How much coconut oil can I give my dog
Coconut Oil for Dogs
Coconut oil has become quite the craze in recent years as a popular supplement for people, touted for a wide variety of possible benefits. Coconut oil can be consumed orally, directly placed on food, applied to the skin topically, or contained in supplement form.
But is it also OK to give coconut oil to dogs?
While in very small amounts coconut oil is not likely to cause an issue for your dog, regular use in dogs is not recommended.
Key Takeaways
- Regular use of coconut oil in dogs is not recommended.
- Always consult with a veterinarian before adding coconut oil to your dogs routine.
- While coconut oil offers potential benefits for dogs, it also poses risks such as stomach upset, pancreatitis, and allergic reactions.
What Is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil comes from the white flesh of the coconut fruit, part of the coconut palm tree. This oil is extracted and is categorized into two typesrefined coconut oil and unrefined coconut oil.
Unrefined coconut oil, sometimes called virgin coconut oil, is minimally processed and retains its flavor; the meat of the coconut is pressed to produce the oil. Refined coconut oil has only a mild flavor but can be used at high temperatures, such as when used for cooking. These oils are then made into preparations for the skin or for oral ingestion.
Is Coconut Oil Safe for Dogs?
In small quantities, coconut oil can be given to dogs for a variety of reasons, but mainly for its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) as a source of saturated fat, also known as the good fat.
MCTs are also found in dairy products and palm oil. Coconut oil should be given under the guidance of your veterinarian and gradually introduced into your pups diet. Too much too fast can cause significant stomach upset, and a little bit goes a long way. As with any food, watch for signs of an allergic reaction such as hives or itchy skin.
Coconut oil can be given to dogs in pure form, added to the food or as an oral supplement. It can also be made into a topical preparation for skin issues.
Cold water fish oils provide an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Their propensity to cause stomach upset in dogs is also a lot lower than that of coconut oil.
Can You Use Coconut Oil for a Dogs Skin?
Veterinarians typically do not recommend using coconut oil for your dogs skin because the risk often outweighs the benefits.
Coconut oil is often used to hydrate a dogs skin, reduce inflammation, and provide both antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, this remains anecdotal in dogs.
While there are studies in people, there is no scientific evidence supporting the benefits of coconut oil for use on dog skin.
Applying anything to a dogs skin should be done with caution, as dogs tend to lick themselves often and will ingest the substances.
While coconut oil can be ingested, if too much is ingested or its in a form that is not meant to be ingested, significant stomach upset and pancreatitis will develop. Coconut oil applied to the skin can also cause an allergic reaction, making any current skin condition or itching worse.
Can You Use Coconut Oil for a Constipated Dog?
Coconut oil is not helpful for dogs with constipation, as large quantities ingested will cause painful stomach upset and pancreatitis. Even in small quantities, this painful condition can still occur, along with a possible allergic reaction.
In humans, coconut oil is used because MCTs are more easily digested than long-chain fatty acids (LCTs) to help with conditions that cause decreased absorption or maldigestion of fats. Coconut oil is rapidly absorbed by the intestinal tract; therefore, it will not be effective as a laxative in constipated dogs.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs
Some possible benefits of using coconut oil in dogs are extrapolated from its successful use in humans. They are:
Rich in fatty acids (MCTs)
Lowers cholesterol
Reduces inflammation
Exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties
Acts as an antioxidant
Aids digestion
Supports heart and brain function
Assists with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by reducing gut inflammation
Aids cognitive function
Decreases seizure activity in epileptic dogs
Claims of use in dogs that lack credible studies, even in people, include:
Risks of Coconut Oil for Dogs
Using coconut oil on dogs, whether through ingestion or topical use, carries the following risks to their health:
While coconut oil offers potential benefits for dogs, including skin health, digestion support, and support for other organ functions, it also poses risks such as stomach upset, pancreatitis, and allergic reactions.
Always consult with a veterinarian before adding coconut oil to your dogs routine, to ensure its appropriateness for their individual health needs.
WRITTEN BY
Barri J. Morrison, DVMVeterinarian
Barri Morrison was born and raised and currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She went to University of Florida for her...
How much Coconut Oil for dogs? Dosage by weight
Humans have used coconut oils for centuries as health supplements and aid humans in many ways. For example, it can boost the immune system, reduce body weight. The oil also has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties and improves cognitive skills in patients with Alzheimers. But what about how muchcoconut oil is for dogs?
According to some holistic and naturopathic veterinarians, coconut oil has qualities that can aid in many types of canine conditions.
How much Coconut Oil for Dogs?
The ideal and safe dose of coconut oil depends on the size and weight of the dog.The safe amount of coconut oil is 5ml/4.5 kg or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs daily and 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon approximately 10-15ml daily for adult dogs.Always start in moderation; give a less amount. If your puppy tolerates the oil well, then increase the amount to the safe dosage. If you notice any adverse effects, please stop giving the oil and contact your veterinarian for gentle advice. If your dog is overweight or has obese, dont give it coconut oil more than once a day.
Coconut Oil Dosage for dogs:
| Dog Body weight | Coconut Oil Dosage (ml) |
|---|---|
| 4-10kg | 4ml-10ml |
| 11-20kg | 10ml- 20ml |
| 21-30kg | 20ml-30ml |
| 31-40kg | 30ml-40ml |
| 41-50kg | 40ml-50ml |
| 51-60kg | 50ml-60ml |
| 61-80kg | 60ml-80ml |
| 80kg and Above | 80ml-100ml |
The above dosage chart of the coconut oil for dogs is well researched but only for educational purposes. Your vet can better decide the safe dosage of the oil for your puppy after observing you pooch overall health condition. For safety, we have mentioned the lower dose to avoid any toxic effects.
