Can I put coconut oil directly on my dog s skin

Coconut Oil for Dogs: Is it Really Good for Them?

Coconut oil has become a popular supplement for people. In humans, some evidence suggests that consuming coconut oil in limited amounts may offer possible benefits, including boosting the immune system, aiding in weight loss, acting as an anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent, and improving cognitive skills in patients with Alzheimers disease. Today, many experts debate how helpful eating coconut oil may actually be for people.

But pet owners are asking can coconut oil be beneficial to dogs? The answer is maybe. But that doesnt mean you should immediately feed your pet coconut oil or apply it to their skin. Heres what you need to know about coconut oil and dogs.

Science Behind Coconut Oil

Coconut oil comes from the meat of coconuts harvested from the coconut palm tree. Coconut oil consists of at least 90% saturated fats, most of which are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Besides coconut oil, MCTs are often found in palmer kernel oil, butter, yogurt, milk, and cheese.

What are MCTs? MCTs are fatty acids that can be considered good fat. When consumed in moderation, MCTS can provide several benefits, including reducing skin inflammation. MCTs also metabolize quickly and provide an immediate source of energy. MCTs in coconut oil may help battle fungi and infection, support brain health, and lower cholesterol.

Can Dogs Have Coconut Oil? Pros and Cons

Can dogs eat coconut oil? Its possible consuming some coconut oil may offer internal benefits for dogs. The main MCT in coconut oil is lauric acid. Lauric acid has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Coconut oil also has amounts of capric and caprylic acids, which are known for their antifungal effects. The oil also has both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated (fatty acids that support brain health and help lower cholesterol). Some research indicates that coconut oil may be helpful in aiding canine digestion, improving brain activity and mental function, and assisting with weight loss.

But is coconut oil good for dogs? These benefits dont mean you should go out and feed your dog coconut oil without veterinary approval. There hasnt been extensive research proving that coconut oil will definitively aid in many aspects of canine health. Vets may also debate how widely applicable (or relevant) these studies results are. Furthermore, feeding your dog coconut may work against some of the same conditions coconut oil is said to cure. For example, instead of helping with digestion, the fats in coconut oil can cause upset stomachs or diarrhea in dogs.

Additionally, coconut oil doesnt meet your dogs daily fat requirements. The acids in MCTs dont have enough omega-6 and omega-3 acids, and what it does contain isnt processed very efficiently. As for claims that MCTs protect against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while the lauric acid in MCTs does kill germs in lab tests, there is no clear evidence that it can be used in sufficient quantities to offer dogs much protection.

When Applied Topically

You may be asking, Can I put coconut oil on my dog? In fact, applying coconut oil to your dogs skin may be helpful. Coconut oil can help soothe irritated areas like hot spots or restore moisture to itchy, dry skin. If your pet has dry, cracked paws, try a DIY paw balm with coconut oil as one of the ingredients.

To add some shine to your dogs coat, try using shampoos formulated for dogs that include coconut oil as an ingredient. A moisturizing dog shampoo containing coconut oil is ideal for hydrating dry fur, while a dog conditioner with coconut oil will help soften the hair.

Can I Use Coconut Oil as a Topical Antifungal Treatment?

If you think your dog may have a fungal issue, talk to your vet immediately and follow their recommended course of treatment. While coconut oil does have antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is unclear how well this translates to canine skin disease, Dr. Linda Simon says. The vets treatment will depend on the species of fungus causing infection, how serious or widespread the infection is, and the age and health of the dog, notes Dr. Jamie Whittenburg. She explains that most mild to moderate fungal infections can be treated topically with a combination of shampoos and creams.

If your dog has a musty smell or greasy skin (resulting from an overgrowth of yeast), your vet may recommend using a medicated wash. For severe or widespread fungal infections, especially in dogs with immune system dysfunction, your vet may prescribe oral medications. These medications can cause liver issues, so serial blood work should be performed to monitor the pets health, Dr. Whittenburg adds.

Your vet may recommend coconut oil as part of a skin supplement regime to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce itchiness or dry skin, according to Dr. Simon. Dr. Whittenburg adds, In most cases, theres no harm in utilizing topical coconut oil on a dog. However, it is messy, can clog pores, and may cause the dog to lick the affected area more, leading to increased pain, inflammation, and infection.

How Can I Safely Give Coconut Oil to My Dog?

Before applying coconut oil topically or giving your dog some to eat, discuss these options with your vet. If they approve of you giving coconut oil to your pet, choose unrefined coconut oil, also called virgin coconut oil. Better yet, look for cold-pressed oil, which uses a method to preserve nutrients.

If youre feeding it to your dog, be aware that oils have different smells and tastes. Some have a bold coconut taste, while others are bland. Some are buttery and smooth, while others are nutty. You may have to experiment a bit to find one your dog likes. Alternatively, your vet may recommend trying coconut oil skin and coat supplements designed specifically for dogs.

