The ideal option for dogs is extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). Because it is cold-pressed, unprocessed, and created from the first pressing of the olives, this olive oil is less acidic than more processed varieties and is therefore friendlier on a dog’s digestive tract. Additionally, it has more vitamins and antioxidants.
Olive oil typically works well for dogs who may have difficulty digesting omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Olive oil may improve your dog’s appetite and ease constipation in addition to treating dry, flaking skin and gleaming their coat. Olive oil’s only drawback is that it can quickly grow rancid, which is why it is marketed in dark-colored bottles. To prolong its shelf life, store it away from heat sources in a cool, dark location (not on a sunny counter or close to the stove).
Which oil is ideal to administer to a dog with dry skin?
Your dog might not be getting all the nourishment he needs by eating his regular diet, just like you might not. While regular dog food might come packed with plenty of necessary nutrients, you can add some healthy oils jam packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to your dog’s diet to support optimum health.
We’ll explain how to choose these organic oils for dogs in this straightforward guide, along with best practices and feeding advice.
What are the healthiest oils for dogs?
Fish oil: According to Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA, MSFP, executive director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation, fish oil contains EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that help with arthritis and also have some anti-cancer properties. Additionally, fish oil can help your dog’s memory.
“According to Dr. Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ, a certified veterinary acupuncturist with California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness, the main 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 possibly decrease my patients’ reliance on medications aimed at reducing inflammation and pain (CPAW).
Krill oil: As opposed to fish oil, which often comes from fish higher up the food chain like salmon, krill oil originates from microscopic organisms that are closer to the bottom of the food chain. As a result, krill oil is less likely to contain mercury contamination, according to Dr. Scanlan. In addition to its numerous advantages, it also contains EPA and DHA, which will assist your pet have healthier skin and joints.
“All dogs are omnivores with a tendency toward carnivory, hence non-vegetarian oils like fish and krill are best absorbed by canines, according to Dr. Mahaney.
Extra-virgin coconut oil has gained popularity since it’s a better option for people than more processed saturated and trans fats. The same is true for dogs. Dogs have also been shown to benefit from coconut oil in terms of weight loss, increased energy levels, and relief from dry skin. Additionally, it will help your dog’s terrible breath!
Flaxseed oil: When it comes to promoting heart health, this oil is comparable to wild fish due to its high content of alpha linolenic omega-3s. Like many other beneficial oils, flaxseed oil can improve renal and blood pressure function as well as mobility for dogs with arthritis.
How can I serve my dogs healthy oils?
The majority of oils are either free oil or in capsule form. However, once an oil jar is opened and exposed to the air, it may start to get rancid; for this reason, capsules are typically preferable, according to Dr. Scanlan.
According to Dr. Mahaney, “Hearty-eating dogs may readily ingest a pill or given portion of liquid out of their diet. He continues that while you can pour liquid oils over dry foods like kibble, they generally blend best with moist food.
Additionally, it is usually recommended to take capsules with moist food. Dr. Mahaney explains that if the capsule is pierced, pressed, and blended into moist food or a soft treat, pets who are unable to swallow the capsule can still take medication in liquid form.
Do these oils have any negative effects for dogs?
Weight gain might result from consuming too much oil, according to Dr. Scanlan. She continues, “In a susceptible person, a huge quantity of oil all at once can cause pancreatitis, especially if they are overweight.
If you don’t adequately supplement with any more vitamin E, eating too much oil might potentially result in a vitamin E deficit.
Fish oil can delay the time it takes for blood to clot, so it’s best to cease using it at least five days before and five days after your pet has surgery, advises Dr. Scanlan.
What’s the best way to tell quality when looking for these oils?
According to Dr. Scanlan, businesses that use the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal must demonstrate that their goods have undergone laboratory testing to ensure that each capsule has the proper kind and quantity of oil. Take note of this seal.
How do I know if oils are right for my dog?
According to Dr. Mahaney, if your dog is eating commercial pet food and has skin issues (like skin flaking or a dull coat), inflammatory diseases (like cancer and arthritis), or organ system damage, then talk to your vet about possibly supplementing your dog’s diet with oils that are high in omega-3 and omega-6 nutrients.
What oil can help a dog with itchy skin?
Coconut oil might be the ideal solution for your dog if you’ve been wondering what to feed him for itchy skin if nothing else is helping. While its other ingredients serve to instantly calm the skin, its high viscosity immediately soothes.
