Benefits and properties of coconut oil for dogs
You have probably heard that the oil extracted from coconuts is very beneficial for our health and is widely used in natural medicine and home remedies, both for health and beauty. In addition, for some time now it is beginning to be heard that it is also suitable to treat health problems in dogs. But really, is coconut oil good for dogs ? Well the answer is that YES is a good natural product to prevent and treat problems in our pets, but always using it well.
If you are interested in knowing more details continue reading this article where we reveal all the benefits and properties of coconut oil for dogs and how to give it to improve their health.
Properties of coconut oil for dogs
This vegetable oil is composed mainly of numerous fatty acids, among which are monounsaturated fats such as oleic acid, polyunsaturated fats such as linoleic acid and saturated fats such as lauric acid and myristic acid. All of them good fats for dogs always in adequate quantity and never excessive. In addition, in the composition of coconut oil we also find vitamin E and vitamin K and some minerals in lower concentration such as iron.
This composition gives this plant product a series of properties very beneficial to the health of the dogs. Among the main properties of coconut oil for dogs are the following:
- Antimicrobial
- Antibacterial
- Antiseptic
- Antifungal
- Antiparasitic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidants
- Regenerators
- Moisturizers
- Calming
- Stimulants of the immune system
Therefore, for those who wonder if coconut oil is good for dogs and if dogs can eat coconut in small quantities the answer is that YES without a doubt in adequate doses the two ways of offering this food to our pets are very good . However, we must bear in mind that it should not be the basis of their diet, but should be a natural complement that we offer them from time to time.
Benefits of coconut oil for dogs
Thanks to the composition and all the properties that this natural product has for dogs we can find great benefits of coconut oil for dogs both for external and internal use.
Moisturizes and nourishes the skin and hair in depth
Used both externally and internally, this organic product favors the health of the dog's coat, providing nourishment, shine and softness and favoring that it grows healthy and strong and does not fall excessively; therefore it is one of the best home remedies to care for the dog's hair. Likewise, coconut oil for dogs' skin is ideal to keep it in good condition, hydrated, regenerated and nourished and to prevent the appearance of skin problems and diseases. Thus, it is also very suitable for treating dry, cracked, peeling skin and also for bruises and scars.
Natural flea
This product is very effective to prevent and eliminate parasites, but especially to eliminate fleas. To use coconut oil as a flea for dogs it is better to use it externally applied on the skin and mantle, although if you give it to eat to benefit from other properties for your health, your dog will also be using it as an internal antiparasitic and external. The smell and texture of this oil repel fleas and if left to act as long as possible also kills them.
Stimulates the immune system
If your dog takes this natural ingredient, his immune system will be reinforced and he will be more protected against possible diseases. Due to its composition, but especially the antioxidant vitamins and lauric acid that is also found in the breast milk of bitches, this oil activates the defenses of the dogs and prevents possible health problems and even reduces the chances of appearance of different types of cancer.
Coconut oil for dermatitis, scabies and ringworm in dogs
Applied on the skin directly is one of the best home remedies to treat this type of skin conditions, since it has great anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, soothing and moisturizing effects for the skin. It is recommended to use it as a reinforcement of veterinary treatment in the case of these skin diseases.
Helps accelerate the metabolism
It serves to treat obese dogs because it has properties that help lose weight, provided that we give it occasionally and in optimal quantities. The majority of fatty acids contained in this product are medium chain, meaning they are easily absorbed and easy to process for the body, so the digestive system and the liver should not make great efforts and get energy in a short time. In addition, it helps to accelerate the metabolism of the dogs favoring the burning of accumulated fats.
Other benefits of coconut oil for dogs
In addition to the benefits already discussed, it also helps to prevent and improve problems of bones and joints such as arthritis as well as to regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland, regulate diabetes and improve digestion, avoiding and relieving also digestive disorders.
How to give coconut oil to my dog
The first thing you should do is buy organic coconut oil to make sure it is as natural as possible and not too processed, if possible make sure it is cold pressed or, if you have the material, make your own coconut oil home. In addition, in some countries canine coconut oil is already marketed, specially prepared so that dogs can consume it without problems due to excess of preservatives and chemicals that may be present in oils that are not extra virgin or organic coconut oil .
If you just want to give your hairy coconut oil to keep your health in good health and prevent diseases you just have to give it 1 tablespoon 2 or 3 days a week, apart or mixed with your food.
To treat conditions, it is necessary to temporarily increase the dose and, although it is recommended to follow the dosage indications given by the veterinarian, it is generally advisable to give 2 tablespoons daily .
How to use coconut oil for dogs' skin
To use the coconut oil for dogs externally it is necessary to heat it always for a few seconds so that it is in a liquid state and is easy to spread on the skin and hair of the dog, once it is warm.
To treat skin problems such as scabies, ringworm or some dermatitis is important to follow the treatment prescribed by the veterinarian and as a reinforcement apply this organic product on the skin of our pet, using disposable gloves, performing a gentle massage and making sure that the skin remains affected well covered. Let it take effect for as long as possible, at least 1 hour and if possible leave it for several hours, and then remove with a shower of warm water, using the soap that the veterinarian has indicated and without rubbing.
To use the coconut oil as antipulgas can be applied in the same way; Massaging gently and covering all the skin and hair. The difference is that we recommend that you do it outside of your house and your garden, since the fleas that survive will jump. Let it act for as long as you can, preferably several hours, to eliminate fleas and eggs. After shower with cold and abundant water and with the usual shampoo to your hairy to remove the remains of the oil and all the parasites.
