Just like many things, too much of even an advantage can end up having negative impacts. Dose: Small dogs (under 30 lbs) can have 1/2 teaspoon of oil or ground flaxseeds daily, 1 teaspoons for medium dogs, 2 tsp for large dogs and 1 tablespoons for very large dogs. MCFAs control a number of physiological processes, and studies have found they have fat-burning abilities. Using coconut oil to brush your pup’s teeth does not take the place of veterinary dental care. You can use coconut oil for dogs to help relieve digestive problems, including IBS and colitis, as it’s been shown to help with these conditions in rats. Don’t be afraid to rub the oil into your dog’s paws and ears too. Amongst the many benefits, coconut oil aids in promoting good oral health. 4. I like using coconut oil since two of my dogs, Calvin and Sophie, have food allergies. One of the most well-known coconut oil benefits is its ability to support metabolic function. Read Next: Bone Broth for Dogs & Other Pets: Top 5 Benefits & How to Make Your Own. Is Coconut Oil Good for Dogs? If the results do not show up, you may go with the oral option. First, put a small amount of coconut oil on the tool of choice. As a topical treatment for skin issues: In addition to feeding coconut oil to your dog, you can use it as a topical treatment for a variety of skin issues. Coconut oil is extracted from the meat and milk of coconuts. If centrifuged is not available, look for cold-pressed, which is the next best variety. Coconut oil can aid dogs with everything from itchy or bumpy skin to digestion … If your dog has been sluggish or lethargic, she may benefit from consuming coconut oil once or twice daily. Second, if you start with too high of a dose to begin with, it can cause diarrhea. Whereas, Calvin, our 12-year-old, has excellent teeth and has never needed to get a dental done. You can apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin and coat by adding a small amount to your hand and massaging your dog. If your dog suffers from bad breath then coconut oil is great. Coconut oil in its raw state is hard, so your body heat will help it melt a little for easier spreading. But because it is so traumatic for Ginger to go in for dental cleanings, I started to look for home remedies that could help improve the health of her teeth. In fact, it can kill and help repel fleas! Ingesting coconut oil not only helps nourish your dog’s skin and coat, but it may also aid digestion, reduce joints inflammation, and boost the immune system. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. The lauric acid in coconut oil works to boost immune function by fighting bacteria, viruses and fungi. It reduces and can even prevent bad breath. Coconut Oil for Dogs has lauric acid which is an immunity builder for a dog. Coconut oil helps support weight loss, which is due to the medium-chain fatty acid content. It will make the dog’s skin soft and healthier. Unfortunately, this method will not be able to clean all of the teeth evenly like brushing, but it will still help improve your dog’s dental health. Plus, coconut oil may work to repel (and even kill) fleas and ticks in your dog’s fur. Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, so when it’s applied to your dog’s fur and skin, it can improve odors that have been lurking. Coconut oil can be administered with the dog’s food one tablespoon at a time. People have put coconut oil on their dogs' foods to help get that dose in as well. If your dog is resistant to you brushing their teeth, try using a dental chew bone with a light coat of coconut oil smeared on it. You can find toothbrushes at pet shops that are meant for dogs, or you can even use a baby’s toothbrush. There are a few easy ways to add coconut oil to your dog’s diet. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. A few of the advantages of using coconut oil on your dog’s teeth include: Freshens breath; Safe to use; Reduces inflammation; Whitens teeth; Generally works well for dogs with allergies This is a healthier alternative to constantly turning to pharmaceutical antibiotics and antifungals when your dog is fighting an infection. The amount you give your dog will depend on its size. Dr. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world...Sign up to get VIP access to his eBooks and valuable weekly health tips for FREE! This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. You can simply add the oil to dry or wet food once or twice daily. