How To Use Coconut Oil For Dog’s Skin Problems
Coconut oil can be given to dogs orally or applied topically onto a dog’s fur and skin.
Coconut oil for dog’s coat and fur: Including coconut oil in your dogs diet can improve their health in general but for the best results regarding skin and coat health, coconut oil should also be used topically.
Is Coconut Oil Ok For Dogs
The very short answer is yes, its perfectly safe for dogs to have coconut oil.
The longer answer is that it actually has a number of benefits that can help your dog. Many veterinarians are now recommending coconut oil for dogs with low energy, skin issues, problems with their fur, and digestion ailments. Theres also some research that suggests it may improve cognitive function, which means that it could be extremely helpful for senior dogs as well.
Coconut oil is made up of fatty acids, and most of the acids are Medium-Chain Triglycerides or MCTs. MCTs are sometimes known as miracle fatty acids because theyre different from most fatty acids because they are turned into energy almost immediately.
One of the most important acids in the MCTs in coconut oil is Lauric Acid. Lauric acid is also present in mothers milk. Its extremely high in nutrients and anti-bacterial properties. Its one of the factors in building a strong immune system.
How To Use Coconut Oil On Dogs
Coconut oil is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts or have applied to their skin or fur.
When it comes to selecting a brand, virgin coconut oil is best, as most of coconut oils benefits have been observed with this type.
According to some sources, coconut oil can generally be given to dogs one to two times a day with meals.
The amount you give your dog will depend on its size. If your dog is overweight or has obesity, dont give it coconut oil more than once a day.
Veterinarians stress the importance of starting slowly with coconut oil. This will allow you to monitor how your dog reacts to it.
Start by giving 1/4 teaspoon daily to small dogs or 1 tablespoon daily to big dogs and gradually increase the amount. If your dog tolerates it well after 2 weeks, increase the dose to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight.
Due to a lack of research, these recommendations are not established.
Dont feed your dog coconut oil alone. Instead, mix it in with your dogs regular food. This will keep its diet varied and nutrient dense.
All dogs being fed coconut oil should be monitored for weight gain, diarrhea, and other symptoms that may signify intolerance.
Keep in mind that studies havent revealed any benefits of using coconut oil in dog feed. On the other hand, using it on your dogs skin may improve certain skin conditions.
Summary
Coconut oil can be fed to dogs or applied to their skin. Start slowly and increase the amount you give your dog gradually.
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Can I Use Coconut Oil On My Dog
Coconut oil has a lot of health benefits for humans, so you might be wondering if its good for dogs, too. The short answer is yes! Coconut oil can be beneficial for your dog in many ways.
When applied to the skin, coconut oil can help heal wounds and hot spots, and it can also help relieve itchiness from dry skin or allergies. Coconut oil can also be used as a natural flea and tick repellent. Just rub a small amount into your dogs fur before going for a walk in areas where these pests are common.
If your dog suffers from dandruff or dry, brittle hair, regular applications of coconut oil can help improve the condition of his coat. And like humans, dogs can also benefit from coconut oils anti-inflammatory properties when taken internally.
Coconut Oil For Dogs: Is Coconut Oil Safe For Dogs
- Best Overall Coconut Oil for Dogs: Petsmont Organic Coconut Oil for DogsThis coconut oil for dogs possesses all the best qualities you would expect in a good pet supplement.
- Best Coconut Oil for Small Dogs: Raw Paws Organic Coconut Oil for DogsThe small size of this coconut oil for dogs makes it perfect for the dog owner that needs just enough for a tiny pet.
- Most Affordable Coconut Oil for Dogs: Zesty Paws Coconut Oil for DogsThis coconut oil for dogs is very affordable yet still as high quality and efficient as the rest on this list.
- Best Edible Coconut Oil for Dogs: CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut OilWith high lauric acid content and extremely dog-friendly flavor, this coconut oil for dogs supports overall wellness.
- Best Coconut Oil for Dogs With Skin Issues: SFH Super Omega 3 Fish Oil + Coconut OilThe omega-3 fats in this coconut oil for dogs make it ideal for reducing inflammation on a dogs skin.
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Add Coconut Oil To Meals And Treats
After consulting with your pets veterinarian, you can consider adding coconut oil to your pets meals as a way to restore balance to their thyroid activitymeaning it can help overweight dogs lose weight, and help sedentary dogs feel more energetic. Studies have also indicated that coconut oil can improve nutrient absorption, help counteract digestive disorders, like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis, and reduce overall inflammation in the body. However, it should be used in moderation, because of its high levels of saturated fat.
