How long to leave coconut oil on dogs skin
Do I Have To Rinse Coconut Oil Off My Dog? 5 Answers
Coconut oil has majestic powers that can heal your dogs skin.
It can also aid in your dogs shedding problem.
Now, using it topically is easy
But theres one question that many seem to ask
When you use it, do you have to rinse the coconut oil off your dog?
Continue reading to discover:
- If you can leave coconut oil on your dog overnight.
- What can happen if you leave coconut oil on your dog.
- Whats the best coconut oil to use on your dog (and where to buy it).
- And many more
Do I have to rinse coconut oil off my dog?
You have to rinse coconut oil off your dog. If you dont, itll make your dog greasy, and they become more prone to getting dirty. It can also clog their pores. So, you must rinse it after letting the oil sit for 5 minutes. You can also use shampoo with organic coconut oil for even better results.
What happens if I leave coconut oil on my dog?
If you leave coconut oil on your dog, the grease might make them dirty.
Thats because coconut oil is a substance filled with moisture.
According to research, its moisturizing properties help aid humans with xerosis. Its a condition where youll experience chronic dryness of the skin.
And although focused on humans, vets assure dog parents that it has the same effects on canines.
Coconut oil is also used as a home remedy for a dogs shedding problem.
However, the amount of moisture it has can be a real culprit in making your dog greasy
Then, that greasiness makes your dog sticky.
So, if your pooch wanders around with coconut oil in their coat
Uh-oh
You can expect dirt to stick to them easily.
Afraid that your dog might try to lick the oil off?
Sometimes, dog parents ask if they need to rinse the oil off because of this:
Some are worried about what will happen if their dog tries to lick the oil off.
What will indeed be the consequence for such?
The answer is
None!
Let me assure you that coconut oil is edible for dogs.
In fact, vets from PetMD say that giving it to your pooch can help improve their digestion.
Thats why you can add coconut oil to your dogs food once or twice a day. Heres exactly how much:
| Size of the dog | Daily coconut oil intake |
| Small | 1/4 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon daily0.04 oz (1 mL) to 0.17 oz (5 mL) |
| Large | 1 tablespoon0.5 oz (15 mL) |
With that, you wont have to worry about poisoning if they lick it from their coat.
However, this still doesnt mean that you can leave the oil and not rinse it.
Thats because
Oiliness might lead to dandruff
In dogs, theres this condition called seborrheic dermatitis.
According to VCA Hospitals, its a skin disorder where the skin produces too much sebum.
Whats that?
Its just another word for oil.
Now, your dog wont develop that condition when you dont rinse off the oil in them. Thats because this condition manifests on its own.
So, I present this disorder as it leads to the same consequence
Not rinsing your dog after putting coconut oil in them can lead to them getting dandruff.
With that, instead of the oil making their coat and skin healthy
Oh, no
The opposite happens, and your dog develops a skin problem.
Moreover, those issues cause your dog to constantly scratch and bite themselves. With that, more harm is done to your canines skin.
Continue reading: Does Coconut Oil Really Help With Dog Shedding? The Truth
How long can I leave coconut oil on my dog?
You can leave coconut oil in your dog for no more than 5 minutes.
To elaborate, lets first go a few steps back
Let me start by discussing how to apply it to your pooch.
Now, begin by rubbing a reasonable amount, at least a teaspoon, of coconut oil onto your hands.
Then, lightly dab your dogs coat with oil and run your fingers through their fur.
Once youve covered enough area, massage the leftover oil on their skin.
After that, the waiting begins
And while you do, dont distress about your pooch trying to lick it off. As I said, coconut oil is edible for dogs.
When the 5-minute mark hits, its time to rinse your pooch.
In doing so, you can clean them with just water.
However, if they still feel greasy, following up with a light shampoo wont be a problem.
Moreover, itll be better if the shampoo you use is made with organic coconut oil.
Can I leave coconut oil on my dog overnight?
You can leave coconut oil on your dog overnight, but its advised not to. You still must rinse the oil off the next day if you do.
First of all, its a good habit to put coconut oil on your dogs coat.
Now, some dog parents practice leaving it on their dogs overnight.
But let me tell you, doing so is only fine when you rinse it off your pooch the next day.
How so?
Sure, it has many benefits. Overall, coconut oil can promote healthy skin on your pooch
However, not practicing moderation can take those benefits away.
So, say you let your dog be with coconut oil on their coat. They went to sleep covered in this majestic grease
Then, you reapply this oil to them before their bedtime. And you keep doing so on a daily basis.
With that, theyre going to be greasy all the time. Theyll stick more dirt to their fur and will stain your furniture.
But most of all, coconut oil might accumulate on your dogs coat.
That poses the biggest risk here.
How?
Such can get your canines pores clogged up with the oil. Moreover, this is highly possible for dogs who have sensitive skin.
Now, when that happens, many harmful skin conditions might follow.
So, avoid leaving coconut oil in your dog overnight. And again, if you do, rinse it immediately in the morning.
How to remove coconut oil from dog fur?
To remove coconut oil from dog fur, you must rinse them.