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Keep in mind, if your dog is ingesting coconut oil, it’s best to start with very small amounts. Besides coconut oil, try the dog dental chews that can remove bad breath and clean teeth of your dogs perfectly. If you think her coat is too greasy after applying coconut oil, try a quick rinse or even use a light and gentle shampoo afterward. In fact, coconut oil contains almost 50% lauric acid, which is responsible for killing bacteria and viruses. Topically applying coconut oil to small wounds and cuts is a win-win for dogs. Adding it as a dietary supplement or directly into their shampoo will help boost the overall look of their coat and reduce irritation caused by skin conditions. Feeding Guidelines A general and widely practiced guideline for optimal dose for dogs is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds of weight. In most cases, it is perfectly safe for dogs, and there is very little risk that they are going to overdose on coconut oil. Coconut Oil for Fleas on Dogs The auric acid contained in coconut oil does more than just make your dog’s coat shine. Benefits of Using Coconut Oil on Dog’s Teeth. Is Your Dog Driving You Nuts During the Day? How to Use Coconut Oil to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth, Using Coconut Oil on Dog Toys to Improve Dental Health, Benefits of Using Coconut Oil on Dog’s Teeth, BOSHEL Dog Tooth Brush and Finger Brush Kit, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198813/, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-and-teeth#section3, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3119748/, How to Use Coconut Oil for Sore, Cracked, and Dry Dog Paws, Kills Staphylococcus – a bacteria responsible for causing most infections, Finger Brush, Dog Tooth Brush, or Damp Gauze. Because coconut oil is easy to digest and boosts your dog’s metabolism, it also helps increase his energy levels. When it comes to pet nutrition, choosing foods that are rich in ... Probiotics are the “good” types of bacteria that play a role in ... Not only can diatomaceous earth provide incredible health benefits for humans, it’s ... How to Use and Where to Buy Coconut Oil for Dogs, Bone Broth for Dogs & Other Pets: Top 5 Benefits & How to Make Your Own, Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? Soaking your dogs' chew bones in coconut oil can be extremely beneficial for them. Not only does Ginger not have good teeth, but she also has a hard time going to the vet by for dentals. Plus, using coconut oil topically on your dog’s fur and skin works to reduce odor, soothe skin damage and freshen her coat. This is largely due to coconut oil’s medium-chain fatty acid content, which is easy to digest and quickly used for fuel. Since dogs would consume lots of them in their natural wild state, coconut oil in food is highly beneficial for dogs. Although you can buy MCT oil like you can buy coconut oil, it’s still not recommended for dogs. You can wear gloves if you really want, but the coconut oil … There are several coconut oil uses for dogs. Packed with high levels of Vitamin C, coconut oil helps moisturize dry skin and keeps your dog’s fur glossy and healthy. The issue you might have is the messiness of the oil once they start chewing. Some of the commercial dog toothpaste flavors contain allergens, like poultry. Divide the dosage in two, morning and night, to avoid diarrhea. There are also products like dry dog food with coconut oil and topical solutions meant for dogs available online and in pet stores. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. The oil acts as a lubricant that will help your dog expel the hairball and soothe his throat. Coconut oil is good for dogs and can help assist your pets’ food digestion, improve their coats, help prevent infection and more. This is due to its antimicrobial properties. So far, it has been working great for our family. Using a soft baby toothbrush, use a small amount of coconut oil to brush your dog’s teeth. Our vet is amazing, so when as soon as Ginger panicked she took her to her office to get her calmed down, then gave her some medicine to relax her a bit. Great for the brain and nervous system; liver converts MCTs into Ketones and is the ideal food for the brain, preventing cognitive decline in aging pets. 3. Coconut oil is a thermogenic oil that stimulates the metabolism, helping a dog lose weight. Although most toothpastes formulated for dogs can be safely swallowed in small amounts, coconut oil is actually healthy for your dog if he eats some while you brush his teeth. Coconut Oil for Dogs Dosage Although coconut oil has proven to be a safe and great remedy for dogs, too much coconut oil can have adverse effects and can cause an allergic reaction in some cases. We want our furry friends to experience the same range of benefits, but it’s common to hesitate before adding any new food to your dog’s diet. Even though we feed the same foods, treats, and chews to our dogs, Ginger’s teeth are way worse than her siblings. Using a soft baby toothbrush, use a small amount of coconut oil to brush your dog’s teeth. After you finish brushing your dog’s teeth, rinse the brush with warm water. Using coconut oil for cleaning Ginger’s teeth is very appealing to me, because of coconut’s many other health benefits. