Our dog was abused. How to get her fur coat poofy/healthy again?

Our dog was abused and neglected by her previous owners. I actually met them and saw where she was living, it was absolutely horrible. We've had her for a few weeks and she is a completely different dog, super loving and sweet.
She is a "Mini American Eskimo Dog". She is supposed to look like a big Pomeranian or a tiny Samoyed, with the super poofy fur. Instead, her fur lays down and is completely lifeless. It's gotten healthier looking now that she's actually getting bathed, brushed, and fed (they only gave her 1/2 cup of food ONCE per day) and it's food without corn/wheat fillers or by products. We also give her raw food, and that's helping with SO much.
But is there anything I can do for her coat? Any special kind of noursing shampoos, or techniques I can use?

Thank you ladies for your help!

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Asked by Mrs.J. at 2:55 AM on Aug. 23, 2012 in Pets

287 Level 9

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We have a Great DFane who did not get the proper care for her first year. When we got her, her coat was thin and brown. She shed so much fur out that she was practically bald. 6 months later after good food and care her fresh coat came in all over glossy black. Be patient and consistent with her care. And don't hesitat to call your vet for suggestions.

Answer by LadybugTash at 10:04 PM on Sep. 5, 2012
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It will take a few konths to get her coat looking healthy again. The hair she has now, isnt going to get better, but as she sheds her coat, and new healthy, nurished hair comes in, she will start to look much better.
My chihuahua was neglected and abused as well. When we got her, her fur was stiff, hard, and seemed to explode off of her (shedding sooo bad). But after a few months of TLC, her new healthier coat came in.
Just keep up what you are doing, grooming and healthy food, and her coat will regenerate back to a healthy one.
And I just wanted to say what a great thing you have done, taking that dog out of that home. You will have a true friend for life. Abused animals become very thankful and loving, because they remember the hell they were in, and you saved them. So from one rescuer to another, keep up the good work :)

Answer by Mme.Langley at 12:40 AM on Aug. 26, 2012
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Oh, I forgot: After the first week of having her, she did get to go to the groomers :)

Comment by Mrs.J. (original poster) at 2:31 PM on Aug. 23, 2012
Credits: 287 Level 9
I did bathe her the second night she was with us. I was extremely cautious and gave her space, she didn't nip or anything :)
We already give her raw egg, so that's great!

goofygalno1: Ooh, the bacon grease may help fatten up her a little too. She's terribly skinny, and still only willing to eat 1/2 a cup a day, even though we leave the food out :(

Thank you all for your answers!

Comment by Mrs.J. (original poster) at 2:30 PM on Aug. 23, 2012
Credits: 287 Level 9
I agree with the bacon grease for a cheap solution. We also gave a raw egg occasionally.

Not exactly nutritious, but it worked.

Answer by anng.atlanta at 9:52 AM on Aug. 23, 2012
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It is going to take a while for goor nutrition to take hold. I am assuming you had her checked by the vet when you got her, so there are no underlying medical problems beside the hutrition and probably lack of water and excercize as well. Stimulating the skin and coat can help to get the oxigen and circulation going in that area as well.
I hasve seen huskies and malamutes (double coated) that had to be trimmed shorter so they could get to matted fur underneath that they could not really detect. Loosened ad remover the coat was able to resume a health growth, but those were extreme and very sad cases.

Answer by Dardenella at 9:23 AM on Aug. 23, 2012
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bacon grease... I know it may sound silly, but anytime we cooked bacon we would drizzle it over the dog food. It made their coats so shiny. For some reason it helps put oils back into their skin. My dog that I have right now has bad problems with hot spots and dry skin... and I can tell when he is lacking because we haven't given him some in a while...lol Again I know it sounds silly, but hey it's worth a shot.

Answer by goofygalno1 at 9:13 AM on Aug. 23, 2012
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As a groomer, it sounds like you are doing what you can. It's just going to take time for the healthy coat to come in. The only difference that a professional bath may have over you doing it is mainly the drying. Since we use forced air (no heat) to dry from the skin out.

Answer by Fairierose81 at 8:07 AM on Aug. 23, 2012
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Guide to Healthy Dog Coat

http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/how-to-give-dog-shiny-coat.html

Answer by hellokittykat at 6:16 AM on Aug. 23, 2012
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http://www.petco.com/product/111852/Isle-of-Dogs-Everyday-Violet-And-Sea-Mist-Lush-Coating-Brush-Conditioning-Spray.aspx

http://www.petco.com/product/112460/Planet-Petco-Natural-Shea-And-Cocoa-Butter-Moisturizing-Dog-Shampoo.aspx

http://www.petco.com/product/113727/Petco-Conditioning-Puppy-Spray.aspx

Answer by hellokittykat at 6:15 AM on Aug. 23, 2012
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