Dull, pale, and brittle fur – if your dog has a dull coat, you should take a closer look and find out what the problem is, because dull dog fur can be a sign of other problems.

Dull coat in dogs can have various causes. There can also be quite harmless reasons behind it, so you shouldn't be immediately worried. Nevertheless, you should remain attentive, especially if the dog's coat has lost its luster within a short time.

One thing is important: collect clues!

• When did the coat start to become dull?
• Does the dog scratch constantly?
• Does the dog suffer from skin problems, e.g., are there red spots under the coat or is the skin flaky?
• Is the dog eating normally, or has it recently been fed a different food?

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My dog has dandruff and dull fur: what is the cause?

Brittle fur is often accompanied by dandruff, which can be caused by the following triggers:

• stress-related skin fungus
• incorrect diet or change of diet
  
• disease
• parasitic infestation
  
• age-related change of the hair structure
  

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Careful observation of the animal and analysis of its food can provide important clues as to why the dog has a dull coat.

MyDogSymptoms.com reports in the article Coat Changes in Dogs: Why Is My Dog's Coat Dull and Dry? that certain oils such as linseed oil can be added to a dog's food to achieve a healthy coat because of the omega-6 fatty acids.

Dull fur could also be an indication that the dog has diabetes.

But even with these clues, you should by no means make your own diagnosis. Instead, go to the vet and get a professional opinion about your dog's health. It's important to prepare beforehand which questions you will ask the vet as well as the list of symptoms to share.

In the vet's office, a reliable diagnosis can be made and a plan formulated as to whether special skin care, an adjusted diet, or drug therapy is necessary.

A veterinarian should always be consulted regarding any abnormalities and problems that affect the health of animals.