They call it liquid gold and it’s rare to find a human who doesn’t like it. Yes, we are talking about olive oil. An ingredient that, in addition to being tasty, is good in many ways. Did you know that olive oil is also good for dogs?
In this article we want to talk about it and tell you how to use it to improve your pet’s health.
What are the benefits of olive oil?
Olive oil has gained a reputation as “healthy” as it is monounsaturated and contains a high amount of antioxidants . It can offer our dogs Omega3 and Vitamin E, as well as healthy fats that increase good cholesterol.
It keeps bad cholesterol under control, protects joints and muscles and, according to some scholars, even prevents cancer.
Despite its multiple properties, however, it should not be abused as it has a powerful laxative effect.
The elements it contains, such as antioxidants, vitamin E and Omega 3, are valuable for the dog’s health.
- They are good for the skin and coat.
- They help him maintain a healthy weight.
- They strengthen the immune defenses .
- They help him live longer.
Furthermore, contrary to what we might think, it is a food generally enjoyed by dogs. In any case, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian to avoid possible imbalances in the animal’s diet.
Olive oil can become your greatest ally against some typical dog problems. Today we tell you how to use it in case of constipation, ticks, mange and cracked pads.
How to give your dog olive oil
As you can imagine, your dog will most likely not want to eat olive oil as if it were water, so you will need to find a way to get him to take it without him noticing.
First of all, before proceeding with the administration, you must speak with your veterinarian to indicate the quantity indicated and not dangerous for your pet.
Usually the following table is followed:
- Dogs up to 10 kilos : one teaspoon per day.
- Dogs from 11 to 20 kilos : one tablespoon a day.
- Larger dogs : one and a half tablespoons a day.
That said, we can give the correct amount to our pet.
One of the best ways is to pour it into the food, in this way the food will take on a pleasant taste for our pet. It will also make it wetter and, therefore, softer on the palate and easier to chew.
It can also be poured on rice cakes, dog cereal- based foods or canned food. The dog’s intestinal transit will start working properly right away, as long as you don’t overdo it, as it could cause diarrhea.
What are the benefits of olive oil for animals?
In addition to being good for him internally, olive oil can improve our dog’s appearance . For example, it is a fantastic dermal regenerator. If you notice any dry skin areas on your pet, add some olive oil and you will notice improvements. This is due to the fact that it regenerates cells following its antioxidant effect which revitalizes the epidermis.
The only drawback in this case is that the dog will be able to stain furniture, floor and walls, but if he lives in his kennel , there will be no problems.
If you don’t want him to grease you all, but want to improve his skin, you can apply rosehip oil that absorbs quickly and does not stain. In no case, however, will you be able to ingest it!
Even the dog’s coat will look more beautiful thanks to the olive oil . It will shine more, it will be more silky and much softer.
As you can see, there are many benefits of this natural element obtained from mother nature. Give it to your dog, but remember: always in the right dose.
In a few days you will notice improvements in health, intestinal transit, skin and coat . Obviously, also follow the advice of the veterinarian regarding the quantities, since the table we have shown is a generalization. Each dog is a world unto itself and can have special needs.
Who said dogs can’t take olive oil?
Some uses of olive oil on dogs
Here are some of the possibilities offered by olive oil. These are a home-made, natural and healthy option that your dog will appreciate too.
1- Constipation
When the four-legged friend is having trouble passing the body, try giving him a spoonful of olive oil on an empty stomach . Thanks to the laxative properties of the oil, the dog can quickly recover intestinal regularity.
The action of the oil consists in lubricating the intestine, making sure that the dry stools slide naturally . In doing so, it will not be necessary to use chemicals.
2- Cracked or dry bearings
As strong as the bearings are, in some cases they can crack or become very dry. In this case, you can apply some oil to the area once a day for about a week.
To prevent the dog from licking off the oil or leaving grease stains all over the place, you can cover the paw for a few moments with a sock.
3- Mange and ticks
By applying olive oil to the area affected by mange, you will weaken the nests of mites that cause it. At the same time, you will moisturize the dog’s skin, which dries up due to the infection.
The oil also facilitates the elimination of ticks . Once you have identified the parasite, you can pour a few drops of olive oil on the area . Wait a few seconds, part the hairs and extract the tick, using a pair of tweezers. Always pull in the same direction that the parasite is attached to the skin.
