In this article we’ll cover the following:
- What is Coconut Oil?
- How Coconut Oil Benefits Dogs
- How Much Coconut Oil Should Be Given to Your Dog?
- How to Apply Coconut Oil to Dogs?
- Coconut Oil Concerns
- Coconut Oil For Dog Dandruff
- Coconut Oil for Dog Eczema
Coconut oil is an all-natural trend pet parents are exploring for their four-legged companions. And far from being an overnight craze or a fad, studies prove it’s true. “It offers a lot of real benefits for dogs,” says Dr. Colleen Smith of the Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute. Coconut oil helps cure rough, itchy skin and other digestion issues in dogs.
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is rich in natural saturated fats that people use in beauty products and foods. It helps in maintaining a healthy heart and prevents cardiovascular diseases.
How Coconut Oil Benefits Dogs
Is coconut oil beneficial for dogs?
According to studies, coconut oil can help increase energy levels, enhances coat and skin texture, reduces allergic reaction, and improves the digestive system in dogs.
Dr. Katie Grzyb, a Brooklyn-based veterinarian, explains that coconut oil can hypothetically hinder cognitive dysfunction in dogs. “Fatty acids found in coconut are helpful in cognitive function, which scientists have proven,” she says.
Also, Dr. Pema Melu clarifies that the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil aid in most physical and digestive ailments. When taken orally, the oil is absorbed directly through the mucous membranes and goes straight to the liver, where the coconut oil is processed into utilizable energy.
Other than that, coconut oil can be beneficial for the overall health of your dogs. It is used together with meds to help dogs swallow them quickly. Coconut oil can also be slathered on their coats.
How Much Coconut Oil Should Be Given to Your Dog?
Coconut oil for dog skin can be applied 1 – 2 daily after meals. The amount you give depends on the size of your dog too. Most veterinarians advise using coconut oil gradually. An excellent initial dose is a ¼ teaspoon a day for small breeds. You can go up from one teaspoon to 1 tablespoon a day for large dogs. But, if you have an overweight dog, it’s recommended that coconut oil should be given no more than once a day. This is to avoid complications since coconut oil is rich in fat. When receiving coconut oil, you should also carefully monitor your dog for weight gain.
How to Apply Coconut Oil to Dogs?
Coconut oil can help moisturize your dog’s skin and avoid flaking. It also nourishes the dog’s coat. To apply, put a droplet of oil onto your hands and softly rub the hair or fur. Massage the oil gently into the dog’s skin so that the oil will be absorbed into the skin.
Take note: You can also give coconut oil orally. So, don’t panic if the dog licks its coat after application.
Coconut Oil Concerns
A lot of studies say that coconut oil is beneficial to dogs. However, other canines may be sensitive and prone to allergic reactions. Adding ample coconut oil to their food can also trigger diarrhea. Some veterinarians advise not to give coconut oil to dogs with pancreatitis, as it can cause complications due to its high-fat content.
When applied correctly, coconut oil for dog skin can make your dog’s coat and skin healthy. As stated above, coconut oil contains beneficial fatty acids that are a good immune system builder.
Coconut Oil For Dog Dandruff
A lot of dogs suffer from skin allergies or atopy. This condition may result in open sores, scratching and absolute misery. Causes vary from mold, fleas on food, and pollen. Although it’s important to precisely determine what triggers the allergen affecting your dog, applying coconut oil to the affected area can help relieve them. It’s also helpful for other allergic reactions, including dandruff, contact dermatitis, and eczema. However, there are rare cases in which coconut oil can trigger an allergic reaction. When this happens, it’s advisable to stop the application of coconut oil to the aggravated skin area.
Dandruff:
If dry hair or flakes bother your pooch, rubbing coconut oil onto his hair can help provide moisture to relieve dryness. Coconut oil for dog dandruff may help moisturize hair strands to keep them hydrated. Your dog might like the taste and will find it irresistible not to lick off.
Coat conditioner:
When taken orally, coconut oil can help enhance your dog’s hair. Applying topically makes your dog’s coat glossy and dandruff free. Once again, your dog might lick the coconut oil off when used. Not unless you use an Elizabethan collar, also called ‘Cone of Shame’ — on your dog before and after application. Applying coconut oil about once a week is recommended for optimal results.
As a contingency plan— if you don’t desire to use the Cone of Shame — you can sit with your dog for five minutes when conditioning his hair, so he won’t be able to lick it. Then use an organic shampoo to wash your dog and rinse off the coconut oil.
Coconut Oil for Dog Eczema
Scratch, scratch, scratch – your dog just won’t stop scratching! Then, you observe hairless, scaly, red spots on its skin. If you observe this, your dog likely suffers from eczema.
Eczema is a skin condition wherein irritation or inflammation of the skin occurs due to constant scratching. There are various reasons why eczema develops in dogs. Its diet or environment are some of the causes of this skin condition. However, you don’t need to panic. You can treat Eczema at your home.
Do you know that coconut oil can treat eczema in dogs?
Coconut oil isn’t just budget-friendly. This versatile oil can be used for almost everything. The remarkable thing about it is that it’s known to be helpful to animals – including your dog.
Coconut oil for dog eczema is a cost-effective treatment for your dog’s discomfort. You don’t need to spend on chemical-based products that may have side effects. It has an anti-inflammatory property that aids in minimizing the irritation and flaking of the skin. By nature, coconut oil gives a moisturizing effect on the skin. If treated regularly, the scaly spots will be rejuvenated, making the dog’s skin healthy and glowing.
Using coconut oil for dog eczema is just a piece of cake. Scoop ample coconut oil and rub it on the affected area of the dog’s skin. You might observe that your dog may be licking the coconut oil off its skin. But, don’t be alarmed by this. Coconut oil is safe to be taken orally. Do this method twice daily for optimal results.
As a note of advice, use an organic, cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil. And it’s always better to consult your holistic vet for your dog’s concerns.