Olive oil feels pleasing on your dog’s skin and offers numerous benefits for dogs suffering from dry or itchy skin.
You can use olive oil directly to your pet’s skin for extra fast relief because it penetrates deep to provide moisture. Olive oil and other oils, such as sunflower and saffron, have been proved in studies to help reduce inflammation and itching in dogs.
Antioxidants present in olive oil help to protect skin cells from damage. It also contains compounds that aid in the fight against cancer in dogs as well as the prevention of cognitive loss. As long as you do it correctly, there’s nothing wrong with adding them to your dog’s food as well.
Why Does My Dog Have Dry Skin and What Can I Do?
Dry skin may not appear to be a major issue, but it can indicate a more serious problem in your dog. Dry skin can be a symptom of a variety of illnesses, ranging from allergies and parasites to major medical conditions including Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism.
Environmental changes
Dry skin can occur as the weather changes, or even when the dog’s indoor environment changes. Climate change, such as cold winters or low humidity, can promote dry skin in dogs. Skin can be dried out in environments that are extremely hot with dry heat or have low humidity levels. Seasonal skin disorders in dogs are more common during the warmer months of the year but they can occur both indoors and outdoors.
Nutritional deficiencies
Another reason could be the food given to your dog. A deficiency of protein, vitamins, or vital fatty acids, for example, can be a contributing factor. Foods that don’t give your dog enough nourishment can cause a variety of issues, including dry skin. It’s particularly common in dogs who eat homemade dog food or low-quality dog food.
Allergies
Dogs’ dry skin can be caused by food and environmental allergies or sensitivities such as mold, pollen, and grass. This is a common allergy that can be difficult to manage until you figure out what your dog is sensitive to. These sensitive reactions can lead to a skin condition known as dermatitis, which causes dry skin, itching, redness, and inflammation, as well as secondary skin infections if left untreated.
External Parasites
Parasites are another possible cause of dry skin in dogs. Fleas and mites’ bites can irritate the skin. These parasites can cause dry skin in dogs, especially if they are allergic to them. Parasites can be difficult to detect, and they can develop quickly in a sensitive dog.
Infections
Bacterial and fungal infections in dogs can cause a variety of skin conditions. These infections can occur as a result of a more serious condition, dry skin should always be handled carefully. Humans are also infected with some infections, such as fungal infections and ringworm.
The Benefits of Olive Oil for Dogs
Olive oil is high in beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals. It can help immensely in dry skin treatment, thus making your dog’s life easier and more enjoyable.
1. Enhance immunity
Olive oil is abundant in polyphenols, vitamin E, and chlorophyll since it is a natural, plant-based product produced from the olive fruit. These antioxidants can strengthen your dog’s immune system and aid in the fight against viruses and diseases.
2. Help to control weight
Your dog must maintain healthy body weight to be fit. If overweight, their joints will be strained as a result of the extra weight. Olive oil’s monounsaturated fat can assist your dog to lose weight by breaking down fat cells in his or her system. It’s worth noting, though, that olive oil is calorie-dense, containing 120 calories per tablespoon. As a result, use it sparingly.
3. Cardiac health
Extra virgin olive oil contains vitamin E and phytonutrients that improve heart health in addition to monounsaturated fats. These benefits are difficult to manage without expensive dietary supplements, so olive oil offers a natural, low-cost way to protect your dog’s heart for years to come.
4. Health of joints
Olive oil’s oleic acid and antioxidants, like ibuprofen, have an anti-inflammatory effect. Because dogs’ bodies are overly sensitive to a variety of pain medications, olive oil provides a natural option that can help relieve discomfort and promote mobility in dogs of all ages, but notably, older dogs who are suffering from arthritis, osteoarthritis, and hip dysplasia.
5. Improves the health of the digestive system
Olive oil provides healthy lubrication for your dog’s digestive system because it is a natural fat. Adding olive oil to your dog’s diet guarantees that everything is running well, whether they eat only the food you offer them or occasionally sneak a table scrap or two.
6. Flea control
Olive oil is not only good for treating dogs’ dry skin, but it also works well as a carrier oil for essential oils. To keep your dog safe from fleas and ticks, combine olive oil and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle and spray it on his back and collar. Spraying on your dog’s sensitive parts is not a good idea (eyes, nose, genitals, ears).
If your dog already has fleas, you can eliminate them by applying olive oil directly to their skin. Begin at the back of his head and work your way down his back to his tail (avoiding his eyes and face). Wait about three to four hours and then wash off the oil from the skin.
How to apply olive oil to the dog’s skin?
Vets suggest mixing five to ten drops of oil with about a cup of water and massaging the mixture on your pet’s skin wherever it appears dry with your hands. It’s also a good idea to use a paper towel to wipe away any extra oil from the coat. This therapy can be used once a day until your dog’s skin conditions disappear and the skin appears to be healthy again. After that, a once-in-a-while treatment should suffice to keep his or her skin moisturized.
Olive oil is a natural way to help alleviate your dog’s skin problems. It can be applied directly to the skin for fast action.
Conclusion
Although adding a little olive oil to your dog’s diet poses no health risks, it is better to do so gradually because it may upset the stomach. If your dog needs to lose a few pounds, olive oil is a good option.
Whether you want to treat dry skin in dogs or make them shed some pounds, olive oil can work wonders. Give your furry friend some extra olive oil today!