Coconut oil is considered to have natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties,8 so if your dog has cracked pads or other minor cuts or bruises, it can be safely used as a natural topical antibiotic to help heal and soothe those wounds.
Coconut oil can be applied topically to the skin or added to your pet's diet to help prevent harmful microorganisms from multiplying and causing infection. If your pet is suffering from a skin infection, simply rub a little coconut oil onto the infected spot.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs
Fight harmful fungi and bacteria. Help digestion. Ease coughing. Help skin and hair.
“Coconut oil can increase energy levels, improve skin and coat, improve digestion, and reduce allergic reactions,” says Smith. Dr. Katie Gryzb, a Brooklyn-based veterinarian, explains that coconut oil can potentially slow cognitive dysfunction in dogs.
Coconut oil has traditionally been used as a medicinal agent for cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, dry skin, and psoriasis and is used as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent for the treatment of dermal infections.
Digestion. Digestion is aided by coconut oil. A natural probiotic paired with coconut oil may help soothe your dog's digestive system while enhancing nutrient absorption if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
The medium chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found primarily in coconut oil have miraculous healing power which act as natural antibiotic and also help modulate immunity.
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.
It's important to be aware of these dosing standards, as feeding your dog too much coconut oil can be harmful. Some negative side effects that you should look out for include diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, lack of appetite and energy, abdominal pain, and bloating.
Offer your dog coconut oil.
Coconut oil is thought to have beneficial properties that may help combat your dog's kennel cough. Pour two teaspoons of coconut oil over your dog's food daily, or let your dog lick it from a spoon. Remember, coconut oil is high in calories, so feeding too much is not recommended.
Solid or liquid coconut oil can be added to food at any meal or given between meals. The optimum dose for dogs is about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily, or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds. These are general guidelines, as some dogs need less and others more. But don't start with these amounts.
Top Antibiotics for Dogs
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate—This antibiotic combo is related to Penicillin and is used to treat a broad spectrum of bacterial infections, including skin infections, infections in the respiratory system, gastrointestinal infections, and genitourinary infections.
Staphylococcal Infection (staph infection)
This type of infection may impact a dog's skin or upper respiratory tract, and can be treated using oral antibiotics such as cephalexin, erythromycin or clindamycin. Antibiotic ointments and shampoos can also work.
Coconut oil for allergies in dogs is an effective way to help dogs with skin allergies and infections. Many veterinarians, including holistic veterinarians, recommend this type of essential oil to help treat a wide range of skin ailments.
Be sure to spend some time rubbing the coconut oil into dry spots on his skin, his paws, and nails. Leave the coconut oil on your dog's skin and paws for about seven minutes. The longer it stays on, the better it will work.
Apoquel starts relieving allergic dog itch and inflammation due to skin allergies within 4 hours — and controls it within 24 hours. The #1 prescribed medicine for allergic itch in dogs.
Many pet stores, including online pet stores, carry antibiotics that are safe to use for dogs.
Clavamox and Augmentin are broad-spectrum antibiotics, meaning they're used to address several types of microorganisms at once. Clavamox and Augmentin are brand name drugs that are a combination of two types of antibiotics: amoxicillin and clavulanate.
Bacterial culture and identification lab tests will help your veterinarian to treat your pet more quickly and effectively. TRUTH: Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics. Just like in people, most “colds” are not caused by bacteria and will get better without antibiotics within 10 days.
Honey. Honey tops the list of antibiotics and is known for its extensive healing properties. The presence of hydrogen peroxide in honey exhibits strong antibacterial properties. In addition, the high sugar content thwarts the growth of bacteria.
Option 1: Honey
Honey is one the oldest known antibiotics, tracing back to ancient times. Egyptians frequently used honey as a natural antibiotic and skin protectant. Honey contains hydrogen peroxide , which may account for some of its antibacterial properties.
Coconut Oil On Dog's Skin
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. After the five minutes, you can apply and a very light rinse.