- The best oils for dogs are those that provide the viscosity barrier between irritated skin and the environment that is required. Because it is one of the greatest oils for canine skin for this reason, coconut oil is a common ingredient in dog products.
- Because of its antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, coconut oil is increasingly a common ingredient in natural cosmetic products. It is also a great moisturizer for dogs because the oils can reach the skin via the fur. Direct application of coconut oil can help dogs with dermatitis, allergies, yeast infections, and even bites and stings from insects.
- Place coconut oil in the refrigerator or another cool, dry location to solidify entirely. Massage the oil into your dog’s coat and skin for fast relief from dry skin. Your dog’s coat will gradually become better and the incessant scratching will stop.
What remedies are there for my dog’s dry skin?
Now that you are somewhat familiar with the signs of dry skin in dogs, it is time to investigate various DIY treatments. The following nine straightforward remedies will help relieve your dog’s dry skin:
A Well-Balanced Diet
From the outside in, ideal skin and coat health can be attained. Therefore, it’s crucial to check your dog’s food before attempting any other treatments.
Your dog needs a balanced meal that is full of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates as well as lots of water to stay hydrated. Any of these vital elements must be present in your dog’s food in order to prevent dry skin and other health issues. In particular, fats are crucial for keeping healthy, hydrated skin.
Coconut Oil
Some dogs can get dry skin even when they are fed a healthy diet. In these situations, coconut oil is a fantastic DIY dog dry skin cure. It has strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects in addition to making a superb natural moisturizer. To hydrate and relieve your dog’s dry skin, simply warm the oil between your palms.
Since most dogs merely want to lick it off, using any form of topical ointment can be challenging for many dog owners. However, coconut oil also works to moisturize your dog’s skin from the inside out, even if your dog does lick at it.
Vitamin E Oil
Another healthy oil that is excellent for hydrating your dog’s skin is vitamin E. Direct application of the oil will hydrate and speed up the healing process for dry skin spots.
Vitamin E, another antioxidant, can be given orally to your dog to help reduce inflammation and shield its cells from harm.
Chamomile or Green Tea Bath
Green tea and chamomile both help calm irritated and swollen skin. One tea bag should be brewed in an 8-ounce glass of water, then the tea bag should be allowed to cool. The tea bag can then be used as needed to treat hot spots or irritated, dry patches.
You can run a warm bath with many tea bags steeped in it for your dog if they have dry, itchy skin all over their body. Remove the tea bags after a few minutes and let your dog soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Dogs with yeast infections may develop dry, itchy skin. A fantastic home cure for dogs with dry skin is apple cider vinegar, which can aid your dog’s skin bacteria and get rid of yeast buildup.
Apply a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water with a cotton ball or spray bottle to any areas that are particularly dry. One word of warning: do not apply this solution if your dog has scratched or rubbed raw places into their skin because it will hurt and sting.
Oatmeal Bath
Avenanthramides and phenols, which are anti-inflammatory ingredients found in oatmeal, aid in relieving and defending the skin against irritation. The protective barrier that oatmeal forms on your dog’s skin helps it retain moisture.
Depending on the size of your dog, grind between a third and a cup of oats in a grinder or food processor until they are a fine powder. Then, combine the powder with a warm bath until the water appears milky. To improve the moisturizing effects even further, mix in a cup of milk or a tablespoon of olive oil.
Olive Oil
Another hydrating oil that helps to soothe and preserve dry skin is olive oil. Veterinarians frequently advise adding olive oil to your dog’s regular meals, while it can also be used topically to moisturize your dog’s skin like other oils.
A fantastic technique to moisturize your dog’s skin and give them a lustrous, healthy coat is to add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to their food 2-3 times each week.
Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt
Even though it may not be visible, the digestive system is the root of many skin problems in dogs. In an imbalanced microbiome, yeast and dangerous germs can grow on your dog’s skin.
As a probiotic, yogurt can assist your dog’s GI system stay in balance thanks to the beneficial bacteria it contains. A spoonful or two of plain, unsweetened yogurt should be added to your dog’s food around twice a week, much like olive oil.
But remember that some dogs have a hard time digesting yogurt. Before introducing this food to your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.
