Does coconut oil help dog allergies

Coconut Oil for Dogs: Is it Really Good for Them?

Coconut oil has become a popular supplement for people. In humans, some evidence suggests that consuming coconut oil in limited amounts may offer possible benefits, including boosting the immune system, aiding in weight loss, acting as an anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent, and improving cognitive skills in patients with Alzheimers disease. Today, many experts debate how helpful eating coconut oil may actually be for people.

But pet owners are asking can coconut oil be beneficial to dogs? The answer is maybe. But that doesnt mean you should immediately feed your pet coconut oil or apply it to their skin. Heres what you need to know about coconut oil and dogs.

Science Behind Coconut Oil

Coconut oil comes from the meat of coconuts harvested from the coconut palm tree. Coconut oil consists of at least 90% saturated fats, most of which are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Besides coconut oil, MCTs are often found in palmer kernel oil, butter, yogurt, milk, and cheese.

What are MCTs? MCTs are fatty acids that can be considered good fat. When consumed in moderation, MCTS can provide several benefits, including reducing skin inflammation. MCTs also metabolize quickly and provide an immediate source of energy. MCTs in coconut oil may help battle fungi and infection, support brain health, and lower cholesterol.

Can Dogs Have Coconut Oil? Pros and Cons

Can dogs eat coconut oil? Its possible consuming some coconut oil may offer internal benefits for dogs. The main MCT in coconut oil is lauric acid. Lauric acid has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Coconut oil also has amounts of capric and caprylic acids, which are known for their antifungal effects. The oil also has both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated (fatty acids that support brain health and help lower cholesterol). Some research indicates that coconut oil may be helpful in aiding canine digestion, improving brain activity and mental function, and assisting with weight loss.

But is coconut oil good for dogs? These benefits dont mean you should go out and feed your dog coconut oil without veterinary approval. There hasnt been extensive research proving that coconut oil will definitively aid in many aspects of canine health. Vets may also debate how widely applicable (or relevant) these studies results are. Furthermore, feeding your dog coconut may work against some of the same conditions coconut oil is said to cure. For example, instead of helping with digestion, the fats in coconut oil can cause upset stomachs or diarrhea in dogs.

Additionally, coconut oil doesnt meet your dogs daily fat requirements. The acids in MCTs dont have enough omega-6 and omega-3 acids, and what it does contain isnt processed very efficiently. As for claims that MCTs protect against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while the lauric acid in MCTs does kill germs in lab tests, there is no clear evidence that it can be used in sufficient quantities to offer dogs much protection.

When Applied Topically

You may be asking, Can I put coconut oil on my dog? In fact, applying coconut oil to your dogs skin may be helpful. Coconut oil can help soothe irritated areas like hot spots or restore moisture to itchy, dry skin. If your pet has dry, cracked paws, try a DIY paw balm with coconut oil as one of the ingredients.

To add some shine to your dogs coat, try using shampoos formulated for dogs that include coconut oil as an ingredient. A moisturizing dog shampoo containing coconut oil is ideal for hydrating dry fur, while a dog conditioner with coconut oil will help soften the hair.

Can I Use Coconut Oil as a Topical Antifungal Treatment?

If you think your dog may have a fungal issue, talk to your vet immediately and follow their recommended course of treatment. While coconut oil does have antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is unclear how well this translates to canine skin disease, Dr. Linda Simon says. The vets treatment will depend on the species of fungus causing infection, how serious or widespread the infection is, and the age and health of the dog, notes Dr. Jamie Whittenburg. She explains that most mild to moderate fungal infections can be treated topically with a combination of shampoos and creams.

If your dog has a musty smell or greasy skin (resulting from an overgrowth of yeast), your vet may recommend using a medicated wash. For severe or widespread fungal infections, especially in dogs with immune system dysfunction, your vet may prescribe oral medications. These medications can cause liver issues, so serial blood work should be performed to monitor the pets health, Dr. Whittenburg adds.

Your vet may recommend coconut oil as part of a skin supplement regime to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce itchiness or dry skin, according to Dr. Simon. Dr. Whittenburg adds, In most cases, theres no harm in utilizing topical coconut oil on a dog. However, it is messy, can clog pores, and may cause the dog to lick the affected area more, leading to increased pain, inflammation, and infection.

How Can I Safely Give Coconut Oil to My Dog?

Before applying coconut oil topically or giving your dog some to eat, discuss these options with your vet. If they approve of you giving coconut oil to your pet, choose unrefined coconut oil, also called virgin coconut oil. Better yet, look for cold-pressed oil, which uses a method to preserve nutrients.

If youre feeding it to your dog, be aware that oils have different smells and tastes. Some have a bold coconut taste, while others are bland. Some are buttery and smooth, while others are nutty. You may have to experiment a bit to find one your dog likes. Alternatively, your vet may recommend trying coconut oil skin and coat supplements designed specifically for dogs.

