Here’s the Right Way To Use Coconut Oil to Kill Giardia In Dogs

A dog with giardia can benefit from coconut oil’s anti-parasitic properties.

The miracle oil essentially contains lauric acid, which, according to this study, disrupts the parasites’ cell membranes, thus destroying them in the process.

The oil also contains a short-chain fatty acid called caprylic acid that inhibits the growth of bacteria and parasites.

Coconut oil can be administered to dogs with giardia in the following ways.

1. Oral Administration

The first and most common way of using coconut oil for a dog with giardia is to administer it orally.

First, determine the right dosage for your dog’s needs. (I have covered more about this in the subsequent section).

Now, add the right dosage to your doggie’s food. This method introduces the oil into the pooch’s digestive system where it combats giardia in the gut.

2. Topical Application

The topical application doesn’t necessarily target your dog’s giardia.

However, it can soothe her coat and skin which may have the parasite.

Simply apply a small amount of coconut oil on your dog’s skin and rub it in.

Focus on areas that appear dry or irritated.

3. Use It With Other Treatments

Coconut oil is great but when used with other giardia treatments, the results are even better.

Administer it with other strategies such as dietary changes, medication, and more. Talk to your vet about this.

How Much Coconut Oil To Give For Giardia In Dogs

The amount of coconut oil to give to your dog really depends on her specific needs.

Numerous sources (1, 2, 3, 4) recommend ¼ tsp. –  1 tsp per 10-pound body weight BUT ALWAYS work with your veterinarian to help you establish the right or exact dosage dosage for your dog.

Going by 1 tablespoon per 10-pound body weight dosage, a 30-pound dog will need three teaspoons of coconut oil per day. And for a toy breed of 5 pounds, half a teaspoon per day will suffice.

To be safe, start with a small amount of coconut oil in your dog’s food and increase it over time.

Monitor the response of your pet and adjust the dosage as you deem fit.

Additionally, be sure to give the oil in a divided dose, rather than a single one throughout the day.

What To Avoid When Using Coconut Oil For Giardia In Dogs

When using coconut oil to treat giardia in dogs, watch out for the following:

I. Excessive dosage

While coconut oil is natural oil, it is harmful if given in excess. It can cause digestive issues and weight gain.

Stick to the correct dosage and talk to your vet to guide you further.

II. Low-quality coconut oil

Always choose high-quality, unrefined coconut oil for your lovely pets.

The opposite may not offer the results you are looking for.

Choose cold-pressed oil over refined options to get the best benefits. Here is a good option from Amazon:

III. Not Monitoring Your Dog’s Response

It is crucial to watch how your dog responds to coconut oil before giving a higher dosage.

Some react adversely to it and more will only do more harm than good.

If you notice any reaction in your pet or the condition goes from bad to worse, stop administering the oil to her. Instead, consult with the vet.

IV. Not treating the underlying cause

Giardia is the result of poor hygiene or a weakened immune system.

While coconut oil can treat its symptoms, it is important to address the trigger for the overall health and well-being of your pooch.

How Long Does It Take For Coconut Oil To Work For Giardia In Dogs?

Coconut oil works differently for every dog. Some pups show changes within a few days while others need a longer time.

The time it takes to work for giardia in dogs depends on a few factors including the overall health of the pooch and the severity of the infection.

To get the best results in the shortest time possible, use coconut oil along with other treatment plans such as medications and changes in the diet.

Can coconut oil act as a preventative measure against giardia in dogs?

Thanks to its immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties, coconut oil can be used to prevent giardia in dogs.

Granted, there are no guarantees it will work but using it in your dog’s diet will boost your pet’s health greatly.