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) She gets very anxious and panics. If you have a dog that doesn’t love the flavor of their toothpaste, has food sensitivities, or if you are looking for a more natural dental solution, you should give coconut oil a try. A good starting dose is about ¼ teaspoon one to two times per day. Remember coconut oil is a Medium Chain Fatty Acid (MCFA) and your dog still needs other fatty acids in his diet. According to a study published in PLoS One, when healthy beagles with the mean age of 9.9 years consumed coconut oil along with corn oil and reduced animal fat for a six-month period, the healthy fats appeared to counterbalance the effects of aging. And if you’re already using coconut oil for yourself, you might be tempted to ask is coconut oil for dogs a good idea too? This is the least processed form of coconut oil, and when it’s organic, it doesn’t contain toxins that may cause adverse side effects when ingested or used topically. For flea prevention, apply around one teaspoon to one tablespoon depending on your dog’s size. The added texture will aid in keeping the oil on the bone and act as a brush as they chew. Coconut Oil for Dog’s Teeth If you can not get your dog to go to the vet to have his/her teeth professionally cleaned up, it is advised to use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and aloe vera to get rid of plaque. Superfood| Tropical Coconut Oil Dogs | Skin | Bones | Digestive Health | Immune System | Energy. After some minutes like 5-10 minutes, you can rinse it or you shampoo the dog & … are clickable links to these studies. benefits of coconut oil in dogs food: as we said, coconut oil contains saturated fats. But it will help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy in between dental procedures. Because it has antimicrobial properties, you can actually use coconut oil to boost your dog’s oral health. Though it is rare, your dog still can react negatively to it. You can then increase the dose slowly over time so the dog’s body can adjust to this addition to his diet. Instead, you need a dog food with enhanced botanical oils, a source of MCTs. The key being to choose one that’s very soft. If you are using the oil topically for the first time, try it on a small surface area first to make sure your dog doesn’t have an adverse reaction. Here are some of the research and the problems it says coconut oil can cause in your dog: Coconut Oil Is High In Fat Coconut oil is high in fat. We get her teeth cleaned annually at the vet, but six months later, the plaque is already making its way back. It also helps reduce inflammation and enhance skin barrier function, according to a 2019 in vitro study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. Additionally, it is available in an organic form, which is strictly a personal preference. It … Because it has antimicrobial properties, you can actually use coconut oil to boost your dog’s oral health. First, start with a small amount and watch for allergic reactions. Coconut oil can be used to improve the texture and appearance of your dog’s coat. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Then, gently but firmly hold their head as you brush their teeth in small circular motions, being sure to clean the back molars. Although coconut oil has many benefits, there are few things to be aware of before using it with your dog. The veterinarian will prescribe anti-inflammatory medication if necessary. In dogs, the MCTs in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping obese dogs slim down and assisting sedentary dogs feel energetic. Monitor the results over the next few days to see if it improves things. Dry patches, itchy skin, hot spots, infections, etc. Plus, unrefined, virgin coconut oil has a fresh, nutty and coconut aroma that will certainly benefit the smell of your dog’s coat. Plus, coconut oil is a natural product and not full of chemicals or allergens. May 31, 2017 - I share a lot about how I keep our family healthy (naturally – meaning without chemicals found in traditional home / health / body care products). Also, if your dog has a cough, try giving him a small amount of coconut oil to fight bacteria and ease the discomfort. Have you ever wondered if coconut oil is good for dog teeth? The MCFAs in coconut oil are sent directly to the liver after they’re ingested, which is quickly converted into energy. You can even brush your dog’s teeth in coconut oil. And far from being a fad or an overnight craze, it may prove true. Here’s some great news: Not only is coconut oil safe for your dog — it’s extremely beneficial too. Just like for humans, going with an organic, unrefined virgin coconut oil is best. Dec 9, 2015 - This board shows you why pet parents are adding this nutritious superfood to their pets' diets. You can use plain coconut oil or a dog shampoo made with coconut oil to clean your dog’s coat and improve skin