How to Use Coconut Oil for a Pet's Health Problems

Coconut oil is rich in medium chain triglycerides and, when given internally, will improve the condition and appearance of your pet's hair and skin. According to Dr. Bruce Fife, animal studies have shown that coconut oil has healing properties. It's anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal and it can help your pet's digestion. In addition, it's well tolerated by animals and can be used internally or externally to treat several health conditions.

Things You'll Need

  • Teaspoon
  • Cotton balls
  • Eyedropper
  • Unrefined coconut oil
  • Honey
  • Lavender oil
  • Neem oil
  • Elizabethan collar
  • Towel
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Instructions

  1. Internal

    • 1

      Add 1/2 tsp.or less of coconut oil to your pet's food for every 10 lbs. of his body weight.

    • 2

      Increase the amount every few days until you're adding 1 tsp. for every 10 lbs. of your pet's body weight.

    • 3

      If your pet has diarrhea or seems tired, cut back on the amount of coconut oil you're giving him until he becomes accustomed to the extra fat in his diet.

    Itchy Skin

    • 4

      Massage coconut oil into your pet's dry or scaly skin once a week.

    • 5

      Let the oil soak into the skin for four to six hours.

    • 6

      Shampoo your pet to remove excess oil.

    Mange

    • 7

      Mix one part lavender oil and one part neem oil with nine parts virgin coconut oil.

    • 8

      Apply to sores. Consult a veterinarian if your pet's skin condition shows no improvement after one or two treatments.

    • 9

      Consult a veterinary naturopath or a holistic veterinarian if you have any questions about how to treat your pet holistically.

    Ringworm

    • 10

      Dab coconut oil on ringworm lesions, using a cotton ball.

    • 11

      Repeat two or three times a day.

    • 12

      Don't allow your pet to lick the oil off. Use an Elizabethan collar, if necessary, to keep her from reaching the lesions.

      Consult a veterinarian if your pet's ringworm (a fungal infection) shows no improvement after two or three days.

    Ear Mites

    • 13

      Heat some coconut oil until it's warm to the touch.

    • 14

      Deposit several drops of coconut oil into your pet's ear canal, using a small dropper. Be careful not to flood the ear.

    • 15

      Gently massage the ear for a few minutes to help the oil penetrate.

    • 16

      Allow your pet to shake her head to remove excess liquid.

    • 17

      Continue this process for one month so you can kill any mites that are hatching before they can lay more eggs. Consult a veterinarian if your pet continues to scratch her ears or show other signs of ear mite infestation.

    Wounds

    • 18

      Apply unrefined coconut oil to cuts, wounds, cracked paw pads, and mouth sores.

    • 19

      Wrap the wound with a towel for a few minutes to keep your pet from licking it off.

    • 20

      Repeat a few times per day until healed.