Coconut Oil Skin Treatment for Dogs with Skin and Coat Problems

1/2/2015

Virgin, unrefined coconut oil consists of approximately 90% saturated fats, yet most of those fats are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). The main component of the MCTs in coconut oil is lauric acid; which is antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial and helps to balance the immune system.

Coconut oil will help improve the integrity of the skin while moisturizing and providing healthy fats for the skin's lipid layer. Coconut oil can also prevents and treat yeast and fungal infections, including candida. This makes it an excellent skin treatment for dogs who are having trouble with their skin and coat.

The only thing you need for this treatment is virgin, unrefined (ideally organic) coconut oil in its liquid state (I place it by my heat vent or on top of the stove while I am cooking for it to naturally warm to a liquid state) and an all natural, gentle pet shampoo. Select a shampoo that is soap-free and contains no harsh chemical ingredients.

Coconut Oil Skin Treatment Instructions

Give your dog a bath using all natural, soap-free shampoo tailored towards dogs with dry, itchy skin. Rinse thoroughly.
After bathing your dog, leave them in the tub and apply the coconut oil all over their body, massaging it into the coat and on to the skin. Make sure to focus on the problem areas, like the paws and ears.
Let the coconut oil sit on your dogs coat, giving it 7 - 10 minutes to absorb into the body. The longer you wait, the better the treatment will work.
Rinse your dog with water, then lightly soap them up with shampoo. You want to use enough to get rid of the grease from the oil, without completely reversing the effects by 100% removing all oil from the coat. Do not leave any shampoo residue in the coat.
Towel dry and brush your dog!

One of the most common problems dogs experience is some sort of skin and/or coat condition, including but not limited to allergies, dry skin, itchiness and flaking. While there are a lot of things you can give your dog in addition to their diet to help dramatically improve the skin and coat condition, there is something you can do to provide some immediate relief externally.

Supplements that improve skin and coat condition naturally:

For dogs with serious skin or coat conditions, you can do this as much as once a week. For dogs that just need a little extra help with dry skin, once a month will suffice!

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116 Comments

sandy

1/2/2015 06:57:49 am

Would putting the oil on dry food or mixed with wet have the same benefits?

Sharon K Miller link

1/2/2015 09:06:24 am

I have found that the oil reverts to the semi-solid state pretty quickly when put on the dog's food. However, you might be able to spread about 2 1/2 T on a slice or two of bread and administer it that way, or mix it with peanut butter.

Nicole

1/9/2015 09:36:28 am

you can buy fractionated coconut oil which keeps a oil like consistency!! I use it when I dilute my essential oils and it safe for ingestion

Donna

2/14/2015 04:18:41 am

Just let the dog eat it off the spoon or your hand. My Doxies love it.

laraine bruen

2/27/2015 01:42:52 am

I let the coconut oil in a pan with warm water to liquidfy it and pout it over her cooked chicken livers/gizzard with frozen green beans stir it together doesn't last long enough to liquidfy

heather

2/27/2015 01:05:58 pm

Don't use fractionated. It removes all the health benefits.

Jordanna

3/30/2015 08:23:59 am

Bread??? Please don't do that. Starch sensitivities are the main culprit of itchy skin in dogs. Solid or otherwise, the effect is the same. If you really want it in liquid form, just warm the food up briefly.

Marie Czarnecki link

4/19/2015 08:19:27 am

My babies fish is fried, and in coconut oil, their fur is fantastic. I had a trainer tell me to use that. Mine have mucho fur because they are Sheltie's.

Judith

1/5/2015 06:59:48 am

My dog licks her paws all the time will this oil help as a foot bath?

Annette

2/3/2015 11:37:39 pm

Our French bulldog has allergies and constantly licks his paws. If your dog has yeast on their paws you may want to make a solution of 1 gallon of wa

kayla

2/14/2015 01:38:03 am

I always apply the oil then I put socks on my dog. Then I use a good tape to help the socks stay on. I wrap it tight enough so he will not be able to get them off. He love coconut oil it will eat it by the tub if I allowed him.

