Coconut oil is a natural oil that can be fed or used topically to treat a variety of ailments. Dogs with health problems such as thyroid imbalance, allergies and obesity can benefit from coconut oil. Due to its composition, coconut oil helps fight infection and improves overall health.
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Why it Works
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Coconut oil contains a medium chain fatty acid primarily composed of Lauric acid. This nutrient is believed to be the ingredient that contributes to the health benefits of coconut oil. Coconut oil is higher in Lauric acid than most foods. The only other abundant source found in nature is breast milk. Lauric acid plays a large role in keeping infants from getting viral, bacterial and protozoal infections. In much the same way, coconut oil can help your dog with specific ailments and contribute to overall health.
Nutritional Benefits
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Coconut oil is used as a nutritional supplement for overall health because of its infection-fighting properties. Dog owners who feed coconut oil notice improved coat condition and reduced allergies. Feeding coconut oil can also help protect your dog against skin cancer, reduce age spots, prevent osteoporosis and manage diabetes. Dogs with digestive disorders are often healed and nutrients are absorbed better due to improved digestion. Despite its reputation for being high in cholesterol, dogs with coconut oil in their diets actually experience improved cholesterol levels.
Topical Benefits
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Coconut oil can also be used as a topical treatment for skin problems. For example, coconut oil can be used to disinfect scrapes and cuts. It also promotes wound healing and improves overall skin and hair condition. Warts and moles can even be cleared up with coconut oil.
How Much to Feed
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When incorporating coconut oil into a dog's diet, it is important to start slowly. Because coconut oil rids the body of bacteria and other harmful invaders, it can cause detoxing symptoms. These can include diarrhea, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms. It is recommended to start with 1/4 teaspoon a day for smaller dogs and one teaspoon a day for large breeds. Every few days, you can increase the dosage a bit until you reach these recommended amounts.
Choosing a Product
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When purchasing coconut oil, remember that quality is greatly important. Higher quality products typically cost more but are a worthwhile investment. Unrefined or virgin coconut oil is the most common selection for dog owners. One way to assess quality is by looking at the color of the oil. Coconut oil should be a clear liquid at room temperature and solid white when cooler than 75 degrees. If you are interested in feeding coconut oil as a nutritional supplement, a variety of coconut oil treats and biscuits are available. As with the liquid product, be sure to purchase these products based on quality as well.
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