How to Bathe a Dog With Coconut Oil
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Introduction
Coconut oil is soothing for dry, itchy skin. Your dog may benefit from a bath with coconut oil if they have skin allergies, if they've had parasites such as mites or fleas, or if they're dealing with seasonal dry, flaky skin.
Bathing your dog with coconut oil is a soothing way to give your dog a soap-free bath. Coconut oil offers moisture to the skin and coat, and it also has antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that may help prevent infections. Try out a coconut oil bath with your pup today.
Dog's Perspective
Your dog might be curious about this new bath. They might lick and try to eat the coconut oil, which is fine as a bit of internal coconut oil can add more health benefits.
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.
If your furry friend isn't a fan of bath time, let someone else do the hard work for you. Book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you today.
The Spot Treatment Method
The Spa Treatment Method
Caution & Considerations
- Coconut oil baths do not have to be done every time you give your dog a bath.
- Dry and flaky skin can be a result of skin or food allergies. Talk to your veterinarian about supplements and diet that can help with allergens.
- Coconut oil provides healthy fats which coat and protect the skin.
- A coconut oil bath can help with skin conditions after only one treatment.
- Coconut oil bath spot treatments can help with cuts and insect bites.
- Coconut oil baths are also good for a healthy coat. Though coconut oil isn’t the easiest product to remove from fluffy fur, you will notice a new shine to your dog’s coat after a coconut oil bath.
Conclusion
Keep your pup in tip-top shape with the benefits of coconut oil. Give coconut oil baths to keep your dog's coat looking "fur-tastic" and to combat dry, flaky skin.
And if you need help grooming your dog to ensure that they look and feel their absolute best, book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you on the Wag! app today.
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
I have taken frisbee to the vet with what was hot spots? Allergy related? Itchy skin
Hes been put on antibiotics andallergy meds.and vegi diet. Once the antibiotics are done and the hes being weaned off allergy meds. I notice he itchy spots returning. I put coconut oil and special fet shampoo.. now hot spot returning. What to further do?
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Thank you for your question. Frisbee is adorable! It sounds as though you may need to have him seen by the vet again. He could have developed a predisposition to them and will require consistent care. You may want to discuss a preventative regimen for Frisbee. Take a look at these natural remedies and ask your vet if you can try one of them as a preventative (the supplements may do the trick). All the best! https://wagwalking.com/wellness/natural-solutions-to-your-dogs-problem-hot-spots
Totally Agree. Coconut Oil does wonders on so many different things.
Smart move.... no more pesticides and olive and coconut oil I would skip the olive and just do coconut oil (unrefined). It also helps prevent fungal and bacterial infections on the skin and ears.
Best thing you can do.
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My baby boy Doobie has an itching problem. He had fleas which have greatly decreased after using Frontline on him. Now I've heard that coconut oil is ok for dogs both orally and topically, and it works for dry skin and repels fleas... can I use Spa Naturals Coconut oil Moisturizing Body Oil on my baby boy?
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She has bad fleas what is the best dog shampoo that actually works and gets off all fleas thank you in advance
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Hi Adrian! Sorry to hear that Mimi has flea's. Flea shampoo can be dangerous and doesnt provide lasting protection. Mimi's environment, like her bedding and carpets likely have fleas that need to be treated also. Using a monthly topical preventative or a prevention in a pill form will keep her protected long enough to get rid of fleas for good. An added bonus is they usually protect from more than just flea's. Thanks and good luck! Paige
Since I have been using Apple cider vinegar with the mother our dogs have not had ticks or fleas. I add it to their food every meal.
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Ronan (Ro for short) is the perfect dog... except he's constantly scratching or nibbling himself. He is on an oral flea and tick medication taken monthly and I've never changed his food. I haven't changed his shampoos nor the detergents we use in the house. I've checked all I can think of as to what could possibly be causing his itch, which started about 2 months ago.
I have noticed that on his inner thighs and the lower part of his belly that he looks as if he has a rash.
Any advice would be helpful!
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Hi Emily, Im sorry to hear about Ronan's skin issues. It sounds like he may need a trip to the vet to determine if he has allergies. Oatmeal shampoo is great for dry skin and general itchiness but will not help if the underlying issue is more serious. Thanks and good luck! Paige
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She has bad fleas what is the best dog shampoo that actually works and gets off all fleas thank you in advance
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Hi Adrian! I recommend consulting your veterinarian who will be able to recommend a flea shampoo that will soothe Mimi's skin. She may be itchier than you think! The vet can instruct how to best use the shampoo in a safe manner. The vet may choose to suggest an alternative to the flea shampoo in the form of a product that will kill the fleas on Mimi in 24 hours, and also prescribe a preventative against future infestations. Good luck!
