You can let your dog lick the coconut oil straight off of your spoon – some dogs love the taste! If he isn't too fond of the taste, you can always mix the oil into his food. When shopping for coconut oil make sure to look for unrefined or virgin coconut oil.
Coconut oil is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts or have applied to their skin or fur.
It's safe to feed your dog coconut oil. But some potential reactions or digestive problems can occur. If you give your dog too much coconut oil, they can get diarrhea. Your veterinarian will let you know a healthy amount to give your dog.
Topical Benefits – It's been known to help skin conditions like hot spots, bites, stings, or itchy, dry skin. Shampoos made with organic oils such as coconut oil can improve damaged skin and reduce allergens. Some pet owners have even made a DIY paw balm with coconut oil as one of the ingredients.
Most dogs don't mind the taste of coconut oil and will eat it happily. If your dog is more picky, you can try adding coconut meat, coconut milk or coconut water to his meals.
If you find that your pup's paws are dry or cracked, you can use coconut oil to help soothe and heal them. Make sure to rub the coconut oil thoroughly into your dog's paws, or your dog will mistake this treatment for a snack and lick off all of the oil!
There is one basic theory that explains the health benefits in dogs. Coconut oil contains a fatty-acid called lauric acid which is converted to monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin is antibacterial and antiviral. It may have antifungal and antiinflammatory properties, too.
Coconut oil can improve many skin conditions including itchiness and dryness. It also can reduce allergic reactions. You can apply coconut oil directly to your dog's coat, dry, cracked pads, cuts and sores.
Sugar-Free Plain Yogurt. Feeding your itchy dog plain, unsweetened yogurt may offer many health benefits. Some yeast infections and skin irritation can stem from your dog's digestive system. This remedy is good for dogs who have certain types of rashes, hives, or allergies.
Because of the oily properties of coconut oil baths, you will want to wash and rinse the coconut oil off your pup after it has had time to soak in a bit. This may make for a longer bathing session. If your dog is bored or upset about this, offer him treats.
Studies show that virgin coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help heal injuries in the digestive tract and prevent chronic inflammation. Coconut oil is especially effective at healing injuries in the mucosal lining of your pet's intestine that can lead to leaky gut syndrome.
It repels and kills fleas and ticks on contact – eliminating harmful side effects. Since therapeutic coconut oil is non-toxic, free of chemicals and soothing to your pet's skin, it's the perfect solution to the pest problem.
Dogs Keep Itching Due to Bacterial and Fungal Skin Infections. Dogs who keep itching but don't have fleas or mites are more likely to have a skin infection. These infections may be bacterial or might be fungal. Yeast infections may also be a culprit for some itching in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs? Although cooked eggs can be a nutritious treat for your dog, raw eggs are dangerous. As with humans, raw eggs can expose dogs to harmful salmonella, which can then spread back to their pet parents (especially those with a compromised immune system).
Acetic acid is antifungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. When you use white vinegar for your dog's itchy skin, it clears bacteria from skin infections. White vinegar also helps other conditions like acne, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and yeast.
Quercetin: A Natural Antihistamine For Dogs
Are you looking for a natural anti-histamine for dog allergies? Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that acts as an antihistamine for dogs and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Many veterinarians suggest Benadryl or Apoquel for allergies in dogs.
Coconut oil for allergies in dogs is an effective way to help dogs with skin allergies and infections. Many veterinarians, including holistic veterinarians, recommend this type of essential oil to help treat a wide range of skin ailments.
Vinegar Rinse
Vinegar, in particular apple cider vinegar, has long been used for first aid. Vinegar has been used to treat minor dog wounds because not only does it have the ability to disinfect the area, and wash away unwanted fur and debris, it also has a soothing effect on the dog's coat.
Coconut oil has traditionally been used as a medicinal agent for cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, dry skin, and psoriasis and is used as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent for the treatment of dermal infections.
When you think of pets dedicated to self-grooming, dogs might not be the first animals that come to mind. However, dogs regularly lick their legs, paws, and tail to remove debris. This is a normal, healthy behavior and sign your furry friend wants to be clean (even if their antics suggest otherwise during bathtime!).
Making coconut oil and fruit dog treats can easily be done by combining a ratio of 2:1 coconut oil to fruit. You can further boost it by adding ingredients such as rooibos tea, honey or kefir. Watch the portions that your dog needs (1/2 teaspoon for every 10 pounds to start off with) and feed it every few days.
An apple cider vinegar bath can help get rid of the mange mites. Mix ½ cup of apple cider vinegar with ½ cup of Borax and warm water. Be sure the Borax is fully dissolved before sponging the mixture on your dog's skin and coat.
Unlike olive oil, coconut oil doesn't contain a high amount of omega fatty acids. While it does have some, it isn't enough for your dog to access as many of the benefits as other oils can. Coconut oil also isn't as easily digested and processed, which may render the few fatty acids that get through less helpful.