- Lidoc Acid The anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial effects of coconut oil have already been described. Lauric acid is also said to be effective against viruses.
- Triglycerides with a medium chain
- Some veterinarians think that the MCTs in coconut oil boost the brain’s energy and mental performance in older dogs, aid in digestion, and can treat digestive issues.
- decreases coughing and aids in hairball elimination.
- Topical Advantages
- It has been proven to be effective in treating skin issues like hot spots, bites, stings, and dry, itchy skin. Organic coconut oil-based shampoos help repair damaged skin and lessen allergies. Even some DIY paw balms produced by pet owners included coconut oil as one of the ingredients.
- enables dogs to have shiny, sleek coats.
- removes dog smell.
- benefits bone health, weight loss, arthritis, and metabolic function.
But, and this is a big “but,” scientists and veterinarians are skeptical of all of these assertions. The Drake Center for Veterinary Care in California’s Dr. Kathy Boehme says that while coconut oil has useful topical applications, it is not the miracle drug that some people think it is. Consult your veterinarian before deciding to use coconut oil to treat your dog’s ailment and remember that there are no reliable research demonstrating that it helps with cancer prevention, weight loss, gum and tooth problems, or thyroid malfunction.
Additionally, coconut oil doesn’t meet your dog’s demands for daily fat. Omega-6 and omega-3 acids are not present in sufficient quantities in MCTs, and those that are present are not digested effectively. Regarding claims that MCTs defend against bacteria, viruses, and fungus, there isn’t any concrete proof that lauric acid, a component of MCTs, can be used in large enough doses to provide dogs with much protection, even if lab experiments have shown it to be effective in killing germs.
However, you and your veterinarian might feel it’s worthwhile attempting this natural and holistic method given how many pet owners are wary of the usage of pharmaceutical antibiotics and anti-fungals.
What occurs when dogs consume coconut oil?
Coconut oil can be fed to dogs without risk. However, a few possible responses or gastrointestinal issues can happen. Your dog could get diarrhea if you give them too much coconut oil. You can find out how much food is healthy for your dog from your veterinarian.
Your dog may occasionally be allergic to coconut oil. An upset stomach and itching are indications that you have an allergy.
Dogs who consume coconut oil may put on weight. For each teaspoon of coconut oil you give your dog, you should increase the calories by 120. Give your dog no coconut oil if they have pancreatitis.
What advantages does providing coconut oil to dogs have?
What exactly about coconut oil is so advantageous?
According to Smith, coconut oil can boost energy levels, enhance skin and coat quality, enhance digestion, and lessen allergic reactions.
Veterinarian Dr. Katie Gryzb, who practices in Brooklyn, says coconut oil may help dogs with cognitive problems. According to medical research, fatty acids are beneficial for cognitive function, she says.
Additionally, medium-chain fatty acids, such as those found in coconut oil, help with physical and digestive ailments because they are “directly absorbed in the GI tract and go directly to the liver where they are metabolized into utilizable energy,” according to Dr. Pema Melu, DVM, of Holistic Veterinary Healing in Germantown, MD.
In addition to its many health advantages, coconut oil may be used topically to smooth and hydrate a dog’s coat and as a coating for tablets to make them easier for canines to take.
Do dogs have permission to lick coconut oil?
As previously said, seek advice from your veterinarian before using coconut oil. Your dog’s medical history and current physical condition are known to your veterinarian, who can provide detailed instructions and guidance on how to incorporate it into your dog’s routine if they think it safe to do so.
Although topical application could be simple, keep in mind that your dog might lick it off and consume it nonetheless. The amount your dog receives orally should only be the amount advised by your veterinarian. Vomiting, oily diarrhea, weight gain, and other ailments can result from consuming too much coconut oil. In general, veterinarians advise against feeding more fat to dogs that have a history of pancreatitis or who are prone to putting on weight. When utilizing coconut oil, other illnesses and metabolic disorders may become worse.
Make careful to get unrefined (sometimes referred to as “virgin”) oil if your veterinarian gives the okay to provide coconut oil topically or internally to your dog. The best coconut oil is thought to be cold-pressed.
The flavor of coconut oils varies. You may need to experiment with your dog to determine which kind they prefer because some varieties may have a stronger coconut flavor than others.