Start with no more than a 1/4 teaspoon for smaller dogslarger breeds may handle up to one tablespoon. Ensure that your pet doesnt already have a weight issue or is a breed thats prone to pancreatitis, because coconut oils high saturated fat content can cause weight gain when not used properly. According to the ASPCA, if consumed in small amounts, coconut and coconut-based products may not cause any serious harm to dogs. Oils contained in the flesh and milk of fresh coconuts, however, could cause stomach upset, loose stools, or diarrhea. Thus, coconut oil should be used with caution.
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Refined Vs Unrefined Coconut Oil
When you go to the grocery store to purchase coconut oil for your pup, you might see labels including organic,extra virgin, refined and unrefined. Does it matter which one you purchase for your pup? Virgin coconut oil is best as it will be the least processed option.
Both refined and unrefined coconut oil have identical nutrient profiles. The difference is that refined coconut oil will generally have a less intense scent and a higher smoke point due to the processing it goes through. This is more important if you are using coconut oil to cook with.
For your pup, youre better off with the unrefined stuff as it is less processed. That said, if your dog does eat refined coconut oil it will not do any harm.
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Coconut On Dogs Skin: Final Thoughts
As you can see coconut oil is a rising star in the skin and overall health of your dog. Coconut oil on dogs skin problems has been widely affective. Today we covered:
- The safety of coconut oil for dogs skin
- coconut oil for dogs itchy skin
- coconut oil for dogs skin allergies
And many other uses for coconut oil including their diet. Overall, this is a great supplement to include into your care and their lifestyle on a daily basis. If you do you’ll spend less time and money spent at the vet dealing with all kinds of skin problems. Your dog will be better for it as well.
Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here.
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Choosing The Right Coconut Oil
When it comes to coconut oil, not all oils are created equal. The difference is in the grade of the oil. Cooking-grade coconut oils, like those you’ll find on supermarket shelves, are used primarily for cooking. These cooking-grade oils are typically high in moisture and low in lauric acid the “super ingredient” responsible for coconut oil’s amazing health benefits. CocoTherapy coconut oil is different. CocoTherapy virgin coconut oil is a therapeutic-grade oil sourced from our USDA-certified organic family farm in the Philippines and made in our own facility. Our oil is high in lauric acid and has low moisture levels, which makes it very effective for managing allergies in your pet. So if you want a coconut oil that will help your pets health issues, choose a therapeutic-grade oil, such as CocoTherapy. But don’t just take our word for it, check out our reviews from happy veterinarians and customers explaining more about the benefits of CocoTherapy coconut oil, then head on over to our product pages to learn more about how to use coconut oil with your pet.
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Treatment Of Coconut Oil For Allergies In Dogs
Coconut oil can help treat a variety of ailments, and once your veterinarian has done a complete examination of your dog, he may advise you that coconut oil may be effective as an aid in the treatment of any condition he may have. Other medications may be needed to help treat your dog, but some methods using coconut oil may include:
Topical
Using coconut oil each day on your dogs skin and fur can treat a myriad of skin irritations and leave your dogs coat shiny and healthy. Be sure to follow your veterinarians recommendations of how much to apply and how often to apply it.
Dietary
For other conditions, such as stomach conditions or for bone health, your veterinarian may recommend that you place coconut oil within his food. Your medical professional will explain to you the benefits of this superfood and how much to add into his diet. He will also give you advice on how often to feed your dog coconut oil.
Worried about the cost of Coconut Oil For Allergies treatment?
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Can Coconut Oil Help With Dog Allergies
Although there have not been many clinical trials on the effects of coconut oil on dogs allergies, there are countless first-hand experiences from people whose dogs have benefited greatly.
Coconut oil can be used topically to help soothe your dogs skin when they are suffering from skin allergies.
Some dogs have allergic reactions to flea and tick bites, even with their preventative medicine. Preventative medicines usually kill fleas once they have bitten your dog. If your dog is allergic to flea bites, they may have a skin irritation caused by this. FAD can be treated with topical application of coconut oil to the affected areas.
Outdoor allergies can be caused by pollen, grass, and even things like poison ivy. If you notice any redness or bumps on your dogs skin after they come in from outside, you can apply coconut oil to the irritated skin. Coconut oil can also be given orally to help with seasonal allergies.
Allergies to household products like laundry detergent and cleaning products can also cause skin irritation. Topically treatment or oral ingestion can help with these issues.
Dogs get stung by bees more often than we realize. They usually chase them or think a bee is something to play with so often these stings are on their faces or in their mouths. Coconut oil when applied to a sting can alleviate symptoms of bee sting allergies like itching and swelling. If your dog is stung in the mouth, it may be better just to give them coconut oil as a treat.
