There are three layers to a dog’s skin: epidermis, dermis, and panniculus. Contained in these layers are two types of glands. The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin and contains the apocrine gland, this gland produces a fluids. The apocrine gland produces sweat in humans but has a different function in dogs. The canine gland produces pheromones giving them their distinctive body odor with the purpose of notify other dogs of their presence. The second gland is the eccrine gland located in a dog’s paws. This gland does produce a type of sweat similar to human’s body sweat. The cells that make up the epidermis are tough in structure and are glued together in stacks by fats. Dogs and Humans require very different approached to healthy skin using internal and external remedies. Human’s exposure to sun creates the most skin damage and responds best to vitamins such as c and e, while a dog’s coat vastly reduces a their exposure to the sun. Therefore the vast amount of damage to a dog’s skin is by way of their diet as opposed to exposure to the elements. An improper balance of nutrients, combined with additives, preservatives, plus other toxins tend to dry a dog’s skin, furthermore bacterial skin infections are the result of other diseases. These diseases include dermatophytosis , parasitism, allergies, endocrine (hormonal) disorders or a compromised immune system. For these reasons supplements designed to aid your dogs digestion should additionally contain nutrients that improve the health of your dogs skin and coat .

Patches of hair loss indicate the underlining skin is experiencing inflammation, itchiness and swelling. Fats benefit a dog’s health in many ways: energy, skin and coat, kidney health, heart, and reduce inflammation in the joints; therefore it is important to determine if their diet is providing the right amounts and types of fats. The omega fats are the most beneficial for dog’s, while they help suppress inflammation, which is the cause of so many of the degenerative diseases that plague your dog they also greatly benefit the skin and coat.

Kelp is one of the most effective of these sea vegetables as an ingredient in dog supplements because it contains a hefty array of minerals, vitamins , amino acids , and carbohydrates. The list is impressive including A, B-complex, C, E, S, calcium, chlorine, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sulfur, MSM , zinc, manganese, niacin, riboflavin, sodium, thiamine.

Because kelp contains so many critical components for dog nutrition it promotes good health and long life in numerous ways including: better digestion, control and relief of skin and coat disorders, relief and prevention of allergic reactions , healing from injuries, higher resistance to infection, cell rejuvenator, detoxifying, and joint repair

Kelp is considered safe but it must be produced from deep ocean beds that are free of industrial waste. Two such areas are the fjords of Iceland and oceans off Norway. It must be harvested correctly taking it from the cold deep ocean beds and dried at low temperatures that do not destroy its crucial nutrients.