In the past few years there has been a trend with no basis in science and veterinary medicine to feed coconut oil to pets. Thankfully, most cats will not eat it, but it still does not stop some feline owners from smearing it on their skin and fur and even in their ears. Dogs, on the other hand, will often readily eat just about anything, so they receive coconut oil from all angles
I have no idea how coconut oil became the magical elixir of life for pets, but make no mistake, IT IS NOT! The main medicinal molecules present in certain oils are called omega-3-fatty acids that are naturally anti-inflammatory and protective to cells and tissues. Coconut oil has zero omega-3-fatty acids.
Here is what coconut oil does have: medium chain triglycerides. Medium chain triglycerides are fat molecules that are rapidly absorbed in the gut and are therefore quickly integrated into the patient metabolism. The result is a large dose of readily absorbed calories derived from fat. For pets that are genetically predisposed to an inflammatory disease of the pancreas called pancreatitis, this influx of dietary fat can trigger this serious and potentially life threatening disease. Regarding the former point of even a small amount of coconut oil representing a high consumption of calories, obesity is commonly a consequence of coconut oil administration.
Make no mistake, coconut oil is not your pet’s ticket to health and longevity. In addition to not having any medicinal properties whatsoever, coconut oil on the contrary can cause obesity and severe systemic disease.
Dr. Roger Welton is a practicing veterinarian, highly regarded media personality through a number of topics and platforms, and author of The Man In The White Coat: A Veterinarian’s Tail Of Love. In addition to being passionate about integrative veterinary medicine for which he is a globally recognized expert, Dr. Welton was also an accomplished college lacrosse player and remains to this day very involved in the sport. He is president of Maybeck Animal Hospital , general partner of Grant Animal Clinic, and runs the successful veterinary/animal health blogs Web-DVM and Dr. Roger’s Holistic Veterinary Care. Dr. Welton fulfills his passion for lacrosse through his lacrosse and sport blog, The Creator’s Game.
This is very informative! I haven’t fed any kind of coconut oil on my cat and dog. I always consult our veterinarian on anything to be taken by our pets.
I also heard from other pet owners that they give their pets coconut oil and sometimes they even put it on their pet’s skin or fur. But I don’t do that. I always follow my vet’s advice.
I use it on dogs skin.do not feed it to him.
I have a 2 year old 6 pound female Chiwawa.I use 100% pure coconut oil on her belly back side massage a small amount on her for the purpose of keeping parasites off her fleas the larva eggs and ticks.
I swear by it she has not had fleas for over a year of use. She does lick some of it not alot because she will end up with a fur ball. Her health to my nowledge has not shown any negative affects onley possitive. my search for alternative parasite prevention started when I researched the harmful even death and seizers effects from vet prescribed and over counter flea and parasite preventative medacine being prescribed to our beloved animals.
My Chiwawa Sunshine is onley 6 pounds and she is alurgic to flees I always used revaluation for my dogs and started her off on it by the 3rd week she was picking up flees eyes tearing and miserable. not to mention the cost.
After I lost a Akita in the prime of her life do to immunizations her whole amune system broke down turning her into albino blind and a horrible death.
I’m staying with my coconut oil
and the nesesary immunizations for my Sunshine are split rather then giving all at the same time. People and vets arnt aware certain dog breeds such as Akitas don’t do well when to many immunizations at the same time are given each breed and dog are different (over immunizations) kills.
People don’t be afraid to find out exactly what your vet is giving your animal is there alternatives do your homework.
your pets life is in your hands.
Also there are people who at times may not be financially able to go to vet and pay for the medicine prescribed for fleas.
100% coconut oil can be purchased for $1.00 and up. For those who may not have a option financialy!
Karen Mills
Pet Owner