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Can Dogs Eat Coconut Oil
Much like the use of avocado oil in AvoDerm® pet food products, coconut oil is made by extracting the meat and the milk from the coconut fruit. This process makes both avocado and coconut oils completely safe for dogs to eat in controlled amounts.
Like any change in a dogs diet, coconut oil should be added gradually to avoid negative reactions. Start with ¼ teaspoon a day for small dogs and puppies, or a full teaspoon for large dogs if they arent particularly sensitive. After letting their body adjust to a new food in their diet, you can increase the dosage to 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight.
How Much Coconut Oil Should I Rub On My Dog
There are a lot of benefits to using coconut oil on your dog, but how much should you use? It really depends on the size of your dog and the condition of their skin/coat.
For a small dog, you would only need to use 1/4 teaspoons per day. For a medium sized dog, 1 teaspoon per day would be sufficient. And for large dogs, up to 1 tablespoon per day can be used. If your dog has dry skin or a dull coat, you may need to increase the amount you use until their condition improves.
You can apply the coconut oil directly to their skin/coat or add it to their food. Start with smaller amounts and increase as needed.
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Natural Remedies For Dog Skin Allergies
Your dog is constantly itching, scratching, and biting, and you cant figure out how to solve their skin allergies. Youve tried changing their grooming routine, youve tried special shampoos, youve tried medications. But have you tried changing their diet? Dietary changes and supplements can be the most natural and easiest way to treat your dogs skin allergies, with just a few key ingredients able to improve the situation in as little as a few weeks.
Many veterinarians believe poor breeding practices and processed pet foods to be the cause of skin allergies, making a far greater impact than current environment and external factors . While you certainly cant go back and do anything about poor breeding practices , you can easily make changes to diet away from ingredients that inflame skin allergies, and towards those that provide relief. Here are a few natural solutions.
Coconut Oil For Dogs Itchy And Dry Skin: Moisturize Your Dog’s Skin
Healthy and hydrated skin is crucial to maintain, both in humans and dogs, to keep bacteria away from the body, because it acts as a strong barrier .
Several studies with humans and animals demonstrated how applying some coconut oil onto the skin will keep it better hydrated, ultimately making it not only look healthier and shinier but also maintaining its barrier strength.
One study, in particular, found significant improvements in skin hydration when applying coconut oil, and it was just as effective as some other well-known treatments .
Another study found how coconut oil used for dogs itchy skin fights the negative effects of eczema. Eczema is a skin condition that may cause itchiness, rashes, and scaly skin in dogs.
Applied coconut oil reduced all these factors, made the skin less dry, and effectively treated eczema .
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How Much Coconut Oil Should I Give My Dog
Coconut oil is generally safe for dogs, but should be introduced gradually into their diet. Too much too fast can upset their digestive system, and may cause discomfort, lethargy, or diarrhea. Therefore, its best to start with small amounts, gradually working up to the optimal amount. A little bit goes a long way. Note that your dogs weight will affect the proper dosage. Note that you should always check for signs of an allergic reaction when introducing a new food to your dogs diet.
Experts suggest that coconut oil can be given to dogs once or twice a day. According to PetMD, start with ¼ teaspoon daily for small dogs and go up to 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon daily for bigger dogs. Keep in mind that because of its high fat content, you shouldnt give coconut oil more than once a day to an obese or overweight dog. In general, any dog being fed coconut oil should be monitored for weight gain.
Topical Application Of Coconut Oil For Dogs
Coconut oil can add moisture to your dogs skin and prevent flaking. It also helps freshen up a dogs coat if used with a light touch. To use it topically, simply rub a very small amount onto your hands and then gently pat the coat, run your fingers through the fur, and massage a little down onto the skin. Since coconut oil can be given orally, you dont have to worry if dogs lick themselves after its been applied to their coats.
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Is Vinegar Safe For Dogs Skin
Many pet owners incorporate diluted apple cider or white vinegar into their dogs diet and bathing regimens because of its claimed ability to heal, clean, and neutralize odors. However, administering vinegar to your pet is not considered an ideal solution to any health ailments or cleaning needs your pet may have.
Will Bald Spots On Dogs Grow Back
The condition you are describing is focal alopecia which is a localized area of hair loss on a dog. Pyotraumatic dermatitis, also known as hot spots, can leave such a characteristic lesion after they heal. Due to damage to the hair follicles during active inflammation, the hair may or may not grow back well.
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