Fleas can be difficult to treat. Try bathing in Dawn dish soap and let it stay on about 5 minutes. Follow with coconut oil bath to help with skin irritation from the flea bites. Dawn is great for killing fleas
Hi Adrian, my dog had the beginning of a flea fest and I was able to stop them in their tracks using Tea Tree Oil! This can be purchased at Dollar General super cheap. Due to it being an oil, you don't need much. Simply rub it into your hand and massage all over the skin. The consistency and the smell fleas do not like. It worked like a charm. I did have to throw out his bedding and start fresh too. Good luck
I read Cheryl’s comment regarding tea tree oil. I wondered do you rinse the tea tree off or leave it on. She isn’t say in her comment
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My puppy is scared of baths and has bad breaths. I noticed he has dry fur, itches from time to time and loves to scratch behind his head/bite himself. Im not sure if he has skin that is dry, if he has things biting him (i checked and he doesn't) , or his shirt is irritating him or the shampoo but, everything is the same since we got him. What can i do/use to help his fur feel smooth and healthy, his breath to smell better and also to stop him from itching?
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Hi there, Chewy is adorable! As soon as you mentioned the combination of itchy skin and bad breath, I felt that there may be an underlying reason for Chewy's discomfort. For example, these symptoms often mean a yeast infection, which can be brought on by food reactions or environmental allergies. Your puppy is very young; I think a veterinarian visit to rule out a serious issue is important. It may be as simple as changing his food, shampooing him less often and using another product, etc. Calling your vet is the safest bet - rather than using more products on Chewy's skin that may cause a worse reaction. Good luck!
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Chico has fleas and constantly scratches and even chews on himself to the point where he makes himself very raw and even sometimes bleed. I gave him a bath and applied coconut oil all over his body/fur a couple of times. With little to no change in his scratching/chewing..... I feel sorry for him. I have a very ill wife so unfortunately with all of her meds being so expensive that leaves me with no money to purchase any kind of store bought treatments for Chico. Please give me some advice as too where I can save poor Chico from chewing his fur/skin off and making himself raw and bloody. Chico & I say. Thank You in advance
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Thank you for contacting us about Chico. I researched some natural remedies for ridding Chico of fleas but when I saw the pictures, I think that putting acidic products like vinegar, etc will be very painful for Chico due to the raw skin. I know you don't want that. The best I can say is give him a good soak using a gentle shampoo made for dogs. Leave the shampoo on for several minutes and then you must use a flea comb to remove the drowned fleas. The problem is, some fleas may survive and they re-populate pretty quickly. Brush Chico with the flea comb a few times every day - this could be necessary for weeks. In the meantime, you also have to eradicate the fleas from the home by vacuuming every day and emptying the vacuum canister every time, otherwise live fleas will jump back out into the home. Wash Chico's bedding every day in hot water for a few weeks until all fleas are gone. If I were you, I would call the vet and explain your financial situation. They may be able to recommend a vet who does work at a reduced cost or perhaps they can give you a payment plan. The vet can get rid of the fleas almost instantaneously which is the best thing for Chico and for your family.They can advise in detail how to rid the home of fleas as well. All the best to you.
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Hi. My Bella has scratches all of the time and Has theses types of what I think are hot spots. I have tried all kinds is shampoo, but it will not go away. It is under her neck, under her arms and just about everywhere. She is small, 5lbs that I am afraid to give her any medication. What would be a good soap to use along with the coconut oil? Thank you.
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Hello, I would advise calling her vet and asking the question. You can most likely email the photo and have a consult over the phone, or they may ask you to bring her in. I suggest this just in case the skin condition has developed into a fungal or bacterial situation. Soaps could irritate or burn the skin and I know you don't want that. I would call as soon as possible - Bella could be uncomfortable and sore. All the best to little Bella!
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IS it ok if you just put the coconut oil in the water and use it as a rinse .
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Hello and thank you for the question about Teddy. I have not done this but I think it should be okay. If you are using it as a rinse, perhaps don't put a lot of oil in the water, so the fur is not oily. Many owners leave oil on the skin and fur, washing it off the next day - just don't let Teddy lick too much of it in case it upsets the stomach. Teddy, I am sure must have a thick coat! Good luck and enjoy your dog!
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Grooming Success Stories
Since I have been using coconut oil on my dog her contact iching, has subsided, since her skin is so dry I have to bath her in the coconut oil more often. I tried pills that the vet gave me, wich did not help hardly, but when I read about the coconut oil I was very please with the results.
Hey. In response to frisbee’s hot spot problem: my baby lalah (9 year old poodle) has had hot spots each summer. This year worse than any other. This year I decided to take a more natural approach with her. I took her off of topical flea and tick prevention and decided to be more proactive in checking her coat daily and bathing once a week in the more hot months. About the hot spots.. I treated hers very aggressively with organic virgin coconut oil. It was a bit greasy and a little messy BUT it did the job. I’d as gently as possible cleanse the area, let it dry then apply a heavy coat of the natural oil. It healed the skin first then it dried itself out. Scabbed over & now it’s good as new. Also the coconut oil seemed to smooth the spot as well. More than likely Frisbee will love the taste of the oil so I gave my dog a little to keep her from constantly licking the oil off of the hot spot. Lastly, it takes a bit of consistency and patience letting it heal naturally but it’s cheaper and I feel a lot better giving her natural product vs meds if I can help it. I’d say it’s worth a try. Frisbee will thank you! Oh and one more thing... if I notice an area she’s beginning to scratch at, or if she has a bite or irritation I go ahead and spot treat w/ the oil for a couple days. After a couple days it usually subsided. I’m telling you, I believe in seeing the vet if necessary but the coconut oil has been a Godsend. Blessings to you and your fur baby.