Can I put coconut oil on my dog’s itchy skin? Keeping skin healthy and hydrated is essential for both humans and dogs to prevent bacteria from getting in. Skin acts as a strong protective barrier. Studies have shown that applying coconut oil can improve the appearance and strength of the skin by keeping it well-hydrated. It’s as effective as some other well-known treatments.
Another study found that using coconut oil on dogs with itchy skin can help counter the effects of eczema, a skin condition causing itchiness, rashes, and scaly skin. Applying coconut oil reduces these issues, moisturizes the skin, and effectively treats eczema.
This article will provide detailed information on how to use coconut oil on your dog’s skin when they’re feeling itchy. This simple and natural remedy can be highly beneficial.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Your Dog’s Skin
Coconut oil may be used to treat your dog in various ways. One of the simplest is to pour a bit over your palm and rub it into your dog’s coat. Then, brush their coat to distribute the oil before massaging residual oil into your hands to soften them. Similarly, you can run a little oil directly onto affected areas, such as a hot spot, for direct treatment. Coconut oil can also be given orally to your dog, although you should check with your vet before introducing anything new into their diet. Begin by sprinkling a quarter teaspoon of the oil over their meal. After that, gradually add half a teaspoon once or twice a day.
Another application for coconut oil is as a decoy for administering medication to your dog who has been refusing to take it. You can roll little balls of oil around your dog’s pills to disguise them.
Do I Have to Rinse Coconut Oil Off My Dog?
Coconut oil has majestic powers that can heal your dog’s skin. It can also aid in your dog’s shedding problem.
You must rinse coconut oil off your dog. If you don’t, it’ll make your dog greasy, and they become more prone to getting dirty. It can also clog their pores. So, it would be best if you rinsed it after letting the oil sit for 5 minutes. You can also use shampoo with organic coconut oil for even better results.
What happens if I leave coconut oil on my dog?
If you leave coconut oil on your dog, the grease might make them dirty. That’s because coconut oil is a substance filled with moisture.
According to research, its moisturizing properties help humans with xerosis. It’s a condition where you’ll experience chronic dryness of the skin. And although focused on humans, vets assure dog parents that it has the same effects on canines. Coconut oil is also a home remedy for a dog’s shedding problem. However, the amount of moisture it has can be a real culprit in making your dog greasy. Then, that greasiness makes your dog sticky.
One reason not to leave coconut oil on your dog’s coat overnight is because of clogging. This means the oil will likely clog the pores if left on the skin for too long. The same applies to a dog’s skin. Leaving the coconut oil on the dog’s coat overnight might do more harm than good. Dogs with sensitive skin may start to develop skin conditions like pimples.
Leaving coconut oil on the dog’s skin overnight may also allow them to lick up a lot of the oil from their coat. Dogs that consume too much coconut oil at once may have temporary digestion problems like diarrhea. So, it is recommended not to leave the coconut oil on the dog’s skin for more than ten minutes.
How to rinse off coconut oil from the dog’s body?
Make sure you rinse well. It is recommended to use a mix of warm water and cloth. Shampoo might be necessary if the dog’s coat feels too greasy after getting rinsed.
What oils stop dogs from itching?
Chamomile and Green Tea Soaks
Chamomile and green teas are well-known for their relaxing, anti-inflammatory properties in people, but they also function well in dogs. If your dog has hot, itchy areas of skin, try soaking them in a chamomile or green tea bath to soothe them.
Here’s how to go about it: Fill your bathtub or sink halfway with warm water and steep several green tea bags for three to five minutes. Remove the tea bags and let your dog soak in the water for at least five minutes. For specific itchy spots, steep a tea bag, let it cool completely and then apply it directly to the problem areas on your dog’s skin.
Colloidal Oatmeal Baths
A colloidal oatmeal bath will effectively relieve your dog’s itchy skin by lowering inflammation and washing away irritants that become entrapped in the fur. This ancient remedy isn’t just a traditional belief. Colloidal oatmeal, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can help alleviate redness, swelling, and itching in your dog’s hot and uncomfortable skin. You can use pre-made colloidal oatmeal or create it by grinding plain, sugar-free oatmeal into a fine powder and then boiling it to extract the colloidal substance. Additionally, oatmeal is non-toxic to dogs, so you don’t need to be concerned if your dog licks any.
Here’s how to do it:
- Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder and mix it with water to form a milky solution.
- Place them in the bathtub, pour the solution on your dog’s body, and gently rub it in, paying particular attention to the itchiest areas.
- Let the oatmeal mixture sit on their skin for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and gently dry them with a towel.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Did you know that apple cider vinegar, which is excellent for making salad dressings at home, can also help with minor skin yeast infections?
Spray your dog’s irritated areas with 50 percent apple cider vinegar and 50 percent water in a clean spray bottle. You may use the combination to give your dog’s sore paws a lovely, soothing bath for up to five minutes. However, avoid using apple cider vinegar on injured skin since it could irritate the area even more.
Fish Oil
It has been demonstrated that fish oil, or omega-3 fatty acids, can aid in enhancing coat health and lower overall body inflammation. The most common dosage forms for omega-3 fatty acids are capsules or liquids. They have few adverse effects (sometimes, pets may be more prone to flatulence or soft stools), and there is published research demonstrating their advantages for the health of the coat, joints, heart, kidneys, and brain.
While there is some anecdotal evidence for coconut oil use in dogs, unlike fish oil, there are no studies to support the claims of enhanced skin health or itch alleviation. Additionally, if a dog licks coconut oil or other fatty foods off their skin, they may increase their calorie intake unnecessarily and increase their risk of pancreatitis or GI distress.
Aloe Vera
If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of a sunburn, you understand the remarkable benefits that genuine aloe vera can provide. Aloe vera stands as a potent and time-tested natural remedy, renowned for its ability to cool the skin, effectively reduce redness, and alleviate the discomfort caused by heat. When your dog faces similar skin troubles, rest assured that aloe vera gel can be promptly and directly applied to relieve their afflicted areas.
How to Relieve Your Dog’s Itchy Skin
It might be tempting to attempt an over-the-counter medication or a DIY solution when your dog develops these skin changes because of skin allergies. However, applying an over-the-counter or DIY remedy might not help your dog’s itch.
The following treatments are often used and could help with itching alleviation, but there might be better choices for your dog.
Over-the-counter oils and shampoos. Over-the-counter oils and shampoos, including those that reduce itching and coconut oil, can temporarily relieve your dog’s itch. However, these solutions often don’t address the underlying cause, which means the itching may come back.
Histamine blockers. Antihistamines may effectively treat allergies in people, but studies have shown that they are less effective in reducing itch in dogs with environmental allergies. According to research, antihistamines may be of little or no use in treating environmental allergies in many dogs.
Steroids on prescription. While veterinarian-prescribed steroids might effectively reduce your dog’s itching, they can also have negative consequences on your pet. For dogs on prescription steroids, increased urination, thirst, and weight gain are common side effects. They may also exhibit altered behavior, such as an increase in hostility.