Can I use human coconut oil on my dog?

Over the past ten years, human beings have adopted coconut oil as a health trend. Now, its getting into the pet industry as well. Due to its numerous health advantages, coconut oil works wonders on dogs’ skin issues (1, 2). We will discuss a number of issues and questions regarding coconut oil for dogs in this article, including, but not limited to:

So let’s look more closely at how to treat skin issues in dogs with coconut oil.

How Do I Use Coconut Oils for My Dog?

If you intend to give coconut oil to your dog orally, you must begin with a small dose and gradually increase the dosage. You should consult with your veterinarian regarding dosage. There may be adverse reactions, like greasy stools or diarrhea, which typically occur when the dosage is too high.

Apply coconut oil topically once a week to the skin and allow it to absorb for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, rinse your dog off. You can follow up with a light shampoo and rinse if he still feels overly oily or greasy. Alternatively, use a shampoo made with organic coconut oil.

Again, consult your veterinarian. Use coconut oil topically or in very small doses if your dog tends to gain weight, has pancreatitis, or has an inefficient fat metabolism.

Add Coconut Oil to Meals and Treats

After consulting with your pet’s veterinarian, you can think about incorporating coconut oil into their meals to help their thyroid activity return to normal. This can help sedentary dogs feel more energized and help overweight dogs lose weight. Additionally, studies have shown that coconut oil can enhance nutrient absorption, assist in the treatment of digestive conditions like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis, and lessen body-wide inflammation. However, due to its high levels of saturated fat, it should only be consumed in moderation.

For smaller dogs, start with no more than a 1/4 teaspoon; larger breeds can handle up to one tablespoon. Check to make sure your pet doesn’t already have a weight problem or belongs to a breed that is susceptible to pancreatitis, as improper use of coconut oil’s high saturated fat content can result in weight gain. The ASPCA claims that, if consumed in moderation, coconut and products derived from coconut may not seriously harm dogs. However, the oils found in the flesh and milk of fresh coconuts have been known to cause diarrhea, loose stools, and upset stomachs. Thus, coconut oil should be used with caution.

Before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet, including treats, be sure to consult your veterinarian. If a vet who examined your dog gives the all-clear, you might think about using coconut oil occasionally. A tasty treat for Rover may, in some ways, also benefit his health when combined with health-promoting, anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric.

Just make sure the coconut oil you select is virgin, organic, and cold-pressed, and stop giving it to your dog as soon as you notice any symptoms of stomach distress, such as diarrhea or allergic reactions. Due to their higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than coconut oil, substitutes like salmon oil and flaxseed oil can provide some of the same advantages if your dog does appear to be allergic to coconut oil.

However, because it contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), coconut oil will be quickly absorbed into the GI tract and transported directly to the liver, where it will be metabolized. MCFAs may help reduce the size of fat depots and possibly prevent weight gain, according to some studies conducted on humans and rodents. They also provide extra energy.

Coconut Oil Reduces Skin Inflammation

Coconut oil was discovered to have anti-inflammatory properties, and even help with the pain associated with some skin conditions, which are the cause of a number of dog skin conditions (28)

In another study of different oils (coconut, sunflower, olive oil), scientists found that only coconut oil was effective at improving levels of antioxidants and preventing oxidative stress, which then eased inflammation (29, 30).

Finally, coconut oil was also shown to fight skin fungi like candida, prevent hair damage and help protect the skin from UV rays by up to 20% (31, 32, 33, 34, 35).

FAQ

What kind of coconut oil can I give to my dog?

The best coconut oil for your dog is virgin coconut oil, not refined coconut oil. Be mindful that every oil has a different flavor and smell when giving it to your dog. Not all coconut oils smell the same.

What happens if you rub coconut oil on your dog?

Coconut oil can moisturize the skin on your dog and stop flaking. If applied lightly, it also aids in reviving a dog’s coat. Simply apply a very small amount to your hands, pat the coat gently, run your fingers through the fur, and massage some down onto the skin to use it topically.

Does coconut oil relieve itchy skin on dogs?

Benefits for the skin when applied topically include relief from itchy, dry skin, bites, stings, and hot spots. Organic oil-based shampoos, like coconut oil, can repair damaged skin and lessen allergens. Even some DIY paw balms made by pet owners include coconut oil as one of the ingredients.

What can I put on my dog to relieve itching coconut oil?

Coconut oil can be applied topically to treat skin conditions like hot spots, insect bites, or dry, itchy skin. Once a week, apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin and allow it to absorb for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping away any extra.