Is Coconut Oil Good for my Pet? (2024)

FAQs

Is Coconut Oil Good for my Pet? ›

The short answer is Yes. Coconut oil can help aid your pets' digestion, improve their coats, help prevent infection and more. But please note, it is important to follow the proper guidelines. As with most things, too much of even a good thing can end up having negative effects.

Most vets think that nutrient-dense coconut oil can be a good addition to your dog's diet in safe, small amounts, whether added to your dog's food as a supplement or applied to the skin. Rich in fatty acids and healthy saturated fats, coconut oil is popularly thought to do the following: Make a dog's coat extra shiny.

Apply coconut oil to your hands and massage it into your dog's fur and onto his skin. Be sure to rub it into his skin where he has skin problems. Dry patches or areas your dog scratches most are areas needing more coconut oil. Give the coconut oil some time to work into your dog's skin.

Start by giving 1/4 teaspoon daily to small dogs or 1 tablespoon (15 mL) daily to big dogs and gradually increase the amount. If your dog tolerates it well after 2 weeks, increase the dose to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds (5 mL per 4.5 kg) of body weight.

Coconut oil is often used to hydrate a dog's skin, reduce inflammation, and provide both antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, this remains anecdotal in dogs.

To use coconut oil topically, apply it to the skin about once a week, and let it be absorbed for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, rinse your dog off. If they still feel greasy or oily to the touch, you can follow up with a light shampoo and rinse.

Answer: You can apply coconut oil to the dog's coat once a week, and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Groom the coat well using a pin or rake brush to remove dead fur and then rinse off.

Topical use may be easily administered, but remember that your dog may lick it off the skin and ingest it anyway. Oral use should be done carefully, only giving your dog the amount recommended by your vet. Too much coconut oil can lead to vomiting, greasy diarrhea, weight gain, and other illnesses.

If you give your dog too much coconut oil, they can get diarrhea. Your veterinarian will let you know a healthy amount to give your dog. In some cases, your dog might have an allergy to coconut oil. Signs of an allergy include an upset stomach and itching.

If you think your pet might benefit from coconut oil, they should only ingest it around once a day, maximum. Small dogs and cats should have around 1⁄4 teaspoon, while larger dogs might tolerate between 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon.

Does coconut oil go bad? ›

Because the shelf life of coconut oil varies depending on its form. Unrefined virgin coconut oil is the longest lasting, boasting a shelf life of up to 3 years when stored properly. On the other hand, refined coconut oil has a much shorter shelf life and should be used within 18 months of opening the jar or bottle.

Solid or liquid coconut oil can be added to food at any meal or given between meals. The optimum dose for dogs is about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily, or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds. These are general guidelines, as some dogs need less and others more.

Overall, coconut oil can be an effective natural remedy for mildly itchy skin in people, though this remains to be proven effective in dogs. Therefore, it's best to schedule a visit to your veterinarian first. This is because itchy skin can be a sign of another underlying medical condition, such as allergies.

Coconut oil is considered to have natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties,8 so if your dog has cracked paw pads, minor cuts, or areas of skin irritation, it can be used as a natural topical antimicrobial to help heal and soothe those wounds.

Coconut oil (in low quantities) does not represent an ingestion hazard, so you don't need to worry about your dog licking it off -- some owners even administer coconut oil orally in an effort to help improve digestive function.

Coconut oil is not poisonous for cats and is perfectly safe for them to eat, although they should only be given small amounts to start with. Some cats will tolerate coconut oil better than others and whilst it is rare, there is always a risk that they could also be allergic to it.

Coconut Oil, Dogs And Inflammation. Newer research shows that coconut oil is inflammatory and can cause leaky gut. In fact, the ASPCA advises owners not to give their dogs coconut oil because it can irritate the gut lining, which may cause stomach upset, loose stools or diarrhea.

Coconut oil is a natural stool softener and gentle laxative. Mix about a teaspoonful into your dog's food or let them lick it right off a spoon. Most dogs love the taste. Add a small amount of olive oil to your dog's food.