One of the most miraculous treatments I've used is actually a home made concoction consisting almost exclusively of virgin unrefined coconut oil.
Keeping in mind that a good amount of serious skin issues can be attributed to issues with the diet, coconut oil used topically does a great job of giving temporary relief while the underlying problem is addressed. While adding coconut oil to the diet will help from the inside as well!
Coconut oil can be applied directly to cracked or raw paw pads, noses, dry elbows, and hot spots to give instant relief , although it tastes delicious so best be prepared to keep a vigilant eye on your little scruffler for a while to let the oil do it's magic.
Coconut oil is over 90% saturated fat. No wait, calm down! I swear it's a good thing! It's about MCTs, Medium Chain Triglycerieds, which are the good fats. MCTs help with digestion, immune system, metabolic function, skin health, and thyroid health. Coconut oil also has Lauric acid which combats fungas , virus, and bacteria- this is what makes coconut oil so great against yeast buildup on dogs and other fungal and bacterial skin infections in addition to soothing the skin. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties will also help to kill the 'doggy smell' that some dogs suffer from (although, lets face it, they don't mind. It's the dog OWNERS that suffer the most! )
TOPICAL
The recipe is this:
2 tablespoons of Virgin Unrefined Coconut oil
6oz hot water.
Shampoo and rinse the dog as normal as you wait for the hot oil treatment to cool down to a warm oil treatment. Apply to pooch, rubbing it into the skin as much as possible. Let sit for 5-15 minutes, whatever your soggy friend will allow, then wash out again with shampoo.
ORAL
When giving coconut oil as part of the diet, start small in 1/4 teaspoon increments and build up to 1tablespoon for every 30lbs of dog. Introducing too much too soon could result in some goopy poopy!
So easy.
On my own 2 dogs in the bitter chaff of New England winter this has been enough to relieve them for a month , no problem.
I used this on a friend's chronically scratchy chihuahua and it gave her relief for a solid week before she started getting the "Scratch-my-butt-kicky-leg" syndrome again.
The Bottom Line
Coconut oil, though pricey at $13-$17 for 14oz is well worth the price. For your own dogs, absolutely! Use it as a topical and as an internal treatment! For dogs at your salon it is a great opportunity for a luxurious 'extra' to offer your clients well flaunting your knowledge. "Would you like Princess to have a nice hot oil treatment today?" you'll say , "WOULD I!" they'll exclaim , "Yes. Yes you would." you will reply to the rhetorical statement, making you both feel awkward.
Seriously though, try it. You'll thank me.
oOBubblecollieOo
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