{"id":1261,"date":"2017-01-09T06:00:39","date_gmt":"2017-01-09T06:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=1261"},"modified":"2017-04-25T20:57:38","modified_gmt":"2017-04-25T20:57:38","slug":"benefits-of-coconut-oil-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/benefits-of-coconut-oil-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Benefits of Coconut Oil for\u00a0Dogs<\/h1>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Happy-Pets-Blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-1.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1270\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Happy-Pets-Blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-1.jpg?resize=300%2C229&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Happy-Pets-Blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-1.jpg?resize=300%2C229&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Happy-Pets-Blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-1.jpg?w=414&amp;ssl=1 414w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Coconut oil can increase energy levels, improve skin and coat, improve digestion, and reduce allergic reactions.\u00a0 Additionally, it can potentially slow cognitive dysfunction in dogs, as fatty acids are helpful in cognitive function.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s coat.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Benefits of Coconut Oil<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h5><strong>Gut and Digestion\u00a0(when taken internally)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Helps improve digestion<br \/>\nReduces or eliminates body odor and bad breath<br \/>\nReduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome<br \/>\nIncreases nutrient absorption<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Skin Health\u00a0(when applied topically)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Helps with eczema<br \/>\nMinimizes red, itchy and dry skin and softens up dry cracking skin on nose, feet, and elbow pads<br \/>\nReduces skin allergies<br \/>\nPrevents yeast infections<br \/>\nClears up contact dermatitis<br \/>\nPrevents fungal infections<br \/>\nAids in the healing of wounds and punctures<br \/>\nMoisturizes fur and makes coat shiny<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Overall Health\u00a0(when taken internally)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Prevents and controls diabetes<br \/>\nHelps normalize thyroid function<br \/>\nReduces arthritis symptoms<br \/>\nReduces symptoms of kennel cough<br \/>\nHelps with weight loss<br \/>\nCoconut oil also gives the &#8220;good\u201d HDL cholesterol a boost. &#8220;Fat in the diet, whether it\u2019s saturated or unsaturated, tends to nudge HDL levels up, but coconut oil seems to be especially potent at doing\u00a0so,\u201d says Walter C. Willett, M.D., on the Harvard Health website.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><em><strong>*** 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.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width: 120px; height: 240px;\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=cdw07-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=B004JJ7W1S&amp;asins=B004JJ7W1S&amp;linkId=0dbee36cc4fad49c2843f578f716c474&amp;show_border=true&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=0066c0&amp;bg_color=ffffff\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/p>\n<h4><strong>How to Give Coconut Oil to Dogs<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>How much you should give your dog depends on his size. \u00a0Some veterinarians recommend starting out with slow doses and gradually building up.\u00a0 A good starting dose is a small portion (about 1\/4 of a teaspoon) at first over the <a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-5-daily-dosage.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignright wp-image-1268\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-5-daily-dosage.jpg?resize=145%2C128&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"145\" height=\"128\" \/><\/a>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. \u00a0The 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. \u00a0One-half to one teaspoon daily for a medium-sized dog (30 to 40 lbs.) is an average portion.<\/p>\n<p>You can feed your dog coconut oil as a treat or mix it into your dog\u2019s food. However, if you have an obese or overweight dog, it\u2019s suggested that coconut oil be provided no more than once a day because of its high fat content. \u00a0Any dog who is receiving coconut oil should be closely monitored for weight gain.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Coconut Oil Concerns<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>While coconut oil is generally safe for dogs, some canines may have an allergic reaction to the supplement.\u00a0 Do not give coconut oil to dogs prone to pancreatitis, as it can be a risk due to its high fat content.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Topical Application of Coconut Oil for Dogs<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Coconut oil can add moisture to your dog\u2019s skin and prevent flaking. It also helps freshen up a dog\u2019s 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\u2019t have to worry if dogs lick themselves after it\u2019s been applied to their coats.\u00a0 If your dog has dry paw pads, rub a small amount of coconut oil onto his paws &#8212; preferably before a nap or before bedtime so he\u2019s 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\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-4.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-1267 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-4.jpg?resize=196%2C147&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"196\" height=\"147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-4.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-4.jpg?w=670&amp;ssl=1 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 196px) 100vw, 196px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Weekly Coconut Oil Treatment<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 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.\u00a0\u00a0Wait 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. \u00a0The treatment will leave your pup\u2019s skin soft and in a healthier condition.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">For Cleaning Skin Folds (on breeds like bull dogs or pugs)<\/span><\/strong> &#8211; These breeds have skin folds on the face and body that frequently stay moist, leading to irritation, odor or infection.\u00a0 Cleaning the folds with coconut oil will help remove bacteria, calm and moisturize irritated skin, and reduce or eliminate odor.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Natural Ear Care\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">&#8211; Some vets recommend cleaning the dog&#8217;s ears with just a couple of drops of oil, such as coconut or olive, placed into the\u00a0ear\u00a0canal. This softens the excess wax and helps it move up and out where it can be wiped away with a tissue. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Coconut oil can soothe your pet\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Coconut Oil Alternatives for Dogs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If your dog has an allergic reaction to coconut oil, or there are simply no improvements seen by adding coconut oil to your dog\u2019s 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\u2019s intake should be monitored and it\u2019s best to consult your veterinarian when it comes to any health issues with your pet.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-3.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-1266 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-3.jpg?resize=243%2C162&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"243\" height=\"162\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-3.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-3.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 243px) 100vw, 243px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Benefits of Coconut Oil for\u00a0Dogs 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 &hellip; <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"more-link btn\" href=\"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/benefits-of-coconut-oil-for-dogs\/\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1266,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[355,352,358,356,357,353,354],"class_list":["post-1261","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-care","tag-benefit-of-lauric-acid-for-dogs","tag-coconut-oil-benefits-for-dogs","tag-coconut-oil-health-benefits-for-dogs","tag-coconut-oil-skin-treatment-for-dogs","tag-dog-treats-with-coconut-oil","tag-dogs-and-coconut-oil","tag-lauric-acid-in-coconut-oil-for-dogs","item-wrap"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/happy-pets-blog-dogs-and-coconut-oil-3.jpg?fit=750%2C500&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1261","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1261"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1261\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1564,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1261\/revisions\/1564"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1261"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1261"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}