Cocounat oil

[paulina salas]

So my cooper since we got him been always itching or butting him self. Mostly few the same spots. He been at the vet had antibiotics etc. Is been back and front.. Some days are less some are more..
I read tons about coconut oil so I started it yesterday. Is amybody else using it? He def loves it. How much do you give it to your dog? Did u see any changes? Thank you

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Despite the popularity of coconut oil, there is no evidence whatsoever that it is of any benefit to dogs, and it may even contribute to inflammation. 

Lew Olson is a Canine Nutritionist with a PhD in "Natural Nutrition". She is a strong proponent of raw feeding, (hates all forms of kibble) "holistic" medicine and alternative treatments, and "natural" remedies. She is best known for her book Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs, and makes her living formulating custom diets for dogs with various ailments, writing newsletters, and selling "natural" supplements. 

And even she does not recommend giving coconut oil to dogs. 

You can read why here: http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/is-coconut-oil-useful-for-dogs/

The fatty acid supplements which have been clinically shown to provide some relief and help with inflammation and itching in dogs are the Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, found only in fish. Many of us here use fish oil supplements for itching as well as to improve skin and coat. 
An alternative to fish oil is evening primrose oil, which has also been shown to help with itching, skin & coats due to it's high GLA content. GLA is another fatty acid found to be beneficial for inflammation and itching.  Many of us also use EPO, in the form of 500 mg human softgels. (Do not use EPO in dogs with seizure disorders, as it may lower the seizure threshold.)

As mentioned in Lew Olsen's article, coconut oil contains no Omega 3 fatty acids whatsoever, and the fatty acids that it does contain may actual worsen the situation if given internally. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's some information that may be helpful: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

If your dog is scratching and biting himself enough to cause skin infections, a consultation with a veterinary dermatologist may be in order.

In the meantime, if the itching is caused by seasonal allergies (and we're in peak season for that right now) here are some things you can do: 

Give Omega 3 fatty acid supplements. You want the Omega 3 fatty acids DHA & EPA, which are only found in fish. You can also give GLA in the form of evening primrose oil supplements. In both cases, use human softgel supplements. 

If you feed dry dog food, check the Omega 6:3 ratio. You want a ratio of 5:1 or less, the lower the better, and the Omega 3 content should come from fish.

Give antihistamines. Different antihistamines are more effective for different dogs. Typically, you want second generation antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness, like Claritin, Zyrtec, Atarax, etc. rather than Benadryl.

Use OTC anti-itch sprays on the affected areas. These are available at most pet supply stores.

Wipe the dog down every time he comes in from outside, paying particular attention to the feet. Brush the dog daily.

Keep the indoor areas where the dog spends the most time as clean and dust free as possible. Wash bedding weekly, wash food & water bowls daily. Vacuum as often as possible.

Keep dry foods in air-tight storage containers and don;t buy more than you can use in a month unless you can freeze it. 

If the feet are affected, you can soak them in tepid water with epsom salts. Be sure to dry thoroughly afterwards.

Bathe the dog often, weekly if possible, with a shampoo formulated for allergic dogs. (I like Douxo Calm). Do NOT use leave-in conditioners or other grooming products. Use a cool dryer setting or air-dry. 

As much as I hate doing it, keeping windows closed really helps with pollen allergies. Run the A/C in warm weather especially, the allergy symptoms are exacerbated by humidity. Use a furnace filter with a high allergen rating and change it monthly. 

[paulina salas]

Thank you for all the tips. I tried a lot of them and seen 3 vets had different tests medicine etc. I am not trying go easy way just looking for more options. He is a clean house dog. I am pretty sure is allergies but time to find out to what.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The only accurate test for allergies is a skin scratch test, which is done under anesthetic by a veterinary dermatology specialist. That's the only way to find out what he may be allergic to. 

[Harrison & Brodie]

We use coconut oil and have for over a year. It has helped a lot with digestion, bad breath and coat. As far as allergies, we use local raw honey. We have a bee keeper within 50 miles of us and the raw honey has been amazing for both our doodles., No more itchy, watery eyes and no more scratching and licking. Much better than meds. Give it a try..

[paulina salas]

Awe thank you. I will look for someone selling honey. How much coconut oil or Honey do u give to your puppies?

[Harrison & Brodie]

Our boys weigh over 75lbs and they get 2tablespoons of coconut oil mixed in their food daily as well as 2 tablespoons of honey. We asked our vet about the honey and she said that they use it in their practice as it is a natural antibiotic. She also said that she has other owners who use honey successfully for allergies

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Maybe the coconut oil can work, maybe not, as research points out. However, you will find more information and positive first hand experiences with Fish Oil or EPO as Karen suggested.  Not sure about the honey, as far as allergies, but I bet any dog would just lap that right up, so no harm there. 

[paulina salas]

He is getting fish oil daily and we also did testing with vet, antibiotics etc nothing...his scratching is one day more then others. Usually the same spots. I am just really looking for other options then medicine and trying to help him out.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What testing was done? As I mentioned above, the only accurate test for allergies is skin testing, which can only be done by a veterinary dermatologist. 

I gave you a list of options above, most of which do not involve medicine.

[paulina salas]

Yes I understand that.

He went from Petsmart vet who couldn't fighuard what's wrong with him beside giving me antibiotics and steroids (which I refused to give it to him) got sent to dermatologist who did skin test and said nothing wrong with him. He had small yast infection in his ears but I been giving him his drops and keep the ears clean .
The one vet told MW that they usually don't develop allergies until 6 months or later idk

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's true, it takes time and repeated exposure for allergies to develop. 

Try the evening primrose oil and the antihistamines, try the Douxo shampoo weekly if possible and the anti-itch sprays, they all help.