We frequently receive emails from concerned dog parents about hair their dog’s hair loss, sometimes in clumps that result in bald spots. While there are many reasons for hair loss or balding, we have seen organic virgin coconut help manage or alleviate this problem.
Alopecia is a common hair loss disorder in which hair completely falls out in circular patches of varying sizes all over the skin or scalp. Frustratingly, there is no known cause, and there has been little headway in the development of reliable treatments or a cure. What we do know is that Alopecia Areata is a fast acting, autoimmune, inflammatory disorder. It has also been established that many autoimmune, including dermatological disorders are strongly associated with Helicobacter Pylori infection.
Previous studies have shown that various short- and medium-chain free fatty acids (MCFAs from coconut oil) have antibacterial activity against primarily gram-positive bacteria. More recent studies have also shown that the growth of Helicobacter Pylori is inhibited by linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. Lauric acid (found in coconut oil) was the only medium-chain fatty acid with bactericial activity against H. pylori. Collectively, data demonstrates that H. pylori is rapidly inactivated by medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid.
Depending on the cause, coconut oil might help manage Alopecia.
We recommend giving CocoTherapy coconut oil to your dog, at maximum oral tolerance:
- The typical dose is 1 TSP/10 lb body weight.
- You can divide the dose between his AM/PM meals.
- Start slowly, and build up to the recommend amount. If you feel like he can handle more oil, increase the amount slowly and see how he reacts.
- You can also try to apply coconut oil topically to the balding area.