Can dogs regularly use coconut oil?
Dogs can usually consume coconut oil in moderation or have it rubbed to their skin or fur without any adverse effects.
Virgin coconut oil is the best option when choosing a brand because the majority of the health benefits of coconut oil have been linked to it.
According to some sources, dogs can often receive coconut oil once or twice daily with meals.
Depending on its size, the amount you give your dog will vary. Don’t offer your dog coconut oil more than once a day if it is obese or overweight.
Veterinarians emphasize the significance of introducing coconut oil gradually. You can then keep an eye on how your dog responds to it.
For little dogs, start with 1/4 teaspoon daily, and for large dogs, start with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) daily. After two weeks, if your dog is still tolerating it well, up the dosage to 1 teaspoon every 10 pounds (5 mL per 4.5 kg) of body weight.
Don’t just give your dog coconut oil. Rather, incorporate it into your dog’s regular diet. This will maintain a diverse and nutrient-rich diet for it.
All dogs receiving coconut oil should have their weight, tummy upset, and other symptoms checked for signs of sensitivity.
Remember that research hasn’t shown any advantages to adding coconut oil to dog food. On the other side, applying it to your dog’s skin may help with some skin issues.
Apply a little quantity of coconut oil on your hands first if you’re going to use it topically, then gently pat the animal’s coat while running your fingers through the fur and kneading some into the skin.
Dogs can consume coconut oil or have it rubbed to their skin. Give your dog a small quantity at first, and then gradually increase it.
Can a dog’s stomach be disturbed by coconut oil?
For puppies and tiny dogs, start with a quarter of a teaspoon every day; for larger animals, start with a teaspoon. An unsettled stomach is a common side effect, so it’s crucial to watch for any changes and modify their diet as necessary.
You can increase your dog’s daily consumption of coconut oil to one teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight once they’ve grown accustomed to it. If your dog has any health difficulties, just be sure to consult your veterinarian first.
Try applying coconut oil to your skin once a week if you currently do so. Apply evenly throughout the coat and give it five minutes to absorb. If required, rinse again and use a shampoo after that.
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.
Potential Side Effects
Is canine use of olive oil safe? Let’s learn about potential negative effects and how to prevent them:
gaining weight
Only a moderate amount of olive oil can help your puppy lose weight. It has a lot of calories. A surplus of it may therefore have the opposite effect. Make sure to cut calories from other sources if you decide to increase the amount of olive oil in your dog’s diet.
Vomiting
Some pet owners claim that after giving their dogs olive oil, their dogs throw up. Olive oil should be introduced gradually to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Diarrhea
Can dogs eat olive oil after experiencing this reaction? Yes, but first give your dog’s tummy a chance to rest. Olive oil can be progressively reintroduced in decreasing doses.
Olive Oil vs Coconut Oil for Dogs
Both are advantageous for your dog’s health and have comparable outcomes:
- They hydrate your dog’s skin and enhance the sheen of its coat. Coconut oil also contains antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial effects. Therefore, you can topically administer it to treat cuts and wounds.
- Both dementia prevention and cognitive function improvement.
- They can both deter and eliminate fleas. The task is completed in 20 seconds by the lauric acid in coconut oil.
- These oils have components that may help your dog move more easily and reverse the effects of arthritis.
- For dogs, using coconut or olive oil will strengthen their immune systems.
These oils have various fat profiles, although having the same amount of fat per tablespoon. Polyunsaturated fats, which are vastly better than the saturated fats predominating in coconut oil, are significantly more abundant in olive oil.
Olive oil also stands out as a clear victor in terms of antioxidant strength. Antioxidants are present in extra virgin coconut oil, but the high fat content outweighs the advantages.
Olive oil appears to be a superior option. Can dogs use olive oil for foul breath, though? No, it’s there that coconut oil demonstrates its adaptability. It can be used to brush your dog’s teeth, get rid of dangerous oral bacteria, and avoid dental problems.
Conclusion
The advantages of olive oil for dogs are remarkable. They can prevent serious illnesses, repel fleas, and act as a natural alternative to powerful drugs.
But why hold off till a health problem manifests? Take precautions and give olive oil for dogs a shot right now.
