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Coconut oil is considered by some dog owners to be a cure-all for many issues.
For many years now, coconut oil has been touted as a miracle cure for everything from parasites to inflammations in dogs. But how much truth is there to these claims? Find out what current studies say about the use of coconut oil in dogs in this article.
At room temperature, coconut oil is solid and white, turning yellowish when liquid. In humans, coconut oil is hailed as a “superfood,” believed to have positive effects on health.
However, when it comes to dogs, scientific research is scant, and there can be no definitive claims about the effectiveness of coconut oil in canine companions.
What Ingredients Are Contained in Coconut Oil?
Virgin coconut oil is extracted from coconut meat and milk. It is approximately 90 percent saturated fats, including many medium-chain fatty acids that are easily digestible.
A significant proportion of these are Caprylic acid and Lauric acid. Caprylic acid is known to have antifungal properties, while Lauric acid is believed to have various effects, including antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.
For What Purposes is Coconut Oil Used in Dogs?
Coconut oil can be applied in different forms – often as a dietary supplement or for external application on fur and skin. Among dog owners, several use-cases for coconut oil have become popular. But does the oil really work as well as many claim?
You shouldn’t apply coconut oil on your dog’s wounds.
Does Coconut Oil Help Against Parasites?
Some dog owners swear by the antiparasitic effect of coconut oil when applied topically to their pets. However, according to current research, this opinion should be viewed with caution:
Does Coconut Oil Prevent Ticks in Dogs?
All scientific studies up to now suggest that coconut oil is ineffective against ticks. The reason is believed to be due to the insufficient concentration of Lauric acid in coconut oil, which is required for reliable tick protection.
If you want to protect your dog from tick bites, you should consult your veterinarian for a suitable tick repellent.
Does Coconut Oil Protect Dogs from Fleas?
Some studies do report that coconut oil can cause fleas to spend less time on a dog, but it did not prevent flea bites. Therefore, current knowledge does not support the use of coconut oil as a guaranteed flea protection.
Moreover, it’s important to bear in mind that fleas can jump off your pet and spread throughout your home, finding a cosy nesting spot in textiles like your sofa.
Is Coconut Oil Suitable for Dog Fur and Skin Care?
Coconut oil has been used as a skincare product for many decades. It absorbs quickly into the upper layers of the skin, potentially providing moisture to small, dry patches of skin.
However, it’s important to remember that dry skin could also indicate a skin disease in dogs that may require veterinary treatment.
Rubbing Your Dog with Coconut Oil: Not on Wounds!
Coconut oil is not suitable for treating Hot Spots or other wounds. Bacteria can reside in the deeper layers of the skin, potentially multiplying under a protective layer of coconut oil.
Does Coconut Oil Relieve Itching in Dogs?
Itching is always a symptom of an underlying issue. So, take it seriously if your dog is scratching more than usual.
Instead of treating your pet’s affected areas with coconut oil, first check for parasites. If you don’t find any parasites in the fur, a visit to the vet is in order, as the cause could be various diseases or allergies.
Can Coconut Oil Support Dental Hygiene in Dogs?
Dog owners also use coconut oil for their pets’ dental hygiene. They apply it to a toothbrush and gently brush their furry friend’s teeth with it. But does coconut oil genuinely benefit canine dental health?
Does Coconut Oil Help with Gum Inflammation in Dogs?
Two studies from humans in 2015 and 2020 reported a positive effect of coconut oil on gum health, suggesting that the oil could reduce plaque formation, which can cause gum inflammation in humans.
Similar studies are not yet available for dogs. If your dog has dental issues, always consult your vet before trying to treat with coconut oil.
Does Coconut Oil Help Bad Breath in Dogs?
While some may like the smell of coconut oil, others might not – and when it comes to bad breath in dogs, coconut oil typically doesn’t provide a long-term improvement.
Firstly, bad breath always has a trigger. Without addressing it directly, your dog will keep suffering from it. Additionally, the smell of coconut oil is volatile and won’t last permanently.
Side Effects: Is Coconut Oil Dangerous for Dogs?
As a general rule, coconut oil doesn’t cause severe side effects, whether ingested or applied to the skin. However, dogs frequently fed coconut oil tend to have a higher body fat percentage.
It’s also been observed that working dogs consuming coconut oil exhibit reduced olfactory sensitivity.
In Which Cases Should Coconut Oil Not Be Given?
Coconut oil is not suitable for dogs that are allergic to it or its components. Also, if your dog has other underlying conditions, discuss with your vet before use.
This is particularly true for dogs with diabetes mellitus, as the body converts coconut oil into ketone bodies, which can additionally strain the health of your sick pet.
How Does Coconut Oil Affect Dog Communication?
It’s well-documented and scientifically proven that dogs communicate through scent.
In this regard, it’s crucial to consider whether applying coconut oil on a dog’s skin and fur might interfere with this species-specific communication. Generally, it’s not advisable to oil your dog with coconut oil every day.
Conclusion: Is Coconut Oil Suitable for Dogs?
Depending on the type and indication of use, coconut oil can bring positive properties – for instance, it can result in shinier fur.
However, it’s vital to note that there are not enough scientific studies available to properly assess the use of coconut oil in dogs.
Consult a Vet Before Treating Your Dog
To safeguard your pet from potential side effects, never administer coconut oil without a veterinarian’s consent, especially for dogs with pre-existing conditions.
This article from zooplus Magazine is purely informative. If your pet is experiencing discomfort, contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
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Franziska G., Veterinarian
At the Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen I was extensively trained as a veterinarian and was able to gain experience in various fields such as small animal, large animal and exotic animal medicine as well as pharmacology, pathology and food hygiene.
Since then, I have been working not only as a veterinary author, but also on my scientifically driven dissertation. My goal is to better protect animals from pathogenic bacterial organisms in the future.
Besides my veterinary knowledge, I also share my own experiences as a happy dog owner and can thus understand and enlighten fears and problems as well as other important questions about animal health.
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