Olive oil is a pantry staple in many homes. In the kitchen, we use it for cooking, salad dressing dips, and marinades. This wonderful oil also has medicinal purposes. You can use it to manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. But its functionalities do not end there. Olive oil also has tons of benefits for hair and skin.
Now, what you may not know is that there are advantages to using olive oil for pets. And you get to know which in our article below.
Better Appetite
If you notice that your dog does not have a good appetite, try olive oil mix for pets. All you need to do is administer a drizzle over the dog food. Your family pooch will love the resulting bacon taste. You will notice that the dog’s appetite improves after a few days of using olive oil.
Olive oil is also a fantastic laxative. It can help stimulate the digestive system, thus helping with indigestion or constipation. If the pet develops diarrhea, which takes some time to resolve, discontinue the use of olive oil. It could signify that the animal is allergic to it.
Weight Management
Managing your pet’s weight should be a key concern. The very same issues you face as a human when overweight, will affect your favorite animal friend. An obese pet can suffer from heart disease, joint problems, etc. So, how can olive oil help?
Well, olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats. These are excellent for breaking down fat. Research shows that monounsaturated fats work better on lipoproteins than carbohydrates. They help lower HDL cholesterol and raise triglycerides.
Indeed, if you also want a diet that will work, increase your uptake of such cholesterol-lowering fats.
But the benefits do not stop there. Lower cholesterol means better circulation and overall healthier cardiovascular health. Please be careful about the dosage you give. You can maintain one teaspoon every day for dogs. Cats need about three teaspoons per week.
Healthier Joints
By now, you know that pets, especially dogs, share a lot of commonalities with humans. Your favorite four-legged pal can suffer from hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other bone joint issues.
Administering doses of olive oil can be a huge relief when it comes to pain management. This is due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It provides a fantastic, inexpensive solution if you compare what you would spend on constant medication.
Glossier, Healthy Skin and Coats
Forget about looking for expensive treatments for your pet’s dry and flaky skin. Olive oil contains some natural ingredients that can be beneficial for your pet’s coat and skin. These include omega-3, vitamin E and a host of phytonutrients such as oleuropein.
The latter has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties as well. That works to restore moisture, thus preventing drying, which can lead to flaky skin.
Stronger Immune System
You can improve your pet’s immune system with olive oil. The carotenoids and polyphenols present in the oil are to thank for this. You will see tons of savings from the money that would go to the vet.
With a strong immune system, your pet will have a better chance of keeping away infections.
Seasonal changes will also not affect them as much. Like human beings, the transition from one season to another can come with various illnesses. Allergies, for example, are very common during such times. But, with a healthy body and robust immune system, your pet will have no challenge during such times.
Improved Respiration
Giving a small dose of olive oil can go a long way in preventing respiratory conditions. Some dog breeds like Shih Tzu and bulldogs can suffer from asthma. The olive oil helps with circulation and opens up the airways, thus assisting with breathing.
Improved Brain Health
Some studies show direct linkages between brain health and olive oil. Consuming a Mediterranean diet, for example, can boost mental wellness and reduce, by up to 40%, the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia. The benefits are due to polyphenols, specifically oleocanthal, present in olives or extra virgin olive oil.
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, olive oil has so many benefits for your family pet. But, do take care in how you use it. Moderation is critical for various reasons. The fat content in olive oil can lead to weight gain. Some pets will also have an adverse reaction to it. It could present in the form of diarrhea or stomach upset.
A good idea would be to use a ready olive oil mix for pets. Such come with dosage specifications, making them easier to administer. Like in the case of taking medication, please do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation.
The other option is to let your vet advice on a suitable dosage.