Can I Use Argan Oil On My Dog?

When you get dry skin, you have a number of moisturizers, lotions and oils that make sure you feel silky smooth. One item you've been using is Moroccan argan oil, which has been proven to rejuvenate skin and make you feel and look refreshed.

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While you love to put it on your own skin and your hair, you're wondering if it would be safe for your dog. After all, he has dry skin, too, and you want to do whatever you can to make him feel more comfortable. But first, before applying it, you want to make sure it's safe. Take the time to learn about argan oil and whether or not it's good for your pup.

Argan oil comes from trees in the Mediterranean region of the world that produce an argan fruit. Inside that fruit is a nut, which is then ground and made into argan oil, which is all-natural. The oil is imported from Morocco and can be eaten, rubbed on the skin and hair and used to treat wounds.

Argan oil is high in fatty acids, making it beneficial to people with acne, and it does not clog pores. It also moisturizes and reduces inflammation. It's also a natural exfoliation, an effective treatment for razor burn and a lip conditioner. Essentially, it can do it all.

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You know argan oil helps with your dry skin, but could it help with your dog's dry skin as well? The short answer is yes. You can rub it on areas where your dog's skin is dry as well as on his coat, which will keep it shiny, healthy and smooth. It can also help reduce hair loss, help with inflammation and alleviate rough paw pads.

Rubbing argan oil on once every other week should be enough. A few things to keep in mind: make sure the argan oil you're purchasing is all-natural and doesn't contain any additives. Look for labels that say 100% pure argan oil. It may be more expensive than the knockoff kind, but it's going to be much better for you and your pup. Also, test a small area of your dog's coat or skin before applying it all over, just to make sure he doesn't have a negative reaction to it. You only need a small amount of argan oil in general, since it's easy to spread.

There are some varieties of argan oil you and your pup can eat, but these are different than the products for skin care. Make sure you and your dog don't accidentally ingest argan oil that should be used for skin care only.

Cheaper alternatives to argan oil include coconut oil, primrose oil, fish oil and flaxseed oil. Many of these contain fatty acids and anti-inflammatory ingredients that are going to help your dog's skin and coat look and feel great. As with argan oil, only use a little bit at first to see how your dog's skin reacts.

Before buying argan oil or any other type of oil, make sure you do a quick check in with your veterinarian to make sure it's completely safe. You may also be able to give your pup edible versions of these treats instead. That way, if you have any other pet, you can ensure that he won't lick the oil off your dog (or that your dog won't lick it off himself).