Is coconut oil good for dog hot spots

Should You Treat Your Dogs Hot Spots with Coconut Oil?

Hot spots are a relatively common ailment that afflicts many dogs. But, while hot spots are a relatively minor health issue, they can make your dog absolutely miserable, so youll want to treat them as quickly as possible.

There are a variety of different ways to do so, and many owners have begun using coconut oil to treat their dogs hot spots.

Well discuss hot spots and the use of coconut oil to treat them, as well as a few alternative hot-spot treatments below.

What Are Hot Spots?

The term hot spot refers to a condition that veterinarians call acute moist dermatitis.

Warm, damp and red, hot spots are usually surrounded by an area of hair loss, and they may exude pus or clear fluid. Sometimes, they appear crusty and they can grow remarkably quickly. Some may reach 5-inches in diameter over the course of mere hours.

But no matter how big or small they are, they are no fun for your floof.

Hot spots are caused by a combination of factors that are not entirely clear. They often occur following some type of wound, such as a flea bite, which causes your dog to begin biting and licking the area obsessively. This self-inflicted trauma irritates the skin and prevents it from healing.

However, bacteria also play an important role in the development of hot spots. The bacteria can be limited to the surface layers of the skin, or it can penetrate deeply into the skin layers and nearby hair follicles. Deeper bacterial involvement often causes satellite lesions to form, and more aggressive treatments are needed to treat such cases.

Traditional Treatment Regimen

The first thing youll need to do upon noticing your dog has an itchy, red spot is to visit your veterinarian.

While most cases are easy to treat, hot spots can occasionally prove resilient and recur time and time again. In either case, they are very distressing for your pooch, and youll want to help her heal as quickly as possible.

Your vet will begin by examining the area thoroughly. This may include shaving the surrounding area to help keep it clean and reveal the presence of any satellite lesions.

Hot spots are generally easy for vets to diagnose, but it can be difficult to determine the underlying cause of the problem. Skin scrapings may be collected to test for the presence of mites or other parasites.

Treating dog hot spots usually involves several different steps. The area must first be cleaned with gentle antiseptics to help dry out the wound, and then anti-inflammatory agents are administered to help stop your dog from itching. This will hopefully stop your dog from licking or biting the wound, which will allow it to heal.

Antibiotics (either topical or systemic) may be prescribed to help resolve any infections present (particularly if the bacteria present have penetrated deeply into your dogs tissues). Finally, your vet will try to work with you to determine the original cause of the wound, so that recurrences can be avoided.

Your vet may administer flea-preventing medications if the little bloodsuckers are thought to be the cause. It may also be necessary to fit your dog with an e-collar to prevent her from accessing the wound.

Some of the most common things that allow bacteria to colonize your dogs skin and cause hot spots include:

• Flea allergy
• Injuries
• Parasites
• Food allergies
• Contact dermatitis
• Anal sac disease
• The repeated licking of painful areas, such as those caused by arthritis
• Repetitive licking or biting due to boredom, stress, or anxiety
• Insect bites or stings

Note that dogs with thick coats or long fur are often more susceptible to hot spots than others are. Golden retrievers, for example, often suffer from hot spots, as do Saint Bernards, Rottweilers, Labrador retrievers and German shepherds.

Antibiotics Often Take Time to Work

Its important to understand that antibiotics prescribed for hot spots may need to be administered for quite some time to be effective.

It isnt uncommon for antibiotic courses to last two to four weeks in some cases.

Treating Your Dogs Hot Spots with Coconut Oil

Some dog owners prefer treating hot spots with natural-sounding solutions, rather than the typical anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications prescribed by vets.

You should always consult with your vet first before choosing to do so, but some owners have reported success following coconut-oil treatment regimens.

Owners typically treat hot spots with coconut oil by slathering a bit of the cream on their dogs hot spot. It is usually reapplied as necessary, and when it works, the lesions will begin healing within a few days.

