Coconut oil for dogs: 4 tips for using this natural home remedy

Coconut oil has many beneficial effects on dogs. It not only helps with coat care, but is also said to keep annoying ticks and fleas away. Find out how you can use the oil here.

Coconut oil is said to help in many areas. It is useful for illnesses, fungal infections, tooth decay protection and much more, and it is also said to be an all-rounder for dogs. You can find out how to use coconut oil for dogs in this guide.

Coconut oil for dogs: Positive effects in many areas

From hair care to oral hygiene – coconut oil is not only popular in the kitchen. Coconut oil is also suitable for animal care. The big advantage: coconut oil is a natural product, so it won’t harm your dog if he licks it – unlike chemical products with controversial ingredients.

However, due to the long transport routes, coconut oil has a worrying carbon footprint. If you buy some, it should be organically certified and ideally have a Fairtrade seal. Also, less is more!

You can buy organic coconut oil with the Fairtrade seal online from these suppliers, for example:

• Coconut oil from Rapunzel available at Bioaufvorrat or Amazon
• Coconut oil from Ölmühle Solling available at Ölmühle Solling, Bioaufvorrat or Amazon
• Coconut oil from Morgenland available at Bioaufvorrat or Amazon
• Coconut oil from Dr. Goerg available at Keimling Naturkost, Bioaufvorrat or Amazon

Coconut oil for dogs’ fur and paws

Dogs’ paws are very sensitive and can become cracked. In winter, they are subjected to a lot of wear and tear from road salt. In summer, the heat from the asphalt takes its toll on dogs’ paws.

The coconut oil protects the paws from the weather, prevents injuries and keeps the paws supple.

Application:

• First rub a hazelnut-sized amount of the oil on your hands and then massage your dog’s paws with it.

Coconut oil also helps with dry and flaky skin and nourishes the fur. When used regularly, it gives shine and makes the fur smooth and easy to comb. It also eliminates unpleasant odors with its pleasant coconut scent.

Application:

• Depending on the size and length of your dog’s hair, use a pea- to walnut-sized portion of coconut oil and spread it over the animal’s coat.

Coconut oil as natural protection against parasites

Coconut oil is a natural means of external protection against ticks, mites and fleas. In India, coconut oil has long been used to ward off ticks and other insects, and initial studies on humans have also shown success. However, its effectiveness in dogs has not yet been scientifically proven.

Since coconut oil is free of toxic additives, no side effects are known. The protection is made possible by the lauric acid it contains. The unique fatty acid complex is also said to be effective in animals that are already infected, as the lauric acid attacks the chitin shell of the pests. As a preventative measure, coconut oil is said to prevent the parasites from nesting in the dog.

Application:

• When you start treatment, rub your dog with a pea- to walnut-sized amount of coconut oil before each walk (depending on size), paying particular attention to the areas that ticks prefer: the face, ears and belly.
• After the walk, you should still check your dog for ticks.
• After several weeks of use, it is sufficient to rub the dog only two to three times a week.

Tip: Ear mites can also be treated with coconut oil. Soak a cloth in liquid coconut oil and wipe your dog’s ears with it.

Protection against internal parasites

Worm infestation in pets does not necessarily have to be a cause for concern. Rather, the parasites challenge your animal’s immune system and thus strengthen it. If your dog is healthy, he can cope well with the burden of worms or other intestinal parasites. However, you should clarify the use with your veterinarian beforehand.

If your pet has the following symptoms of a parasite infestation, it may be helpful to support them with coconut oil:

• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomit
• Itching around the anus
• bloated stomach

However, you should discuss the application with your veterinarian beforehand.

The oil is said to have a vermifuge effect if the infestation is not too advanced. It also creates an intestinal climate that is hostile to worms and in which the parasites do not feel comfortable. The antiparasitic effect is enhanced by supporting the intestinal flora and thus mobilizing your dog’s own defenses.

Coconut oil is therefore suitable for treating initial symptoms and for prophylactic use. Unlike medicinal treatments, it keeps your animal’s organism in balance and you can use it over a longer period of time without any concerns.

If the symptoms do not improve quickly, it may be due to a severe worm infestation or another disease. In this case, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.

Application:

• Depending on your dog’s size, add about 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to his food.
• In order for the oil to have its full effect, it is best to treat your animal over several weeks.

Coconut oil for treating injuries in dogs

Coconut oil is also suitable for wounds:

• The fatty layer of coconut oil nourishes the skin and can protect wounds from external influences such as dirt. Make sure that the wound is dry so that you do not introduce additional germs into the wound.
• The oil also relieves itching and can therefore provide your dog with optimal support for wounds from operations. It also reduces scarring.
• Unlike creams with chemical ingredients, licking the oil will not harm your pet. This is why coconut oil is even suitable for injuries in the mouth.
• Coconut oil can also be used to treat bad breath. Simply add a teaspoon of coconut oil to your dog’s food.

Read more at Utopia:

• Lions’ Den: These entrepreneurs want to turn dogs into vegans – how sensible is that?
• Baking dog biscuits: Healthy treats for your four-legged friend
• Better pet food: organic, vegan or homemade?

Edited by Lena Kirchner

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