Coconut oil for dog's skin?

There are so many things that contribute to allergies. Diet, over vaccination, chemicals used in the home. My dogs had their main vaccinations as puppies, but no more. I don't use chemicals in my home, and it feed a good raw diet. All of these things lead to healthy pets. But, giving steroids and getting vaccinations at the same time does not make for healthy dogs.

Not sure if I should butt in, but raw feeding will get rid of all these problems and you won't have to give all these meds.

Not necessarily. As stated above not a cure-all. I have talked to 2 vets and multiple breeders about a raw diet and although it can go a long way with certain allergies, it does not always help with airborne/contact allergens.

Hey Jude,
Raw feeding is not the ultimate answer. Now before you get in a huff please understand I have been feeding raw diet to my dogs for almost 20 years. It has worked some real miracles with several of our dogs through the years. We currently have a GSD with food as well as topical allergies raw has helped with the feed allergies but has had little effect in controlling the topical problems.
Tinbender

Crowe wrote:
Has he been confirmed to have a yeast issue?

Yes, minor. He's already on clyndamicin and Temaril P (may have the exact spelling wrong, steroid w/antihistamine) so I'm trying to avoid a 3rd med. The combo of these two is working very well and is much less expensive than Atopica.

Not sure if I should butt in, but raw feeding will get rid of all these problems and you won't have to give all these meds. I've had my GSD on Raw for just over a year and I haven't had him back to a vet yet.

xteacher wrote:
I tried it with my allergy dog, Maddie, b/c I'd heard it helps with allergies, but she doesn't like the taste. Too bad - most dogs love it!

Neither of my dogs like it. And they'll usually eat anything (and I do mean anything!). Plus even the tiniest bit will make one of mine vomit within an hour of eating it. One of my previous dogs would also throw up every time I tried to give her even a small amount of coconut oil. I've tried various brands, all with the same result. None of them have/had a problem with fish oil, even in relatively large amounts.

If you decide to get coconut oil, the dosage is 1/2-1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. Start with an even smaller dose to avoid tummy upset. Some dogs get loose stool if started on a higher dose. It can be gradually increased, if the dog tolerates it well. I'd recommend organic extra-virgin coconut oil. It can be bought at places like Vitamin Shoppe (which carries its own brand at a lower price).

I tried it with my allergy dog, Maddie, b/c I'd heard it helps with allergies, but she doesn't like the taste. Too bad - most dogs love it!

You might also look at a product called monolaurin. It is made from coconut oil but more powerful and is used for yeast, viruses and as an immune booster. Not real pricey and easy to give in food, I would expect. Probably something he could be left on in boarding.

Coconut oil is a MCT - medium chain triglyceride. Have a friend whose elderly cocker developed some digestive issues. The Coconut oil really helped him. I've also used coconut oil on an old dog's crusty nose, with amazing results.

Thorne research makes an undecenoic acid supplement for pets. It can go on topically also.

Has he been confirmed to have a yeast issue?

Yes, minor. He's already on clyndamicin and Temaril P (may have the exact spelling wrong, steroid w/antihistamine) so I'm trying to avoid a 3rd med. The combo of these two is working very well and is much less expensive than Atopica.