Benefits of Coconut Oil for Your Dog’s Paws

Is coconut oil good for dog’s paws? Coconut oil is quite popular as a beauty and skincare regimen for its rich mineral content and magnificent benefits. Completely natural and versatile, oil extracted from the coconut plant can actually even be beneficial for pet owners who want to take better care of their dog’s paws. Dogs are on their feet most of the time and if your canine buddy is especially active, or if the weather is extreme, his paws can get itchy or sore. You may try using coconut oil as a remedy not only for its soothing and healing effects, but also as a protective agent.

Properties of Coconut Oil

Is coconut oil safe for dogs’ paws? Many vets recommend coconut oil as a holistic remedy for several canine conditions, including dry and itchy paws. What exactly is the secret behind this organic product and where do its healing and soothing properties come from?

Coconut oil is harvested from coconut palm and contains 90% saturated fatty acids, which include lauric acid, palmitic acid, caprylic acid, and other “good fats.”  Coconut oil also contains vitamins and minerals that can provide more benefits for your dog other than healthy paws.

• Aids digestion for dogs with sensitive tummies
• Promotes better nutrient absorption
• Helps with weight loss and an effective energy booster
• Supports joint health and healthy metabolism
• Good for canine teeth and gets rid of foul breath
• Excellent for healthy skin and coat
• Natural antibacterial properties
• Remedy for allergies, insect bites, and skin problems
• Can help with too much shedding
• Flea and tick repellent
• Improves brain function

Is Your Dog Suffering from Sore Paws?

Sore or itchy paws are quite common among dogs. While they’re comfortable inside your home’s wooden or carpeted floors, their paws can suffer from minor injuries or wear and tear when you take them for regular walks. On public sidewalks, your canine buddy can walk on pebbles, debris, or plants that can irritate his paws. When he plays in the grass at the dog park, he is faced with hazards such as allergens, insect bites, or other foreign objects.

Dogs may step accidentally on the wrong spot and get ant or tick bites on their paws. Running and walking can cause the paws to get sore over time. In the summer, your dog’s paws may suffer from minor burns from stepping on the sun-exposed pavement. In the winter or rainy season, moisture can cause paw problems like fungal infections and irritation.

It’s of course important to keep your dog healthy by making sure he gets enough exercise and enough time for training. At the same time, you want to make sure he keeps enjoying his favorite outdoor activities by protecting his paws and ensuring they are in healthy condition.

Coconut Oil Benefits for Dog’s Paws

Coconut oil is an all-natural and completely safe remedy for sore paws and other skin conditions in dogs. Here are the reasons why coconut oil is amazing for your dog’s tiny feet:

1. Relief for dry and itchy paws

Summertime can cause dry skin and itchiness for both humans and canines! When your dog’s paws become dry and itchy, he may try to bite his paws and hurt himself in the process. Coconut oil for dogs paw pads is an effective remedy for dryness and flakiness and would provide some welcome relief.

2. Treats burns and wounds

It’s pretty common for dog’s paws to suffer from wounds and scratches as they love to play around when taken outdoors. Sometimes, a dog’s paws may also suffer from burns after walking on hot sand or pavement. Vitamins and minerals contained in coconut oil can speed up healing of wounds and burns.

3. Prevents skin infections

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is a natural antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal. If you discover that your dog’s paws are cut or wounded after your afternoon walk, you can prevent infection and irritation by applying coconut oil. Dog paws yeast infection in the paws is also pretty common. Paws smelling like corn chips are an indication of this kind of infection. Coconut oil has also proven to be an effective remedy if your dog has an internal overbalance of yeast.

4. Moisturizes paws to make them softer

Coconut oil contains healthy fatty acids with moisturizing properties, which is why it’s also common to see dog shampoos using coconut oil. A dog’s paws may turn rough and flaky if he goes outdoors all the time. Regularly applying coconut oil for dog’s paws can make them softer and smoother.

5. Makes paws smell better

In the same way that human feet can get stinky, you may notice an odd smell coming from your dog’s paws, too! Regular application of coconut oil, on top of regular washing, can make your dog’s paws smell more pleasant.

Here Are More Benefits of Coconut Oil

How to Apply Coconut Oil on Dog’s Paws?

As a topical cure, first examine your dog’s paws for cuts and wounds. You may use a cotton puff dipped in coconut oil and apply to the injured areas. Have your dog lie on his side and gently pat the oil, one paw at a time. If he can’t lie still for a long time, a belly rub or occasional pat should keep him still.

You can also condition with coconut oil your dog’s paws. Winter time or summer time, your dog’s paws are exposed to elements that can cause problems later. All you need to do is the massage an ample amount of coconut oil before you go out for a walk to keep his paws protected. You may also want to repeat the application before bedtime to enhance the healing and moisturizing effects of the oil.

If you don’t want coconut oil dripping on your floor, you can apply the oil outside the house. Or, apply the smallest amount at the beginning and repeat the application as necessary. You can also try to mix the coconut oil with other natural ingredients like rosemary extract, chamomile essential oil, vitamin E oil, or organic jojoba oil to create a healing paw balm. Simply mix using your hands and apply gently.