One day when my dog Tom came back from the dog park, I realized he was constantly scratching his back and chin. To relieve his discomfort, I rubbed some coconut oil on his body at night. After that, I wondered Can I Leave Coconut Oil On My Dog Overnight? If you are thinking the same, let us read more.
In this article, we will cover:
- Can I Leave Coconut Oil On My Dog Overnight?
- Is Coconut Oil Safe For Dog’s Skin?
- 4 Benefits Of Applying Coconut Oil On My Dog Overnight
- And more….
Can I Leave Coconut Oil On My Dog Overnight?
You can leave coconut oil on your dog’s skin overnight as long as you’re using virgin coconut oil and then rinse it in the morning. In the case of other coconut oils, it is advisable to clean your dog’s skin after ten minutes to avoid clogged pores and excessive licking.
Coconut Oil is extracted from raw or dried coconut kernels. It can be given both orally and topically to your canine friends. So, you do not have to fear if your dog licks some of the applied coconut oil. However, this is not the case with a lot of other oils as you will see.
Coconut oil has good fatty acids which make up 65% of the total product. The major fats in coconut oil are- lauric acid (49%), myristic acid (18%), caprylic acid (8%), palmitic acid (8%), and capric acid (7%).
Most of the dog’s skin problems can be treated with coconut oil due to the presence of lauric acid in it. No other oil available in the market has as much lauric acid as coconut oil. That is why coconut oil is best for your dogs!
Is Coconut Oil Safe For Dogs’ Skin?
Coconut oil is absolutely safe for dogs’ skin. According to PetMD, topical application of coconut oil moisturizes your dog’s skin and prevents dryness. It also provides instant freshness to the coat.
There have been no instances where coconut oil has proven fatal or dangerous for dogs. However, keep it away from the eyes, ears, reproductive glands, and anal areas to avoid irritation and infections.
4 Benefits Of Applying Coconut Oil On My Dog Overnight
1. Shiny Coat
The lauric acid present in coconut oil has a distinct chemical composition that allows it to penetrate the fur of a dog. Other types of fat do not have this benefit.
It is why applying coconut oil overnight makes a dog’s coat shiny and healthy.
2. Relieves Itchiness
If your dog’s skin is flaky and dry, chances are he will be constantly scratching it. This makes your dog irritated and uncomfortable. So, various pet parents suggest applying coconut oil.
Again, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of lauric acid and other fats available in coconut oil treat dry skin and eczema in dogs when applied to the fur.
3. Eliminate Ticks
In a study about the ecto parasiticidal effect of virgin coconut oil shampoo in dogs, it was found that the 80% virgin coconut oil shampoo is highly effective in eliminating ticks, fleas, lice, and mites in dogs.
Thus, you can see how coconut oil can prove to be effective in preventing the growth of such parasites.
4. Heals Wounds and Cracked Paws
When winters are around the corner, dogs’ paws usually become dry and cracked. Applying coconut oil overnight can work wonders for your dog.
In addition to it, coconut oil can be applied to minor bruises to promote faster healing.
Also Read: Coconut oil for dog razor burn? Is It Effective? +7 Benefits & Tips
2 Risks Of Applying Coconut Oil On My Dog Overnight
1. Clogging Of Pores
Coconut oil has a comedogenic rating of 4. This means that they are more likely to cause blackheads by blocking your dog’s pores. Thus, it is important to rinse off coconut oil after overnight application.
2. Risk Of Licking
Although it is safe for dogs to ingest coconut oil, excessive licking could sometimes be dangerous. If you have applied a thick layer of coconut oil and dogs lick it, they can develop symptoms of upset stomach like diarrhea and vomiting.
In the worst cases, with regular use of coconut oil, your dogs can have pancreatitis or obesity due to the high amount of fat present in it.
How To Apply Coconut Oil On My Dog?
Applying coconut oil to your dog’s skin and fur is super easy. Just follow the steps mentioned below. You are good to go!
- Take a small amount of coconut oil in your palms and rub it in your hands.
- Now, gently massage your dog’s skin with coconut oil.
- Use your fingertips to rub the oil deep into the fur.
- Make sure the oil gets completely absorbed in your dog’s skin. It generally takes 5-7 minutes.
Repeat this process once or twice a week to relieve irritation and itching, and eliminate ticks in your dog.
If you see any unusual signs after applying coconut oil to your dog, consult the veterinarian immediately to see if your dog had an allergic reaction to coconut oil or not.
How Long Can I Leave Coconut Oil On My Dog’s Skin?
Generally, you can apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin for five to ten minutes. Till then, the coconut oil gets completely absorbed into the fur. After that, you should rinse it off to avoid clogging of pores in dogs.
But, if you are using virgin coconut oil, you can leave it overnight and then rinse it off thoroughly in the morning.
Pro Tip: Make sure your dog wears a shirt after applying coconut oil. Or, you could put an old mat for your dog to sleep on to avoid oil marks on the home furnishings.
Do I Have To Rinse Coconut Oil On My Dog?
Rinsing coconut oil on your dog’s fur and skin depends on why you are using coconut oil. Some dogs have hairballs stuck in their digestive tract. So, if you are applying coconut oil to your pet’s paws, for this reason, you are not required to rinse it off.
