We all want the best for our pets. That’s why we pay such close attention to what goes in their furry little bellies.

But it’s important not to forget about what they absorb from the outside—especially the grooming products you use to keep them clean, soft, and healthy. You don’t need to use cleaning products made from a mix of ingredients you can’t pronounce. There are plenty of environmentally friendly and healthy ways to keep your pet’s coat in top form. Here are some tips for grooming your pet—the honest way.

Work From the Inside Out

When a pet exhibits symptoms on the outside—like flakey skin or hot spots—it’s often caused by what they’re eating. Pet care starts with good nutrition—feeding your pet natural, minimally processed foods will give them a healthier coat and can help reduce and even eliminate skin issues. If your pet is showing symptoms, start by evaluating his or her diet. Just like humans, pets can suffer from allergies. Luckily, a natural, balanced diet has the same impact on your dog as it does for you—alleviating symptoms and helping your furry friend feel his best.

Cuckoo for Coconut

Coconut oil might be the new buzz ingredient, but there’s actually some serious substance behind all the hype. From helping balance the thyroid to improving digestion and strengthening the immune system, your dog's health can really benefit from including a little taste of the tropics. Coconut oil contains lots of saturated fats (the good kind) that can improve your dog’s skin and coat. Feeding your dog coconut oil can help heal wounds on the skin and clear up itchy patches. It’ll make your pet’s coat super soft and will lessen that not-so-pleasant doggy smell.

Ease Off

Bathing your dog too often can actually cause his or her skin to dry out, resulting in an itchy, flakey mess. Over-bathing your dog can also be wasteful from an environmental perspective. Instead of giving your dog a full bath when he or she comes in dirty from a romp outside, let mud and dirt dry out and try brushing it out. Use a damp towel where needed and save the bath for when it is really necessary.

Eco-Friendly Products

Thankfully, there are several companies out there that care for both their pets and the environment. Eco-friendly pet shampoos are becoming increasingly popular. Scan the list of ingredients and avoid those that include parabens, phthlaltes, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, sodium lauryl sulfate, and triclosan.

Skip the Dryer

You think it takes a long time to dry your hair—try drying out your pet’s mane! Skip the hair dryer and let your pet’s hair air dry after a washing. Use a towel to get excess moisture out and be sure he or she has a warm bed with some blankets to stay warm as he or she dries off.

Two Words: Baking Soda

If your pup is starting to get a little smelly, try sprinkling some baking soda onto his or her coat. Baking soda works for people as a dry shampoo, and it does that same for pets. Rub it into the fur (your pup will love this massage), then brush the excess out. Just make sure to cleanup afterward as consuming too much can make your dog sick.

Watch the Water

When it’s time to give your dog a bath, be mindful of how much water you’re using. Remember to turn off the tap or hose while you’re lathering up and save the rest for your dog's bowl.