damage. Recently, Coconut oil is considered to be one of the best natural remedies for dogs due to its benefits for dogs teeth. Brush their teeth gently for … Once a week is good for the dog and makes sure you apply on its nails also. Have you ever wondered if coconut oil is good for dog teeth? Get Our List of 11 Awesome Indoor Activities to Keep Your Dog Busy and Out of Trouble! If you’re feeding your dog hemp oil or other supplements, add the coconut oil to the rotation, but don’t replace his regular oils or he may be missing important fatty acids. Great bones that work for aiding in cleaning dog’s teeth are: In addition to fighting plaque, gingivitis, and tooth decay, coconut oil has other oral hygiene benefits too. I had just read an article regarding coconut oil pulling to improve dental health in humans, and though I know dogs can’t do pulling, I thought there still might be a way to use it for dogs. Coconut oil has the greatest amount of lauric acid of all the different oils. Moreover, coconut oil in dogs food helps dogs better assimilate nutrients. Studies show that a high fat diet feeds species of bacteria that cause inflammation in the gut (leaky gut). Like all vegetable oils, coconut oil contains a blend of fatty acids. Read on to see what I found! But please note, it is essential to follow the correct standards. Additionally, if you can find one that states centrifuged coconut oil, which is the extraction method, that is the purest variety of the different coconut oils. Yes, coconut oil for dogs is safe. Then, use your hands to rub the oil all over your dog, he will love the attention and massage! Organic Cold Pressed unrefined Coconut Oil, Virgin Olive Oil and Sunflower Oil - 8 fl oz 132 Servings 4.4 out of 5 stars 15 $12.99$12.99 Coconut oil is best given with regular dog food, coconut oil can be added to any food at any meal. Because coconut oil is a natural antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, it can fight off the bacteria responsible for plaque, as well as reduce and repair gum damage[2]. That’s when I stumbled upon coconut oil for dogs teeth. As your dog chews on the bone, the coconut oil will spread onto your dog’s teeth, and the chewing motion will act as the brush to help work the oil in and clean the teeth. Some holistic and naturopathic veterinarians believe that coconut oil has qualities that can aid in many types of canine conditions. Also, dogs with pancreatitis may not react well to high-fat foods, so it would be best to avoid coconut oil in these cases. It’s safe to give your dog coconut oil orally and to use it topically on his skin or fur. If your dog has diarrhea or greasy stools, you may be giving too much oil, and you should reduce the dose. You can run your fingers through your pup’s fur, including the paws and ears, or simply pat your dog with coconut oil on your hands. You can find a high-quality coconut oil in your local grocery store. This will help to eliminate bacteria and freshen his breath. & detox juicing guide. And, if my dogs ingest any of it, I don’t have to worry about it causing GI upset since they consume coconut oil for other reasons regularly. How To Brush Coconut Oil On Your Dog’s Teeth. Not only is coconut oil safe, but it also has a lot of health benefits. MCT Oil for Dogs. Coconut oil can keep your dog’s coat looking like new! Coconut oil for dogs also helps fight skin infections and speed up wound healing, as shown in a study done on rats. See more ideas about homemade dog, dog recipes, dog food recipes. The last time Ginger was in for a cleaning, she had an absolute melt-down crying, and she wouldn’t go into the kennel. But what about coconut oil for dogs? You can use coconut oil for dogs to help eliminate hairballs and ease a cough. If you plan to give your dog coconut oil orally, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian about the right dosage. Coconut oil may be the latest, hottest, all-natural trend for humans, but pet parents are also exploring it as a beneficial supplement for their four-legged companions. Generally, it’s smart to start with small amounts to make sure it’s well-tolerated and then build up the dose slowly over time. Coconut Paws Oils for Dogs Skin, Hair, Ears, Teeth, and Nails. Generally works well for dogs with allergies, Your dog may prefer the taste of the coconut oil to dog toothpaste, Improving the overall health of your dog’s coat and skin. Pros & Cons for Canine Health, The Best Probiotics for Dogs (+ 5 Benefits), Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas (on Your Pets, Carpet and Beyond), Collagen for Dogs & Other Pets: Top 5 Benefits + Recipes, A Guide to Using Slippery Elm for Pets (From Wounds to Tummy Trouble, It Heals), Turmeric for Dogs: Top 5 Benefits, Including for Cancer and Arthritis, Homemade Dog Treats: Easy Recipes Your Pet Will Love, Chemicals in Dogs: 5 Red-Flag Warnings We Can’t Ignore. Coconut oil for dogs