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By Brianna Elliott
Coconut oil has become quite trendy in recent years.
Studies show that it has several impressive health benefits for humans.
Interestingly, many people also give coconut oil to their dogs or apply it to their dogs' fur.
While most studies on coconut oil have been conducted on humans, their results may be applicable to dogs as well.
This article explores the benefits and risks of using coconut oil on dogs.
Coconut Oil May Help Your Dog's Skin Issues
Using coconut oil to treat skin conditions is a common practice with well-known benefits. The positive effects are likely due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
One study found that coconut oil effectively hydrates the skin of people with xerosis, a condition characterized by dry and itchy skin (1).
This study was conducted on humans—not dogs. However, many dog owners and veterinarians claim that coconut oil can help treat dry skin and eczema in dogs when applied topically.
Bottom Line: Coconut oil may help treat skin conditions in humans and some people claim that it also helpful for the skin of dogs.
It Can Improve the Appearance of Your Dog's Fur
Coconut oil may improve the appearance of your dog's fur.
When applied to the skin, it can make hair shinier and less prone to damage.
This is because lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut oil, has a unique chemical makeup that allows it to easily penetrate hair shafts (2).
Other types of fat don't have this same ability, so using coconut oil may help keep your dog's coat healthy and beautiful.
Bottom Line: The lauric acid in coconut oil has been shown to keep hair healthier than other fatty acids. It can be used to improve the health and appearance of your dog's fur.
It May Help Fight off Pests
The antimicrobial effects of coconut oil may prevent dogs from being infected by ectoparasites, such as ticks, fleas and mange mites.
It has also been shown to help eliminate these pests in dogs that have already been infected.
These effects were confirmed by two studies in which dogs were treated with a shampoo made with coconut oil (3, 4).
In one of these studies, coconut oil also appeared to facilitate wound healing in dogs with ectoparasite bites. This is likely associated with coconut oil's ability to inhibit bacterial growth (4).
Moreover, coconut oil has also been shown to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi in lab studies (5, 6, 7).
Bottom Line: Coconut oil may be beneficial for preventing pest infections and treating bites.
Risks Associated With Using Coconut Oil on Dogs
Although adverse effects are rare, there are a few things to consider before using coconut oil on your dog.
There is always the risk of an allergic reaction when introducing something new to your dog's diet or grooming regimen. If a reaction occurs, stop using it.
Also, some studies have shown that coconut oil can cause high cholesterol in dogs. In extreme cases, this can cause fatty plaques to develop in the arteries (8, 9).
Furthermore, due to its high calorie content, using coconut oil in excess may lead to weight gain.
Lastly, one study concluded that a diet high in saturated fat reduces dogs' scent-detecting abilities. More research is needed to better understand this finding, but you may want to take caution with coconut oil if you have a working dog (10).
Bottom Line: Coconut oil may cause high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries and weight gain in some dogs. If your dog is prone to any of these conditions, talk with a veterinarian before use.
How to Use Coconut Oil on Dogs
Coconut oil is generally safe for dogs to eat or have applied to their skin or fur.
When it comes to selecting a brand, virgin coconut oil is best, as most of coconut oil's benefits have been observed with this type.
According to PetMD, coconut oil can generally be given to dogs 1–2 times a day with meals.
The amount you give your dog will depend on its size. If your dog is overweight or obese, do not give it coconut oil more than once a day.
Veterinarians stress the importance of starting slowly with coconut oil. This will allow you to monitor how your dog reacts to it.
Start by giving 1/4 teaspoon daily to small dogs or 1 tablespoon daily to big dogs and gradually increase the amount. If your dog tolerates it well after two weeks, increase the dose to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of body weight.
Due to a lack of research, these recommendations are not established. It's often a matter of trial and error, and your dog may need more or less for benefits to occur.
Do not feed your dog coconut oil alone. Instead, mix it in with your dog's regular food. This will keep its diet varied and nutrient dense.