Water alone can do the job done. And while rinsing them, you can massage your pups fur.
If you feel that theyre still too greasy, you can use a small amount of light shampoo.
As I said, for better results, you can use a dog shampoo with organic coconut oil.
Bonus: Where to buy coconut oil for my dog?
You can buy coconut oil for your dog in numerous grocery stores.
In purchasing one, you dont have to worry about finding something that says for dogs.
Anything organic and chemical-free will do.
But, do you want the finest one for your canine?
Then, you must purchase virgin coconut oil (VCO) for your dog.
Its the best kind that you can use.
Why?
Thats because its the least processed of all kinds of coconut oil. Then, its also the most-studied type
With that, many benefits of coconut oil are mostly based on VCO.
Take it from this research:
Its conclusion tells us that VCO is abundant in this substance called antioxidants.
That substance helps to slow or stop the damaging of cells.
Such a property can contribute to your dogs journey to a fuller coat and healthier skin.
So, heres a recommendation for a tub or organic virgin coconut oil.
Coconut Oil for Dogs
Coconut oil has become quite the craze in recent years as a popular supplement for people, touted for a wide variety of possible benefits. Coconut oil can be consumed orally, directly placed on food, applied to the skin topically, or contained in supplement form.
But is it also OK to give coconut oil to dogs?
While in very small amounts coconut oil is not likely to cause an issue for your dog, regular use in dogs is not recommended.
Key Takeaways
- Regular use of coconut oil in dogs is not recommended.
- Always consult with a veterinarian before adding coconut oil to your dogs routine.
- While coconut oil offers potential benefits for dogs, it also poses risks such as stomach upset, pancreatitis, and allergic reactions.
What Is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil comes from the white flesh of the coconut fruit, part of the coconut palm tree. This oil is extracted and is categorized into two typesrefined coconut oil and unrefined coconut oil.
Unrefined coconut oil, sometimes called virgin coconut oil, is minimally processed and retains its flavor; the meat of the coconut is pressed to produce the oil. Refined coconut oil has only a mild flavor but can be used at high temperatures, such as when used for cooking. These oils are then made into preparations for the skin or for oral ingestion.
Is Coconut Oil Safe for Dogs?
In small quantities, coconut oil can be given to dogs for a variety of reasons, but mainly for its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) as a source of saturated fat, also known as the good fat.
MCTs are also found in dairy products and palm oil. Coconut oil should be given under the guidance of your veterinarian and gradually introduced into your pups diet. Too much too fast can cause significant stomach upset, and a little bit goes a long way. As with any food, watch for signs of an allergic reaction such as hives or itchy skin.
Coconut oil can be given to dogs in pure form, added to the food or as an oral supplement. It can also be made into a topical preparation for skin issues.
Cold water fish oils provide an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Their propensity to cause stomach upset in dogs is also a lot lower than that of coconut oil.
Can You Use Coconut Oil for a Dogs Skin?
Veterinarians typically do not recommend using coconut oil for your dogs skin because the risk often outweighs the benefits.
Coconut oil is often used to hydrate a dogs skin, reduce inflammation, and provide both antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, this remains anecdotal in dogs.
While there are studies in people, there is no scientific evidence supporting the benefits of coconut oil for use on dog skin.
Applying anything to a dogs skin should be done with caution, as dogs tend to lick themselves often and will ingest the substances.
While coconut oil can be ingested, if too much is ingested or its in a form that is not meant to be ingested, significant stomach upset and pancreatitis will develop. Coconut oil applied to the skin can also cause an allergic reaction, making any current skin condition or itching worse.
Can You Use Coconut Oil for a Constipated Dog?
Coconut oil is not helpful for dogs with constipation, as large quantities ingested will cause painful stomach upset and pancreatitis. Even in small quantities, this painful condition can still occur, along with a possible allergic reaction.
In humans, coconut oil is used because MCTs are more easily digested than long-chain fatty acids (LCTs) to help with conditions that cause decreased absorption or maldigestion of fats. Coconut oil is rapidly absorbed by the intestinal tract; therefore, it will not be effective as a laxative in constipated dogs.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs
Some possible benefits of using coconut oil in dogs are extrapolated from its successful use in humans. They are:
Rich in fatty acids (MCTs)
Lowers cholesterol
Reduces inflammation
Exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties
Acts as an antioxidant
Aids digestion
Supports heart and brain function
Assists with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by reducing gut inflammation
Aids cognitive function
Decreases seizure activity in epileptic dogs
Claims of use in dogs that lack credible studies, even in people, include:
Risks of Coconut Oil for Dogs
Using coconut oil on dogs, whether through ingestion or topical use, carries the following risks to their health:
While coconut oil offers potential benefits for dogs, including skin health, digestion support, and support for other organ functions, it also poses risks such as stomach upset, pancreatitis, and allergic reactions.
Always consult with a veterinarian before adding coconut oil to your dogs routine, to ensure its appropriateness for their individual health needs.
WRITTEN BY
Barri J. Morrison, DVMVeterinarian
Barri Morrison was born and raised and currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She went to University of Florida for her...
