Top 10 Coconut Oil Uses for Dogs
Dogs
The uses for virgin coconut oil are unending. It's great on my toast, in my skillet, even as a coffee creamer substitute. But did you know that this easy-to-find, all-natural item is an inexpensive treatment for many dog issues?
Here are the top 10 ways coconut oil can help dogs and cats:
- Antifungal: Applied topically, coconut oil can reduce and prevent pesky yeast infections, even in the ear, groin, or toe area. And no need to worry about it being ingested - just reapply!
- Boost Metabolism: Because of its high lauric acid content, coconut oil can boost metabolism and increase energy, resulting in a trimmer, healthier dog.
- Prevent chapping and treat cuts and skin infections: A little smear of coconut oil on your dog's paw pads before a walk can reduce scrapes or minor cuts, and also speeds the healing of minor nicks, cuts and even sunburn.
- Aid Digestion: Dogs with sensitive tummies can take a bit of coconut oil with their meal to reduce indigestion.
- Prevent and kill parasites: Coconut oil can even kill giardia, one of the nastiest bugs affecting dogs and cats. It can also kill fleas when rubbed on problem areas and allowed to set in.
- Condition coat: Rub a dab of coconut oil between your palms then give your dog a good massage. The oil serves as a wonderful conditioner. (It's the number one ingredient in some conditioner sprays.
- Boost immune system: The lauric acid makes coconut oil similar to mother's milk, increasing immunity against bacterial and viral infections.
- Improve thyroid function: Taken internally, coconut oil can increase thyroid stability.
- Enhance flavor: Dogs usually love the flavor of coconut, so a little coconut oil stirred in your dog's food can coax a picky eater to take that first bite.
- Reduce allergies and hot spots: Regular doses of coconut oil have been shown to reduce allergic reactions. Hot spots and yeast flare-ups can also be treated with coconut oil topically.
Ready to get your dog started on the road to good health with delicious coconut oil? Feed your dog about 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per 10lbs of body weight each day.
Build up the dosing starting with about 25% of the recommended dose and increase over the course of about a month. Coconut oil is one of the yummiest and cheapest ways to address a variety of issues your dogs may have.