Page 24 - Chiron Issue 2 2014

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
An extraordinary coat with up to 80% less shedding*
Dogs are a truly extraordinary species coming in a variety of shapes, sizes, and with different coats. Some, like the Afghan Hound, are born to run with their long hair flowing in the breeze. Others, like the Bichon Frisé are small balls of fur that call for a cuddle. Some are hairless like the Xoloitzcuintli; others covered in dreadlocks like the Hungarian Komondor.
Maybe his coat is one of the features that attracted you to the particular dog you own. It certainly is one of the defining characteristics of his visual appearance.
Out with the old, in with the new
If your dog is light-coated, like a Yorkshire Terrier, then you probably don’t notice the shedding of his coat that much as owners of more prolific shedders, like the German Shepherd. But in fact, all dogs do it.
Shedding is a normal, periodic process because unlike humans, dogs shed mature hair as new hairs grow through. Depending on their breed, they produce 60 to 180g per kg of body weight of new hair per year.
When the days get longer in spring time, your dog sheds his ‘winter coat’ and develops his ‘summer coat.’ The extended sunlight causes increased follicle activity, which means he grows and replaces hair at a much faster rate. As winter approaches, your dog sheds his summer coat to make way for a fuller winter coat to protect him from the cold.
The importance of skin and coat health
Your dog’s skin has a huge role to play in his overall health – protecting his body from injury and infection, helping control his temperature and acting as his first line of defense. His hair has complementary duties – insulating the body and protecting the skin from trauma and damage due to heat, sunlight and irritants.
It is essential to ensure that your dog has a healthy coat and skin - so he has the protection he needs, as well as making him look and feel his best. Excessive shedding can be a sign that your dog’s coat and skin might not be in optimal condition**.
The role of nutrition
One of the first steps to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat is feeding your dog a diet with high quality ingredients. A recent study looking at the impact of high quality nutrition on excessive shedding saw a reduction of up to 80%** for dogs fed a Eukanuba diet.
That’s because, Eukanuba’s range of premium nutrition is formulated with exactly the right amount of high quality animal proteins, omega-6 and omega-3 oils and fats, vitamins and minerals to help your dog maintain a healthy, extraordinary coat.
The essentials for healthy skin and coat
Proteins – Did you know that your dog’s coat is 95% protein? That means a third of your dog’s daily protein requirement is needed for coat and skin maintenance. Proteins from foods such as chicken, lamb, fish and egg, provide essential amino acids to support healthy structure and function.
Fats – Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids are needed for the production of oils and waxes preventing dryness and maintaining a visibly healthy coat.
Vitamins and minerals - Vitamin A, vitamin E, B-vitamins, zinc and copper all play a vital role in the upkeep and regeneration of your dog’s skin and coat - from processing protein, helping fast and effective wound repair and cell protection.
Regular tender loving care
Whilst you cannot stop a healthy dog from its normal shedding cycle, regular grooming and brushing can reduce the amount of hair in your home, in the car or on your clothes. Your vet will be able to recommend the specific type of brush or comb that will work best for your dog’s hair type.
*Study conducted by Eukanuba. Difference seen over one year of use, compared to a diet with lower protein, lower fat and non- optimal Omega 6:3 ratio. Results in your dog may vary. Excludes puppy and weight control diets.
** If your dog seems prone to allergies or specific skin sensitivities, please consult your vet
24 Chiron Calling