Nowadays, most individuals have heard concerning the pure goodness of coconut oil. However up till a couple of years in the past, I by no means realized I might use coconut oil for canines, significantly that I might use coconut oil for a canine’s itchy pores and skin. Certain, I knew a lot concerning the well being benefits of merchandise comparable to safflower and olive oils. However then coconut oil entered my life in a vastly useful method, because of our rescue pup Maizy.
Utilizing coconut oil for a canine’s itchy pores and skin — one success story
Coconut oil for a canine’s itchy pores and skin? Right here’s the way it works. Images ©R.Tsubin | Getty Photographs.
As a consequence of her hound heritage, Maizy is what I prefer to name a serial sniffer. She dissects the canine parks each spring, following the scents of squirrels, rabbits, different canines, and who is aware of what else. Usually, she will get so enthralled with this exercise that she barely responds to her personal identify.
Someday, Maizy’s investigations led her straight into an overgrown thicket of weeds and wildflowers … and that led to an angry-looking rash alongside her ears and neck. The remedy used to deal with her pores and skin left it overly dry, and I assume overly itchy as nicely. As a result of she scratched, and scratched, and scratched. After a number of sleep-deprived weeks of this prickly, pervasive drawback — and after making an attempt a collection of medicated ointments and shampoos, to no avail — we lastly visited a holistic vet.
His suggestion for utilizing coconut oil for a canine’s itchy pores and skin shocked me. Deal with this subject from the within out, he stated. That meant easing up on carbs and grains to attenuate the yeast on Maizy’s pores and skin. It additionally meant feeding her a serving of pure, virgin coconut oil each single day, and rubbing some onto her pores and skin and fur. We tried this for a couple of weeks, and WOW. Not solely did Maizy lose that yeasty, bag-o-Fritos “doggie” scent, her pores and skin cleared up and her coat regarded glossier than ever. In fact, the second our different rescue pup, Grant, smelled the coconut oil, he needed in on the motion. So now they each reap coconut oil’s tasty advantages frequently.
Why coconut oil for canines? And why coconut oil for a canine’s itchy pores and skin?
So, what are the advantages of coconut oil for canines, and coconut oil for a canine’s itchy pores and skin? In line with integrative pet care knowledgeable Dr. Karen Becker, pure virgin coconut oil has antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal properties. Meaning it could possibly cut back yeast and fungus on contact, each inside and outside; and it’s additionally very therapeutic for irritated pores and skin, scorching spots, abrasions and cracked paws. The “virgin” selection sometimes begins with contemporary coconut meat, so it’s not subjected to chemical processes comparable to bleaching or filtering. This makes it secure for canines, cats, and people to ingest in applicable quantities.
My vet cited Dr. Becker’s work, explaining that coconut oil is wealthy in a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) known as lauric acid. This substance is mostly discovered within the milk of mom mammals, and one in every of its main capabilities is to spice up the immune system. That’s why coconut oil is so efficient at serving to to clear up bacterial and viral infections. Like pumpkin, it could possibly additionally soothe digestion and upset stomachs. And simply because the vet predicted, it’s given each my canines super-soft fur.
Methods to administer coconut oil for a canine’s itchy pores and skin — and different illnesses
Now that we all know that coconut oil might work to assist a canine’s itchy pores and skin, how can we give it to our canines? Images by Africa Studio / Shutterstock.
It’s at all times sensible to start out small when feeding your pup something new — particularly coconut oil, which my very own canines would gobble up with out correct supervision. At my home, we started with about 1/four teaspoon and elevated step by step to 1/2 teaspoon per canine, a few times per day.
You may also:
Drizzle a bit over your pup’s meals, as a result of coconut oil liquefies simply at room temperature.
Mildew a small blob round tablets or tablets your pet is perhaps in any other case tempted to refuse.
Rub a bit of between your palms, run it over your pet’s fur, and brush evenly. Work the remaining into your individual palms for severe skin-softening advantages.
Nutty Nuggets* — a deal with that includes coconut oil for canines
Nutty Nuggets. Images by Marybeth Bittel.
And right here’s a simple recipe for a no-bake deal with that’s an enormous hit with Grant and Maizy as a result of, naturally, it accommodates … coconut oil. You may refrigerate these yummy bites or freeze them and thaw as wanted. They’re even secure for pet mother and father to pattern. Ummm … not like I might know something about that.
INGREDIENTS
1/three cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
three tablespoons natural pumpkin or applesauce
2 to 2 three/four cups oat, spelt, or quinoa flour
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Sprint of cinnamon
Powdered peanut butter (non-compulsory)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Place coconut oil, peanut butter, pumpkin/applesauce, honey, vanilla and cinnamon into a big bowl. Stir till well-combined.
Start including flour about 1/four cup at a time, stirring nicely after every addition. Maintain including till dough combination is well-combined and pliable. If the combination turns into too stiff to work with, add a bit of extra pumpkin or applesauce.
Spoon up the combination in parts which can be roughly the scale of mini-meatballs. Form these right into a spherical or rectangular items by rolling between your palms.
If desired, end by rolling every bit in dry, powdered peanut butter to coat.
Organize completed treats on a plate or pan lined with wax paper.
Refrigerate for at the least one full hour earlier than serving.
*A phrase of warning: At all times examine along with your vet earlier than feeding your pooch something new. That is very true in case your canine already struggles with well being points comparable to kidney issues or pancreatitis. Whereas pure and wholesome, these Nutty Nuggets are excessive in fats and needs to be given as very occasional treats. They aren’t meant to switch your pet’s common weight-reduction plan.
Plus, have you ever heard about utilizing coconut oil for reminiscence loss? Learn the way coconut oil could assist Alzheimer’s sufferers keep energetic longer >>
Concerning the writer:
Concerning the Writer: Marybeth Bittel is a contract author who lives within the Midwest along with her fantastic husband, her loopy rescue canine Grant, and her level-headed rescue canine Maizy – all of them Heinz 57 blended breed varieties. Marybeth identifies as largely Italian, so she enjoys feeding household, buddies and furkids virtually as a lot as Grant and Maizy get pleasure from consuming. She’s additionally a advertising communications advisor and former advertising/PR exec. Join along with her on LinkedIn or — to see her newest pet pics (and watch out what you want for right here) — try her household Instagram feed.
Thumbnail: Images by DAE Photograph / Shutterstock.
This piece was initially printed in 2015.
