While chemical and manufactured medications can treat many health conditions in dogs, there are also benefits of using some natural products. One substance that has recently attracted attention is oregano oil, as studies have shown that there are multiple benefits to using this natural product to cure or alleviate the symptoms of a wide range of conditions. So, what are the benefits of dogs and how should you give them oregano oil? According to Dogster, oregano oil contains two chemical compounds- carvacrol and thymol. Both of these compounds destroy harmful microorganisms and bacteria. Therefore, oregano oil is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal.
What Can Oregano Oil Treat in Dogs?
Usually, 0oregano oil is used to treat illnesses that are caused by fungi or bacteria, due to the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of this oil. The most common conditions that oregano is used to treat include:
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Ear mites
- Giardia
- E. coli
- Candida
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Some parasitic infections
Also, oregano oil fights free radicals and contains cancer-fighting polyphenols. Therefore, some veterinarians use it as an additional treatment alongside other forms of cancer treatment. Furthermore, adding some oregano oil into your dog’s toothpaste can improve their general oral health.
Antibiotics vs. Oregano Oil- Which is Better?
The first point to note is that you should not give oregano oil to your dog as a replacement to traditional antibiotics unless your veterinarian advises you to do so. In many instances, a veterinarian will recommend oregano oil only as an addition to traditional antibiotics. One downside of traditional antibiotics is that some bacteria can develop resistance to them. As the bacteria develop resistance, they become untreatable using traditional antibiotics. On the other hand, oregano oil is something that bacteria will not develop a resistance to, and one reason for this is that it is constantly changing. No batch of oregano oil is the same. According to Melissa Shelton DVM, a holistic practitioner from the Oily Vet, all essential oils are different each time they are harvested. This means they can evolve in the same way that bacteria evolve. This is something that manmade drugs cannot do.
How Is It Given to Dogs?
It is important to know how to give oregano oil to your dog to make sure it gets the most benefit out of the product, and also so that the essential oil does no harm to your dog. According to Animal Wellness Magazine, this oil is usually diluted, with the exception of being used to burn off warts or moles. It is often mixed with a carrier oil or other oils if it is being used eternally. In its diluted form, oregano oil is delivered either topically, orally, or diffused. Which method of delivery you choose will depend on what you are trying to treat.
Are There Any Warnings About Using Oregano Oil for Dogs?
Do not apply this oil to your dog’s skin neat, as it can cause burns. Although it is used neat to remove skin growths, this is something that only a trained practitioner should undertake. Similarly, do not give oregano oil to your dog neat orally as it is a powerful substance. Before using oregano oil with your dog, you should always seek the advice of your veterinarian first.
How Should You Apply Oregano Oil to Your Dog Topically?
As already mentioned, you should only apply oregano oil to your dog on the advice of your veterinarian and only in a diluted form. Using this oil topically is the best way to treat fungal skin conditions. You will need to add one drop of oregano oil with a teaspoon of high-quality carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil. You can then apply this directly to the affected area of your dog’s skin.
How to Administer Oregano Oil Orally
Like administering oregano oil topically, you will also need to dilute the oil if you are administering it orally. Mix one drop of oregano oil with either olive oil or coconut oil. If your dog will not allow you to give them this directly into their mouth, mix the diluted oil in with their regular food. Give the diluted oil to your dog three times a day, or as the veterinarian has recommended.
Are There Any Side Effects for Dogs Using Oregano Oil?
Generally, if you have diluted the oregano oil properly, then it is considered safe for a dog to use both when applied topically and when given orally. However, it is possible that it can cause skin irritation. If you notice any signs of your dog suffering from skin irritation after use, then you should stop using the oregano oil straight away. It is also important to avoid contact with your dog’s eyes when applying the oil topically. Other areas of the body to avoid include your dog’s nose and genitals.
Can You Use Oregano Oil for All Dogs?
Although oregano oil is generally considered safe to use for most dogs, there are some dogs that should avoid this oil. First, you should not administer oregano oil to pregnant or nursing dogs. Similarly, you should not apply oregano oil to puppies under the age of 10 weeks. If your dog is suffering from certain health conditions, then you should avoid using this essential oil. Never use oregano oil for dogs that suffer seizures or those that have bleeding disorders. As this essential oil can lower blood sugar levels, you should also avoid using it for dogs with diabetes.
Dogs and Oregano Oil – The Final Verdict
Oregano oil is an essential oil that may have many health benefits for your dog, so it is used to treat a wide range of conditions. You can administer it in a diluted form either orally, topically, or in a diffuser. You should always check with your veterinarian before use, as it is not safe to treat some dogs with this oil.
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