Tee

3/1/2015 02:53:29 am

If your dog is licking his/her paws, that means he/she has food allergies. If your dog scratches himself along the sides of his body, then he has airborne allergies. Just some tidbits from working at a vet clinic for 4-1/2 years.

Marie Czarnecki link

4/19/2015 08:23:26 am

Usually if a dog licks their paws, they may have allergies of some kind.

Laida link

3/7/2016 07:46:55 am

John Henley

12/5/2017 02:36:16 pm

My dogs are shedding hair and Lick's there Paw's, driving me crazy

Jeanette Fumicello

6/4/2018 09:02:53 am

You put the coconut oil in the bath ?

Abbie

8/31/2019 06:57:14 am

My staffy is the same diluted apple cider vinegar will clear that right up

Catie

1/9/2015 02:53:21 pm

I find that putting it in my dogs food is much better than putting it on his coat... He gets the same result, and is better for us because when I put it on his coat he just loves to lick it even more causing his skin irritation to get raw in areas.

Elizabeth R

2/3/2015 04:42:22 am

I just put a tablespoon of Virgin Coconut Oil inhis bowl, and he licks it right up.. Loves it...

Chloe-May

2/3/2015 08:30:28 am

My dog is the same i give her a teaspoon a couple times a day and she eats it right off the spoon, so easy!

sarah

2/3/2015 09:50:58 pm

My dog hears the jar and comes running she kicks it off the soon

Donna

2/14/2015 04:17:54 am

Yes or let the dog eat it out of your hand or spoon, mine love it.

Nancy Wilson

2/27/2015 10:43:50 pm

Leonda Garcia

3/31/2015 01:39:48 pm

Yes Ive been putting it in all 3 of my dogs food for 3 years now just don't give them to much at a time ! I love how it make there coats soo shiny :)

maddie

4/18/2015 04:27:32 am

My dog loves to eat coconut oil. try letting them lick it off your fingers a d see if they like it.

Marie Czarnecki link

4/19/2015 08:20:59 am

Yes, but mix it, you do not need too much.

Laura Devlin

4/19/2015 09:55:20 am

Interesting

tracy mackay

4/19/2015 01:07:00 pm

My labs skin and coat had become silky soft since i started rubbing it on her paws to combat dryness. She licks alot if it off. Shocking the difference in just 2 weeks. Was expecting smooth paw pads not puppy soft fur!

Ruth Brooks link

9/29/2017 07:40:44 pm

Wondering what the best thing to do.

Esther Riley

1/7/2018 08:46:25 am

Safe to feed your dog

Tish

3/13/2018 08:38:27 am

My dog eats it plain, I put some on my dry elbows and he kept trying to lick it off. I have to keep the jar up and hidden as he will try to chew it open.

Debra Mrozinsky

1/2/2015 07:13:11 am

can this be used in a pill form? I picked some up but they are capsules is that ok to pour over their food or simply give it to them?

Donna

2/14/2015 04:17:03 am

My dogs, Doxies, eat it right off the spoon, they LOVE coconut oil!

Marie Czarnecki link

4/19/2015 08:27:19 am

Debra, you are right, I have some I bought from Sam's Club. Not only great for our babies but for you too instead of all those crazy creams.

Harmony

6/28/2016 07:55:32 am

Hi there Marie
I know this has been some while but if you can or if anyone can,what is the name of the tablets,thank u for any help given :) x

Jennifer Bass

1/2/2015 08:12:57 am

Can you put it on cats food as well as dogs?

Pam Washburn

1/2/2015 09:58:54 am

My cat loves coconut oil I give her about a third tsp She licks it off my finger

Jeffrey A. Brown link

2/15/2015 01:42:53 am

I have used it on my cats when they have had skin issues.

Marie Czarnecki link

4/19/2015 08:30:25 am

I do not see why not, try it and on the cat food. Also I have not commented on my previous note Costco now has Avacado Oil. I fry my Sheltie's fish in that at times and use both oils for myself as well.