Since dogs find coconut oil delectable, they often lick their paws. This way, they can ingest coconut oil. Earlier, if your dog used to cough hairballs everywhere at home, it will not happen now.
The coconut oil will help them pass the hairball through their body conveniently. Subsequently, it will give them fresh breath.
However, if you use coconut oil for other reasons, it is best to rinse it off with warm water to avoid blocked pores in dogs.
How To Remove Coconut Oil From Dog Fur?
If you want to remove coconut oil from dogs’ fur, the best thing is to bathe your dog with warm water. In most cases, warm water alone can do the job.
But, if there is excess coconut oil on your dog’s skin and it still feels greasy and lubricated, follow these steps to get rid of the oil entirely.
- Fill the bathtub or kitchen sink with warm water and place your dog in it.
- Take a handful of dog shampoo in your arms and add a few drops of gentle dish soap to it. Dish wash soap is effective in cutting through difficult oil marks. If you are looking for recommendations, the Tropiclean Papaya And Coconut Shampoo is the best for dogs as it is paraben-free and dye-free.
- Rub the shampoo and dish wash soap in your palms. Then, apply it to your dog’s fur thoroughly.
- Leave the soap on your dog’s fur for five minutes. After that, rinse it off with warm water.
- If your dog still feels oily, repeat the steps.
What Is The Best Coconut Oil For My Dog?
For overnight application, the best coconut oil for your dog is virgin coconut oil. It has no additives as it is made from fresh coconuts.
It also means that virgin coconut oil has not been deodorized, bleached, or refined. Compared to refined coconut oils, it has an insignificant amount of trans-fats.
Are you looking for the perfect coconut oil for your dogs? While there are coconut oils for pets, there is no harm in using coconut oil that does not mention it specifically. So, check out our recommendations below:
1. Nature’s Way Organic Extra Refined Virgin Coconut Oil:
The Nature's Way Virgin Coconut Oil is suitable for pets and pet parents. The oil is pure, cold-pressed, unbleached, and unrefined. Also, it is certified by the USDA as organic.
Moreover, it has a great aroma. So, all in all, it is perfect for your pets if you want to leave it overnight in their fur.
2. Alpha Pet Zone Coconut Oil For Dogs
Alpha's Pet Zone Coconut Oil for dogs and cats is 100% raw and organic. It is a cold-pressed virgin and vegan oil that acts as a moisturizer when applied to your dog’s fur.
This coconut oil solves a majority of issues like relieving itchy and flaky skin, dry nose, and cracked dog paws, and provides beautiful and lustrous fur. In addition, it is a perfect natural remedy for hairballs.
You can also buy coconut oils available near you in grocery shops. Always check the label carefully for words like virgin, organic, raw, and chemical-free.
How To Bathe My Dog In Coconut Oil?
Even if you are still skeptical about applying coconut oil to your dog overnight, why should you keep your dog away from the benefits of coconut oil? So, we urge you to try coconut oil baths for your dog.
Start by filling the bathtub with warm water. Place your furry friend in it and pour warm water on its fur.
Once your pet is comfortable in the bathtub, take a dog shampoo and apply it meticulously to your dog’s fur. Be sure that the shampoo does not get into your dog’s eyes, mouth, or ears.
Then, rinse it with warm water till the entire shampoo goes away.
Now, take a small amount of coconut oil on your palms and rub your palms together. Then, apply the coconut oil to your dog’s fur in the direction of growth. Keep massaging for the next five minutes till it is absorbed.
Finally, rinse your dog with warm water and dry it with a towel and blow dryer. Your dog can now reap the benefits of coconut oil without having to leave it overnight in their skin.
You can give coconut oil baths once in a while. It is not necessary to do it every time your dog bathes.
Also Read: Can You Use Baby Shampoo on Dogs in 2022 (With Reviews!)
What Are The Alternatives Of Coconut Oil For My Dog?
Here is a list of 3 alternative oils in case you do not have coconut oil available at your home right now:
1. Aloe Vera
Just like how aloe vera is beneficial for humans, it does wonders for dogs. It keeps the skin healthy and treats minor bruises and cuts effectively.
Hotspots, a common problem in dogs, can also be treated using aloe vera mixed with distilled water.
Just trim your dog’s fur and wash the hotspots with a clean cloth. After that, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to your dog’s skin.
As aloe vera proves to be dangerous if ingested by dogs, just make sure that the affected area is covered with a cloth later on.
2. Jojoba Oil
Since jojoba oil is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, it is safe for your dog’s skin. It helps in maintaining healthy skin and moisturizes your dog’s dry skin.
So rub a few drops of jojoba oil on your dog’s skin once or twice a day to relieve itchiness and eliminate foul odor.
You can also use jojoba oil on your dog’s wounds in healing. Do not apply it directly to puncture wounds without getting them treated by a veterinarian.
3. Lavender Oil
If your dog has skin irritation and keeps on scratching its skin regularly, lavender oil is a good alternative to coconut oil.
It has antibacterial properties. So, you can rub it behind the ears of your dog and massage its skin and fur just like you do with coconut oil once in a while.
Since lavender oil can be dangerous if ingested by dogs, go for a diluted version and cover your dog’s fur to avoid licking lavender oil.
