Yeast infections are a common problem in dogs, especially dogs with allergies to grains used in commercially prepared diets. Foot-licking, ear-scratching and face-rubbing are common symptoms of a yeast problem in a dog. Coconut oil is often rubbed into a dog's ears to relieve symptoms of yeast infections, yet if the infection has gone systemic---affecting all the dog's tissues---other bothersome symptoms will remain. If the yeast problem affects the dog's eyes, coconut oil is a natural way to help get rid of the problem.
-
Candidiasis
-
Yeast overgrowth in the canine body, called candidiasis, is a systemic problem that can cause secondary irritation in the dog's eyes. Humans who suffer eye pain from candidiasis list sensations of heat in the eye, burning and trouble focusing. Pure coconut oil contains acids that destroy Candida albicans cells both through direct topical contact and through ingestion.
Types of Coconut Oil
-
Use virgin coconut oil (VCO), not hydrogenated coconut oil. VCO contains medium chain fatty acids (MFCAs) that have been shown to be beneficial to overall health. Coconut oil contains caprylic acid, an antifungal chemical damaging to Candida albicans.
External Use
-
Coconut oil can be safely applied to the dog's skin, pads of the feet, the mouth and around the eyes. People suffering from styes or dry eyes claim rubbing coconut oil on the affected area relieves symptoms.
Internal Dose
-
A typical full-day dose of coconut oil to give a dog is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight.
Add the dose to the dog's food and mix in. Because coconut oil is rich, begin use slowly and build up to the full dose over time. Also, split the full-day's dose over two or three doses given throughout the day.
Considerations
-
Coconut oil is high in calories and may contribute to weight gain when first added to the dog's diet; this should reverse with continued use as the dog's metabolism increases and gets "used to" the new ingredient. When first using coconut oil in the diet, the initial "die-off," or Herxheimer reaction of Candida cells, may make your dog exhibit fatigue, body aches, and diarrhea or greasy stools. These symptoms should abate with regular use of coconut oil in the diet as the flora of the gut properly re-balance.
Warning
-
Insignia Lab Solutions, a company that conducts laboratory testing for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, says they do not use either coconut oil or caprylic acid in their products. The acids in coconut oil are mildly comedogenic, meaning they tend to aggravate or produce acne, and can be irritating to the skin when used topically. Coconut oil also can cause loose stools in a dog.
-