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Dog owners are no strangers to beauty trends.
I see other dog parents post on social media about different sprays and brushes they use, not to mention types of shampoo.
There’s always some new product to try, but I rarely hear about things both Maggie and I can use at the same time.
There’s only a few situations where you should be careful.
Things to Be Aware Of
Like with anything in life, you have to be aware of a couple things regarding coconut oil and your dog.
Some dogs have an allergic reaction to it, which may result in symptoms like[1]:
Itchiness
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Sneezing
Swelling of the face and ears
You should also know that too much coconut oil will likely cause diarrhea, since it contains medium-chain triglycerides that powerfully cleanse the gut if your dog isn’t used to it[2].
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This side effect will only happen if your dog ingests the oil, so keep it out of their reach to be safe.
What Kind of Coconut Oil Should You Use?
Dogs need unprocessed foods, which is why you should choose unrefined or virgin coconut oil for them.
Refining coconut oil eliminates some of the nutrients, which won’t help your dog.
Before you buy anything, make sure the coconut oil isn’t flavored or sweetened either.
Organic unrefined containers are the best option to help your dog.
Coconut Oil Benefits for Dog Paws
While coconut oil has been known to help skin and metabolism issues (and even teeth!), it’s mostly recommended for dogs who have cracked, dry paws.
Here are some of the reasons why so many dogs get coconut oil paw massages and why it might help your dog too.
Soothes Sore Paws
All-natural coconut oil is full of vitamins and minerals. That’s what makes it so great for skin and paws.
Sometimes, dogs can have sore paws because they’ve spent time walking across hot pavement or rough terrain.
Rub coconut oil over sore paws for instant relief from burns and irritation.
Hydrates Dry Paws
Another part of what makes coconut oil a canine and human miracle salve is its fatty acids.
The fatty acids, combined with a coconut’s lauric acid, moisturizes skin and reaches deep into paw pads.
Extremely dry paw pads will form cracks. They may run deep or appear as surface abrasions.
Coconut oil will help in both cases, reducing pain and healing the skin with its powerful moisturizing powers.
Shortens Healing Time
Fatty acids bring instant hydration to skin cells and also soothe any cellular damage or irritation[3].
Although it doesn’t directly speed up the healing process, easing cells back to normal helps them catch up when they’re healing cuts or dry skin.
Prevents Infections
Sometimes open wounds or skin abrasions become red with infection.
You can turn to coconut oil in those cases too.
It’s been used as an antibacterial and antifungal remedy for centuries[4], helping defend people against infections, psoriasis, and more.
Using Coconut Oil on Dog Paws
Now that you know how coconut oil will help your dog’s paws, check out how to apply it.
It won’t be as effective if applied incorrectly or if your dog can lick it all away before it starts to work, so follow these tips for the best chance of success.
Step 1: Scoop the Oil Out
It may sound strange to hear that you should scoop the oil out, but coconut oil quickly turns solid in any temperature under 76 degrees[5].
You’ll need to use a spoon to scoop out about a half teaspoon of coconut oil and rub it between your palms to thin it out.
Step 2: Melt the Oil
You might find it easier to melt the oil in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Both are safe options and won’t reduce any of the nutrients in the oil.
Just make sure the oil isn’t too hot to touch before applying it on your dog.
Step 3: Do One Paw at a Time
Take one paw in your hand and rub a little bit of coconut oil onto the pads, roughly a quarter of a teaspoon.
Massage it into each pad carefully, being mindful of any open wounds or soreness.
Continue until you’ve covered each paw, leaving no clumps of coconut oil in your dog’s hair or between their paw pads.
Step 4: Cover Their Feet
Depending on your dog, you may be able to cover their feet in tiny booties to avoid them licking the oil off.
This will also protect your carpets and hardwood, which will become slippery with the oil.
If your dog tries to bite the booties off, you can make them wear a cone or neck pillow until their paws have dried.
You should leave the oil on their paws for at least five minutes, but it can be left on longer because it’s an organic oil.
Conclusion
Coconut oil is a great remedy for dogs with paw issues.
It’s all-natural and easy to get at the store.
The only things you should keep in mind when you use it on your dog for the first time is to watch for allergy symptoms and prevent them from licking it all off their paws.
Although it’s edible, too much may disrupt their digestive system.
Dogs need unprocessed foods, which is why you should choose unrefined or virgin coconut oil for them.
Depending on your dog, you may be able to cover their feet in tiny booties to avoid them licking the oil off.
