Just like people, dogs do get dry skin. Your dog may not be getting all the nutrition it requires from eating their regular diet. While standard dog food comes packed with plenty of nutrients, you can supplement your dog’s diet with natural oils packed with nutrients that promote their health.
The best oils for your dog’s dry skin include coconut, fish, flaxseed, palm, avocado, sunflower, and olive oils. You can also use other natural oils like hemp oil and vitamin E. Let’s dive into the benefits of each oil in detail below and identify other ways you can address dry skin.
Healthy Oils for Your Dog's Skin Problems
The following are some of the healthy natural oils you can use along with the benefits they provide:
1. Coconut Oil
Dog coconut oil obtained from a coconut palm tree is highly preferred by pet owners. You can get countless benefits from unrefined coconut oil, which is called virgin coconut oil. Extra virgin coconut oil is a popular choice since it is healthier than processed fats.
Unrefined coconut oil is high in saturated fat and contains quickly absorbed fatty acids and medium-chain triglycerides. Medium-chain triglycerides are considered healthy fats. When consumed in moderation, they provide benefits such as supporting a healthy inflammatory response and skin health. As a result, coconut oil is considered one of the best oils for dry skin.
Medium-chain triglycerides metabolize quickly and provide your dog with an immediate source of energy. Studies show that the medium-chain triglycerides absorbed when dogs eat coconut oil may help maintain blood glucose levels within normal range, support normal brain function, and promote the body’s innate resistance to pathogens.
The main medium-chain triglyceride in coconut oil is lauric acid. Lauric acid is the ingredient responsible for all the main benefits to your dog’s health, including promoting normal healthy brain activity. Coconut oil also has caprylic and capric acids. These acids promote your dog’s innate resistance to pathogens.
The other significant ingredients contained in coconut oil are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These oils comprise fatty acids, which are known for their ability to support glucose metabolism and promote your pet’s brain function.
Coconut oil may also support weight loss, healthy appetite, proper digestion, and bowel health.
Coconut oil comes in flavors such as buttery, bold, bland, or nutty. You may need to experiment to identify which one your dog prefers. You can add it directly to food or massage it directly to your dog’s skin.
Many pet owners have also reported that applying coconut oil topically has been helpful. Coconut oil may help promote calmness and relaxation, especially when your dog is irritated by hot spots, itchy, or dry skin. For dry and cracked paws, you can try a paw balm containing coconut oil as one of the ingredients.
When applying coconut oil topically, be conservative on the amount you use since too much oil can cause harm. Also, supervise your dog afterward until the oil has been absorbed. Your dog can try to lick it off, and too much coconut oil can lead to a stomach upset. Remember to inform your veterinarian for guidance through the process.
2. Fish Oil
Your vet may recommend fish oil at some point in your dog’s life due to the numerous benefits it contains. Fish oil contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote your dog’s health.
Fish oil based on omega-3 fatty acids supports a healthy inflammatory response and relieves your dog from occasional discomfort.
Fish oil is also the best oil for your pet’s skin and fur. Countless dog owners have reported that using fish oil has helped their dogs achieve a soft, silky, shiny, and healthy coat.
While looking for fish oil in the market, you’ll get different brands. Select fish oil sourced from tuna, sardines, salmon, herring, and other fishes classified higher in the food chain. Fishes higher in the food chain offer the most omega-3 fatty acids.
Before using fish oil for your dog, check the label on other dog foods already in your dog’s diet to ensure that they don’t contain it as one of the ingredients. Too much fish oil can cause a stomach upset. The average fish oil dosage is 1000mg per 30 pounds of your dog’s body weight.
3. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is an excellent choice for dogs with issues such as mobility problems, allergies, arthritis, blood pressure, and inflammatory issues. Flaxseed oil contains high amounts of linolenic omega-3s, making it as good as fish oil in boosting your dog’s health.
The main benefits of flaxseed oil include maintaining a normal inflammatory response, supporting normal blood pressure, supporting dogs with sensitive skin, supporting heart function, and promoting joint flexibility and mobility.
As a result, flaxseed may be a safe alternative to fish oil for pets who are allergic to fish oil but still need support with skin and mobility issues.
You can use ground flaxseed to add the benefits of flaxseed oil to your dog’s food. Flaxseed powder is high in fiber and may assist in the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. The ideal dosage is half a teaspoon of ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil per 30 pounds of your dog’s weight. You can start small and then gradually increase the dosage to the recommended amount.
