Coconut Oil is a wonderful home remedy for all kinds of conditions in animals. Dogs, cats, even rabbits and goats can benefit from the use of coconut oil. It can be used internally and externally. It is safe, relatively inexpensive and easily available.
Earth Clinic readers have used coconut oil as a health supplement for their pets with arthritis, seizures, anal gland problems, constipation, thyroid problems, hip dysplasia, H. pylori, and digestive problems. Externally it is a great natural cure for fleas, matted fur, ear problems, conjunctivitis, fungal infections, hot spots, itchy skin, and ringworm.
When used medicinally, it is best to use organic and cold pressed coconut oil. While more expensive than the processed varieties, it is still a comparatively inexpensive remedy and has a low risk of side effects. The most likely side effect of internal coconut oil use is loose stools. To avoid this side effect, always start with less and increase slowly as your pet adjusts to a change in his diet.
For a small animal (10 pounds) start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase slowly to a maximum of 1 teaspoon a day. For a medium sized animal (30 pounds) start with a teaspoon a day and slowly work up to a Tablespoon a day. For a large animal (100 pounds) start with a Tablespoon a day and increase to three Tablespoons a day. Your pet may do well with more or less. Always monitor your pet when you change his diet or add a new supplement. Coconut oil is easy to mix into your pet's food.
Coconut Oil is soothing natural remedy for a variety of skin problems in animals. It can be used like a salve for ringworm, hot spots, and itchy skin. Gently massage some around the eye for conjunctivitis. It can be used in the ears for ear fungus or mites. Because coconut oil is a food and very safe, it is not harmful it a cat or dog ingests the coconut oil as part of his grooming.
For cats or rabbits with fur mats, coconut oil is a safer oil to use than baby oil. Massage a small amount into the mats. (If a cat takes coconut oil internally, it may decrease his matted fur problem; coconut oil has been known to improve the quality of a pet's coat.) One Earth Clinic reader found that coconut oil in a spray can, the type used in cooking, was the ideal way to deal with matted fur on her cat.
Scroll down to see what other Earth Clinic readers are discovering about the use of coconut oil for their pets!
If you have used coconut oil for your cat, dog or other animals, please share your experiences!
