If you find that your pup's paws are dry or cracked, you can use coconut oil to help soothe and heal them. Make sure to rub the coconut oil thoroughly into your dog's paws, or your dog will mistake this treatment for a snack and lick off all of the oil!
To use coconut oil topically, apply it to the skin about once a week, and let it be absorbed for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, rinse your dog off. If he still feels excessively greasy or oily, you can follow up with a light shampoo and rinse. Alternatively, use a shampoo made with organic coconut oil.
Many vets recommend coconut oil as a holistic remedy for several canine conditions, including dry and itchy paws.
Rub a small amount of coconut oil onto your fingers, gently pat its coat, and run through its fur. Now massage them a little bit into their skin using your fingers. Now let the oil absorb for about 2 to 5 minutes approx. If you feel excess oil on the skin, then finish up with a light application of shampoo.
Coconut oil can add moisture to your dog's skin and prevent flaking. It also helps freshen up a dog's coat if used with a light touch. To use it topically, simply rub a very small amount onto your hands and then gently pat the coat, run your fingers through the fur, and massage a little down onto the skin.
Give your dog a quick bath using a soap-free product. This will get the skin and fur clean and wet before applying the coconut oil. Make this bath as quick as possible, focusing on removing dirt. Apply a thick coat of coconut oil on problem areas on your dog.
Coconut Oil to Relieve Itching and Dry Skin for Dogs
Coconut oil is your one-stop-shop for dry, flaky skin. This problem can be fixed internally or externally, both ways work the same. Try heating up some coconut oil and adding it on top of your dog's food.
Almond oil, jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, coconut oil, and olive oil are all great options for helping dogs with dry feet. These oils work well because they penetrate deeply into the skin. They are also rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals essential for healthy skin and coat.
Baking soda paste dries out rashes, alleviates itching, and reduces inflammation. To make the paste, mix 50% baking soda with 50% water and apply the paste to their paws. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. You can also add coconut oil to the mix to add some moisture to the paste.
Coconut Oil, Dogs And Inflammation. Newer research shows that coconut oil is inflammatory and can cause leaky gut. In fact, the ASPCA advises owners not to give their dogs coconut oil because it can irritate the gut lining. contain oils that may cause stomach upset, loose stools or diarrhea.
Olive oil is a kitchen cupboard staple that does double duty for dogs. For an external treatment, apply a small amount to your dog's dry paws, noses, and ears. Be sure to rub it in completely, and remember, a little goes a long way! It's also effective as part of your dog's diet.
Side Effects of Coconut Oil for Dogs
If you give your dog too much coconut oil, they can get diarrhea. Your veterinarian will let you know a healthy amount to give your dog. In some cases, your dog might have an allergy to coconut oil. Signs of an allergy include an upset stomach and itching.
When their paws are cracked, they hurt. While mild cracking may indicate your dog needs to rest and heal, wide, deep cracks are especially painful and can cause your dog to limp.
Just as dry skin and chapped lips tend to hurt us, cracked paws tend to be painful and frustrating for dogs, too. If your dog has dry, cracked paws they just won't leave alone or other concerning symptoms like redness, swelling, odor, yellow or green discharge, or bleeding, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian.
Dealing with Mildly Cracked Paw Pads
Paw pads heal quickly so the cracks could disappear on their own. Watch to make sure that your dog isn't licking the pads excessively as they need to be kept dry and clean.
Weather extremes (too hot or too cold) can hurt tender feet – whether human or canine. Apply warm olive oil and massage onto the footpads to soften, soothe and heal your pet's paws. Treat dry skin and maintain a shiny coat. Treat your pet's dry, itchy flaky skin from the inside out with olive oil.
You can read more in our article on “why do dogs lick their paws before bed?” As with the nose, vaseline does not moisturize the skin itself; it only creates a barrier that stops moisture from evaporating. A balm that creates a barrier and moisturizes simultaneously is a better option for dry and cracking paw pads.
A coconut oil treatment will leave your dog's skin incredibly soft, but it will also make it healthier. A coconut oil skin treatment about once a week can make a big difference in the health of your dog's skin and nails. For good results, apply to the skin and let the oil absorb for about five minutes.
Add 1/4 cup shea butter, 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1/8 cup olive oil, and 1/4 cup beeswax pellets to a large mason jar; stir to combine. (Tip: Use a mason jar that you don't mind dedicating to crafting purposes, as it will be hard to get it completely clean again.)
Unlike olive oil, coconut oil doesn't contain a high amount of omega fatty acids. While it does have some, it isn't enough for your dog to access as many of the benefits as other oils can. Coconut oil also isn't as easily digested and processed, which may render the few fatty acids that get through less helpful.
Coconut oil – this is another proven natural fly repellent you can safely put on your dog; Peppermint oil – you can put this oil around your home in areas where you suspect pests are getting in.