Is there such a thing as giving olive oil to dogs? Certainly, when used modestly, olive oil can do wonders for the coat and digestion of your dog. Olive oil from the Mediterranean surely can back the health factor beyond the human domain.
And what's more, perhaps it could stand good for some health wonder for your dog when used sparingly, such as drizzling it over a salad, pouring it over pasta, using it for flavor on a few created foods, or just as a dressing. good during holidays, isn't it?
Let's now see the benefits and risks of olive oil, as well as how to serve this oil correctly to dogs.
What is Olive Oil?
Olive oil is a natural oil extracted from olives, which is healthy and provides a lot of antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. Most often known to doctors, olive oil is a human heart-healthy oil, but some benefits may convert for use by dogs.
Five Health Benefits of Olive Oil for Dogs
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Better for Skin and Coat
According to experts, it is olive oil that has a beneficial effect on the skin and shine of a dog's coat due to Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. Olive oil is an important element whose positive effects on a dog's skin and coat shine can be seen in about a month's time, according to veterinary dermatologists. In any case, it is best mixed into food instead of topical application when the dog could lick it off and worsen any already existing irritation.
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Relieve Itching and Allergies
Dust, pollens, and flea allergies can provoke all sorts of reactions in a lot of dogs. It has oleic acid, which is a component of monounsaturated fat in olive oil, which soothes the allergic inflammation and may have the ability to decrease skin irritations and itching.
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Aid Digestion
Constipation attacks with a natural, mild laxative to the rescue on the dog, and that is olive oil given in moderation to prevent it from turning into diarrhea. Gradually work up a good amount to see how the dog reacts.
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Healthy Weight Maintenance
This sounds contradictory, because healthy fats in olive oil break down fat cells inside a dog's body. This means that under control, olive oil helps maintain weight, avoiding putting up with obesity.
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Preventive against diseases probably
Whether it's an old antioxidant guard against damage to body cells, along with reduced risk of diseases like heart disease, maybe cognitive decline, and prevention of other diseases, such as with vitamin E and polyphenols from olive oil - all these need more studies, though!
3 Ways Olive Oil Can Be Harmful To Dogs
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It Makes One Fat
So it is obnoxious for a puppy to get fat or even obese upon taking olive oil; most times, when he is not active, it defeats the essence of olive oil being beneficial!
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Pancreatic Disease
The most common symptoms that occur due to inflammation of the pancreas is severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. This is caused by high-fat content, from whatever source, even olive oil.
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Upsets Stomach
Funny, isn't it, that huge amounts of olive oil can make an already happy stomach quite unhappy-frequent vomiting and diarrhea, especially with a very hypersensitive stomach in dogs?
Which Type of Olive Oil Is Best for Dogs?
Extra virgin olive oil is what you should want for your dog; cold-pressed is the purest concerning nutrients. However, it spoils easily. So, it should be kept in a dark glass bottle to store it safely out of any heating source.
The Steps to Add Olive Oil to Your Canine's Diet
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Consult the Vet First
Consult with a professional before you start any alterations in the diet of your dog; it is critical to do this, especially if he has any health problems.
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Start Slowly
A good rule of thumb is to give 1 tsp of olive oil for every 20 lbs. of weight per day. For instance, a 40-lb dog could ingest about 2 teaspoons per day, but begin with little amounts to see how he handles it initially.
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Mix in with Food
Do not give it straight; mix it up in your dog's dry or wet food. This prevents choking on the liquid oil and allows them to digest it evenly.
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Be alert for Reactions
If symptoms of an upset tummy (like vomiting or diarrhea) develop or if your dog shows any signs of tiredness, discontinue using olive oil and consult your vet.
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Create a habit
Once established that your pooch rolls well with it, then develop a habit of olive oil use for long-term additive benefits.
Conclusion
So olive oil makes an easy and very natural remedy to improve and keep healthy skin and coat in your dog, as well as simple digestion and overall good health. But it all boils down to moderation. A high-quality olive oil is selected because a well-calculated proper dosage fits perfectly alongside the dog's health when the vet assures that it is safe for the pet's consumption because, if done right, this supermarket item will wag the dog's tail for more!
