.jpg?w=684&h=912)
By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
Coconut oil is one of the most useful natural tools for everyday infections in dogs and cats. Its lauric acid becomes monolaurin in the body, which helps fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. You can use it on the skin, in the ears and in the mouth, and feed it to support immunity from within.
Why pets get infections
Most infections take hold when a pet's defences are down. Common triggers include:
- A weaker immune system, especially in senior pets
- Moisture and humidity, which Singapore has plenty of, letting bacteria and yeast thrive in skin folds and ears
- Allergies, food sensitivities and constant scratching, which break the skin
- Diet and gut imbalance, since much of the immune system sits in the gut
Common signs of infection
- Redness, swelling or heat
- A bad smell from the skin or ears
- Discharge from the ears, eyes or a wound
- Constant scratching, licking or head shaking
- Bad breath, or red and bleeding gums
How coconut oil helps
Natural antimicrobial action
Lauric acid and monolaurin help fight bacteria, viruses and yeast.
Soothes and protects
It calms irritated skin and forms a protective layer.
Safe if licked
Unlike many creams, pets can lick it off safely.
Immune support from within
Feeding it gives the body medium-chain fatty acids to help resist infection.
How to use it
Skin infections
Clean the area with JOOF Hygiene Water and let it air dry.
Apply a thin layer of coconut oil.
Repeat 2–3 times a day until the skin has healed.
For fungal skin infections, see my guide on coconut oil for ringworm.
Ear infections
Most ear infections in pets come from an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
This is how I cleaned Wangcai's ears, 2–3 times a day during an infection:
- Wipe the ear with JOOF Hygiene Water, as deep as your finger can comfortably reach. Never use cotton buds inside the ear.
- Put a few drops of coconut oil into the ear canal and gently massage the base of the ear, or wipe the whole ear with a coconut oil-soaked cotton pad.
- Let your dog shake, then wipe away the debris.
If the ear is very painful, bleeding, or has a lot of discharge, get it checked before putting anything into the canal, in case the eardrum is damaged.
Mouth infections
Brush your pet's teeth and gums with coconut oil regularly. See my full guide on coconut oil for dogs' teeth, including BeanBean's dental routine.
Eyes
Gently wipe crust and discharge from around the eyes with Hygiene Water first. Then, using a clean dropper, apply 1 drop of melted (not hot) coconut oil into the affected eye 2–3 times a day. Coconut oil is soothing and moisturising, and it doesn't sting. Eye infections can worsen quickly, so if the eye isn't improving, is cloudy, or your pet is squinting, have it checked promptly. More in eye and ear care for dogs and cats.
Feed it for immunity
Recommended amount: 1 teaspoon per 4.5kg (10lb) of body weight daily, mixed into food.
First time? Start with about ¼ of that and build up over 2 weeks. For sensitive pets, start with just 2–3 drops.
When to get help
See a vet promptly if your pet has a fever, is lethargic or off their food, has a swollen or very painful area, or if an infection isn't improving within a few days.
Frequently asked questions
Which coconut oil should I use?
Choose an organic, cold-pressed virgin coconut oil that's also therapeutic grade. Not every organic, cold-pressed virgin coconut oil is. I recommend CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, which is therapeutic grade.
My pet keeps getting infections. Why?
Repeated infections often point to something deeper, like the gut, diet or immunity. Food sensitivities are a common hidden trigger, and a pet intolerance test can help identify them. Our PawConsult looks at the root cause.
Shop this article
This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
RELATED READING
