Coconut oil is an all-natural trend that pet parents are also exploring for their four-legged companions. And far from being an overnight craze or a fad, studies prove that 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.
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.
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 go straight to the liver where the coconut oil is processed into a utilizable energy.
Other than that, coconut oil can be beneficial in 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.
Coconut oil for dog skin can be applied 1 – 2 times a day 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. You should also carefully monitor your dog for any weight gain when receiving coconut oil.
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 is licking its coat after application.
A lot of studies say that coconut oil is beneficial to dogs. However, other canines may be sensitive and prone to allergic reactions. Adding an ample amount of coconut oil in 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.
Coconut oil for dog skin, when applied correctly, 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.
A lot of dogs suffer from skin allergies or atopy. This condition may result in open sores, scratching and absolute misery. Causes vary from a 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 give them relief. 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 on the aggravated area of the skin.
If dry hair or flakes bother your pooch, rubbing coconut oil onto his hair can help provide moisture for relieving 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.
When taken orally, coconut oil can help enhance your dog’s hair. When applied topically, it makes your dog’s coat glossy and dandruff free. Once again, your dog might probably 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. It’s recommended to apply coconut oil for about once a week 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.
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 on dogs. Its diet or its environment are some of the causes for this skin condition. However, you don’t need to panic. You can treat Eczema at your home.
Coconut oil isn’t just budget-friendly. This versatile oil can be used for almost about everything. The remarkable thing about it is it’s known to be helpful to animals – yes, 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 and further make the dog’s skin healthy and glowing.
Using coconut oil for dog eczema is just a piece of cake. Scoop an ample amount of 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.