A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of an n-3 essential fatty acids supplement (Agepi® ω3) on clinical signs, and fatty acid concentrations in the erythrocyte membrane, hair shafts and skin surface of dogs with poor quality coats.

Canine haircoat quality, the time course of incorporation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into the canine erythrocyte membrane, changes in total lipids content on hair shafts and of neutral lipids on the skin surface, were investigated after administrating an n-3 fatty acids supplement. Twenty-four dogs with poor haircoat received a placebo or n-3 oil capsules (110 mg EPA/68 mg DHA) daily for 90 days. Clinical assessments and tissue sampling were performed monthly from day (D)0 to D180. The clinical score in treated dogs was significantly reduced from D60, then attained a plateau and returned to baseline levels on D180. EPA and DHA contents in the erythrocyte membrane increased significantly from D30 and decreased rapidly after supplement withdrawal in treated dogs. Total lipids on the hair shaft increased progressively in the supplemented group. EPA/DHA supplements impact blood and hair fatty acids important for haircoat quality in dogs.