Humidifier
Similar to people, dogs frequently get dry skin due to dry air. If you have air conditioning in your home, summertime can also be dangerous for your dog’s skin. Winter can be particularly harmful.
A humidifier replenishes the moisture in your home’s air, which naturally calms your dog’s skin. However, it’s crucial to keep an eye on how your dog responds to the humidifier because overly humid settings can also cause skin issues.
What kind of oil is beneficial for a dog’s coat?
Due to its high concentration of EPA and DHA, two important fatty acids, fish oil is highly recommended by veterinarians. These omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for reducing inflammation caused by allergies in some dogs, which results in decreased hot spots, dandruff, and itchy skin.
Additionally, it can ease allergies, arthritis, and may even aid Fido’s memory. Additionally, the vitamins can help dogs have healthier, shinier coats that are ideal for lots of cuddling.
Fortunately, it’s simple to administer to your dog as a tablet or as liquid poured over their kibble.
Olive Oil for Dogs’ Joints
In the US, 25% of dogs have some form of arthritis. The most vulnerable are:
- aging, overweight, or undernourished dogs
- some breeds of giant dogs
- pets who have experienced wounds
At least that is what the data indicates. However, any dog can experience the symptoms.
Even if the problem gets worse over time, the right care can help your pet live a long and happy life. For instance, the most popular therapy to stop the progression of arthritis in dogs is joint supplements.
Can dogs consume olive oil to relieve their problems, though? They can. Oleic acid and antioxidants in olive oil have an anti-inflammatory impact similar to that of over-the-counter pain relievers. The Omega-3 fatty acids also lubricate the joints. Therefore, regular use of olive oil will lessen arthritic joints’ aches, pains, and stiffness. That combined with glucosamine for dogs can be quite effective.
Let’s say you regularly give your dog pain relievers. The liver and kidneys may suffer serious negative side effects as a result. Olive oil is a great all-natural substitute because of this.
Olive Oil for Dogs’ Skin
A dog with healthy skin will have no lumps, dry flakes, pimples, or itching. Instead, it will be velvety and smooth. You should consider these symptoms seriously because they can be signs of a medical condition. It’s recommended to see a veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog’s skin.
To properly treat your dog, you must first identify the underlying cause of the issue. For instance, adding olive oil to your dog’s diet won’t help it if it has a food allergy. Only when allergies, parasites, and illnesses have been ruled out do veterinarians advise using olive oil on scratchy dogs.
Ideally, your dog’s skin issue is just a side effect of the cold or low humidity. The Omega-3 fatty acids in olive oil will in this instance hydrate the skin and remove the flakes.
Olive Oil for Dogs’ Coat
While routine grooming and a gentle shampoo enhance a dog’s coat’s appearance, true health originates from inside. Therefore, it’s imperative to offer your dog a food that is high in nutrients.
Consider including vitamin E and Omega fatty acid supplements in your puppy’s food to maintain the health of its coat. And you know what? They’re in a lot of olive oil.
Olive oil is a fantastic choice for dogs with dingy or damaged coats. The results might not be seen for up to a month, but your dog’s hair will unquestionably become stronger and glossier.
Olive Oil for Dogs’ Shedding
You cannot stop shedding because it is a healthy, natural process that encourages the growth of new hair. Reducing the amount of hair that gets on your furniture wouldn’t harm, though.
Taking regular baths and using the right brush typically work. Before the hair naturally falls, they assist you in removing the stray or fragile hair.
However, it is often smarter to address the underlying health issue rather than the symptoms when a skin or hair disorder causes excessive dog shedding. And olive oil comes into play here.
Olive oil can help dogs with skin issues and reduce shedding in the long run. After all, healthier hair follicles and reduced shedding result from firm, healthy, and supple skin.
Olive Oil for Dogs’ Ears
Did you know that ear infections are more common in dogs with floppy ears? That’s because lengthy ears collect dirt and moisture, which facilitates the growth of bacteria.
But there’s no need to fret excessively. Since most ear infections are minor, you may take care of them on your own. Olive oil is your second-best choice if you don’t have any dog ear cleaner for ear infections in dogs. Both the edema and the bacteria will be reduced by it.
The following is how you can use olive oil to relieve your dog’s itchy ears:
- A drop of olive oil should be gently warmed in a basin of hot water.
- Verify the oil’s temperature. It shouldn’t be overly warm.
