If you have a dog in your family, you may want to take steps to ensure proper care. Part of that care includes the skin and hair. You might not realize this, but without proper care, your dog can develop serious skin problems. If you're not sure how to keep your dog's skin and hair healthy, here are some tips to get you started. 

Ensure Proper Grooming

If you're like most people, you spend time grooming yourself every day. You might even visit the salon once a month. That attention to grooming helps to keep your skin and hair healthy and shiny. Your dog needs the same care and attention. In fact, your dog should be groomed as part of their daily routine. That routine should include a daily brushing. Brushing your dog daily can help with the production of healthy oils that protect your dog's skin and hair. Daily brushing also allows you to get a closer look at your dog's skin. That way, you can identify skin problems quickly. It's also important that you take your dog to the groomer at least once a month. 

Limit the Sun Exposure

You probably know that you need to limit your exposure to the sun. You might even wear sunscreen when you go outside. But, you need to take the same steps with your dog. You might not know this, but your dog can develop skin cancer, especially with extended exposure to the sun. That's why it's so important that you apply sunscreen to your dog's exposed skin when they're going to be outside. Pay close attention to your dog's belly, and to the inside of their ears. If you see unusual sores on your dog's skin, see a vet right away. 

Include Vitamin Supplements

If you keep a supply of vitamin supplements on hand for your family, it's time to include your canine family member. Ordinary dog food contains many of the vitamins and nutrients your dog needs in order to stay healthy. But, they often fall short on nutrients for skin and hair. Unfortunately, that can put your dog at risk for skin problems. That's why you need to include vitamin supplements in your dog's daily diet. It's especially important that your dog's vitamin supplements include amino acids, fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin E. These vitamins help to promote healthy skin and hair for your dog. 

Schedule Annual Checkups

Finally, when it comes to promoting healthy skin and hair for your dog, don't forget the annual checkups. Those annual checkups are important for your dog's overall health. But, they also help to ensure that skin and hair problems are identified quickly and correctly.

For more information about pet care, reach out to a local veterinarian.