Coconut oil has long been a popular treatment for skin problems. It is antibacterial, antifungal and easy to buy. There is still not enough evidence to confirm the supposed efficacy of the product (if it really is the case), but you can use it with peace of mind on your dog. Some people believe that adding it to food or massaging it into the animal's body will alleviate skin problems and improve the appearance of hair.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Giving Coconut Oil to the Dog to Eat
Step 1. Buy extra virgin coconut oil
Since your dog will ingest the product, choose one of great quality. If possible, buy an organic oil. Avoid buying refined and deodorized options, as the refining process destroys nutrients.
You can find high quality coconut oil in supermarkets, pharmacies and health food stores
Step 2. Spoon directly into your pet's mouth or mix it with your pet's food
You can offer 1 teaspoon (5 g) of coconut oil for every 5 kg of the dog's weight, but gradually increase this amount until you reach the maximum. Start with ¼ of the total for a few days and then increase. Spoon coconut oil directly into the dog's mouth or mix it with the dog food.
- If you overdose, your pet may experience diarrhea and indigestion.
- For example, if he weighs 10 kg, start by offering ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of coconut oil for a few days. Slowly increase until you reach 2 scoops (10 g).
Step 3. Balance the omega 3
Evaluate your dog's diet in general and see if he is not consuming omega 3, which is also present in coconut oil, in excess. If he takes a fatty acid supplement, alternate it with coconut oil on different days. Too much omega 3 can cause digestive problems, clotting problems and insulin sensitivity.
For example, if you give the supplement three times a week, intersperse it with coconut oil the other four days
Step 4. Talk to your veterinarian about long-term use of coconut oil
Some veterinarians are skeptical and have no faith in the product's possible benefits for the dog's skin. Talk to him about including the food in the animal's diet. If the dog is overweight, the provider may recommend short-term use only, as coconut oil contains 120 calories per tablespoon (12 g).
Method 2 of 2: Applying Coconut Oil to Dog Fur
Step 1. Buy a high quality coconut oil
Look for one that is extra virgin and organic, as this option has the most nutrients, and avoid those that are refined and deodorized. This oil is liquid if stored in a warm place and solidifies as it cools.
Buy high-quality coconut oil at a supermarket, drugstore, or health food store
Step 2. Warm it between your hands
Is it already liquid? Great - just put ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) in your palms and rub them to cover the entire surface. If it is solid, take the same amount of product and rub it between your hands for a minute to make it melt.
Step 3. Massage the oil into the dog's skin
Run your hands over the skin of your pet's back, legs and belly. Also massage any dry, itchy, reddened or flea bite areas. Apply the oil once or twice a day as long as the skin problem does not go away.
Take a larger amount later if necessary
Step 4. Apply it to the coat
If the dog has fleas, it is also necessary to take care of its fur. Put more coconut oil between your hands and run your fingers through the dog's fur, including the belly. Apply this application once or twice a day while it is infested.
It is possible to use coconut oil for several days or weeks. Continue application until the fleas disappear
Step 5. Put a little outfit on the dog
Don't worry if he starts licking the oil from his hair right away, as the product is okay. However, to ensure that there is a little left over to achieve the desired effect, it might be a good idea to wear a little outfit on him. A sweater prevents the dog from licking everything.
Tips
- If the dog doesn't like the smell of the product, mix it with a few drops of lavender or lemon essential oil. Some people also use such essential oils to treat fungal skin problems.
- If it has long and itchy hair, take it to be shorn and apply the coconut oil afterwards, leaving it to act for about two or three hours. Finally, give the dog a nice warm bath.