Winter weather can cause our dog's coat to become dull and their skin to become dry and flaky alongside the necessity of removing mud and dirt from the coat.

Regular grooming is important for your dog and good care and maintenance of his skin and coat allows your dog to remain clean and healthy. A good grooming session prevents the build up for dirt and bacteria in your canine's coat and limits the risk of yeast infections developing in matted hair. At home grooming is a great way to bond with your dog so why not spend some time treating your dog to a full service!

The first step involves gathering all the necessary supplies in order to effectively groom your dog. Make sure you have your equipment ready for grooming in order to minimise the time it takes, and if your dog does not particularly enjoy his refining session in order reduce his stress levels by being prepared and organised.

A good brush is a must-have and you should begin by brushing your dog thoroughly in order to loosen and free up any knots or mats in the fur prior to bathing. A skin friendly dog shampoo is a worthwhile investment as the specialised shampoo protects our dog's by complementing the pH of their skin. Dogs' skin is more alkaline than ours and a shampoo formulated for human skin can disrupt the acid mantle, which acts as an important barrier for the body. This disruption can lead to an increased risk of bacterial and parasitic infections so look for the pH balance on your bottle of dog shampoo; it should be around 7.

Finish your grooming session with a nail clip, which should be done regularly to prevent nail length affecting your dog's movement and stride. A teeth brush is also a great idea if your dog will allow you to safely give his gnashers a scrub! During grooming look out for abnormal lumps, bumps or parasites alongside checking and wiping the eyes and ears if required.

Remember diet can have a huge effect on the skin and coat condition and in order to maintain healthy skin and a glossy coat every dog requires a healthy lifestyle and nutritious diet, treating your dog from the inside out. Scientific Nutritional Products offers Canine Super Coat; a supplement rich in essential nutrients specifically designed for skin and coat health.

A range of canine and equine supplements are available from Scientific Nutritional Products, including supplements to improve your dog's health and coat condition. The ethos of the company is refreshing, manufacturing high specification dog supplements without compromise, selling directly to customers through their website; www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk in order to make their products exceptional value for money.

For more information or to receive one-to-one advice specific to your dog contact our nutritional specialist Peter Fishpool on FREEPHONE 0800 032 7774