What oils can I put on my dog s skin

4 Healthy Oils To Add To Your Dog's Diet

By Andrew Daniels

Just like you, your dog may not be getting all the necessary nutrition he needs from eating his regular diet. While standard dog food can certainly come packed with plenty of essential nutrients, you can supplement your dogs dietary regimen with certain healthy oilsjam packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acidsto promote optimum heath.

In this simple guide, well show you how to pick these natural oils for dogs, and offer best practices and feeding tips.

What are the healthiest oils for dogs?

Fish oil:Fish oil contains EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that help arthritis, and also has some anti-cancer effects, says Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA, MSFP, and executive director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation. Fish oil can also improve your dogs memory.

The primary reason I recommend fish-oil based omega-3 fatty aids is to yield a natural anti-inflammatory effect that can help reduce overall inflammation in the body and potentially decrease my patients reliance on medications aimed at reducing inflammation and pain, says Dr. Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ, and a certified veterinary acupuncturist with California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW).

Krill oil:While fish oil usually comes from fish higher on the food chain, like salmon, krill oil hails from tiny shrimp-like organisms that rank a little lower. This makes krill oil less likely to be contaminated with mercury, Dr. Scanlan says. It also contains EPA and DHA, and will help give your pet healthier joints and skin, in addition to other benefits.

All dogs are omnivores that lean towards the carnivorous side, so they best absorb non-vegetarian-based oils like fish and krill, explains Dr. Mahaney.

Coconut oil:Extra-virgin coconut oil has become a popular choice for humans because its a healthier alternative to more processed saturated and trans fats, and the same applies to dogs. Coconut oil has also been shown to help dogs lose weight, give them more energy, and offer relief to dry skin. Bonus: It will help improve your dogs bad breath!

Flaxseed oil:This oil is high in alpha linolenic omega-3s, which puts it in the same ballpark as wild fish when it comes to boosting heart health. Like many of the other healthy oils, flaxseed oil also helps with mobility for arthritic dogs, and can aid in blood pressure and kidney function.

How can I serve my dogs healthy oils?

Most oils come in either capsule form or free oil. But a jar of oil, once opened and exposed to the air, can become rancidso capsules are usually a better way to go, says Dr. Scanlan.

However, it could depend on your dogs taste preferences. Hearty-eating dogs may readily consume a capsule or allotted portion of liquid out of their food, says Dr. Mahaney. Most liquid oils mix best with moist food, but you can still pour them over dry food like kibble, he adds.

Capsules also tend to best be consumed out of moist food. Pets that are unwilling to consume the capsule may take it in liquid form if the capsule is pierced, squeezed, and mixed into the moist food or a soft treat, Dr. Mahaney says.

Do these oils have any negative effects for dogs?

Too much of any oil can cause weight gain, says Dr. Scanlan. A large dose of oil all at once can cause pancreatis in a susceptible individualespecially if they are fat, she adds.

Too much oil can also lead to a vitamin E deficiency if you dont properly supplement with some additional vitamin E.

Fish oil can prolong the time it takes blood to clot, so if your pet is going to have surgery, its best to stop the oil for at least five days before and five days after the operation, Dr. Scanlan says.

Whats the best way to tell quality when looking for these oils?

Companies that have the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal are required to show that their products have been tested in labs to have the right kind and amount of oil in each capsule, says Dr. Scanlan. Look for this seal.

How do I know if oils are right for my dog?

If your dog is consuming a commercially available pet food and is suffering from skin conditions (like skin flaking or a dull coat), inflammation diseases (such as arthritis and cancer), or organ system damage, then talk to your vet about potentially adding oils that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 nutrients to your dogs diet, says Dr. Mahaney.

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Natural Oils for Dogs That Can Help With Dog Skin Conditions

_{Image via iStock.com/CBCK-Christine}

By Deidre Grieves

Humans use a variety of natural oils to help with issues ranging from preventing heart disease to softening the skin. Certain oils can be beneficial for our four-legged friends, tooespecially for dog skin conditions.

Skin conditions in pets can be caused by any number of issues, says Dr. Katy Nelson, veterinarian at the BelleHaven Animal Medical Centre in Washington, DC, and host of "The Pet Show With Dr. Katy." These include allergies, external parasites, endocrine diseases (such as hypothyroidism), poor nutrition, bacterial, yeast or fungal infections, or even cancer.

If youd like to use a natural oil or oil supplement for your dogs skin condition, its important to consult a veterinarian to identify the type of oil-based treatment that will work best for your dogs particular problem.

