Organic Coconut Oil

Organic Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera)

There are numerous medical and health applications of coconut oil, from providing benefits for skin to hair and much more. For dogs, organic coconut oil can be incredibly soothing when dogs keeping licking its paws because of its moisturizing qualities.

Coconut oil is commonly used as a cooking oil, but can also be added to a variety of other food items. However, when topically used, it can be incredibly beneficial at alleviating dry skin conditions, reducing protein loss, and even for many soaps.

A dog’s paws can take quite a bit of abuse throughout a normal day. They act as a cushion for walking and protecting against extreme weather elements, including heat and cold, but they can also become damaged, causing the padding to become dry and cracked and break down.

Keeping these paws in good health will provide comfort to your dog and that’s why dogs keep licking its paws, relying on a comforting solution is such a great idea.

Why Use Organic Coconut Oil for Your Dog

There are many different ingredients that can be highly effective at helping to protect a dog’s paws. Coconut oil is one of them. Coconut oil contains a high quantity of saturated fats, which is an essential component of skin moisturizers.

Because your dog’s pads can become dry and cracked, it’s important to use some type of moisturizer. However, moisturizer that is used for your skin isn’t going to be effective and can actually cause more harm for your dog. It’s best to rely on a topical ointment that is specifically designed for dogs that will help stop him from licking its paws. Ones that contain organic coconut oil are some of the most effective because of the ingredients they possess.

Essential Properties of Organic Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains high levels of saturated fat. The most significant is a lauric acid and that can elevate total blood cholesterol levels, both HDL and LDL, to dangerous levels when consumed internally. It’s one of the main reasons why coconut oil is much better for dogs as a topical use only.

These saturated fats make up 86.5% of the total fat contained within coconut oil. Monounsaturated fats make up 5.8% and polyunsaturated fats make up 1.8%.

Linoleic acid is also in high quantities within coconut oil. This is a monounsaturated fatty acid, and not a saturated fat. It is an omega-6 fatty acid that has been known to show inflammatory properties.

Coconut oil is also rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

History

Coconut oil has been commonly used throughout much of the world for centuries for a wide range of uses. In India, for example, it was often used as fuel to keep lamps lit, providing the main source of illumination. From India, the coconut oil was exported originally as cochin oil, which is a name that may still occasionally be used to describe this potentially beneficial ingredient.

For dogs with dry, cracked paws, coconut oil is a wonderful ingredient for soothers.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_oil

http://www.livestrong.com/article/338662-coconut-oil-ingredients

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil

American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada Offer Up-to-Date Guidance on Dietary Fat”. American Dietetic Association. Archived from the original on 2012-03-19. Retrieved 2011-03-16.