A proven and common home remedy for skin ailments or constipation, castor oil has been used for thousands of years by humans. Many dog owners have wondered whether castor oil can also be used for dogs.
Unfortunately, castor oil is not safe for dogs when eaten since they can experience a ton of negative symptoms.
However, castor oil can actually be good for your dog’s skin. Whether dry, irritated, or suffering from an allergic reaction, castor oil can help soothe your dog’s skin and add moisture.
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Dangers of Castor Oil for Dogs
You might be tempted to give your dogs castor oil to help with constipation. In most cases, dogs actually recover from constipation much better than humans because they have a faster digestive system. So, any constipation they experience likely doesn’t need to be treated, unless it lasts for several days.
Although castor oil is safe for us, dogs should never ingest any because it contains high levels of Ricinoleic acid.
Dogs are often much more sensitive to castor oil and can experience a number of negative side effects, which can include, but are not limited to:
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
While these side effects aren’t too serious, they can cause a lot of discomfort for your pup.
If you believe your dog has ingested castor oil, you should consult with your veterinarian. Sometimes your vet will prescribe Pepcid AC to help soothe your dog’s stomach or Pepto-Bismol if they are also experiencing diarrhea.
Castor Oil For a Dog’s Skin
Alternatively, castor oil is a fantastic remedy for dogs when applied externally but should only be given to them in moderation.
Castor oil can be used as a topical solution to help treat or relieve negative symptoms associated with a variety of skin conditions that can affect dogs. It can be used to treat fungal infections on the skin, as well as other conditions that cause skin to become dry, red, flaky, or itchy.
Additional benefits of castor oil for dogs include:
- Moisturizes skin
- Soothes skin allergies
- Promotes healthy fur
- Fights against ticks and fleas
One of the great things about castor oil is that it’s a natural remedy for many skin conditions, and is safer to use than many other topical solutions.
However, keep in mind that treating your dog with castor oil can get messy so be sure to have a plan in place before using it.
How To Use Castor Oil On Dogs
For topical applications, castor oil can be applied directly to the affected area. If preferred, it can also be mixed with olive oil in a 50-50 blend. For best results, we recommend applying warm heat to help your dog’s skin absorb the castor oil better, whether it’s by using a hair dryer on a low setting or warming up the oil beforehand.
To apply, simply massage the oil into your dog’s coat using either your hands or cotton balls. You can also dip the balls in warm water before applying castor oil on them to take advantage of its hydrophobic properties and keep the cotton from absorbing all the oil.
We recommend that you use a mouth collar while applying so your dog doesn’t have a chance to start licking the oil. Also, you should give your dog a bath once you’re done with the treatment to remove any unabsorbed oil that may be hiding in your dogs fur.
Castor oil is an excellent natural alternative for treating dry or irritated skin for your dogs. However, be sure to use it in moderation since too much can lead to negative reactions for your pup.
Yes, Castor Oil Can Be Used Topically On Dogs in Moderation
These days, more and more people are turning to holistic treatments, both for themselves and for their pets. Unfortunately, castor oil should not be consumed and you’ll need to let your dogs constipation run its natural course. Luckily, it will likely fix itself but you can also help by adding foods rich in fiber to their diets like papaya, bok choy, radishes, or apples.
Castor oil can be beneficial to your dogs skin and can be used to help moisturize or soothe symptoms related to various skin conditions. It is also a fantastic, natural remedy to help combat pesky fleas or ticks!