By Royal Canin Scientific Communications

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Collies may be one of the best known dog breeds, and while most people are familiar with long hair of the rough collie, there is also a smooth variety with a shorter coat. Collies with either coat type may be susceptible to specific autoimmune skin diseases, so it's important to provide care and nutrition to keep their skin as healthy as possible.

Autoimmune skin diseases are generally most effectively managed with medical treatment, but there are many nutrients that we can supply to assist the therapy. While these nutrients may need to be supplemented at higher levels when disease is present, a large breed food that contains adequate omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E is a good baseline diet for Collies. It is also important to provide an adequate amount of protein to facilitate skin cell turnover.

Shampooing aids in removing crusts that may form with autoimmune diseases. Medicated baths may also help provide relief in dogs with these conditions. The rough coat variety will especially benefit from frequent trips to the groomer, because areas affected by disease may need to clipped free of hair.

Both nutrition and grooming can play an important part in the maintenance of coat health in the wonderful breed.