Gina

1/22/2017 01:00:13 pm

Careful bout Avacado I think it's not good for pups

Nicole

1/2/2015 08:35:23 am

I have a Shiba inu that has terrible skin allergies. He was itching so bad that he had patches on his side & tail that he itched all of the fur off of. I tried every thing & nothing helped him long term. Someone suggested a table spoon of virgin organic coconut oil in liquid form (I put the jar in a cup of hot water for a few minutes to liquefy it) everyday. I've been doing this for about a month now. His fur is growing back & no more itching! Plus the coconut oil is like a treat for him, he loves it.

Jenny

1/3/2015 04:36:54 am

hey can i add it to my dogs food and how much how to extra my little girl has terrible skin irration been to vets nothing seems to work her paws are the many source of irration any ideas anyone

Janet

5/13/2016 06:34:14 am

The recommend dose is 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds. I mix it in my dogs food and their fur is thick and shiny, also no more scratching.

Janet Spinelli link

5/29/2017 08:40:20 am

Hi, I have read a lot of comments, but my dog has the same issues as yours. I believe he's allergic to fleas. I check him quite a bit for fleas. And haven't seen any. But recently he started itching so bad he has patches of hair loss which now he has bacteria or some kind of infection from excessive itching. His vet gives him antibiotics and an injection for inflammation and his flea medicine. Usually the itching will stop within a few days. But my question is, you said you liquidfy it, what do you down with it after you do that ? Do you put it in his food , or rub it on his skin ? Thanks so much!!

mary moynihan

7/25/2018 08:09:48 am

you can buy a thing in dogs water than stops itching and cools their bloody..can buy it off amazon for £8

Athena link

11/12/2019 07:49:56 pm

Hi just wondering if you left the coconut oil on or washed it off each day.

Joanne

10/9/2020 11:40:19 am

Do u put tablespoon of coconut oil in food or let your dog just lick it straight out of spoon? My dog is suffering with the same problem.

melanie barrier

1/2/2015 04:05:11 pm

Mine eat it right off the me assuring spoon at bedtime. As for skin I warm it to liquid daily for the severe ones and massage a small amount into the affected areas daily. Try not to crate them in plastic crates if they need to be crated.

Animal activist

6/18/2018 02:07:44 pm

Melanie Barrier...you have no right to give advice on anything concerning the welfare of animals.You are a horrible worthless person for running a "rescue" where bulldogs and daschunds were stacked in crates on top of each other. I am glad the Waco police arrested you for animal cruelty and took your adopted daughyers away for making them live in a dog feces filled home. I hope when you die that you feel the pain you put these dogs through. You are pathetic

Pau Mitchell link

1/2/2015 08:28:27 pm

Awesome I just made 25 lbs of coconut sugar scrub makes you feel wonderful I will use on my dog!

Mary Lackovich

1/3/2015 02:18:44 am

What is you recipe for coconut sugar scrub?

Barbara

2/27/2015 03:52:37 am

My dig has red mange and is being treated but her skin is so dry and smelly do you think this would help her

Mayla Wallace link

2/27/2015 07:40:46 pm

How do you make the coconut sugar oil?

Sharon Quick

3/8/2015 01:13:25 pm

Just make sure that is the one they won't eat off a spoon if it has sugar in it because of diabetes.

Anita Shutter link

1/2/2015 09:29:53 pm

where do I purchase something like this locally?

Kelli bush

1/2/2015 09:59:45 pm

you can get a pretty big jar at sams for vey low cost

Melanie Barrier

1/3/2015 10:48:34 am

Must be unrefined or it's useless

Marie Czarnecki link

4/19/2015 08:33:51 am

Also at Costco!!!!!

