Coconut oil can be given to dogs in pure form, added to the food or as an oral supplement.
Coconut oil can also be made into a topical preparation for skin issues.
Veterinarians typically do not recommend using coconut oil for your dog’s skin because the risk often outweighs the benefits.
Coconut oil is often used to hydrate a dog’s skin, reduce inflammation, and provide both antibacterial and antifungal properties.
However, this remains anecdotal in dogs.
While there are studies in people, there is no scientific evidence supporting the benefits of coconut oil for use on dog skin.
Applying anything to a dog’s skin should be done with caution, as dogs tend to lick themselves often and will ingest the substances.
Coconut oil applied to the skin can also cause an allergic reaction, making any current skin condition or itching worse.
Cold water fish oils provide an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Their propensity to cause stomach upset in dogs is also a lot lower than that of coconut oil.