COCONUT OIL IS GOOD FOR YOUR DOG'S and CAT's HEALTH

 
Coconut oil for dogs and cats health
*4 min read
 
In this article:
  1. About coconut oil
  2. Health benefits of coconut oil
  3. How to use coconut oil as a topical healing aid 
    1. Golden paste recipe
    2. Natural insect repelling balm recipe
    3. Fur and skin issues
    4. Toothpaste recipes
    5. Wound treatment
  4. How to select a good quality coconut oil
  5. How to add coconut oil to your dog or cat's daily diet
  6. Daily dosage based on body weight

About Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can be used as a supplement and topical treatment to support your dog, puppy cat and kitten's health.
Most of the saturated fats in coconut oil come from Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). The MCTs are the source of most of the benefits of coconut oil. One of the MCTs is lauric acid.
 
Lauric acid is antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. A dog and cat's digestive system efficiently metabolizes MCTs, providing an immediate source of energy, gently raising metabolism. In-turn supporting physical performance and supporting weight loss in overweight dogs and dogs suffering from thyroid issues. Coconut oil also improves a dog’s skin and coat, aids digestion and reduces the severity of allergic reactions.

Heath Benefits of Coconut Oil

A partial list:

Digestive Aid

Digestion/absorption of nutrients
Healing of digestive problems (i.e. inflammation of the bowls)
Help reduce bad breath
Helps eliminate hair balls and related coughing

Bones, Immune System, Metabolism
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Anti-fungal
  • Anti-viral
    …three important attributes in the fight against infection, cancer and other diseases;
  • Antioxidant
  • Balances, regulates insulin
  • Helps reduce weight
    …diabetes prevention and control
  • Increases energy
  • Aids in health of ligaments
  • Helps with arthritis relief
  • Improves brain energy metabolism
  • Reduces risk of brain lesions in older dogs

 

How To Use Coconut Oil As A Topical Healing Aid

 
Golden Paste Recipe
  
Golden paste is a potent, natural anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-carcinogenic – it is also rich in antioxidants.

Golden paste recipe with coconut oil:

Insect Repelling Balm Recipe

Skip the toxins and carcinogens found in many insect repellents and make our own insect repellent balm for dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. 
 
Insect repelling balm recipe:
 
Skin and Fur Issues
 
Gently massage coconut oil into fur and skin as needed, 1x to 2x per day until no longer needed.
 
Helps to clear-up:
  • Eczema
  • Flea allergies
  • Dermatitis
  • Itchy Skin
  • Ringworm (a fungal infection)
 Improves health and appearance of:
  • Skin
  • Fur
  • and deodorizes
  • Prevents and treats topical yeast and fungal infections
  • Disinfects cuts and supports healing of wounds

 Toothpaste Recipes for Maintenance of Oral Health
Use coconut oil to support and maintain oral health. 
 
Coconut oil, natural toothpaste recipes:

Coconut oil and herbal toothpaste recipe: 

 Wound Treatment
 
Gently massage coconut oil into skin, 1x to 2x per day until no longer needed.
 
Supports the healing of:
  • Cuts
  • Dry skin
  • Hot spots
  • Insect bites
  • Insect stings
  • Wounds

How to Select A Good Quality Coconut Oil

 
Purchase unrefined, cold-pressed organic Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO). Despite what manufacturers and people may say the difference between VCO and EVCO is simply a marketing campaign borrowed from the olive oil manufacturing community - there is no real difference between the two (EVO and EVCO).

Different brands of coconut oil have different tastes - some faint, very subtle coconut taste to others that will have a much stronger taste of coconut. Remember the one sense we humans have that is stronger than our dog’s senses is taste. Your dog has about 1700 taste buds, while we have about 9000. Don’t worry about the taste - concentrate instead on the quality of the product. 
 
 

How To Introduce Coconut Oil to Your Dog or Cat's Diet

When first introducing coconut oil to your dogs and cat's diet it is best to use a lesser amount that the maximum dosage indicated above. The dosages above represent a typical maintenance dosage. Introductory dosages should be in the range of ¼ tsp per day for small dogs, cats, puppies and kittens and 1 tsp per day for large dogs. If you know that your dog has a sensitive digestive system then start off with a few drops of coconut oil a day. You can then gradually increase the amount of coconut oil over several weeks.

Large amounts of coconut oil given to a dog or cat can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or greasy stools while his/her body adjusts to the change in diet. Start with small amounts, such as ¼ teaspoon per day for small dogs or puppies and 1 teaspoon for large dogs, or even just a dab if your dog's or cat's constitution is sensitive. If your dog seems tired or uncomfortable or has diarrhea, just cut back the amount temporarily. Gradually increase the amount every few days.

The reason for this phased-in approach is because coconut oil kills bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, and fungi, your dog or cat may respond negatively to the detox aspect of coconut oil. Signs of detoxing too rapidly may include lethargy, headaches, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and diarrhea. If your dog does have any such reaction, just temporarily cut the daily amount back to allow your dog’s and cat's system to gently adjust. This is another reason why dividing your dog’s intake of coconut oil between two feedings a day is a good approach.
 
 

Coconut Oil Daily Dosage Based on Body Weight

The recommended maximum dosage is:
  • ¼ teaspoon for every 10 lbs of body weight twice daily, or 
  • ½ teaspoon for every 10 lbs of body weight once daily.
 
Holistic Wellness and Behaviorist Services

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Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld 

 


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