If you do put a small amount of coconut oil on your dog and they lick it off, that likely wont cause much harm. But feeding it to them can definitely lead to both weight gain and gastrointestinal disturbances, Dr. Whittenburg says. Dr. Simon agrees, explaining that long-term feeding of coconut oil can lead to obesity in dogs and even trigger pancreatitis (a potentially life-threatening condition caused by inflammation of the pancreas). In the short term, your dog may experience greasy stool or diarrhea.

To use coconut oil topically, apply it to the skin about once a week, and let it be absorbed for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, rinse your dog off. If they still feel greasy or oily to the touch, you can follow up with a light shampoo and rinse.

Because of the potential risks associated with the topical or internal use of coconut oil, Dr. Whittenburg doesnt recommend that dog owners select products specifically for their coconut oil content. In the case of hardened noses or paw pads, for example, using soothing products made with coconut oil can help soften.

Can I Put Coconut Oil on My Dogs Fur?

Coconut oil has become quite the craze. People eat it, use it to cook with, and even apply it topically, but is it safe for your dog? The short answer is YES. Coconut oil is not only safe for your dog to ingest and safe for you to apply topically for your dog, but it has also has some proven health benefits when used properly.

When applied topically, or on top of your dogs fur or skin, coconut oil can be used for treatment of dog's dry skin, hot spots, dry paws, dry nose, and damaged skin. Other benefits include a decrease in offensive dog odor, shinier and healthier coat, as well as serving as antifungal cream. Coconut oil can not only be applied directly to your dogs skin, fur, nose, or paws, but it can be used within a shampoo or conditioning treatment.

When considering the use of coconut oil for your dog, it is important to understand the uses, the frequency, the proper application and/or removal process, and the potential complications from coconut oil application or use. Here's what you must know.

Uses of Coconut Oil on a Dog's Fur

Coconut oil has the following uses when applied to a dogs coat or skin:

• Clears up eczema
• Aids flea allergies, contact dermatitis and itchy skin
• Minimizes doggy odor
• Reduces allergic reactions
• Creates sleek and glossy coats
• Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections
• When applied topically coconut oil promotes wound healing
• Also can help with hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings

When applied to your dogs nose or paws, coconut oil can help repair damaged skin. Some dogs suffer from dry nose, a condition where their nose becomes dry and causes the skin to crack or peel. Paws may also become dry and cracked, especially in winter and summer; coconut oil helps moisturize the skin and help it return to its soft, natural feel.

Frequency of Coconut Oil Use in Dogs

Talk to your veterinarian about why you want to use coconut oil on your dog so that they can help you establish the best frequency of application and use. When using a product that contains coconut oil, follow the instructions for application and frequency of use.

It's generally recommended using coconut oil on your dogs fur, skin or coat once a week, but depending on the reason why you are using the coconut oil you might want to increase or decrease the frequency of application. When treating dry spots it can be more beneficial to apply daily, or every other day; however, you may only need to use it when your dog has a flair up if you are using it for the treatment of hot spots.

Application and Removal

There are a few different ways to apply and remove coconut oil to your dog including:

• Apply the oil to your dog, then leave it on
• Apply the oil to your dog, then wipe it off
• Apply the oil to your dog, then rinse or shampoo it off

To properly apply coconut oil to your dogs coat or skin, it's generally suggested to use it topically by simply rubbing 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.

One suggested application and removal method includes applying the coconut oil to your dog and allowing the oil to stay on the area for a minimum of five minutes, then gently wipe the area clean with a cloth. This method would help reduce the chance that the coconut oil could transfer from your dog to areas that your dog comes in contact with, such as furniture or flooring.

Another suggested application and removal method is to apply the oil to your dog and allow it to stay on for a minimum of five minutes, followed by rinsing the area and shampooing if necessary. This method of application and removal would take the longest amount of time; however, it would ensure that the oil does not transfer from the dog to other areas of your home.

If you are applying coconut oil to your dogs nose to help treat dry nose, make sure that you use just a small amount, like when you apply lip balm to your lips. Do not ever block your dogs nasal passage. If their nasal passage becomes blocked they may have trouble breathing and could potentially inhale the oil.

In addition to using coconut oil straight from the jar, many dog products have coconut oil added to them. If you are weary of trying coconut oil, start with a dog product that contains coconut oil, such as dog shampoo, skin moisturizer, or nose and paw balm.

Potential Complications

Some dogs may be allergic to coconut oil so it is important to monitor your dog after you have applied coconut oil to them. If their skin becomes inflamed, irritated, itchy, or red you should stop the use of coconut oil immediately. Usually this type of allergic reaction will clear up on its own once the coconut oil has been removed and usage has been stopped.

As previously mentioned, coconut oil is safe for your dog to ingest and many people find that it has great benefits when added to their dogs food. If your dog ingests a small amount of coconut oil they should be ok; however, if larger amounts are consumed they may have diarrhea. If you are interested in the benefits of feeding coconut oil to your dog, check out this article.

All in all, coconut oil has a variety of uses, is easy to apply, and can be very beneficial to your dogs overall health. You can try coconut oil in a variety of dog products as well as use it straight from the jar. If you have more questions on whether or not you should use of coconut oil you should consult your veterinarian so that they can better guide you.

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