Benefits of Coconut Oil For Dogs

Relieves Dry Paws

Coconut oil has many benefits for both human and animal skin and can act as a natural balm for paws. Dogs, like people, can suffer from dry skin. Their paws can become dry, sore, itchy and flaky. If you notice your dog biting at his paws more than usual, it could be caused by dry skin. Excessive biting at the paws can also cause small cuts and wounds, which are painful, and can make him lick and bite at his paws even more. Massaging some coconut oil into his paws can moisturize them, preventing itchy, flaking skin.

Relieves Sore Paws

Dogs can suffer from sore paws just from walking and running on different surfaces. Coconut oil can help protect their paws from getting sore and irritated. It not only moisturizes the skin on the paws, but it can act as a protective balm, and create a barrier between your dog’s paws, and any irritants.

How To Apply Coconut Oil To Dog’s Paws

• Whenever you’re applying coconut oil to your dog’s paws, it’s very important that you read the label for the specific brand you’re using. Manufacturing processes can vary between brands, and this may affect how much to use.
• Applying oil is relatively easy. Simply massage it gently into your dog’s paw. Use calm, circular motions.
• It’s a good idea to apply some coconut oil to his paws before you go outside. It can help prevent soreness and irritation. If he has any cuts or wounds, you should definitely apply some before going out, and you may need to apply coconut oil when you come inside as well.
• You should also apply coconut oil at bedtime to allow it to penetrate his paws as he sleeps.

Helps Prevent Infections

Cuts and wounds on your dog’s paws can easily become infected as they’re exposed to the outside world. Every dog parent knows that you can’t use a regular anti-fungal, disinfectant or antiseptic cream or ointment on a dog without a bandage to stop him from licking at it. Every dog parent also knows that they don’t like to keep bandages on!

Coconut oil is a natural anti-fungal, antibiotic, and antiseptic oil. It can help protect wounds from infection, while still being completely safe if your dog licks at it.

Helps Speed Up Healing

Coconut oil is packed full of vitamins and minerals that are very beneficial for skin health. As healthy skin heals faster, coconut oil can help heal any wounds your dogs have. The same minerals and vitamins can also reduce the appearance of scars, and keep the skin in that area healthy, moisturized and soothed.

Burn Treatment

Hot sand and hot sidewalks can cause some burning to your dog’s paws. This can be very painful and very irritating for him. Coconut oil can help ease the pain, soothe the burn and relieve the irritation.

What Kind Of Coconut Oil Is Best For Dogs?

As we mentioned earlier, there are several different ways of extracting oil from coconuts. Each of these ways produces a different quality of the oil. For dogs, it’s always recommended that you use an organic, cold-pressed virgin oil. This means that it’s pure coconut oil from organic coconuts and it hasn’t been exposed to heat.

Other Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Dogs

Coconut oil has a number of other benefits for dogs as well as being great for the skin.

Helps With Weight Loss

The MCTs in coconut oil can help to balance your dog’s thyroid levels. This can help him lose weight more easily, and improve his energy levels. This makes it easier for him to exercise and can also help him maintain a healthy weight. Some research also suggests that coconut oil can help boost metabolism, burn calories, and helps your dog feel fuller for longer, making him less likely to beg for food!

Helps Improve Brain Function

There is also evidence that the MCTs in coconut oil can help improve brain function. This can be especially important for an older dog.

Great For Skin And Coat

Coconut oil is known for its benefits for the skin, and your dog’s coat. It can help keep the coat shiny, and the hair healthy. It keeps the skin supple and moisturized. It can even be used to help keep dry, cracked doggy noses wet and healthy.

Improves Digestion

Coconut oil can improve digestion in a few ways. Firstly, it’s easier to digest that many other fats. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can help ease any irritations in the digestive system or bowel. Secondly, it can help keep your dog’s gut healthy by preventing an overload of ‘bad’ gut bacteria. And thirdly, it can help increase the number of nutrients your dog gets from his food.

Natural Toothpaste

Coconut oil has anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It’s edible and safe for dogs, so it makes a fantastic natural toothpaste. It can heal gums, improve bad breath, prevent plaque build-up, and whiten teeth.

Repels Fleas And Ticks

Coconut oil has been known to repel fleas and ticks. It can be used by rubbing it all over your dog’s body, or it can be added to his diet.

With so many benefits, more and more dog parents are adding coconut oil to their dog’s diets, or to their daily grooming routines. The improvements are mind-blowing.