- Give your dog’s ear a few drops of the liquid.
- To ensure that the oil penetrates completely, rub it.
- To get rid of dirt or extra oil, dab the interior of the ear with a cotton ball.
It’s best to visit the vet if your dog is in excruciating discomfort and won’t eat, or if one of its ears is especially red or stinky. A dog’s hearing and balance may be harmed by severe ear infections.
Olive Oil for Dogs’ Constipation
If your dog is constipated and you’re wondering how to make your dog poop, olive oil is a useful home cure. It facilitates easy transit by lubricating the digestive tract. Mild constipation in dogs can be resolved with just a tablespoon of olive oil added to their food.
Olive oil is less beneficial for dogs with severe constipation because it takes food at least a day to reach the intestines. If that’s the problem, speak with your veterinarian and ask about doing an enema.
Olive Oil on Dogs for Fleas
Olive oil doesn’t contain the lauric acid that kills fleas, in contrast to other insect repellents. The fleas might be suffocated by its high fat content, though. What you can do to protect your dog from these unpleasant and disgusting pests is as follows:
- Olive oil and lavender essential oil are combined.
- Use the mixture to massage your dog.
- Don’t overuse it because lavender has an overpowering scent.
- Avert your eyes and face.
- After three to four hours, rinse the oil off.
The same lavender and olive oil mixture can be used topically to dogs to prevent fleas during flea season. Simply spritz it about the armpits and groins, where fleas tend to congregate, or on your dog’s collar.
Olive Oil for Weight Control
Due to its high calorie content (120 calories per teaspoon), olive oil can cause weight gain in dogs when consumed in excess. If so, can dogs consume olive oil and benefit from its health benefits without putting on weight? Certainly, and moderation is the key.
Ironically, consuming moderate amounts of olive oil may even aid in your dog’s weight loss. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil break down the fat cells in the canine body similarly to how they do in humans. The fat will also reduce your dog’s appetite by keeping it fuller longer.
Olive Oil for Cardiovascular Health
According to research, consuming half a tablespoon of olive oil every day reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 15%. Do dogs then have access to olive oil for the same purpose? Science affirms this.
The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil raise blood flow and lower cholesterol to heart-healthy levels. Additionally, the antioxidants counteract the effects of free radicals and stop excessive oxidation, both of which can harm your dog’s cell membranes and cause cardiovascular disorders.
The cost of dietary supplements can add up. However, using olive oil to guard your dog’s heart is a cheap alternative.
Olive Oil for Brain Boost
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your dog’s brain development, are abundant in olive oil. They can enhance learning capacity, memory, and focus.
For senior dogs, we strongly advise applying olive oil. It can prevent or postpone the onset of CCD, a cognitive illness comparable to Alzheimer’s disease, due to its high oleocanthal content.
Olive Oil for Stronger Immunity
Antioxidants such as vitamin E, polyphenols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll are abundant in extra virgin olive oil. These components strengthen your dog’s immune system and aid in its resistance to viruses and illnesses.
Olive Oil for Longevity
It’s safe to claim that olive oil can extend your dog’s life by protecting it from certain illnesses. Let’s look over some ways that olive oil for dogs can lengthen life:
- Its monounsaturated fats help to prevent and lessen the effects of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Together with squalene and terpenoids, oleic acid may offer protection from cancer, which claims the lives of half of all dogs over the age of 10.
What Kind of Olive Oil Is Best for Dogs?
Utilize extra virgin oil for the greatest outcomes. It is created using premium, cold-pressed olives, which aid in the preservation of the majority of its priceless nutrients.
Pure and light olive oils, on the other hand, come from low-quality olives that have been heated or chemically processed, which removes their beneficial characteristics.
Extra virgin olive oil is also kinder to the digestive system of dogs because it contains less acid.
How Much Olive Oil for Dogs Is Optimal?
More isn’t always better, and consuming too much olive oil might also have some negative effects.
The dosage of olive oil for dogs is determined on their size. One teaspoon is advised each day for every 20 pounds of your dog’s body weight.
How to Give Olive Oil to Your Dog
Don’t be afraid to add a few drops of olive oil to your dog’s delicious wet food because dogs enjoy the flavor. It’s a brilliant approach to disguise stale or dry food while also altering the consistency of dog chow. Making your own dog biscuits at home is another option.
