Dog ate coconut oil last night | VetChat (2024)

FAQs

Dog ate coconut oil last night | VetChat? ›

Signs that coconut oil ingestion can cause are: fatty diarrhoea, tummy pain, vomiting, and it can trigger pancreatitis (this involves pain – panting, a tense tummy, not wanting to eat and often vomiting). If your dog is showing any of these signs, he needs a hands-on vet examination immediately.

While coconut oil can be ingested, if too much is ingested or it's in a form that is not meant to be ingested, significant stomach upset and pancreatitis will develop. Coconut oil applied to the skin can also cause an allergic reaction, making any current skin condition or itching worse.

“Due to the high saturated fat content,” says Dr. Ostermeier, “some dogs will not tolerate coconut oil.” Giving your dog too much coconut oil or introducing it into their diet too fast could upset their stomach and cause digestive issues like diarrhea.

Some dogs can have an allergic reaction to coconut oil, which would result in the itching and rubbing. The gasping for breath is quite concerning though as it mat be an indication of a severe allergic reaction.

It is OK to give dogs coconut oil. Give up to 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds of body weight but start with a very small dose and increase over time. Coconut oil can help a dog's itchy skin.

Now generally speaking, coconut oil is safe for our dogs. Still with a large dose like this, we do have the risk of GI upset (vomiting, appetite loss, and diarrhea, as you have seen). As well, there is a risk that some dogs will develop pancreatitis from the fatty nature of the oil.

The oil also has both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated (fatty acids that support brain health and help lower cholesterol). Some research indicates that coconut oil may be helpful in aiding canine digestion, improving brain activity and mental function, and assisting with weight loss.

Some participants reported mild diarrhea or loose stool, especially during the first week of taking coconut oil and/or taking it on an empty stomach (Table 4). However, these symptoms were resolved in many participants after the second week.

It's important to be aware of these dosing standards, as feeding your dog too much coconut oil can be harmful. Some negative side effects that you should look out for include diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, lack of appetite and energy, abdominal pain, and bloating.

Unfortunately, feeding coconut oil regularly will also increase the overall fat in the diet, which may not be ideal for some pets. Coconut oil can also worsen pancreatitis and hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of lipids or fats in the blood), so its oral use is very controversial.

Can dogs lick off coconut oil? ›

Topical use may be easily administered, but remember that your dog may lick it off the skin and ingest it anyway. Oral use should be done carefully, only giving your dog the amount recommended by your vet. Too much coconut oil can lead to vomiting, greasy diarrhea, weight gain, and other illnesses.

A coconut oil treatment will leave your dog's skin incredibly soft, but it will also make it healthier. A coconut oil skin treatment about once a week can make a big difference in the health of your dog's skin and nails. For good results, apply to the skin and let the oil absorb for about five minutes.

Because of the oily properties of coconut oil baths, you will want to wash and rinse the coconut oil off your pup after the oil has had time to soak in a bit. This may make for a longer bathing session. If your dog is bored or upset about this, offer them treats.

Coconut flesh is not toxic to dogs, but it can cause problems if you feed too much. Coconut is relatively high in calories, so it can lead to unwanted weight gain. It's also got a high fat content which can lead to stomach upsets and also increase the risk of pancreatitis, a serious condition.

The biggest concern would be pancreatitis from ingesting the oil. That usually takes at least 12 hours after the oil is ingested to happen. Signs of pancreatitis are lots of vomiting, refusal to eat, and pain on abdominal palpation. If you notice those signs then they need to see a vet.

Adding a small amount of coconut oil to your dog's food like 1 teaspoon for small dogs or 1-2 tablespoons for larger breeds. This can provide them with the numerous health benefits of MCTs and other nutrients.