teeth … Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) You can save on the monthly veterinary visits by investing in this superfood. You’ve heard all about coconut oil benefits before and know that it serves as an amazing superfood because of its fatty acid content. Coconut oil also helps increase nutrient absorption, as many vitamins and minerals are fat-soluble and need fats to be properly absorbed by the body. Instead of letting your dog eat coconut oil or MCT oil, our experts recommend switching to a food containing enhanced botanical oils as an ingredient. The best approach is to just rotate the oils each day. Coconut oil will save your expenses on medicines for fleas, ticks, allergies, digestion issues, anxiety issues, arthritis, diabetes, etc. These types of fats also are smaller in size, allowing them to permeate the skin easily. You can clean their teeth using coconut oil in one of two ways: using a canine toothbrush or letting them do the work themselves by chewing an oil-coated bone. When consumed by rats, MCFAs had an effect on fat breakdown. Coconut oil is safe for dogs to consume, and in proper amounts carries benefits such as: The best coconut oil to use is virgin coconut oil, which means the oil is unrefined and made from fresh coconuts. Adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet or applying it topically to his skin and coat can help fight infections naturally. 30 Gluten-Free Recipes For brushing your dog’s teeth with coconut oil, you only need a small amount as it will quickly liquefy and spread easily over the teeth as you clean. When brushing your dog’s teeth, there’s no reason for concern if your dog ingests some, but be aware if you are also using it daily as a supplement to cut back a little on the days you are brushing their teeth. The bone is good for them and they like the taste of coconut oil. You’ll also be able to find doggy treats made with coconut oil at your local pet store. In addition to fighting plaque, gingivitis, and tooth decay, coconut oil has other oral hygiene benefits too. Benefits & Potential Side Effects, Can Dogs Eat Bananas? A few of the advantages of using coconut oil on your dog’s teeth include: Plus, besides oral health, coconut oil can be used topically for: Finally, if you use essential oils on your dog, coconut oil works as an excellent carrier oil. It provides many benefits for dogs, says Dr. Colleen Smith, DVM, CVA, CVCP of the Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute. Adding a small amount of coconut oil to your dog’s diet can help boost his energy, support his digestion and fight infections. It has moisturizing properties and is easily absorbed into the skin. The MCTs in coconut oil help improve gut health by destroying bad bacteria and reducing inflammation. It is essential to find a toy with ridges or nubbins. And the varieties that don’t contain chicken are ones my dogs don’t care for, which is why coconut oil is the ideal option for us. Yes, Dogs Can Eat Coconut Oil Before giving coconut oil to your dog, it is best to check with your veterinarian to make sure you are not giving them too much. Incredibly emollient, using coconut oil for dogs helps moisturize the driest skin and makes a dog’s coat gleam with health — whether you add it to her diet, her shampoo or both! According to some sources, coconut oil can generally be given to dogs one to two times a day with meals. If you’re looking for a holistic approach to your dog’s health and well-being, consider adding coconut oil into your dog’s regime. It’s recommended that you consult your veterinarian before adding new food or regime to your dog’s diet. This will help to eliminate bacteria and freshen his breath. You can also make these Homemade Dog Treats that includes coconut oil, along with an egg, shredded cheese and gluten-free baking mix. Coconut oil is often best administered with solid or liquid food at any meal. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, coconut oil reduces plaque and gingivitis, plus it prevents tooth decay[1]. One of the ideas that came to me was trying coconut oil. Raw Paws Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Dogs & Cats, 8-oz - Supports Immune System, Digestion, Oral Health, Thyroid - All Natural Allergy Relief for Dogs, Hairball Relief, Tick Flea Control for Dogs 4.2 out of 5 … To play it safe, the recommended coconut oil dosage for dogs is approximately one teaspoon of coconut oil … Additionally, lauric acid is effective at fighting bacteria responsible for bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease[3]. The lauric acid in coconut oil kills the bacteria that causes tooth decay and stinky breath in your dog’s mouth. Some dogs may be allergic to coconut oil and experience an adverse reaction, so again, starting with a small amount at first is recommended. You can directly brush the coconut oil on your dog’s teeth using a soft toothbrush.