4. Palm Oil
Aside from its use in cooking oils, palm oil can also be used for dogs’ dry skin. Palm oil is a widely used vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the oil palm tree. Rich in oil content, the fruit is harvested and processed to extract the oil.
Palm oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K. Omega-3 fatty acids may support dogs with sensitive skin. Additionally, vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports bone and joint health.
You can apply palm oil topically to help maintain the normal moisture content of your dog’s skin. It can support your dog’s coat health.
If consumed, however, palm oil may lead to potential health risks. Palm oil is high in fat content and can lead to digestive problems in dogs. Food-grade palm oil is not toxic to dogs but can be harmful if ingested in significant quantities.
5. Avocado Oil
When we think of avocado, we often see a delicious topping for a creamy addition to salads. You’ll, however, be surprised to find out that avocado oil can also have remarkable benefits for our canine companions.
Avocado oil extracted from the pulp of avocados has numerous benefits in skin care thanks to its high vitamin E content. Avocado oil for dogs isn’t just a treat for your furry friend’s taste buds - it’s also beneficial for their skin. Many pet owners have reported its ability to maintain the normal moisture content of their dog’s skin.
Aside from dry skin, dogs with relentless itching and scratching can benefit. Avocado oil also contains antioxidants and may support a healthy inflammatory response. Avocado oil also helps maintain the normal moisture content of the skin. You can use avocado oil to support your dog’s overall skin health.
6. Sunflower Oil
You may not have noticed, but sunflower oil can be found in a lot of foods you give to your furry friend. Sunflower oil is one of the few plant-based carrier oils completely non-toxic to dogs. It also forms an essential part of the dogs’ wellbeing.
Known by the botanical name “Helianthus annuus”, sunflower oil is typically pale yellow in color. It also has a mild taste and aroma. Sunflower oil for dogs contains dietary fats that may boost your dog’s energy, has nutritional support for healthy immune function, and can help maintain the health of the skin and coat.
Sunflower oil may achieve a similar effect as coconut oil and is often applied topically. Applying sunflower oil topically helps support dogs with irritated and itchy skin and unpleasant odors.
Dogs can also consume sunflower oil as long as certain precautions are taken. You are recommended to feed your pooch sunflower oil in moderation. Combine the diet with omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil or flaxseed oil.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil has many benefits for dogs. It contains phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E. These nutrients help keep your dog healthy and maintain the normal moisture content of their skin.
Extra-virgin Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to support immune response and aid in the elimination of unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals. Studies have also shown that extra virgin olive oil supports the inflammatory response and heart function and maintains the health of the skin and coat.
Other Healthy Oils for Your Dog's Skin
You can also support your dog’s skin using other natural oils like hemp oil and vitamin E.
Hemp Oil
Hemp, which is often the same thing as full-spectrum CBD oil, has a mild, nutty flavor that is pleasant to dogs. It also has zero psychoactive properties, which means it won’t get your dog high.
Hemp oil is rich in nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, iron, potassium, and vitamin E. All these nutrients form a well-rounded diet for your furry companion. Hemp oil is also a great source of protein for your dog.
Hemp oil contains fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids, which help your dog achieve a soft, silky, shiny, and healthy coat. It also contains substantial amounts of fiber, which aids in digestion. Fiber is known to support gut health and normal bowel function. Finally, hemp oil may help your dog maintain a normal inflammatory response.
Vitamin E
Not only is vitamin E good for your furry companion – it’s a necessary ingredient in dog food. Vitamin E is contained in ingredients such as avocado, olive, and hemp oils.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that promotes your dog’s health and may help reduce oxidative stress by helping remove damaging free radicals. It also supports skin health, inflammatory response, heart function, and cognitive function.
You May Also Be Interested in:
- CBD Peanut Butter for Dogs: Peanut butter is an option that many dogs love, but is peanut butter CBD for dogs a good option for natural calming support?
- Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Dogs: What is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil? This article discusses all of the ins and outs, helping you make the best decision for your pet.
- Hempseed for Dogs: Is hempseed for dogs the same thing as CBD oil? It turns out, these two natural products are quite different. Get a better sense of the differences between hemp and CBD, and how these can affect your pet.
- Difference between Pet and Human CBD: What's the difference between pet CBD and human CBD? Should pets take human CBD oil, and can humans take pet hemp oil? This article answers these questions and more.
- How to Give CBD Oil to Dogs: When giving your dog CBD for the first time, you're probably curious about how to give CBD oil to dogs. This article covers how to give dogs CBD oil in detail, assuring your pet's results and safety.
