Coconut oil is extracted from mature coconuts, including the flesh and the kernel. It has a high melting point, meaning you can refrigerate it or put it in a cold place to keep it from going rancid. Many people use coconut oil on their skin, and you may wonder if you could use it to soothe your dog’s paws.
The short answer is yes! Coconut oil is beneficial when used on dog paws.
What Are the Benefits?
There are many benefits when it comes to putting coconut oil on a dog’s paws. The first and primary benefit is that it helps soothe dry paws. Dry paws for dogs can be highly uncomfortable and even cause tears in the paw pads. They can become flakey and sore, causing your dog to bite at them, and irritating them further. Coconut oil, however, can help solve this. Coconut oil is very hydrating and can give your dog some relief.
Another benefit is that it helps with your dog’s health. It is a natural antifungal antibiotic, as well as an antiseptic. It can keep your dog safe by keeping any scratches or small wounds on your dog’s paw clean and healthy. When it comes to healing, it helps speed it up due to the vitamins and minerals packed inside coconut oil.
Overall, it’s very healthy for your dog to have coconut oil on their paws occasionally. Also, it’s perfectly safe for them to lick! As long as they don’t consume a large amount of coconut oil, they won’t get unwell at all.
Coconut oil can also aid in your dog’s health by acting as a natural burn treatment. If you walk on hot roads or sidewalks, your dog’s paws could get burned, and coconut oil can help soothe this.
How Long to Leave Coconut Oil on Dog Paws?
Coconut oil on your dog’s paws can be left there until it fully dries and soaks into your dog’s paws. Keeping it on there for long is not dangerous, as it’s perfectly healthy for your dog. Now, your dog may lick at it but don’t fret. It’s entirely safe for your dog to do so.
You don’t need to wipe off excess oil or use it at specific intervals. Coconut oil is a safe alternative to lotions and medicines made for paws, as your dog can lick it without any worries.
How Do I Apply Coconut Oil to My Dog’s Paws?
The application is straightforward. First, read the label to make sure you have the right amount. Some coconut oils are more potent than others, and some even have other special ingredients. Make sure it’s the right kind of coconut oil before buying it, and be sure to check if there are instructions on how much to use.
Once you have figured out how much you need, the application is very simple. Just take your dog’s paw and rub the coconut oil into the paw pad, making sure to get every nook and cranny.
When Should I Apply Coconut Oil to My Dog’s Paws?
Coconut oil can be applied to your dog’s paws at any time, but there are some moments when it will be extremely beneficial. The best time to apply coconut oil to your dog’s paws is before going out and right before bed.
If you apply it before going out when your dog may be walking for an extended period of time, it will ease soreness and soothe your dog’s paw pads. This will make it much easier for your dog to walk around for longer periods of time, and they won’t exhaust as quickly.
Before bed is also a great time to apply coconut oil to your dog’s paw pads, as it allows time for it to penetrate the dog’s paw pads. This allows the soothing nature of the coconut oil to really shine, letting it soak in fully and be used to its full effect.
Conclusion
Coconut oil is a very good oil to apply to your dog’s paw pads. It can help soothe soreness in your dog’s feet and actually help prevent fungal infections. It is also very safe for your dog as they can lick it off safely, unlike many topical medications that can cause your dog to get sick.
It is a go-to, safe solution to soothe your dog’s paws. It can’t replace medical advice and medications assigned to your dog, but it definitely can help.
See also:
- Why Is My Dog’s Paw Swollen? Our Vet Discusses Reasons, Signs & Treatment
- Can I Apply K9 Advantix II Twice in a Month? Our Vet Explains
Featured Image Credit: etorres, Shutterstock
