Coconut Oil for Dogs
When the coconut oil for dogs craze started, I did not immediately jump on the bandwagon. In fact, I was extremely skeptical. People were putting coconut oil in their hair and their dog’s hair, claiming it cured allergies and was an excellent weight loss/gain product. I watched and listened to pet owners’ results over the years, which seemed to vary greatly.
Then, I decided to give my dogs coconut oil after moving to an extremely dry climate. I did notice a difference, but there’s one huge obstacle to be aware of when starting to give dogs coconut oil. I’m not a veterinarian; I’m a concerned pet owner and dog trainer who will do anything to provide the best for my dogs. With that said, here’s my story and honest opinion about coconut oil for dogs.
It Worked Well, But There’s a Learning Curve
We recently moved to a desert environment. Our previous home was located in the damp and extremely humid South. My dogs and I struggled with the vast climate change, and my Rottweiler started shedding beyond words. His skin, nose and pads were extremely dry, so I decided to give coconut oil a try.
Using Dr. Karen Becker’s recommended dosage of coconut oil for Sobek’s weight (more than 100 pounds), he would need 1-2 tablespoons per day. As with any supplement, I started introducing very small amounts slowly during one meal per day. During the first week, I gave Sobek ¼ teaspoon of coconut oil once a day during his evening meal. We were trucking along well, so after seven days, I increased the amount to ½ teaspoon for another week. After the second week of feeding coconut oil, I increased his amount to ½ teaspoon during both his AM and PM meals. Sobek was actually starting to look really good. He was filling out a bit, which was an accomplishment in it and of itself since it was extremely difficult to add weight on his slim physique. However, his dry skin was still there and his shedding continued, but he had more energy. Wonderful, right?
Well, here’s where the learning curve kicked me in the teeth. I was too focused on the end goal of 1-2 tablespoons per day, so I continued to increase his daily supplementation slowly. When we reached 1 teaspoon for each meal (twice a day), I noticed Sobek had digestive issues, such as loose stool and upset tummy. We were nowhere near his recommended dosage amount and he was already showing digestive discomfort. Hmm, did I move too fast? Was it too much? What happened?
Listen to Your Dog, Too Much Fat is Painful
Poor Sobek, I immediately reduced his coconut oil dosage to 1/2 teaspoon and limited the frequency to once a day. After a couple of days, and several Pepto tablets, he luckily felt much better. I had continued feeding this amount for a couple of weeks, then increased it to 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil for each meal. If I tried to increase this amount ever so slowly, he would have digestive issues. Finally, I listened to Sobek and realized 1 teaspoon per day is what his body needs.
Coconut oil dosage varies wildly, so I recommend listening to your dog and sticking with an amount that agrees with him. When increasing amounts, move slowly and watch your dog’s poop and body language. If your dog acts differently and/or his poop becomes soft, immediately reduce the amount. If your dog doesn’t feel better within a day or two, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Many pet owners are focused on the end goal and not what their dog’s body needs. Always listen to your dog. I learned a tough and stinky lesson! 🙂
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