Coconut oil (in low quantities) does not represent an ingestion hazard, so you dont need to worry about your dog licking it off some owners even administer coconut oil orally in an effort to help improve digestive function.

Generally speaking, coconut oil appears safe and rarely causes side effects aside from gastrointestinal irritation (although pancreatitis has been linked to consumption of large quantities).

However, there are a few problems with using coconut oil to treat hot spots.

While coconut oil is thought to help moisturize a dogs skin (it is also used by humans for similar purposes), but some vets dispute this contention.

Traditional hot spot treatment strategies seek to dry out the wound, rather than keep it moist. Hot spots, by their very nature, are already moist.

Coconut oil has constituent chemicals (lauric acid, in particular) that have been shown to exhibit some antibacterial properties. Lauric acid has been shown, for example, to kill Propionibacterium acnes (one of the bacteria responsible for human acne) in a test tube and Streptococcus mutans in living subjects.

Despite this, coconut oilis not the broad-spectrum agent that it is often characterized as.

There is a big difference in treating isolated bacterial strains and treating the broad range of bacteria present on your dogs skin and hot spots. Your dogs skin (like your own) is home to a menagerie of bacterial strains, which form a complex ecosystem.

Killing off a handful of bacteria may or may not be helpful in treating the condition. It is possible that you will kill off one of the bacterial species that is competing with the bacteria associated with your pets hot spot. This could theoretically worsen the condition.

In fact, very little research has been conducted on the use of coconut oil for pets most of what is thought to be known has been extrapolated from research performed on humans.

One study demonstrated that coconut oil soap was effective home remedy for treating mange, but there is no clinical research showing that topical coconut oil application has any meaningful benefit in the treatment of hot spots.

The takeaway? Consult your vet before using coconut oil to treat your dogs hot spots, but dont be shocked when your vet recommends a traditional regimen of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.

Alternative Hot Spot Treatments

There are a variety of other treatments some owners use to address their pets hot spots. While some may be effective for treating very mild cases, there isnt any research to validate these approaches.

Again, its generally a better idea to visit your veterinarian and follow the course of treatment recommended.

Some of the most common alternative treatment strategies include:

• Placing a steeped and cooled tea bag against the afflicted area several times per day.
• The application of a variety of herbs and plant extracts. Each proponent seems to recommend different ones, and some even advocate using potentially harmful extracts, such as those derived from poison ivy.
• Giving your dog an oatmeal bath.
• Applying a vaporizing rub to the area.

Giving your dog an oatmeal bath probably wont cause any problems, and the steeped tea bag treatment may not either, but be sure to use caution when attempting unproven treatment strategies to avoid visiting your vet.

Preventing Hot Spots on Your Dog

As with many other conditions, the best way to treat hot spots is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. And while it isnt possible to completely eliminate the possibility that they will occur, you can take several steps to reduce the likelihood of them forming.

Some of the most helpful steps include:

• Keep your dog clean by bathing her on a regular and appropriate schedule.
• Be sure to dry your dog thoroughly after swimming or taking a bath particularly during the warm and wet summer months, when hot spots are most common.
• Keep your dogs hair brushed and properly groomed to avoid the development of tangles and matts, which can trap bacteria and irritate your dogs skin.
• Use a preventative flea and tick treatment to keep your dog free of external parasites.
• Address any painful conditions from which your dog suffers promptly.
• Address any skin conditions, such as allergies or contact dermatitis, promptly.
• Ensure that your dog is sufficiently stimulated and receives enough exercise to prevent boredom- or stress-induced licking behaviors.

Additionally, it is imperative to treat hot spots as soon as possible to reduce the amount of irritation your dog experiences and to give your pup the best chance at a rapid recovery.

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Has your dog ever suffered from hot spots? How did you go about treating it? Was it as effective as you had hoped? Wed love to hear about your experiences including methods that worked and those that didnt in the comment section below!

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.