Whether it is for cooking or skin protection, coconut oil bears a lot of benefits. The good thing about it is that it is not limited to humans, but to our pets, as well.
Dogs, in particular, can greatly take advantage of coconut oil, which actually bears a lot more perks than you may think. However, there is also a proper way of using this product in order to give your beloved furry friend the best benefits that are readily available.
If you have not yet tried using coconut oil for your dog and are wondering the correct process of doing so, read through this article. Hopefully, after doing so, you will be informed enough to be rid of any apprehensions you may have.
Benefits of coconut oil for dogs: A quick rundown
If you have not yet come across our previous article about how coconut oil is helpful for dogs and pets in general, give it a quick read. Nonetheless, here is a quick overview:
– Coconut oil can help improve digestive function for dogs, particularly the fatty acids that are present
– It also helps enhance your dog’s cognitive functions and helps prevent degenerative diseases from forming
– Coconut oil can act as an immune system booster to help combat diseases, like stabilizing insulin levels to curb the symptoms of diabetes
– Coconut oil helps alleviate your dogs from itchiness of allergic reactions, as well as a disinfectant for wounds and cuts
Coconut oil for dogs
Using coconut oil for dogs
Coat care and conditioning
We’ve previously mentioned the ways coconut oil can be of great help for dogs. Now, we will delve into the specifics of how it should be used for such purposes.
In terms of coat care, coconut oil can be taken both orally and topically. When you go for the latter option, you will immediately see a noticeable shine on their coat. In the long run, it can also help reduce any odors from building up.
Ultimate pet healer coconut oil for dogs
Another thing about the topical application is the possibility of your dogs licking off the coconut oil. This should not be done, especially if it is applied to a wounded part of their skin.
To avoid this, be sure to keep a watchful eye on them to prevent them from licking themselves. After five minutes, wash off the oil using some mild shampoo.
Digestive relief
As previously mentioned, it is the fatty acids present in the coconut oil that greatly helps them in terms of digestive relief. At the same time, it also helps in absorbing nutrients more effectively.
But in worse cases, the coconut oil can cause loose bowel movement for your dogs, which can be detrimental to their health if left unattended. To combat this, you can add in some canned pumpkin along with the coconut oil in your dog’s food bowl.
Adding in some cooked food should help prevent such digestive conditions from happening.
Bad breath prevention
Dogs with bad breath can be a nuisance to deal with. And just like us humans, the common cause for such conditions is rooted in poor oral hygiene, causing the build-up of tartar and plaque.
Adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet to help aid in digestion can be one solution to prevent bad breath. But if it remains to be a recurring condition, try using it as a substitute for canine toothpaste. This should help in getting rid of the plaque, which is one of the root causes for bad breath.
To do this, add in a drop or two of parsley oil onto your dog’s toothbrush, along with a few drops of coconut oil. Do this religiously, and your dog can be guaranteed better oral health in the long run.
Energy booster
Are your dogs more lethargic than they should be, to the point that they seem to just laze around the entire day? While it is not a cause for alarm, it would also not be as fun to have them with you with almost no energy.
The great thing is, coconut oil can also be an energy booster for dogs. The secret here is medium-chain fatty acids that are metabolized in a different way compared to the other kinds of fatty acids.
The mitochondria in the dog’s body cells are fueled by medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs), making them readily burned for energy. It’s pretty much like having an energy reserve in the tank to be used when needed.
So if you happen to be seeing your dogs in their sleepy, sluggish state all the time, try adding coconut oil in their food. You will eventually see the results, and your dogs will be back to their lively, playful selves.
Weight gain control
Once your dog gains weight uncontrollably, it will likely end up being a slow-moving, lazy dog, as well. And if you’re the type who enjoys being active with their dogs alongside them, this could be an issue.
Coconut oil can also help curb this problem for your dogs, and it’s related to how it works as an energy booster. Because the MCTs produce energy, they aren’t immediately stored as fats.
If you happen to be dealing with a dog that’s been gaining unwanted weight, add some coconut oil in their food. At the same time, make sure that you, as the owner, are feeding it properly and with the right amounts.
Insulin regulation
Just like human beings, dogs are also susceptible to acquiring diabetes because of spiked insulin levels. With that being said, these levels need to be kept in control at all times.
A good way to do so would be to feed your dog with coconut oil. Adding a teaspoon of it to your dog’s food is one way of going about it. But ultimately, you would want to go for a natural brand of dog food, which contains meat, vegetables, and berries, ingredients that would help prevent such ailments.
Final Words
Yes, coconut oil can be greatly beneficial for dogs, but there are proper ways of administering it to them. Hopefully, this article has been helpful in explaining these processes to give your dogs the best form of care they need.
But as far as products go, you must always choose the organic route. Brands like Alpha Pet Zone is one good example to ensure that your beloved dogs are only served with the most natural ingredients to aid in their development.
Give this a try, and be amazed at the wonderful results you’ll be seeing right before your eyes.
Raw organic coconut oil for dogs and pets
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