7 Reasons You Should Use Coconut Oil for Your Dog

There are so many ways in which humans use coconut oil – a skin moisturizer, in cooking, treating eczema, etc. But you may not know it can also be beneficial for your furry friend. Thanks to the fact that it’s high in saturated fat and medium-chain triglycerides, a form of saturated fatty acid with proven health benefits, it’s the perfect natural solution for canines

#1 It can help clean teeth

Searching for a natural toothpaste? 

Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil is the perfect natural —and delicious—way to clean your pet’s teeth.

#2 It can help improve gut health

You can use coconut oil for dogs with allergies! Coconut oil helps the gut by improving digestion and nutrient absorption, reducing inflammation and healing digestive disorders. 

#3 It helps with weight loss

Adding coconut oil to your pet’s meals is a way to help balance out his or her thyroid—meaning it can help overweight dogs lose weight, and help even the most sedentary dogs feel more energetic. Studies have also indicated that coconut oil can improve nutrient absorption, help counteract digestive disorders, like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis, and reduce overall inflammation in the body.

#4 It soothes wounds

Coconut oil is considered to have natural antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. This makes it ideal as a natural topical antibiotic and the perfect alternative to those chemical-based products out there. Use it to help heal cuts and wounds. 

And since it’s safe to eat, you don’t have to worry about your dog licking it off.

#5 It’s great for the skin and coat

Applying coconut oil to your dog’s skin can help infuse it with moisture and increases skin surface lipid levels. This makes it an effective moisturizer if your dog suffers from dry skin or has dandruff.

The coconut oil may also help your dog's coat appear more sleek and glossy. 

#6 It can repel fleas and ticks

One little known use of coconut oil is to repel insects like fleas and ticks. Just rub it into your dog’s coat before going for a walk in the woods to help repel ticks; some research has shown that it can also help eliminate mites.

#7 It helps with brain function

Coconut oil will improve cognitive function in aged dogs by providing the brain with energy in the form of ketones.