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The Coconut Oil Experiment

The Coconut Oil Experiment

Leroy has come down with a moderate case of dry, flaky skin.

It’s not that surprising to me because this is the time of the year when he is exposed to dry air and the fact that he is no longer eating a fish based diet anymore isn’t helping.

Normally in this type of situation I would add some fish oil to his food and be done with it. However, we are suppose to be staying away from all things fish with him, and since we are making progress with his ear infection, I don’t want to take the risk of throwing that progress off.

So what’s a girl to do with a dog that has dry skin, but needs to stay away from fish that is packed with Omega’s?

Well I had remembered reading a few articles on coconut oil a couple of months ago.   The 2 articles that stood out to me were The Bombshell About Salmon For Dogs And Other Healthy Alternatives, from Kimberly at Keep the Tail Wagging and Everybody Is Asking About Coconut Oil, from Jana at Dawg Business.

I was intrigued when I read those articles earlier in the year but didn’t have a true motive to experiment with coconut oil just yet so I kept the information locked inside my massive brain. (lol-it’s really not massive, just overfilled)

A few weeks ago I returned to those articles and asked around to see if anyone else was using coconut oil for their dogs. I was amazed at how many people are and have seen great results.

So thus, as of 3 weeks ago, we have begun the coconut oil experiment.

The Coconut Oil Experiment

Here’s the low down on what some of the benefits can be of coconut oil:

  • Reduces risk of cancers
  • Improves digestion and addresses digestive disorders
  • Promotes normal thyroid function
  • Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections
  • Helps balance metabolism for a healthy weight
  • Relieves arthritis
  • Supports healthy skin and coat

Applied topically coconut oil can:

  • Disinfect cuts
  • Improve skin and coat condition
  • Speed wound healing
  • Deodorize
  • Clear up rashes

Coconut oil contains Lauric acid, which is a medium chain fatty acid that is also found in mother’s milk and is said to prevent viral, bacterial and protozoan infections. Capric and caprylic acid which are also found in coconut oil, have similar properties and are best known for their anti-fungal effects.

The best part is that most dogs are said to love the taste of coconut oil!

The Coconut Oil Experiment

This is the boys begging for some coconut oil

I am having really good luck with adding coconut oil to the dogs diet and here are some things I found along the way that might help those who are interested in trying this out for their dog.

  • It was recommended to me to get Pure, Extra Virgin, Unrefined, Organic Coconut oil.
  • The best to place to buy coconut oil is from a wholesale retailer. My grocery store was selling an 8oz bottle for $10.99. I found a 54oz jar of it at Costco for $15.99.
  • The recommended feeding dose of coconut oil is 1/4 teaspoon per ten pounds according to Dr. Karen Becker.
  • You start off slow and gradually increase. Coconut oil is said to detoxify the body and dogs may show flu-like system if too much is given too soon.
  • I scoop it onto treats and give it to the dogs that way.
  • Leroy absolutely loved the coconut oil from the start and goes to the counter looking for it, which has lead me to place it securely behind locked cupboards. Sherman wasn’t a fan at first and I think it was a texture thing for him, but he has gotten over it.
  • Coconut oil looks like Crisco. I was expecting it to be an oil. Don’t laugh. I was seriously expecting a liquid not a solid. I must of missed that chapter in science class.
  • Coconut oil that gets on your hands after you give it to your dogs can be wiped on YOUR dry, scaly legs! Oh yeah! Don’t wipe that off on a towel. Reap the benefits for yourself.

Overall, I’ve been really impressed with the results we have seen and while Leroy’s still has flaky skin, it has greatly improved over the past few weeks. I asked my vet about using the coconut oil and she wasn’t all that familiar with it, but she did some quick research and told me to give it a try and report back to her. I asked Sherman’s holistic vet and he told me to go for it.

So how about you? Have tried coconut oil for your dogs? For yourself? Any success stories you would like to share?

**Please remember to always consult with your totally awesome veterinarian before adding anything new to your pets diet. This post is sharing my experience with giving my dogs coconut oil and is not meant to replace any recommendations or advice from your vet. 

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Sheila Hayes

Thursday 23rd of June 2016

I started a coconut oil routine with my boys (13 year old sheltie mix and I have no idea) a couple of weeks ago. Both were itching and scratching like crazy. The scratching is less but now they are turning their noses up at the oil. I changed brands. Maybe that's the problem.

Laura

Wednesday 16th of September 2015

Hi there. I've just been reading your post about coconut oil. It also mentioned you don't feed a fish based diet anymore. Is that for any particular reason as I feed my dog fish. I am going to get the coconut oil though as sounds wonderful stuff. Thanks Laura

Jen

Wednesday 16th of September 2015

Hi Laura. I had stopped feeding a fish based diet a few years ago and now I am back to it with Sherman. There was no specific reason for stopping just to change up the proteins a bit.

Lisa

Sunday 18th of January 2015

We started using coconut oil a few years ago...we use it for cooking, in the bath, body cream and it's even fantastic for massage! We have a separate jar for our big boy too! He loves the taste and it has great health benefits for him!!:)

brenda scott

Tuesday 2nd of December 2014

we just started my 10 month old yorkie puppy on coconut for her dry skin hope it works.

Michelle

Friday 21st of March 2014

I have been using extra virgin coconut oil for almost a year now with Minda, my chihuahua. She LOVES the taste and its awsome on her coat as well; makes her smell like a mounds candy bar!! Minda had puppies and their vet said it was ok to use coconut oil on their coat. Turned out, along with all the heath benefits, the aroma entertained the puppies enough to give me a break. (Those of you who have had to entertain a littler of puppies for weeks know what I mean) I just took all 5 puppies to the vet today for their first round of shots. (Chihuahua puppies at 8 weeks are old enough for certain flea treatments, but they dont weigh enough at that age for the treatments) Their vet, who also is a believer of the benefits of coconut oil, was happy to see healthy weight, no worms, no fleas, no skin irritation.... just happy healthy active puppies. I have to say that when I purchased my first tub of coconut oil, I thought it was a little pricey, but that $10 is worth every penny, every time I replenish my supply!!!!!

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