22 Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs
You’ve probably already heard of the numerous benefits of coconut oil for humans, but did you know that coconut oil also provides many benefits to your furry friends? Check out some of the numerous benefits of coconut oil below. Coconut oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and moisturizing, which is why it’s become so popular so quickly. However, before you jump right in and start feeding coconut oil to your pups, check out the end of this article to make sure you’re feeding your dog the right about according to his or her side.
When given to dogs Coconut Oil:
- Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis and itchy skin
- Improves skin health and reduces allergic reactions
- Creates sleek and glossy coats
- Gets rid of doggy odor
- Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida
- Disinfect and promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings
- Protects against fleas, ticks, and mites
- Soothes and heals dry cracked pads and elbow calluses
- Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
- Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
- Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
- Expels or kills parasites
- May reduce risk of cancer
- Regulates and balances insulin and can help prevent or control diabetes
- Promotes normal thyroid function
- Assists with weight loss
- Increases energy
- Helps build strong bones
- Eases inflammation and can help with arthritis discomfort
- Promotes good nerve and brain function and prevents dementia
- Helps clear up ear and eye infections (let it melt and then use as eye drops, and also use topically in the ears)
- Improves oral health and can be used to clean teeth
When giving coconut oil to your dogs you should choose virgin or extra virgin coconut oil. As a daily supplement, work up to about 1 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight, or about 1 tablespoon per 30 lbs. But you’ll want to start with about 1/4 of the full amount initially to avoid doggy diarrhea while your pup’s digestive system gets used to the extra oil running through. Applied topically, you should just use enough oil to cover the afflicted area.
The information found in this article was summarized from Dogs Naturally Magazine.