Melanie Barrier

1/3/2015 10:46:36 am

I buy mine at Wal Mart. Make sure it is the one in glass jar organic unrefined. Do not buy the one in white plastic jar. Amazon has it on special if you buy in bulk Ike I do. I run a rescue and all dogs and skin kids get it

Jeffrey A. Brown link

2/15/2015 01:47:14 am

Good one in a clear plastic jar at Costco. Organic extra virgin, unrefined, cold pressed. Carrington Farms brand 54 fluid oz. (1.5 L) for $16.99.

marge donelson link

2/16/2015 11:36:15 pm

You can buy it at the grocery store in the baking isle. Make sure it is unrefined, cold press, Virgin coconut oil. Sams Club carries it too.

kim harman

1/9/2015 04:22:35 am

Why do you need to re-wash the coconut oil off after bath. Wouldn't it be better just to leave it on the skin?

Melanie Barrier

1/10/2015 01:10:46 am

If you don't wash some of its like having a greased pig. I use just enough after the bath while skin is wet and massage it in then towel drive. Easier if you warm it to liquid form. Then every day I apply a light liquid coat till healed. We are a medical rescue and got a doxie with no hair and skin peeling off from being crate bound for who knows how long laying in his urine in feces.

Jeffrey A. Brown link

2/15/2015 01:50:02 am

I let the animal dry after the bath, massage the oil in and leave it on. The skin & coat drink it in, when dry.

shellie

1/9/2015 05:36:11 am

I found coconut oil at Aldi. I give it to all 3 of my furry babies. They eat it alone also.

Tay Chris

1/9/2015 11:32:55 pm

linda Sanderman

1/10/2015 10:05:31 pm

I put some organic coconut oil on my 18 year old terrier's food and he seemed to suffer a recurring attack of pancreatitis. The first attack of pancreatitis happened when I gave him barbecued chicken (I removed the skin). Could this be a coincidence and not related to the coconut oil? I have two shihtzus who tend to have dry, itchy skin and I think it would be beneficial to them (they are 7 years old).Thank you very much for your site and also your help.

Melanie Barrier

1/11/2015 07:24:28 am

Don't ever give dark meat let alone chicken that has spices infused into it from cooking it even if you pull the skin off.

Leslie

4/18/2015 08:06:43 am

Why no dark meat? I cook for my dog and sometimes give her dark.

Karen R.

2/3/2015 04:14:01 am

I wonder the same thing, Linda. One of our dogs had a terrible bout of pancreatitis (her first) after we began adding coconut oil to her food. While I couldn't pinpoint any specific thing that might have triggered the episode, the timing was such that coconut oil could have been a factor. I'm afraid to add it to the food again, especially since this dog has been on Rx and low-fat food ever since. Maybe just the topical treatment will help.

krissie

2/15/2015 12:07:42 am

It should not cause any pancreatic issues. http://www.cocotherapy.com/disorders_coconutoil.htm

Tara

1/12/2018 06:22:59 pm

My veg said it could cause pancreatic attacks because of the high fat content

Pam

12/27/2018 07:21:37 pm

I have read too much can cause pancreatitis recommend 1/2 tsp per 10 lbs. And if using on skin don't give orally

Gretchen

1/11/2015 03:01:35 am

I just want to clarify, you say to rinse the oil from the coat with lightly soapy water, but you say in the first point to not use a shampoo that contains soap. Do you mean use shampoo-y water or actual soapy water?

CHRISTNE CONNELL

1/15/2018 02:29:09 pm

I USE NON MEDICATED SHAMPOO AND LEAVE ON CONDITIONER FROM PET BARD THEY ALSO PRIC MATCH DERMICARE BRAND AND ROSE HIP POWDER EVERY DAY IN HIS FOOD ALONG WITH COCONUT OIL FOR PROTIEN I ADD EGG SHELLS TO HIS BREAKY FOOD

mitzi moore

1/21/2015 10:00:34 pm

This rememdy actually has helped my dog immensely. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.

Kristen

2/3/2015 10:20:01 am

I have boxers so I rub it and leave it. They love the taste. It's good inside and out. I can't put it on fast enough with them trying get at it.