If you do put a small amount of coconut oil on your dog and they lick it off, that likely wont cause much harm. But feeding it to them can definitely lead to both weight gain and gastrointestinal disturbances, Dr. Whittenburg says. Dr. Simon agrees, explaining that long-term feeding of coconut oil can lead to obesity in dogs and even trigger pancreatitis (a potentially life-threatening condition caused by inflammation of the pancreas). In the short term, your dog may experience greasy stool or diarrhea.

To use coconut oil topically, apply it to the skin about once a week, and let it be absorbed for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, rinse your dog off. If they still feel greasy or oily to the touch, you can follow up with a light shampoo and rinse.

Because of the potential risks associated with the topical or internal use of coconut oil, Dr. Whittenburg doesnt recommend that dog owners select products specifically for their coconut oil content. In the case of hardened noses or paw pads, for example, using soothing products made with coconut oil can help soften.

The Coconut Oil Cure for Seasonal Pet Allergies

Spring is a beautiful season, but it's also the time of year when allergies are at their peak causing misery for millions of people and their pets.

That's right, it's not just people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Your dog or cat is also at risk.

So what are the signs to look out for, and how you can you effectively treat your pet to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of allergies?

Types of Allergic Reactions in Pets

First, it's important to recognize which type of allergic reaction your pet is suffering from. There are 3 main types; food allergies, environmental allergies, and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Food allergies occur when your pet develops sensitivity to a food ingredient. Sometimes, after your pet has consumed a particular ingredient over a long period of time, their immune system starts to overreact to it. Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and even skin problems. Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is sensitivity to flea saliva. Both dogs and cats can develop the condition. The saliva of just one or two fleas can cause terrible itching for your pet, so make sure you comb and bathe pets regularly and use all-natural pest repellants around the house. Environmental allergies are reactions to a wide variety of outdoor allergens such as grasses, pollens, and ragweed. Reactions to indoor irritants like dust mites, mold, or chemicals around your home are also included in this category. Generally, if your pet exhibits symptoms during spring, summer or fall, he may be allergic to seasonal outdoor allergens. If his symptoms are year-round, he may be allergic to something inside your home.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

At this time of year, it's important to keep an eye out for signs of seasonal allergies in your pets. Here are 4 common symptoms to look out for:

1) Skin Irritation

Pets with seasonal allergies often develop itchy skin which leads to a cycle of scratching, rubbing and biting in an attempt to relieve the irritation. As skin is scratched and damaged, it can become red, inflamed and tender. In some cases, open sores, hair loss and scabbing can occur.

2) Hotspots

Hotspots are areas of skin that become infected and inflamed by bacteria. They are most common in dogs, and are very painful and tender. Hair loss and bleeding often develop in the infected area.

3) Ear Problems

Ear problems also usually affect dogs. Symptoms include inflammation and itching in and around the ear, often accompanied by a foul odor. Ear problems can be caused by allergens in the environment or yeast and bacterial infections.

4) Cold-Like Symptoms

Just like humans, pets can develop cold-like symptoms in response to seasonal allergies, such as sneezing, a runny nose, irritated eyes and a cough.

Coconut Oil for Allergies

So, now you know which symptoms to look out for, how can you use coconut oil to relieve and treat your pet's allergies?

Coconut oil is an all-round super food that has many health benefits. The primary "super ingredient" in coconut oil is a fat called lauric acid. Coconut oil, with it's high content of lauric acid, has been

scientifically demonstrated

to significantly improve overall health in humans.

And it's not just humans. Coconut oil in your pet's diet has a wide range of health benefits including the power to manage allergies, protect the skin and coat, and keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy.

When it comes to allergies, the lauric acid content in coconut oil contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-virus and anti-yeast properties that can clear up allergic reactions, fast. Coconut oil is particularly good at soothing itchy and inflamed skin, and promotes the rapid healing of painful conditions such as hotspots. It also boosts the immune system, preventing infection and disease.

Many vets treat seasonal allergies in pets with steroid therapy which is bad news for your pet! These powerful drugs actually turn off your pet's immune response to allergens. This reduces symptoms, but can come with some very

dangerous side effects

.

Using coconut oil to treat seasonal allergies is a safe, natural alternative to steroids that's both effective and easy to use at home. Coconut oil can be applied both topically straight onto the skin, or orally in your pet's food.

Choosing the Right Coconut Oil

When it comes to coconut oil, not all oils are created equal. The difference is in the grade of the oil. Cooking-grade coconut oils, like those you'll find on supermarket shelves, are used primarily for cooking. These cooking-grade oils are typically high in moisture and low in lauric acid; the "super ingredient" responsible for coconut oil's amazing health benefits. CocoTherapy coconut oil is different. CocoTherapy virgin coconut oil is a therapeutic-grade oil sourced from our USDA-certified organic family farm in the Philippines and made in our own facility. Our oil is high in lauric acid and has low moisture levels, which makes it very effective for managing allergies in your pet. So if you want a coconut oil that will help your pets health issues, choose a therapeutic-grade oil, such as CocoTherapy.But don't just take our word for it, check out our reviews from happy veterinarians and customers explaining more about the benefits of CocoTherapy coconut oil, then head on over to our product pages to learn more about how to use coconut oil with your pet.