There are several wayshumans use coconut oil, like softening the skin to treating eczema, but you may amaze to know that coconut oil can also be beneficial for your dogs.
Coconut oil can aid dogs in many ways, from itchy or bumpy skin to digestion issues. Also helps in easing tummy aches problems and soothing irritated skin, preventing infection andreducing allergic reactions
Benefits of coconut oil for dogs giving Orally:
- Reduce the risk of cancer, degenerative conditions, and Relieves arthritis. It also protects against skin cancer, age spots, acne, etc.
- Improves Nutrient absorption, digestion, cholesterol level, and helps to cure heart disease.
- Works like a charm and heal digestive problems like Crohns disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, and colitis.
- Coconut Having anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties that prevent yeast and fungal infection, Viral infection like herpes, measles, flu and other infections in the body.
- Keeps the balance of the bodys metabolism and hormones, control diabetes, and promote normal thyroid function.
- Prevent osteoporosis and Reduces allergic reactions.
Benefits of coconut oil for dogs Applying Topically:
- Applying coconut oil to your dogs skin can help skin with moisture.
- Helps in disinfects wound and healing cuts.
- Improves skin health and improve hair condition to prevent them from, dandruff, falling, and making them shine.
- It helps to keep your dogs coat more sleek, shiny, and glossy.
- Best for use as a tooth cleaner for your dog. The oil eliminates harmful bacteria in your dogs mouth and prevents dental disease.
Side effects coconut oil for dogs :
- Although the side effects of the oil are rare, there are a few precautions to consider before using coconut oil on your dog.
- Coconut oil may some time cause an allergic reaction when adding the first time to your dogs diet or applying topically. In this case, immediately stop the use of oil and contact with your vet.
- The excessive use of coconut oil can make your dog obese and increase weight.
- Some researcher says that coconut oil can increase the cholesterol level in dogs, which some time leads to fatty plaques to develop in the arteries.
- Coconut is high in saturated fat and, and the study concluded that high saturated food could decrease the scent- detecting abilities of dogs.
How to use coconut oil for dogs?
Oral Serving Ideas :
- Remember that coconut oil for obese dogs and dogs having pancreatic issues is not a good choice, so avoid coconut oil to them.
- After contacting your veterinarian start with moderation. Generally, you can give coconut oil to dogs 1-2 times a day with meals.
- The best approach is to Add coconut oil in a dogs regular healthy diet. And stop feeding if you notice like diarrhea or allergic reactions.
How to Apply Coconut Oil Topically on your Puppy:
- Coconut oil can cause moisture to your dogs skin and prevent skin damage and flaking.
- Simply rub a small amount onto your hands and then gently run your fingers through the fur and massage a little down onto the skin.
- Since coconut is safe to give orally, so you dont have to worry if dogs lick themselves after its been applied Topically.
Do your ever use coconut oil for your dog? What is your experience, share with us in the comment section.
Coconut oil for dogs fleas:
Some of the pet experts say thatCoconut oilhelps to kill fleas by the lauric acid thats present within the coconut. Lauric acid holds fleas exoskeleton in the oil, making it impossible for the flea to move. This ultimately results in the fleas death within 20 seconds. But remember that it will only work in a minor flea problem.
Is coconut oil good for dogs:
Yes, Coconut oil is good for dogs and has tons of benefits for dogs. Many pet experts and vets suggest coconut oil as a tonic for pets, which work like a charm in the healthy growth of dogs. Coconut oil gives benefits in both ways applying topically or giving them orally. But the one and the main thing to remember is always giving any human food to your pet in a correct moderation way and with some of the precautions.
Humans use coconut oilfor softening the skin to treating eczema, reduce inflammation, fungal infection, Viral infection like herpes, measles, and the flu and other infections in the body.
Similarly, dogs can benefits too from this natural tonic and prevent your pet from itchy or bumpy skin to digestion issues.
It also provides relief in easing tummy aches problems and soothing irritated skin, preventing infection, andreducing allergic reactions.
In conclusion, yes, coconut oil is safe for dogs when feeding in moderation.
FAQ:
Do i have to rinse coconut oil off my dog?
Coconut is safe to given orally to dogs, so you dont have to worry if dogs lick themselves after its been applied Topically. However, if you apply the coconut oil and your dogs look greasy or oily, and you want to rinse your dogs, then let it be absorbedfor afew minutes and then rinse with a light shampoo with warm water and cloth.
What can I put on my dog for dry skin?
Dry skin is the main skin problem of pets, especially in winter. If your dog has dry skin then you must try coconut oil for them. Coconut oil is the best tonic for moisturizing prevent skin damage and flaking, soothing irritated skin, preventing infection, and reducing allergic reactions.
Coconut oil can cause moisture to your dogs skin. Simply rub a small amount onto your hands and then gently run your fingers through the fur and massage a little down onto the skin.
Can dogs eat coconut oil?
Yes, Coconut oil is safe and non-toxic to dogs when giving them in correct way. It contains lots of beneficial nutrients that help to improve the dogs health. Coconut oils contain anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. The oil is safe in both ways, giving them orally in food or applying topically to the skin.
The one thing is to remember is always serve them in moderation don not overfeed them and avoid giving to obese and diabetics dogs.
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