Just like with people, each dog is different, so it’s important to check with your veterinarian prior to incorporating any new food, supplement, or skin care products into your dog’s routine. Before giving coconut oil to your dog, or mixing it in with your dog’s food, make sure to consult your veterinarian first. 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. Though not poisonous, it is a high-fat food that can cause complications in dogs with certain health conditions. UPDATE: One of the most popular questions we get asked here at Dogs Naturally is if giving your dog coconut oil is a good idea or just a lot of fuss about nothing. When applied topically, coconut oil could have some moisturizing benefits for your dog’s skin and coat. For the most part, coconut oil is just as safe for puppies as it is for adult dogs. Coconut oil is good for dogs and can help aid your pets' digestion, improve their coats, help prevent infection and more. Coconut oil is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts or have applied to their skin or fur. But anecdotal evidence does indicate similar benefits for canines. “Coconut oil can also be used as a base for dog treats,” explains Smith. Ask Your Own Dog Veterinary Question While coconut oil is generally safe for dogs, some canines may have an allergic reaction to the supplement. It’s OK to directly feed coconut oil to pets, but take note that the amount of coconut oil that you can give to dogs will depend on their weight. Would he also receive the same benefits?”. In some studies, coconut oil has been used to effectively reduce seizures in epileptic dogs[*] and counterbalance the effects of aging in older dogs[*]. Over-supplementation can cause kidney problems. In fact, the ASPCA advises owners not to give their dogs coconut oil because it can irritate the gut lining. Coconut oil for dogs is very high in saturated fat Coconut oil for dogs is made by pressing the meat or flesh of the coconut. However, many owners may still want to know how much coconut oil for dogs is safe or recommended. So what exactly makes coconut oil so beneficial? With any oils, use in small amounts because it can cause diarrhea and/or stomach upset. There has been scientific study to support anecdotal evidence that coconut improves digestion and energy levels in people and provides immune system support. Is Coconut Oil Safe for Dogs? How much you should give your dog depends on his size. But please note, it is mportant to follow the proper guidelines. It may also aide in the relief of skin discomfort and give your dog a sleek, healthy coat. They do well when it’s applied topically or mixed in with their food. The short answer is: maybe. As with most things, too much of even a good thing can end up having negative effects. Coconut oil is safe for all types of animals. The safety of the product for a particular dog may depend on his health. In fact, there are many health benefits for dogs. Start with a quarter of a teaspoon daily for puppies and small dogs, or a teaspoon for larger pets. Smith warns against giving coconut oil to dogs prone to pancreatitis, as it can be a risk due to its high fat content. 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. When applied topically, coconut oil could have some moisturizing benefits for your dog’s skin and coat. Coconut Oil For Dogs: Understanding the Benefits and Risks. If your dog accidentally licks a whole jar of coconut oil, they may experience a … ). Your dog may lick some of the oil but that’s not a problem because coconut oil is edible, healthy and safe for dogs. And it made us change our minds about recommending coconut oil for dogs. Coconut oil for dogs teeth The natural anti-fungal, antibiotic, antiviral properties make coconut oil a great option for brushing your dogs teeth. In essence, a single tablespoon of coconut oil adds around 120 calories and also raises the level of bad cholesterol. If your dog has symptoms of a health issue, such as a cough, skin irritation, etc., talk to your veterinarian. Coconut oil may be the latest, hottest, all-natural trend for humans, but pet parents are also exploring it as a beneficial supplement for their four-legged companions. Dr. Katie Gryzb, a Brooklyn-based veterinarian, explains that coconut oil can potentially slow cognitive dysfunction in dogs. It’s safe to give your dog coconut oil orally and to use it topically on his skin or fur. With its high-fat content, too much coconut oil can lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially deadly illness. “Coconut oil can increase energy levels, improve skin and coat, improve digestion, and reduce allergic reactions,” says Smith. To read about the benefits of other oils for dogs, check out can dogs eat olives . Be careful that you don’t give too much vitamin D to your dog, however. However, a small number of dogs do experience an allergic reaction to coconut and its by-products. Coconut oil can generally be given to dogs 1-2 times a day with meals. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. 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. Coconut oil: Extra-virgin coconut oil has become a popular choice for humans because it’s a healthier alternative to more processed saturated and trans fats, and the same applies to dogs. How much coconut oil should I give my dog? Coconut oil is safe for not only dogs but also for all kinds of animals such as rabbits, horses, birds, cats, etc. There has not, however, been extensive scientific study to support these benefits in dogs. Coconut oil is generally safe for dogs, but you should exercise caution, as there may be some side effects. However, because it is an oil, it will feel greasy, attract dirt, and may stain carpeting, furniture, and clothing. Only ever use 100% unrefined, virgin coconut oil on your dog. Coconut Oil, Dogs And Inflammation Newer research shows that coconut oil is inflammatory and can cause leaky gut. If your dog has diarrhea or greasy stools, you may be giving too much oil, and you should reduce the dose. Despite the possible health benefits, coconut oil might not be healthy for your dog. The best part is that it’s not proven to be toxic even when eaten in excess. Turmeric works as an anti-inflammatory, while vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Are similar products safe for dogs? Dr. Ken Tudor notes that coconut oil may possibly raise “bad cholesterol” levels in dogs and “adds 120 calories for every tablespoon without adding any appreciable nutritional value.”. Keep in mind, if your dog is ingesting coconut oil, it’s best to start with very small amounts. Coconut oil has become an increasingly popular ingredient for dogs over the past couple of years. Studies have shown that animals can tolerate coconut oil very well and pet parents do not need to worry about toxicity due to overconsumption. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. “It provides many benefits for dogs,” says Dr. Colleen Smith, DVM, CVA, CVCP of the Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute. Coconut oil is considered to have natural antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties, so if your dog is suffering from cracked pads or other cuts, it can be safely used as a natural topical antibiotic to help heal and soothe any wounds. Summary: Coconut oil is likely safe for dogs when given in normal doses alongside a healthy, balanced diet. Mixing coconut oil with kibble can have many health benefits for dogs. Its made up of approximately 90% saturated fat (higher than butter at approximately 64%) You probably already know that at Bella & Duke we are fans of fat as it is an essential building block of your dog’s hormones. And far from being a fad or an overnight craze, it may prove true. Coconut oil should not be used to treat health problems without first checking with your veterinarian. If the dog has dived into a jar of coconut oil, he will only suffer from diarrhea at the maximum. Using coconut oil as treatment could mask or worsen an existing problem. Best Coconut Oil for Dogs. And not all veterinarians are convinced that coconut oil is beneficial for dogs at all. It’s important to note that it works great as maintenance but … There’s only a few situations where you should be careful. Yes, coconut oil is safe for dogs but it needs to be introduced into their diet gradually in small amounts. Like with anything in life, you have to be aware of a couple things regarding coconut oil … Since coconut oil is high in fat, there are concerns that it may cause complications in dogs with certain health conditions (heart issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. There are reports that coconut oil can have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Smith recommends pet parents use organic, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil. Many veterinarian recommend starting slow with the coconut oil. Coconut oil can add moisture to your dog’s skin and prevent flaking. Dogs suffering from inefficient fat metabolization, pancreatitis, should not be administered coconut oil without expert supervision. 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. 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. We’ve concluded that there’s little reason to give coconut oil to dogs. A good starting dose is ¼ teaspoon daily for small dogs up 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon daily for big dogs. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine, coconut oil can also cause leaky gut and can irritate your dog’s stomach lining. “Fatty acids are helpful in cognitive function, which has been medically proven,” she says. Additionally, giving a dog too much coconut oil … “I’ve been using coconut oil for my hair, skin, and even in my diet with some great results. Yes, coconut oil is safe for pregnancy and nursing dogs. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, iy_2020; im_12; id_31; ih_12; imh_54; i_epoch:1609448056252, py_2020; pm_12; pd_13; ph_23; pmh_04; p_epoch:1607929446960, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Sun Dec 13 23:04:06 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1607929446960. This is because coconut oil has been shown to provide many benefits to dogs. Yes, Coconut oil is good for dogs and has tons of benefits for dogs. Coconut oil has also been shown to help dogs lose weight, give … If your dog is healthy and you decide to introduce coconut oil into his diet or use it on his coat or skin, do so slowly and sparingly. Even though it contains the antibacterial agent lauric acid, which is a benefit, eating it on large quantities may increase toxic LPS which creates inflammation. Yes, coconut oil for dogs is safe. Coconut oil can aid dogs with everything from itchy or bumpy skin to digestion issues. contain oils that may cause stomach upset, loose stools or diarrhea. Coconut oil is extracted from mature coconuts and takes the form of an edible oil that is used in food and beauty products. Giving coconut oil or similar supplements to dogs is not a guaranteed cure-all or magic fix. But is this oil all that it’s cracked up to be, and are there risks that pet parents should be aware of? It’s generally considered safe as a topical application (balms and shampoos), but some experts recommend using caution with oral use. Smith recommends pet parents use organic, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil. I’m wondering if it’s safe to use on my dog’s coat, in his food, or in other ways? It also helps freshen up a dog’s coat if used with a light touch. Grocery store shoppers are likely to encounter numerous products containing coconut, including smoothies, cooking oil, supplements, skin moisturizers, dental care items, and more. While coconut oil is generally safe for dogs, some canines may have an allergic reaction to the supplement. While coconut oil is readily available at most grocery stores, you have to make sure you get the right type for it to be safe for your dog! Things to Be Aware Of. In addition, dogs may gain weight on this fatty food, risking obesity and all the health issues that come along with it. While in rare cases, dogs can have coconut oil allergies, coconut oil is a safe and healthy meal addition for many canines. It is high in saturated fat and medium-chain triglycerides, which are thought to be behind the touted health benefits for both humans and dogs. But pet owners are asking: Is coconut oil beneficial to dogs? You can even apply coconut oil topically to add moisture, reduce flaking, treat itchy skin, and generally improve your dog’s skin and coat. 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. The good news is, as long as you administer it carefully, coconut oil is perfectly safe for most dogs. Additionally, giving a dog too much coconut oil in the diet could result in diarrhea. To find the best coconut oil, understanding the labels can make all the difference. One of the reasons these products are so popular is that some people believe coconut has specific health benefits. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Any dog who is receiving coconut oil should be closely monitored for weight gain. In addition, Dr. Pema Melu, DVM, of Holistic Veterinary Healing in Germantown, MD, explains that medium-chain fatty acids, like 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.”. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. The truth is we used to love coconut oil for dogs … But recently there’s been some new research. Coconut oil is certainly a very popular item for people these days. Simply apply a small amount to your dogs toothbrush and brush away. 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. How Much Coconut Oil for Dogs is Needed? 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. Yes, dogs can eat and have coconut oil – it is safe and healthy for most dogs who do not have an allergic reaction. She suggests mixing turmeric and vitamin D in with coconut oil for optimum snacks. In general, yes, coconut oil is safe for dogs! Smith warns against giving coconut oil to dogs prone to pancreatitis, as it can be a risk due to its high fat content. So whether you’re thinking of feeding coconut oil to them off a spoon, or if they lick it off their skin or fur, they won’t come to any harm. All rights reserved. Additionally, giving a dog too much coconut oil in the diet could result in diarrhea. 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