- Best Dog Hair Oil: What's the best dog fur oil? Hair oil for dogs is an underestimated powerhouse that can support topical issues, coat health and more. This article reviews your options when it comes to dog hair oils.
- Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs Benefits: Salmon fish oil is a common supplement for dogs. Canine salmon oil comes in a number of forms, but wild Alaskan salmon oil is considered one of the best options for dogs—learn more here.
- Omega 3 for Dogs: Omega 3 oil for dogs is typically purchased in the form of fish oil supplements. This article covers some lesser-known sources of omega 3 fatty acids for dogs.
- Camelina Oil for Dogs: Camelina oil is a little-known product that might be able to support your pet. This article discusses everything you need to know about camelina oil for dogs and how it may help.
- Symptoms of Too Much CBD in Dogs: Can dogs overdose on CBD? This article discusses everything you need to know to be confident when purchasing pet CBD.
- CBD for Dogs Fireworks: CBD for dogs scared of fireworks can be very helpful. This article discusses CBD for dogs on the 4th of July, thunderstorms, and other loud events.
- CBD for Dogs Skin Allergies: What's the best CBD for dog allergies? This article gives you everything you need to know about CBD’s topical benefits for allergies and itching.
Topical Balms for Dogs
Topical balms are also good ways you can use to address isolated issues like flaky skin spots, hot spots, and itchy skin. The thick ointment in topical balms may help protect dry, cracked skin.
You can use Topical Balms for dogs with CBD as the ingredient.
Topical CBD Balm for Dogs
Topical CBD balm is a topical product infused with CBD. CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce a high.
Many pet owners report that CBD has holistic benefits when used on dogs and are turning to it as a plant-based remedy for various problems like dry skin, pain, anxiety, and mobility issues.
You can use a certified, lab-tested, and organic CBD balm for dogs to promote calmness and relaxation. You can also apply topical CBD balm to promote a healthy and glossy coat.
Other Healthy Ingredients in Balms
Here are other ingredients you can use topical balms with:
Beeswax
Beeswax is an all-natural ingredient that is used to create a barrier from the cold and heat. It is one of those natural treasures that have been valued for centuries due to their countless holistic benefits.
For dogs with sensitive skin, dry skin, allergies, and irritations, beeswax can provide be used as a holistic remedy. It is known to supply nutrients that can help maintain a healthy coat and skin. It also can also support a healthy inflammatory response.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is also one of the high-quality grooming products you can use to pamper your furry friend. Shea butter is the go-to product for dog balms, shampoos, and conditioners. Shea butter contains essential fatty acids and skin-loving vitamins like A, E, and F.
You can use a topical balm for dogs to harness the benefits of shea butter, including supporting a healthy inflammatory response, maintaining a healthy coat, and helping maintain the normal moisture content of the skin.
Aloe Leaf Juice
Extracted from the aloe vera plant leaf, aloe leaf juice has soothing properties that help support dogs with sensitive skin. Aloe vera is gentle on the skin and suitable for dogs with pre-existing conditions. As a result, aloe vera juice doesn’t have any known adverse reactions. You can use it to maintain the health of the skin and coat.
Why Do Dogs Get Skin Issues in The First Place?
The causes of skin problems in dogs vary and may include skin conditions or allergies. Environmental allergies such as soil, grass, pollen, mold, or dust mites may come into contact with your dog’s body. Such allergies can cause symptoms like rubbing, itching, and licking.
Your dog may also develop skin issues due to a bacterial infection caused by parasites, hormonal imbalances, or underlying skin conditions. The most common infections include yeast infections, which are caused by the overgrowth of yeast on the skin.
Always contact your vet immediately if you notice any skin issues with your furry companion.
Can You Adjust Your Dog's Diet to Help Their Skin?
Some pet owners tend to stick to the same dog food for their canine companions throughout their lifetime. It’s, however, important that your dog gets adjustments in their diet to help with arising issues.
You can adjust to foods with plenty of fatty acids to help keep your dog’s coat and skin in good condition. Also, adding vitamin E to your dog’s diet can help support skin health and inflammatory response.
References:
-
Learn more about Hemp seed oil extraction and stable emulsion formulation with hemp protein isolates.
-
Learn more about extra virgin olive oil as nutritional therapeutic immuno-enhancer.
-
Learn more about coconut oil and what we really know about it so far.
-
Learn more about the composition of fatty acids in several vegetable oils from Indonesia.
