Olive Oil Treatments For Your Pets

For over 5000 years, humans have been using olive oil in a variety of ways to nourish and protect their health. Researchers and pet lovers alike are by now well aware that olive oil has as many benefits for their beloved furry friends as it does for humans. Here are just a few:

Physical and emotional health. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains high levels of polyphenols (antioxidants) and monounsaturated fats. Just as humans require these for good physical and emotional health, dogs and cats can also benefit from them. Prevailing wisdom among researchers and pet lovers in general is that ½ to 1 teaspoon a day mixed with regular dog or cat food will provide your pet with adequate nutritional value. There are, of course, several grades of olive oil (from pure to extra virgin) and it is important to note that the greatest benefits will come from the oil with the highest concentration of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants: the very definition of extra-virgin olive oil.


Olive Oil Coat Care. Olive oil taken internally as mentioned above or rubbed directly into the coat in small amounts adds a protective coating to hair follicles, bringing out the natural luster and flexibility that result in a soft and shiny coat for your pet. Shedding is reduced as your pet’s hair and skin become healthier. For your dog this means a softer, more flexible coat that will be less inclined to mat, saving you and your pet from the struggles of de-matting. For your cat, a small amount ( ½ tsp) of olive oil used periodically can act as a lubricant and gentle laxative to help stave off the accumulation of fur in the system that leads to the dreaded fur ball!


Olive Oil Skin Care. The vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids in olive oil have long been known to make an essential contribution to skin health. It nourishes the skin adding nutrients that sooth the irritations that are making your pet scratch. These same nutrients can prevent scaling and flaking of the skin—dandruff. Fragrance-free olive oil soaps and olive oil lotions can be used for this purpose and are available where specialty beauty products are sold (e.g., health food stores, organic stores, farmers markets, and online.)


Flea and Ear Mite Protection. Olive oil, when mixed with a bit of garlic, can be swabbed on the skin inside your pet’s ear to eliminate ear mites and guard against problems with ear mites or fleas.
 
Constipation. Olive Oil is a great supplement if your pet suffers from constipation. Just add a teaspoon to their food as a lubricant. Don’t overdo it though, or it may have the opposite effect!


Arthritis. While you should always check with your vet for a good arthritis treatment such as Rimadyl, you can also support the joints naturally. Glucosamine, MSM, and Chondroitan work for most pets, but you adding olive oil into their daily regimen will additionally strengthen their joints and their immune system.


Ear Infections. When you dog is shaking his head repeatedly and is scratching his ears, he may have ear mites, but he can also have an ear infection. A few drops of olive oil (preferably slightly warm) rubbed into the ear canal will relieve the symptoms immediately.


Luna Olivo, an olive oil company in Ventura California is the first company to develop a bacon flavored olive oil, which most pets (and humans) love. Mix it into pet’s food one teaspoon every two to three days for best results. For cats and for external applications, you may want to try just regular California EVOO, as it has a slightly grassy taste, which makes it perfect au natural for your feline friend.


As with everything you do for your pet, an excellent approach to using olive oil in these various ways is to start with small amounts and watch for changes. Using olive oil in conjunction with essential oils, like lemon oil, can extend the duration of the essential oil’s effectiveness, as the benefits will be released gradually and over a longer period of time. Remember, though, that essential oils should only be used for dogs, never for cats!