There are many causes of skin conditions in dogs, and they often manifest in similar ways, says Dr. Janet Roark, owner of Hill Country Mobile Veterinary Service in Austin, Texas. So skin conditions should be evaluated by a veterinarian for a diagnosis.

Fish Oil for Dogs Provides Omega-3

If youre looking for safe oils for dogs that can be given orally instead of topically, fish oils are a good option and have a variety of benefits. High-quality fish oils contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) that are beneficial to skin health, says Dr. Angie Krause, a holistic veterinarian based in Boulder, Colorado.

Fish oils, as well as krill and squid oil, contain omega-3 fatty acids [DHA and EPA are both omega-3 fatty acids], adds Dr. Nelson, which can assist dogs with a variety of ailments due to their anti-inflammatory properties. These are found highly concentrated in cold water fishes, she says, and when used as a nutritional supplement, can have beneficial effects to the skin, joints, eyes, heart and gastrointestinal system. Omega-3 fatty acids also help maintain the barrier properties of the skin and prevent excessive water loss and drying.

If you are looking for a fish oil supplement for dogs, Dr. Roark suggests wild-caught salmon oil because its high in essential fatty acids (EFAs) [including omega-3 fatty acids]. There have been some studies showing the efficacy of EFA for early stages of atopic dermatitis, among other types of skin conditions, she says.

American Journey wild Alaskan salmon oil and Zesty Paws wild omega-3 fish oil plus Antarctic krill oil dog supplement are both dog supplementsthat are easy to add to your pups regular dog food. Talk to your veterinarian about recommended dosages if you plan on supplementing your dogs food with fish oil.

Plant-Based Oils With Omega-3

There are plant-based oils that are safe for dogs that provide omega-3 and offer a variety of benefits.

Canola, walnut and olive oils also contain omega-3s and can be used as a supplement under the guidance of a veterinary professional, says Dr. Nelson. However, the omega-3s found in plant-based oils are in the form of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). Dogs lack the enzyme necessary to convert ALA into a form that their bodies can utilize efficiently. Therefore, plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids are less effective in dogs in comparison to fish oil.

While fish oil may be more beneficial when supplementing your dogs diet, some plant-based products work well to soothe dog skin conditions when applied topically.

Dr. Krause explains that coconut oil is also a good option for keeping your dogs skin and coat in good shape. Topical application can be moisturizing and protective, she says. It also has some antifungal properties.

Look for dog-friendly coconut oil such as Zesty Paws organic extra virgin coconut oil or Petpost coconut oil for dogs, which can both be used topically or given in moderation with food.

Talk to Your Vet Before Using Essential Oils for Dogs

While there are essential oils that can benefit dog skin conditions, many veterinary experts stress the importance of working directly with a medical professional or looking for products that are already formulated specifically for dogs.

Studies have shown that the topical application of neem oil can help treat atopic dermatitis in dogs, and that dog-safe creams made with 10 percent tea-tree oil can improve pruritic dermatitis in dogs. Neem oil and tea tree oil are often found in dog shampoossuch as Ark Naturals neem "protect" dog and cat shampoo and in skin sprays for dogs, such as Richards Organics incredible skin spray for dogs.

Pet parents should be cautious, and never purchase essential oils from grocery stores or health food stores, says Dr. Roark, who uses diluted essential oils regularly in her practice.

Dr. Roark explains that when diluted or diffused, essential oils like lavender oil and cedarwood oil can promote healthy skin in dogs and also help to relieve anxiety. And Dr. Krause agrees that some diluted essential oils can be beneficial in certain circumstances. Topical use of some diluted essential oils may be very beneficial to prevent yeast and bacterial growth, she says.

But overall, pet parents should be extra careful if considering essential oils to treat dog skin conditions. When applied topically, these oils absorb quickly and can have powerful effects. If placed in an area where pets can lick them off, they can suffer problems such as oral irritation or gastrointestinal distress, says Dr. Nelson.

When applying oils topically, its important to take precautions, says Dr. Krause. She warns that pet parents should be extra careful if using tea tree oil, as it can be toxic to dogs if not properly diluted or administered.

Dr. Krause adds, Anything you apply to your pup will eventually be ingested unless you use an e-collar or something similar. Caution must be used to avoid excessive ingestion.

Dr. Nelson concludes, My best piece of advice when looking into using essential oils is to work closely with a holistic veterinarian who can knowledgeably guide you in the process.

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.