Coconut oil has become a popular natural health product for humans and dogs, considered to treat everything from halitosis to dry skin to immune health to thyroid health, and even preventing cancer. So, what’s the truth? Is coconut oil good for dogs? What should you know before giving it to your dog? Read on to learn more about coconut oil for dogs as well as how you might combine it with CBD oil for additional benefits.
What is Coconut Oil?
Well, coconut oil is an oil extracted from the “meat” inside mature coconuts, you know the creamy white stuff. Straight virgin coconut oil will come in a jar and look very similar to what’s inside a coconut but more liquid. It is raved about for its high fatty acid content, other healthy fats, anti-bacterial properties, anti-viral properties, anti-fungal properties, triglycerides, and nutritional benefits. Science and consumer testimonies are showing great promise for coconut oil to treat a wide range of health concerns, enough that licensed veterinarians actually take it seriously as an alternate treatment option.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs
Infections
Because of its lauric acid content, coconut oil is touted as a means to prevent and treat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. A dog with an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast or who has wounds or sores that you’d like to protect from a bacterial infection may benefit from the slathering of coconut oil. Scientists have proven that coconut oil can indeed kill bacteria, viruses, and fungus in lab tests, in fact, scientists are recommending coconut oil as a way to combat drug-resistant candida. But it hasn’t been tried and proven like traditional methods, so it may or may not always protect or treat infections, so discuss potential risks with your doctor and be ready and prepared to go to more aggressive means should coconut oil not cut it.
Immunity
Ingesting coconut oil can also help boost the immune system because of medium-chain triglycerides, antioxidants, and lauric acid. This is great for dogs with weakened immune systems, chronic stress, or any dog who just needs a boost. Coconut oil might prevent disease and shorten the life of already developed diseases.
Energy
Medium-chain triglycerides also provide a bit of subtle, healthy energy. If your dog is feeling under the weather, suffering a lack of energy as a medication side effect, or is simply slowing down from age, they may benefit from coconut oil. This won’t be like a doggy energy drink that will be unhealthy or cause a crash.
Weight Management
Because of coconut oil’s boost of energy, its impact on the thyroid, and the healthy way it metabolizes in the body, it can be used as a way to manage obesity in dogs. It’s also filling, making dogs feel less hungry. Depending on your dog’s reason for obesity, coconut oil may or may not be answer. If your dog is severely overweight or does not quickly respond to coconut oil, you should consult your vet for more personalized advice.
Brain Health
There is also significant evidence that medium-chain triglycerides improve brain health and can help prevent and manage dementia in dogs.
Dogs with epilepsy may find relief in coconut oil because it boosts ketones, and ketones have been scientifically proven to lessen and prevent seizures.
Digestion
Try coconut oil if your dog is suffering from digestive issues, because it improves digestion, helps the body absorb nutrients, kills harmful bacteria in the stomach, fights inflammation in the digestive system, and soothes the digestive system. Just don’t overdo it, because then they might get greasy or loose stools.
Parasites
Coconut oil can help eliminate parasites from the dog’s digestive system and skin as well. So, if your dog has tapeworms, fleas, lice, or any other parasite, coconut oil may be the answer. Lauric acid kills many parasites, and even if it can’t kill them, many parasites, like lice, hate oil.
People frequently like to use coconut oil for dogs ear problems because it can eliminate parasites and prevent and heal infections. It also helps remove excess wax.
