Coconut Oil for pets! Why coconut oil is a must to keep your dog or cat healthy

Coconut oil has definitely become the new buzzword for a healthy lifestyle. Everyone is obsessed with coconut oil’s  amazing benefits on nutritional, skin, hair and digestive health! While the health benefits of coconut oil for humans have been well documented, not everyone is aware of the health benefits for our four-legged friends!

So, why is coconut oil good for our pets?

Coconut oil is high in natural saturated fats. It is also rich in a medium chain fatty acid triglyceride (MCT) called lauric acid which is considered healthier than other saturated fats. Lauric acid is usually found in the milk of mother mammals and contains antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

The fatty acids in coconut oil are effective for weight loss in pets, help increase energy levels, balance thyroid levels, reduce stroke damage and help aging pets. It’s a great immune system booster but best of all, it can be used internally as well as topically.

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How to use coconut oil for pets

1. Soothes dry skin and coat

As coconut oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is the perfect natural solution to relieve a number of skin ailments. If your pooch or kitty has itchy or dry skin, apply coconut oil to the affected areas. Use it to moisturize irritated skin, especially for certain dog breeds such as pugs, shar-peis or bulldogs with folds in their skin. Coconut oil also cleanses the skin and kills off bacterial infections and reduces foul odours. It soothes and moisturizes dry and cracked paws – great for those hot, summer days!

In addition, a teaspoon or two of coconut oil mixed in with your pet’s food will also help to nourish the skin from the inside out, providing even more benefits for skin health! Use coconut oil together regularly with natural remedies from Feelgood Health - such as Allergy Itch Ease, Skin & Coat Tonic and Kali Sulph to give your pet’s skin a beauty boost. Allergy Itch Ease will relieve itching and scratching quickly while Skin & Coat Tonic restores a healthy skin and glossy coat. Kali Sulph relieves dry, flaky skin, eczema, dandruff and hair loss.

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2. Maintain a glossy coat

A glossy coat is a sign of a healthy pet. If your dog or cat’s skin and coat is looking dull and lackluster, you need to rub some coconut oil on it. For even better results, add a bit of coconut oil to your pet’s daily diet – you’ll be amazed at the glossiness and sheen of the skin and coat! Coconut oil also acts as a conditioning treatment. Apply it after you’ve bathed your pooch and then massage it deeply into the skin. Doing this will also deodorise nasty odours, keep allergens away and repel pesky fleas.

It is an excellent natural detangler for pets with matted hair and lots of tangles in the fur. Just massage a few drops through your dog or cat’s fur, then comb through and all the tangles will fall out. This is also a good alternative for pets, particularly kitties who don’t like bathing. 

3. Use for cuts and minor wounds

Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties which can be used to treat minor abrasions such as cuts and wounds. Apply a bit of coconut oil to the wound to prevent infection. Don’t worry if your pet licks the coconut oil off the area where it has been applied, it is perfectly safe to eat!   

4. Relieve itchy ears, ear mites and infections

Does your pet suffer from itchy ears, ear mites and ear infections? Coconut oil is a soothing treatment for problem ears in dogs and cats. Simply add a few drops of coconut oil in the ear and massage it around to ease itchiness and irritation. It can also be used to clean the wax out of the ears and keep them itch-free. If your pet suffers from recurring ear mites and ear infections, keep some Ear Dr from Feelgood Pets on hand – these herbal eardrops are effective to treat and prevent ear infections.

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5. Promotes healthy digestion

Coconut oil does not only benefit the skin health of our precious pets but also improves their overall digestion. It works wonders for constipation and helps to keep dogs and cats regular. Adding coconut oil to your pet’s diet will also help to maintain healthy weight loss and keep those extra pounds off. For chronic digestive problems, use a natural remedy such as Digestive Support from Feelgood Pets to treat bloating, gastritis, IBS or colitis.

6. Improves gum health

Pets are prone to gingivitis, gum disease and dental problems if their teeth are not taken care of properly. Coconut oil is another effective natural remedy to improve gum health in dogs and cats. It can be used as a toothpaste or rubbed onto the gums daily to reduce inflammation and pain. Pets love the taste of coconut oil and brushing their teeth will no longer be a mission – they’ll be begging for more coconut oil!

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 7. Natural hairball remedy for cats

Coconut oil can also be used as a natural hairball remedy for cats. Add a small amount of coconut oil to kitty’s food and if he decides to turn his nose up to it, dab some on his paw to lick off!       

What is the coconut oil dosage for pets? 

Coconut oil contains quite a lot of calories and it is best to use it in moderation for your pet. Start off with small doses and increase them gradually. The recommended dose is one teaspoon of coconut oil per 4.5 kg of dog or you can give one tablespoon per 13 kg.

It‘s very important to start introducing about a ¼ of the recommended dosage first and then build it up to the recommended dosage. If you start off giving a huge amount, your dog or cat may react with diarrhea-like symptoms or abdominal discomfort.

To make sure that your furry friend gets all the benefits of coconut oil, without the pesticides and other chemical residues, make sure that you choose one that is cold pressed and organic. Get organic cold pressed virgin coconut nut oil by Crede – please CLICK HERE to shop online or visit the Feelgood Health shop in Westlake Lifestyle Centre, Westlake Business Park, Cape Town.  

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Just as humans can benefit from the incredible effects of coconut oil, so too can our furry friends. Remember to always keep a jar on hand for both you and your pet to share and enjoy!