physical check-up, irrespective of any problems. Achieving a shiny and healthy dog coat involves choosing whole foods over processed varieties, grooming, regular vet visits, and natural supplements rather than chemical ones. However, in some instances, like a major flea and tick infestation, it can become necessary to include store-bought solutions to protect your dog against the tiny monsters. K9 Advantix® II K9 Advantix® II is a topical treatment for ticks and fleas in dogs. It also works on flea eggs and larvae. In addition, K9 Advantix® II can prevent heartworms in dogs by killing infected mosquitoes before they bite. It is advised to let the topical solution air dry instead of rubbing it into their coat. The solution starts working within two hours of application and can be reused after a month. Simparica (sarolaner) Chewables Simparica (sarolaner) is an FDA-approved oral prescription for ticks and fleas in dogs. It comes in the form of chewable tablets that must be given once a month. Simparica tablets for dogs can eliminate adult fleas and prevent infections from Gulf Coast ticks, black-legged ticks, and lone star ticks. The tablet's effects are long-lasting and can protect your pet for up to 35 days.