Do you want to know how to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny? This article will look at what oils are good for a dog’s coat.
Dogs with a healthy, shiny coat are happier and less susceptible to skin conditions. It’s crucial that we do what we can to help our dogs be as happy as possible. That means taking good care of their coats so they don’t suffer from dryness or itchiness. If your dog has a dull coat or flaky skin, it might be time to introduce some natural oils or perhaps one of the good drying coats for dogs. If your out in wet weather, your pet’s fur can take a beating, so it’s better to protect it than run the risk of damage.
Many different oils can help promote healthy skin and coats. Some are applied topically and others orally– but not all of them will work well on your pet. Some oils can actually cause problems like skin irritation or allergies if used incorrectly. So make sure you only use the right oil on your pup!
Keep reading this guide that explains everything you need to know about choosing the best oil for keeping your dog’s fur looking its best – no matter what breed he is!
5 Healthy Oils to Revive Your Dog’s Coat
Fish Oil
Fish oil is one of the best oil supplement options that you can add to your dog’s diet. It promotes a healthy coat and supports their heart health, can help relieve allergies and joint pain, strengthen their immune system, and could help them fight canine cancer.
The best quality fish oils contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), both of which are beneficial to skin health and can soothe allergic reactions.
These two essential fatty acids aren’t produced naturally by our canine companions and although many foods include fish oils, you can always add a few drops to their dinner for an extra boost to your pet’s health. From antarctic Krill oil to Scottish Salmon oil, there are tons to choose from, whatever your budget!
Coconut Oil
Did you also know that coconut oil can help your dogs coat stay healthy and shiny? Coconut oil is great for their skin and fur because it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and proteins.
It can combat problems like skin odour, fungal infections, hot spots and itchy skin. You should introduce it slowly with 1/4 teaspoon for smaller dogs and 1 teaspoon for large dogs weekly.
However, using oils in large quantities for allergy relief may cause pancreatic issues and coconut oil has more saturated fat than most, so if you do use coconut oil for dogs dry skin, it may be better to do so topically.
Flaxseed Oil
Do you have a dog with dry, itchy skin? Like fish oil, Flaxseed oil is packed with omega 3 fatty acids that help to moisturise your dog’s skin and coat. These essential fatty acids also help reduce inflammation in the body, leading to better health for most dogs, including improved blood pressure and kidney function.
You’ll notice an improvement in your dog’s coat health within just a few weeks of adding flaxseed oil into their diet!
Olive Oil
Olive oil can be found in grocery stores. Once again, it contains omega 3 fatty acids and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that can help keep your pup’s coat healthy.
It also contains antioxidants, which are beneficial in helping fight off free radicals that cause damage to cells and can reduce the symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
Although it’s one of the best oils for dogs dry skin, if you’re going to give your dog olive oil as a treat or supplement their diet with it, make sure you do so safely! Too much of this good thing could lead to diarrhoea and vomiting. Start by adding one teaspoon into dog food to see if your dog tolerates it.
Sunflower Oil
We think sunflower oil is the top oil for dogs coat health as it contains essential fatty acids that can help moisturise your dog’s dry skin. It also promotes energy, healthy immune function, heart health, and normal organ function.
This superfood oil is already found in many dog food and treats as it contains the necessary amount of omega-6 fatty acids needed for your pet’s diet. It also has lower saturated fat compared to animal fat.
If pet parents want to see results fast, we recommend adding at least 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight to their dry food each day until you notice an improvement in their coat and skin condition. Ensuring you have the best dry food for dogs can also help with their overall diet and health.
Risks Associated With Using Coconut Oil on Dogs
If you’re like most dog owners, you love your pet and want to do everything possible to keep them healthy. You might even think that using coconut oil for dogs is a good way to improve their health. But did you know that this popular product can be dangerous?
Coconut oil has become increasingly popular as a dietary supplement in recent years, but it’s important not to assume that just because something is natural or organic, it must be safe for pets.
In fact, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) warns against giving coconut oil supplements to dogs due to its high levels of saturated fat, which can lead to obesity and other serious health problems. Want to know more check out this article, which explains the science
Are Essential Oils Good for a Dog’s Skin?
Have you ever used essential oils to keep your dog’s coat shiny? Essential oils are natural and can be beneficial for dogs. Used topically, they can prevent bacterial growth and yeast infections, but they must be used with caution as they can be dangerous if not used properly.
The chemicals in essential oils are rapidly absorbed into the system, where the liver metabolises them. Therefore, using essential oils could be problematic for puppies and dogs with health conditions such as liver disease or kidney disease.
It’s best to avoid applying any oil directly onto your dog unless formulated specifically for pets. Instead, look for expertly prepared products that incorporate dog-safe essential oils.
Some of the most common essential oils that may cause problems include lavender, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, peppermint and citrus. These should never be applied topically or ingested.
There are many dog-safe essential oils such as bergamot (Citrus bergamia), cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) and Primrose oil which is great for hair loss, allergic relief and skin conditions. For now, though, let’s just say we think it’s best if you avoid using any essential oil topically on your pet unless under direct supervision from an expert or vet
How to Use Essential Oils on Dogs
1) Dilution
Always dilute essential oils before using. They are incredibly potent. Use a carrier oil such as sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil and dilute 1 part essential oil to 50 parts base oil. It’s a good idea to double that to 1 in 100 for small dogs and elderly pooches
2) Spot test
All dogs are different, so you need to observe how your dog reacts to the oil and ensure it doesn’t cause any skin irritation, so always test on a small patch of your dog’s skin before applying the diluted solution all over
3) Play it safe
Do not under any circumstances get the essential oils anywhere near your eyes best friend’s eyes and never use them in either their ear canals or any other soft tissue areas.
We wouldn’t recommend applying essential oils on puppies, senior dogs or dogs that are pregnant or whelping
4) Use in Moderation
If you see an improvement in your dog’s skin and coat, it may be tempting to go overboard and start using them all the time, but they are potent substances, so always use them sparingly and speak to your vet or a holistic expert if you have any questions.
Last Word
Keeping a dog’s coat healthy and shiny is essential for many reasons and several oils can be used on dogs coats safely to improve their skin condition. They include coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil and avocado oil. But adding oils for dogs to either their food or onto the coat itself should always be done with caution.
Fish oil is an excellent addition to the diet for a healthy coat, as are olive oils as they contain omega 3 fatty acids. Bergamot makes a fantastic dog hair oil as it is one of the safe essential oils for dogs skin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent skin conditions.