All dogs being fed coconut oil should be monitored for weight gain, diarrhea and other symptoms that may signify intolerance.
If you're applying the coconut oil topically, rub a small amount onto your hands and then gently pat its coat, running your fingers through the fur and massaging a little into its skin.
Bottom Line: Coconut oil can be fed to dogs or applied to their skin. Start slowly and increase the amount you give your dog gradually.
Takeaway
Research on using coconut oil for pets is lacking. The benefits are mainly anecdotal, as well as based on findings in humans, rodents and test-tube studies.
Despite the lack of research, giving it to your dog in proper doses is relatively safe.
Ultimately, it's a personal choice. Using coconut oil on your dog has a few potential benefits and might be worth trying.
The risks are unlikely but worth keeping in mind. It's important to monitor your dog's health after adding anything to its regimen, including coconut oil.
Seek advice from a veterinarian if you have further questions or concerns about giving your dog coconut oil.
Reposted with permission from our media associate Authority Nutrition.
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By Lucy Postins
Those of us who are dog obsessed may have a shelf in our pantry set aside to hold the ingredients for healthy meals and treats for our dogs. Or we may have cleared space in our closets for special shampoos, dog brushes and conditioners that will make our pup's fur oh, so soft.
But don't forget that some foods have wonderful medicinal properties and are worth keeping in your pantry or fridge at all times.
1. Honey
A terrific digestive aid that can help to combat appetite problems, especially in puppies. A small amount of honey (about 1 teaspoon for a medium-size dog) can also be added to his food once a week for general nutrition and health support. Use only raw honey because heat processing destroys its natural health-promoting properties, but be aware that raw honey does pose a very slight risk for botulism.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
2. Parsley
This herb can be tremendously helpful in combating episodes of gas. Add a small amount of fresh parsley directly to your dog's food. As a bonus, it will also freshen his breath.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be used in a solution to clean the ears. It can also be added to dog food occasionally, as it has natural antibacterial properties and is purported by some to help support healthy digestions and improve energy levels. I'm such a fan that I often take a couple of tablespoons mixed with a glass of water. It tastes like the wine we sometimes drank in college, but unlike that stuff, I always feel a bit better for it.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
4. Chamomile Tea Bags
Peter Rabbit's mother gave him chamomile tea when he was feeling unwell after a mischievous day out, and for dogs, it can help with a variety of problems, from upset tummies to crusty, debris-filled eyes. To use, brew a cup of hot tea using a chamomile tea bag and boiling water. To soothe digestive upsets, pour some tea over some simple food, such as plain boiled rice with a little boiled chicken. For sore eyes, make the tea, cover, and let it stand for about 15 minutes. Ensure that the tea is cool enough to handle. Dip a cotton ball or gauze into the tea and squeeze until it's slightly damp. Holding your pup carefully, dribble a small amount of the tea into his eye.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
5. Sea Salt
I don't recommend that you add salt to meals—it can be dangerous for heart and kidney function—but using it in a sterile wash can clear up goopy eyes or skin wounds in no time. Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt to 1 cup of boiled water. After the salt dissolves, allow the solution to cool, and then apply it to the eye or wound by letting it drip from a cotton ball or sterile dropper.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
6. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is absolutely packed with antioxidants, beta-carotene, and soluble fiber. Add a tablespoon of canned pumpkin to your dog's regular meal during times of tummy upset; it's incredibly soothing to the whole GI tract, can help to firm up loose stools in a matter of hours, may stop diarrhea, and eases digestion.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
7. Ginger Tea Bags
Ginger is wonderful for nausea, and adding a little ginger tea to a light meal or some chicken broth and serving it before road trips could help save the upholstery in your car for those dogs who suffer from the dreaded travel sickness. You can also slice a few strips of fresh ginger and add them to lightly boiled water.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Adapted from Dog Obsessed.
This article was reposted with permission from our media associate Rodale Wellness.