Dogs often need their diets supplemented with oils to keep them healthy. Fish oil is one of the better-known oils that can benefit your dog. But there’s another oil that you need to know about too.
Coconut oil is a wonderful supplement that helps dogs in a surprising number of ways. Considering all its benefits, it’s really quite amazing that the use of coconut oil isn’t more widespread in veterinary applications.
Before we gush any further, let’s be clear that we are talking about unprocessed, cold-pressed coconut oil. This is the only type that’s safe for our purposes. This type of coconut oil is available at almost all health food stores. We’ve also noticed it in many mainstream drug and grocery stores. (I get mine at Walgreens & have even seen it at Walmart!)
Multipurpose Mange Workhorse
We love it for treating mange because of it’s effectiveness inside and strength both inside and outside of a dog. We recommend it highly.
Internally: Add it to your pooch’s food bowl to battle internal yeast. Its powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties will support immune and overall health as well. Dogs adore the taste. So if your dog is a finicky eater or the immune supplements you sprinkle over his food turns him into one, coconut oil is going to become your new best friend. I’ve never met a dog that didn’t devour it.
Externally: This natural wonder does double duty because it is wonderful for several mange-related skin problems. Unprocessed coconut oil is the moisturizer of choice if your dog develops dry flaky skin. It’s antifungal power makes it a pretty mean weapon against surface yeast. And another neat thing is it is all natural, meaning it is perfectly safe when your dog licks it. (You know she will!) Just wait 2-3 hours after a Mite Avenge® treatment before rubbing it into problem areas.
Recommended dose:
Externally: Use whatever you need. Just dip the ends of your fingers into the jar and massage it into the skin. It absorbs nicely.
Internally: Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds of dog into food twice a day. Start with about 1/4 the recommended amount and build up to the full dose over the course of 3-4 weeks. Otherwise digestive upset or flu-like symptoms can become a problem.
Other uses
Because of its many health benefits there are plenty of other good reasons to give you fur friend coconut oil, It is renown for its propensity to reduce the risk of cancer. It can also elevate the metabolism, provide a higher level of energy and vitality, protect from illness, aid healing, improve skin and coat, improve digestion, and reduce allergic reactions.
This oil is so loaded with medium-chain triglycerides, lauric acid, Vitamin E, a host of deep moisturizing and healing properties as well as functioning as an anti-oxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial agent.
- Excellent for skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis and itchy skin
- Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings
- Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health
- Makes coats become sleek and glossy
- Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida
- Deodorizes doggy odor
- Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing
- Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
- Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
- Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
- Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing
- Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal agents that prevent infection and disease
- Prevents (and in many instances has apparently cured) parasitic infestations like Giardia
- Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function
- Helps prevent or control diabetes
- Helps reduce weight, increases energy
- Aids in arthritis or ligament problems
- Safe for dogs and cats
More benefits of coconut oil for dogs are being constantly discovered. Get some for your pet’s health and well-being.