There is never a shortage of new health trends for dogs that people swear by. A trend that has recently resurfaced is the use of coconut oil on dogs. From increasing energy levels or keeping their skin healthy, there are so many claims online about how coconut oil can help your dog’s health.
But are any of the claims true? Or are you just putting your dog in danger when you use coconut oil on them? We break down the pros and cons of using coconut oil on your fur baby.
And since you’re already here, we know you’re probably dealing with a lot of dog hair at home. Check out our comprehensive list of the best pet vacuum cleaners as well as our reviews of other useful dog products.
What Is Coconut Oil?
Coconut is a very common ingredient in food, beauty, and lifestyle products. It is an oil that is taken from the meat of mature coconuts. It has a high saturated fat content and thus has a long shelf life, hence its popularity in products.
But beyond its long shelf life, coconut oil also has a number of health claims whether it is ingested or applied topically. We know it can be highly beneficial to human skin and digestion, but does that necessarily translate to dogs?
How Can I Give My Dog Coconut Oil?
There are generally two ways your dog can reap the benefits of coconut oil: through oral ingestion or topical application. That means that you can either give your dog a calculated dosage regularly or apply coconut oil to their skin and fur.
The best application method for you will depend on your dog’s health as well as what you are trying to solve with the use of coconut oil. As always, you should speak to a professional veterinarian before making any decisions on your dog’s health.
Pros of Using Coconut Oil on Dogs
- Coconut oil serves as a great moisturizer
When applied topically, coconut oil serves as a great moisturizer and balm for dogs’ skin. Because of its high saturated fat content, it has some healing capabilities that can also help reduce the effect of allergies and small injuries on your dog’s skin.
As an added bonus, the topical use of coconut oil – whether in pure form or through a shampoo – could help lessen that “doggy smell” we have all become accustomed to.
- It will make your dog’s fur shiny and glossy
While not strictly a health benefit, coconut oil does have some smoothing capabilities that can give a very pleasing glossy effect. And because coconut oil is edible, you won’t have to worry about your dog coming into contact with the coconut oil on their coat. Just make sure they don’t have too much – you will still need to monitor their oral intake.
- It can aid digestion
Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which has some anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. While some people believe this will keep your dog clear of any sicknesses indefinitely, experts say it is more likely that it helps them digest food well and metabolize energy. For older dogs who may start running into digestion problems, coconut oil could be particularly beneficial.
- Coconut oil could help reduce furballs
The jury is still out on this one as we don’t exactly know how it works, but pet owners and vets alike have noticed that the oral ingestion of coconut oil can help reduce your dog’s furballs.
It is important to note, however, that if you plan on giving your dog coconut oil, you should speak to your veterinarian about the correct dosage for your dog. Do not start giving it to your fur baby without consulting an expert first.
Cons of Coconut Oil for Dogs
- Coconut oil does not work for every dog
There are many people who will tell you that coconut oil is their holy grail and almost a cure-all for their dogs. While it can definitely be useful for some, if not most, dogs, you should still have a healthy amount of skepticism about using coconut oil. For some dogs, it simply will not work as well as it does for others.
Talking to your vet can help you set realistic expectations for using coconut oil, no matter what you are using it for.
- It does not meet a dog’s daily fat requirements
While coconut oil is definitely packed to the brim with so-called “good fat”, it does not have enough omega-6 and omega-3 acids to meet your dog’s daily needs.
So if you plan to give your dog oral doses of coconut oil, you will need to keep this in mind and draft a plan with your vet to address the rest of your dog’s nutritional needs – including the use of dog supplements.
- It is not a suitable replacement for serious treatments
Because of its purported anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, many people can be tempted to shun all other treatments in favor of all-natural coconut oil, which is often much cheaper than expensive dog medicine.
But if your dog has serious problems with their thyroid, digestion, or if they need to lose weight, then you should still talk to your vet about what your dog needs. You should always remember that while natural remedies do they have their benefits, experts still recommend using both “natural” and medicinal treatments for your dog’s problems.
Conclusion
When it comes to health trends for dogs, coconut oil is definitely one of the most popular and most beneficial. Whether you are looking to improve the health of your dog’s skin and fur or if you are looking to help their digestion, coconut oil can prove to be a useful remedy for any fur baby.
However, it is still important to remember that all dogs are ultimately different and that what works for one dog may not always work for another. That’s why we strongly recommend talking to your dog’s vet before you make any decisions about giving them coconut oil.