Susie

2/3/2015 11:16:03 am

My friend said they have coconut oil pills at Walmart now, have not checked it out yet

Marie Czarnecki link

4/19/2015 08:44:44 am

Sam's Club and Costco also have it, you will find it in the baking isle!! The oil that is, I also got the capsules from Sam's Club.

Kellie

2/3/2015 01:39:05 pm

My 100 lb.Belgian Shepard Chow mix has had seriously itchy skin for 11 of his 12 years. He would chew the hair off his tail end. Started feeding him raw chicken and cooked brown rice 1 year ago and his coat is back to it's beautiful state. Raw is best for dogs.

Marie Czarnecki link

4/19/2015 08:47:42 am

Yes it is and the bones are digestable. Raw Chicken bones do not splinter... and their poop comes out white. Raw is good because remember they were in the wild and had to find all to eat!!!

judi

2/4/2015 12:05:00 am

Where do you find virgin coconut oil or the pills,in the pet dept of walmart?

Amber link

2/14/2015 02:55:55 am

You can find it in the baking isle at Walmart by the olive and vegetable oils

Teresa link

2/14/2015 10:23:08 am

I am giving this to my three yorkies and their stool is like pudding. Has anyone else experienced this.

Marie Czarnecki link

4/19/2015 08:50:57 am

No, I cook with it as fry their fish and if they have chicken (no bone) also. Give them some pumpkin (raw) out of the can and that is good for them.. Also rice any kind white or brown according to my vet.

Leah

2/27/2015 01:14:03 pm

Purchase large quantity organic coconut oil at Costco, vita cost, or on Amazon for very reasonable prices.

michele

3/1/2015 01:22:40 am

If my dog sneezes and rubs his nose after eating coconut oil does that mean he's allergic?

Marie Czarnecki link

4/19/2015 08:53:47 am

Google Coconut Oil, and they should give you all the advice some vets do not know about coconut oil as yet, this is fairly new. I also use Avacado oil.

Melanie Barrier

4/19/2015 09:30:55 am

Careful with Avocado and dogs it can be toxic to them. Rice is a filler. If you use it use brown unrefined. White rice can have been sprayed with pestiside.

Joanna

3/7/2015 10:02:57 pm

I tried and realize the coat is still greasy even after using soapy water to rinse it off. Is it normal?

Kristy link

3/30/2015 08:09:24 am

any decent mart👍

nivedha

3/30/2015 04:22:59 pm

hey i m from India, its kinda peek summer now, nd my dog is kinda itchy a lot wil this coconut oil treatment s helpful, or shold i try sumthing else?

Monica

4/18/2015 04:24:24 am

It will help, but it will take time before you start seeing results

Monica

4/18/2015 04:23:07 am

Both of my boys absolutely love coconut oil. Mine is a doxie mix and a min pin mix.

Sandra

4/18/2015 05:40:39 am

Looking for help for a Jack Russell with a horrible shedding problem. Any hints will be greatly appreciated.

cristy link

9/22/2016 11:59:09 am

my jack russle has the samenissue,ehat helped

Deb

4/18/2015 10:34:30 am

Our King Charles Cavalier get ulcerated sores between her toes on both front paws. We've tried everything from surgery to food changes to shampoo changes and the sores continue. What do you suggest?

Karen

4/18/2015 11:25:25 pm

I "harvest" whole coconuts and give my dog chunks of the coconut meat daily, which he loves. I eat the rest!! It has helped his allergy and the scratching.

Marie Czarnecki link

4/19/2015 08:59:28 am

I have learned about coconut oil from a trainer, and use it in my babies scrambled eggs, fry fish,chicken and even pour it on their veggies with rice.. They love it and in Nevada it gets dry here in the summer, I also put it on their little noses. I have Sheltie's and are "SERVICE BABES" for me.

