Is This Oil Good For Pets? The Truth Is Revealed

Coconut oil may work great as a way to enhance food. But could it benefit a pets health as well? With more and more Americans appreciating the fantastic flavor and health benefits of coconut oil, it has been found that the same health benefits applies to our pets.

Incorporating coconut oil into cats and dogs lives both topically and internally will undoubtedly lead to dramatic improvements in their overall health. The following list is just a few of the many health benefits for us all.
Aids Digestion
  • Absorption of nutrients
  • Healing of digestive problems (i.e. inflammation of the bowls)
  • Reduces and may completely eliminate bad breath
  • Helps eliminate hair balls and related coughing
Bones, Immune System, Metabolism
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Anti-fungal
  • Anti-viral, three important attributes in the fight against infection, cancer and other diseases
  • Antioxidant
  • Balances, regulates insulin
  • Helps reduce weight, diabetes prevention and control
  • Increases energy
  • Aids in health of ligaments
  • Helps with arthritis relief
  • Improves brain energy metabolism
  • Reduces risk of brain lesions in older dogs
  • Coconut oil is excellent for brain health; it's being used to stave off dementia in humans, and it's a must to keep senior dogs' minds from becoming cloudy.
Skin and Fur Conditions

Helps to clear-up:
  • Eczema,
  • Flea allergies
  • Dermatitis
  • Itchy Skin
  • Ring worm (a fungal infection)
Improves health and appearance of:
  • Skin
  • Fur
  • Deodorizes
  • Prevents and treats topical yeast and fungal infections
  • Disinfects cuts and supports healing of wounds
Oral/Dental Health 

Coconut Oil can be used to support oral health. It removes "stinky breath" in dogs and helps to control shedding in dogs and cats.

As A Topical Application

Supports the healing of: 
  • Cuts
  • Dry skin
  • Hot spots
  • Insect bites
  • Insect stings
  • Wounds
What Kind of Coconut Oil Should You Buy
It is important that you give your dog only Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO) both are also called unrefined oil.

Cold-pressed VCO is best. Organic and non-GMO coconut oil is even better.

Despite what manufacturers and people may say the difference between VCO and EVCO is simply a marketing campaign borrowed from the olive oil manufacturing community - there is no real difference between the two (EVO and EVCO).

Daily Dosage

It is best to give coconut oil with food. You can drizzle the coconut oil on top of your dog’s and cat's kibble or other food.

 The recommended maximum dosage is:
¼ teaspoon for every 10 lbs of body weight twice daily, or
½ teaspoon for every 10 lbs of body weight once daily.

When first introducing coconut oil to your dog’s and cat's diet it is best to use a lesser amount that the maximum dosage indicated above. I started with 1 drop the first day, and increased the dosage each day by a drop, just to be safe.

The dosages above represent a typical maintenance dosage. Introductory dosages should be in the range of  ¼ tsp per day for small dogs, cats, puppies and kittens and 1 tsp per day for large dogs.

If you know that your dog or cat has a sensitive digestive system then start off with a few drops of coconut oil a day. You can then gradually increase the amount of coconut oil over several weeks.

Large amounts of coconut oil given to a dog or cat can cause diarrhea or greasy stools while his/her body adjusts to the change in diet.

Start with small amounts, such as ¼  teaspoon per day for small dogs or puppies and 1 teaspoon for large dogs, or even just a dab if your dogs or cats constitution is sensitive. If your pet seems tired or uncomfortable or has diarrhea, just cut back the amount temporarily. Gradually increase the amount every few days.

The reason for this phased-in approach is because coconut oil kills bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, and fungi, your dog or cat may respond negatively to the detox aspect of coconut oil.

Signs of detoxing too rapidly may include lethargy, headaches, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and diarrhea. If your dog does have any such reaction, just temporarily cut the daily amount back to allow your dogs and cats system to gently adjust.

This is another reason why dividing your dogs and cats intake of coconut oil between two feedings a day is a good approach.

Quote from Natural News: "In a time when strange viruses are making headlines around the world, perhaps it's time you knew about the most powerful natural antiviral around: coconut oil. 

The antiviral activity in coconut oil is unparalleled, even among the most resistant viruses, and the best part is, if it's virgin and organic, there isn't a man-made chemical in the mix.

Think it's too good to be true?"

This is a partial list of benefits for us!
Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D. and author of The Coconut Oil Miracle shares, "Laboratory tests have shown that the MCFAs (medium chain fatty acids) found in coconut oil are effective in destroying viruses that cause influenza, measles, herpes, mononucleosis hepatitis C, and AIDS; bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers, throat infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, and toxic shock syndrome; fungi and yeast that lead to ringworm, candida, and thrush; and parasites that can cause intestinal infections such as giardiasis." Sounds like a powerhouse to me.
Good For Cats Also!