Dog coat and human skin share certain fundamental similarities. Both can become dry and itchy. Both are also incredibly picky regarding the cosmetic products you can safely apply to them.
The pet care market teems with essential oils marketed as safe for use on dogs. However, due diligence is paramount when shopping for these products.
Not all essential oils will live up to their claims of rejuvenating your dog’s coat. Besides, some of these products may be laced with toxins that could irritate the animal’s skin, aggravating an already bad situation.
If you’re looking for an essential oil that ticks the boxes in terms of safety and efficacy, you’ve come to the right place. Read on as we uncover the top five healthy oils to improve your dog’s coat, including how to correctly administer these products.
5 Healthy Oils to Improve Your Dog’s Coat
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Cannabidiol Oil
Cannabidiol, commonly abbreviated as CBD, is a cannabis-derived compound highly prized for its many pharmacological applications.
Once extracted from the cannabis plant, CBD can be formulated into several products. Popular ones include CBD oil, tinctures, gummies, ointments, and vape juices.
According to medical marijuana research, cannabidiol oil may be more effective at rehydrating the skin and reducing irritation than many cosmetic products. The compound is also chockfull of antioxidants, including polyphenols. That makes CBD for dogs obtained from reputable retailers like CBDFX your best bet if looking to cushion your canine friend from chronic skin conditions, such as cancer.
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Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is a natural rehydrating agent that can help moisturize your dog’s coat. The oil also comes in a pleasant fragrance that’s sure to blow your pooch away.
Studies further indicate that frankincense oil may treat arthritis in both humans and animals. That speaks to its ability to promote mobility by supporting muscle and joint development, even in dogs that aren’t necessarily arthritic.
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Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil has been part of folk medicine from time immemorial. Numerous cultures have used the oil to treat various human ailments, including skin conditions. It turns out that the compound may also help improve your dog’s coat.
A 2018 article found that chamomile could speed up the healing of infected wounds. That’s due to its immense antibacterial properties.
An earlier study suggests that chamomile oil might also be effective against skin irritation triggered by atopic dermatitis. What’s more, chamomile is a powerful analgesic that might help soothe your dog’s skin pain.
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Ginger Oil
Ginger is probably best known for its anti-inflammatory properties. But besides alleviating inflammation, ginger essential oil might offer several skincare benefits for humans and canines alike.
Research has shown that 6-gingerol, the primary active ingredient in ginger oil, can stimulate hair growth. That makes ginger essential oil excellent for dogs battling alopecia.
Another study found that ginger possesses immense anti-aging properties. Therefore, applying ginger oil to your dog’s coat can rejuvenate his skin by reducing the markers of premature aging.
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Eucalyptus Oil
Like all the above-listed essential oils, eucalyptus oil packs immense anti-inflammatory properties. Applying this oil to your dog’s coat can help relieve various inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis and melanomas.
Eucalyptus oil has also demonstrated tremendous efficacy against cold sores. The oil can soothe pain while escalating the wound-healing process.
Eucalyptus oil also contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It’s another excellent choice if you’re looking for a natural pet disinfectant.
How to Buy Essential Oils for Dogs?
The first tip in shopping for essential oils for dogs is to choose products exclusively designed for pets. Avoid using human crucial oils on your dog’s coat, as human cosmetic products are known to trigger a host of adverse effects on animals.
It’s also prudent to choose products free from irritants. That includes potentially toxic compounds like parabens. And needless to mention, insist on buying essential oils from established pet stores.
A good place to start is by shopping from companies that have been around for at least five years. You might also want to check reviews to understand what the pet store’s customers had to say about the quality of their products and services.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Points to Remember Before Administer Essential Oils to Dogs
Essential oils contain very concentrated plant extracts and should never be swallowed. Some of these products are also formulated with ingredients unsafe for oral consumption. Therefore, the best way to administer essential oils to your dog is externally.
Since they’re highly concentrated, essential oils could easily irritate your dog’s coat. That’s regardless of whether the product is laced with toxins or not. You can minimize the risks of skin irritation by diluting the oil in a suitable carrier oil before applying it to your dog’s coat. Examples of carrier oils to use include coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, and avocado oil.
It’s also important to proceed with extreme caution when applying essential oils directly to a dog’s wounds. You want to be gentle to avoid increasing the risks of irritation or aggravating the animal’s wounds further.
Most importantly, note that all essential oils pose risks of side effects. Common adverse reactions include symptoms of skin irritation, such as itching, redness, and inflammation. Your dog may also develop allergic reactions like coughing, wheezing, labored breathing, chest congestion, and a swollen throat.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Final Word
Essential oils can improve the radiance of your dog’s coat while also guarding against various ailments. But as highlighted, these oils are only useful if properly administered.
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