Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs

Coconut oil is extracted from mature coconuts and takes the form of an edible oil that is used in food and beauty products. It is high in saturated fat and medium-chain triglycerides, which are thought to be behind the recognized health benefits for both humans and dogs.

Coconut oil can increase energy levels, improve skin and coat, improve digestion, and reduce allergic reactions.  Additionally, it can potentially slow cognitive dysfunction in dogs, as fatty acids are helpful in cognitive function.

Coconut oil is rich in a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) called lauric acid. This substance is most commonly found in the milk of mother mammals, and one of its primary functions is to boost the immune system. That’s why coconut oil is so effective at helping to clear up bacterial and viral infections. Like pumpkin, it can also soothe digestion and upset stomachs.

Besides the overall health benefits, coconut oil can be used as a coating on pills to help dogs swallow them, and it can be applied topically to smooth and freshen a dog’s coat.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

Gut and Digestion (when taken internally)

Helps improve digestion
Reduces or eliminates body odor and bad breath
Reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
Increases nutrient absorption

Skin Health (when applied topically)

Helps with eczema
Minimizes red, itchy and dry skin and softens up dry cracking skin on nose, feet, and elbow pads
Reduces skin allergies
Prevents yeast infections
Clears up contact dermatitis
Prevents fungal infections
Aids in the healing of wounds and punctures
Moisturizes fur and makes coat shiny

Overall Health (when taken internally)

Prevents and controls diabetes
Helps normalize thyroid function
Reduces arthritis symptoms
Reduces symptoms of kennel cough
Helps with weight loss
Coconut oil also gives the “good” HDL cholesterol a boost. “Fat in the diet, whether it’s saturated or unsaturated, tends to nudge HDL levels up, but coconut oil seems to be especially potent at doing so,” says Walter C. Willett, M.D., on the Harvard Health website.

*** It is recommended that pet parents use organic, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil. The cold-pressed method helps ensure that the coconut oil is processed very quickly after it is harvested, which preserves as much of the nutrients as possible.

How to Give Coconut Oil to Dogs

How much you should give your dog depends on his size.  Some veterinarians recommend starting out with slow doses and gradually building up.  A good starting dose is a small portion (about 1/4 of a teaspoon) at first over the course of three to four weeks. Then you can build up to a normal portion of 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon daily, depending on the size of your dog.  The recommended dose of coconut oil for dogs is one teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog. Smaller pets should have no more than 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil per day.  One-half to one teaspoon daily for a medium-sized dog (30 to 40 lbs.) is an average portion.

You can feed your dog coconut oil as a treat or mix it into your dog’s food. However, if you have an obese or overweight dog, it’s suggested that coconut oil be provided no more than once a day because of its high fat content.  Any dog who is receiving coconut oil should be closely monitored for weight gain.

Coconut Oil Concerns

The main side effects of feeding coconut oil can be increased weight if fed too often to an overweight pet. Another side effect can be soft stool or diarrhea. As with anything you feed your dog, observe him after he eats coconut oil to make sure it agrees with him. If you notice any side effects in your dog, stop feeding him the coconut oil or reduce the amount you give him.

While coconut oil is generally safe for dogs, some canines may have an allergic reaction to the supplement.  Do not give coconut oil to dogs prone to pancreatitis, as it can be a risk due to its high fat content.

Topical Application of Coconut Oil for Dogs

Coconut oil can add moisture to your dog’s skin and prevent flaking. It also helps freshen up a dog’s coat if used with a light touch. To use it topically, simply rub a very small amount onto your hands and then gently pat the coat, run your fingers through the fur, and massage a little down onto the skin. Since coconut oil can be given orally, you don’t have to worry if dogs lick themselves after it’s been applied to their coats.  If your dog has dry paw pads, rub a small amount of coconut oil onto his paws — preferably before a nap or before bedtime so he’s not walking on his oiled paws afterward. Coconut oil smells and tastes good, so your dog might be tempted to lick the oil off. Be sure to rub it in well so that the oil can absorb into your dog’s skin.

Weekly Coconut Oil Treatment – After you bathe your dog, keep him in the tub or wherever you shampoo him and dry him lightly. Apply the coconut oil like a mask, ensuring that you are covering any dry or flaky spots he may have. Massage it deep into the skin, from the tips of the ears to the tip of the tail, including tops of toes and toenails.  Wait about five minutes, letting the oil absorb into his skin. Then use a light application of shampoo again after the five minutes and do a quick rinse. The idea is to remove the excess oil not have him feel greasy.  The treatment will leave your pup’s skin soft and in a healthier condition.

For Cleaning Skin Folds (on breeds like bull dogs or pugs) – These breeds have skin folds on the face and body that frequently stay moist, leading to irritation, odor or infection.  Cleaning the folds with coconut oil will help remove bacteria, calm and moisturize irritated skin, and reduce or eliminate odor.

Natural Ear Care – Some vets recommend cleaning the dog’s ears with just a couple of drops of oil, such as coconut or olive, placed into the ear canal. This softens the excess wax and helps it move up and out where it can be wiped away with a tissue.  

Coconut oil can soothe your pet’s ears. Just add a few drops to the ear, then massage the area around their ear to help clean out any wax and soothe itchiness.

Coconut Oil Alternatives for Dogs

If your dog has an allergic reaction to coconut oil, or there are simply no improvements seen by adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet, there are alternatives. Cold water fish oils, like salmon oil, and to a lesser extent, flax seed oil, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that can provide some of the same benefits of coconut oil. Of course, with any supplements, a dog’s intake should be monitored and it’s best to consult your veterinarian when it comes to any health issues with your pet.

Coconut oil has different tastes and scents, depending on which brand or type that you buy. They can range from a strong coconut taste, to very mild and almost bland, to buttery and rich, to nutty and toasty. Experiment with different kinds until you find one that your dog will enjoy.