Lori Guthrie

4/25/2015 10:57:48 pm

The licking and itching biting of feet is almost ALWAYS a sign of yeast. If you are not providing your dog with the right food, preferably grain free and the key is knowing the protein source, even with the wonderful healing elements of coconut oil, it will continue to come back.

wendy

5/4/2015 06:15:24 am

My Dog is a female ,13 Years old pitbull mix and has been having extremely bad allergies for like 3 years now and she has been seen by plenty of doctors and has try different medications orally and topically applied , she recovers only when she takes Temaril p but you need a vet prescription for it is costly and it cannot be taken as a long term treatment because of her age and a small rumor in her heart so i have her on a salmon grain free diet, bo omega D3 supplement capsules , im trying a prescribed anti itch ,antibacterial soap free shampoo and a soaking colloideal oatmeal treatment from CVS she also takes her antihistamine tablet every 24 hrs but nothing seems to work on her , she is chewing so bad, shes bleeding from her paws will this help

Laida

3/7/2016 08:04:46 am

Wonderful site

Blai

12/2/2016 03:00:29 pm

How long will you see a change in dry skin in dogs from starting the oil in their food and applied topically??

Mary link

1/17/2017 04:18:21 pm

I just gave my dog coconut oil for the first time tonite. 1 teaspoon. How long do i wait until i give him 1 tablespoon 30 pounds and 2 more teaspoons for 50 lbs??

Racquel Stock

2/5/2017 09:46:34 am

Can this be given to a 3 yr old ferret? How much? I have 3 pugs and my ferret ran over to eat the little bit that my dogs dropped. Lol Thanks

Lyndel

3/5/2017 11:10:39 pm

I have a 5month old shar pei. He is itching and biting himself a lot. Has redness and even parts where the skin has broken from itching too much. Its very dry. Is it okay to use coconut oil on his skin every day or every second day until it clears? And do i HAVE to wash it off or can i leave it on? If i have to wash it off, why?

melodieo

5/11/2017 10:42:07 pm

How do you rate this product for dogs health/skin/coat: Plastic 1 gal tub 'Nature's oil, 100% Pure Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil'????

MIke link

5/19/2017 11:45:10 am

My Lab loves it. Pour right on food. Working for dry skin.

Joan garrison

6/25/2017 11:40:23 am

My brussel griffon , 10yrs, has cushings and diebritic, lossing hair, skin flaky. Can i shampoo and than cocunt oil as you suggested. Can i also give him cocunt oil orally 1tsp his wgt 13lbs. With his food every day once a day.

Colleen Scott

12/13/2017 09:36:37 pm

Everyone seems to be having good results with the coconut oil they’re buying but if you want it really pure buy virgin COLD PRESSED oil.
My terrier has been scratching wildly for the last few weeks. I feed a raw food diet and all my other dogs are doing great!
Anyway I started using this extra virgin organic cold pressed coconut oil on her two days ago. I put it in her food AND rubbed her with it.
You’re not going to believe this but she has already stopped scratching!! I’m gobsmacked!
And no I don’t sell coconut oil! I’m SO HAPPY. No vet visit. I feel as if I caught something before it became a really bad problem.
Coconut oil is safe for anything and anybody. My husband eats it every day and now I’m going to too.
So happy with the results. She’s been lying next to me most of the day and HASNT SCRATCHED ONCE!

Bryanna Evans link

9/21/2018 02:23:45 pm

its also grate if you have exima or a skin desises

Bryanna Evans link

9/21/2018 02:21:58 pm

is it good for your dogs and your cats teeth what dose it all do?

Indran

9/23/2018 12:26:18 pm

Can I leave the coconut oil on after the bath?

sheri

11/25/2019 04:30:57 am

someone mentioned above not to use fractionated coconut oil because it didn't have health benefits, that is not true.

when coconut oil is fractionated, the lauric acid is removed, leaving behind capric acid and caprylic acid. These medium chain fatty acids (MCTs) are believed to provide greater health benefits. Sometimes fractionated coconut oil is sold as MCT oil.

Nickey

11/17/2020 11:56:33 am

I use the oil liquid form for my skin and my pitbull his coat looks awesome bright white and gray

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Coconut Oil Skin Treatment for Dogs with Skin and Coat Problems

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