Your dog, like you, may not be getting all of the nourishment it requires from its usual food. While regular canine food contains many vital nutrients, you may supplement your dog's diet with oils to help it maintain its health.
A lick granuloma is an open sore on the skin that is created – and made worse – by continuous licking. It usually appears on one of the legs, particularly around a joint. The hair will usually be sucked off, leaving the region sore and weeping or thicker and scar-like.
Types of oils for dogs
There are many ways to solve the lick granuloma problem. One of the methods available is through natural remedies, more specifically through oils.
In this article, we will showcase which oils are great for your dog and how they can help you cure its lick granuloma.
Natural Oils
There are various types of natural oils you can use for your dog, such as:
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has been shown to enhance energy levels, skin and coat quality, digestion, and allergic responses. Because medium-chain fatty acids, such as coconut oil, are immediately absorbed in the GI tract and travel directly to the liver where it is converted into utilisable energy, it assists with physical and digestive problems.
Canines should be fed coconut oil 1-2 times a day with their food. The amount of food you should give your dog is determined by its size. Many veterinarians advise beginning with a little amount of coconut oil.
You can try PetCubes’ Coconut Oil that is curated with 100% organic, non-genetically engineered extra virgin oil. Our oil is made from plantation fresh coconuts which give out this smell and taste like pure coconuts!
Fish oil
Fish oil is great for your dog as it contains two important fatty acids, namely EPA and DHA. These omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for reducing inflammation caused by allergies in some canines, resulting in reduced itchy skin, dandruff, and hot spots.
It can also assist with arthritis and allergies, as well as boost your dog's memory. The vitamins can also help dogs' fur become healthier and shinier, which is ideal for a canine with lick granuloma.
PetCubes’s Wild Salmon Oil has all the benefits explained above. Our oil is made with the finest quality of premium salmon oil, from freshly caught Alaskan salmon.
Olive oil
Olive oil is beneficial to dogs' general health since it may keep their coats moisturised and lustrous, boost their immune systems, and help prevent and mitigate the effects of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
It's ideal for puppies whose bodies have trouble digesting omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil is a great supplement for allergy-prone dogs and cats. It aids arthritic pets' movement, inflammation, blood pressure control, allergy alleviation, and renal function. It also contains fibre, which helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Because whole flaxseed does not absorb well, ground flaxseed is the healthiest and safest option for your pet. Consult with your vet on how much oil you should feed your pet, it usually depends on its weight and size.
Sunflower oil
Because many dogs are unable to manufacture linoleic acid (LA), a food supply or supplement is required to maintain a healthy coat and skin.
Sunflower oil also aids in the production of energy, the maintenance of a healthy immune system, the health of the heart, and the regular functioning of the organs.
Sunflower oil is usually already found in a variety of pet food and treats as it has omega-6 fatty acids. In comparison to animal fat, it also has less saturated fat.
Though sunflower oil has appropriate amounts of fatty acids, it lacks arachidonic acid, a fatty acid found exclusively in animal fats. As a result, sunflower oil should not be utilised as a source of fatty acids on its own.
Essential oils
Lavender oil is a great beginning oil for dogs that are new to essential oils. It's one of the most versatile essential oils, promoting a relaxing effect on canines. You can start by using the finest lavender oil if you find your dog is in a stressful situation, such as when travelling or going to the doctor. You can use it while teaching your dog to control its hyperactivity.
How do these oils help lick granuloma in dogs?
Many of these oils, like olive or coconut oil, have properties that can help decrease inflammation and protect skin from free radical damage. This also means that your dog will be less inclined to scratch excessively, reducing shedding.
If they are less inclined to lick, it can reduce the chances of your dog getting lick granuloma.
Are oils safe for dogs to smell?
Yes, natural oils like sunflower oil are safe to be smelled, applied and eaten by your dog. However, not all plant based oils are safe. The safest essential oil to be used in a diffuser will be lavender oil due to its soothing qualities.
So, how can you know whether your dog is inhaling the essential oils from your diffuser? For one thing, as they take in the new fragrance and attempt to figure out what's going on, their nose will undoubtedly start to twitch. Keep an eye out for sneezing, which might signal that the essential oil is upsetting them.
How to safely use oils for dogs?
The majority of oils are available as capsules or as free oil. However, if an oil jar is opened and exposed to the air, it can go rancid, therefore capsules are typically the preferable option.
It may, however, be contingent on your dog's tastes. A capsule or assigned quantity of liquid from their meal may be quickly consumed by hardy-eating canines. Although most liquid oils work better with wet foods, they may also be used on dry foods like kibble.
Moreover, these essential oils, such as coconut or olive oil, are safe to be used for dogs with lick granuloma due to their anti-inflammation attributes.
Essential oils for dogs with anxiety
Aromatherapists have traditionally utilised lavender essential oil to relieve tension. Lavender is one of the gentlest oils available, and it's well-known as a natural sedative, relaxing and soothing nerves, alleviating depression, and encouraging deeper, more restful sleep. It may also relieve pain from minor cuts, burns, and bites, cure dry, itchy skin, and act as a natural bug repellant.
Ending remarks
Just remember that if you don't supplement your dog with enough vitamin E, too much oil might potentially contribute to a vitamin E deficit. Do research on which oil works best for your canine. To be extra safe, consult with your veterinarian before starting anything.
Reviewed by:
Dr Francis is one of the top wildlife nutritionists in Asia. Originating from Montreal, Canada, he left at 21 to pursue his Masters and subsequently a PhD in wildlife nutrition at Oxford Brookes University. Instead of taking the path of common animal science to learn about farm animals, or through the veterinarian space and taking a certificate in nutrition, he took the road less travelled to dive deep into the world of animal ecology, metabolism and nutrition.