Are yorkie prone to skin issues?

[Deb1]

Where can I purchase coconut oil? Someone said they use GNC coconut oil. Petsmart carries that brand, so would they have it? I will talk to my vet about it, too. Since it is an oil, does it cause an unhealthy weight gain or have any side effects?

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Deb1

Where can I purchase coconut oil? Someone said they use GNC coconut oil. Petsmart carries that brand, so would they have it? I will talk to my vet about it, too. Since it is an oil, does it cause an unhealthy weight gain or have any side effects?

Most grocery stores carry it in their health food section. You are right, it can cause unhealthy weight gain and for those dogs that have to have a low fat diet it may not be a good idea. I've read several people say it was a last resort kind of thing and they were extremely happy, for others, it had no effect. Still others say it works topically on sores, but it does nothing when ingested. I’m always suspicious of anything that is touted as a cure all, and it seems like coconut oil would have died away because it’s a saturated fat, but now all these websites are screaming the virtues of coconut oil, so its suddenly become very popular. Lots of junk foods use to contain it and they warned us against it. I’m the type of person who likes to see scientific proof, so I would want to see what my vet had to say before I started self-curing. Sometimes, we can mask symptoms just enough that the vet can’t diagnose the problem correctly. Reality check: Coconut oil is not healthy? Beware? « Felicissima. If the vet doesn't have any answers, I'd probably try the 1/2 tsp. of coconut oil, and I'd make an appointment with a dermatologist.

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by Deb1

Where can I purchase coconut oil? Someone said they use GNC coconut oil. Petsmart carries that brand, so would they have it? I will talk to my vet about it, too. Since it is an oil, does it cause an unhealthy weight gain or have any side effects?

Coconut oil does not promote weight gain...quite the contrary, actually...it promotes metabolism and weight loss. Coconut oil has been in recent years downplayed and sometimes outright 'demonized' but its benefits have not changed. There has been 'confusion' introduced surrounding saturated fats, which I will not attempt to explain here, but "saturation" relates to molecular attributes specifically and is not synonymous with "unhealthy" by any means.

You can buy coconut oil lots of places these days...just make sure you get 100% virgin organic coconut oil.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by navillusc

Coconut oil does not promote weight gain...quite the contrary, actually...it promotes metabolism and weight loss. Coconut oil has been in recent years downplayed and sometimes outright 'demonized' but its benefits have not changed. There has been 'confusion' introduced surrounding saturated fats, which I will not attempt to explain here, but "saturation" relates to molecular attributes specifically and is not synonymous with "unhealthy" by any means.

You can buy coconut oil lots of places these days...just make sure you get 100% virgin organic coconut oil.

It only promotes weight gain because it is high in calories like any fat product. I know some people have said it promotes metabolism and weight loss, but is there any scientific research that says this? From the Mayo Clinic website. Coconut oil and weight loss: Does it work? - MayoClinic.com

Can coconut oil help me lose weight?

Answer

from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

The few small studies that have looked at coconut oil and weight loss suggest that coconut oil may help reduce waist size, but it doesn't lead to significant weight loss or improved body mass index (BMI).

Coconut oil is a tropical oil that's made from the dried fruit (nut) of the coconut palm tree. Proponents say that it contains a healthy type of fatty acid that your body quickly burns for energy. The oil extracted from fresh coconut contains medium chain fatty acids, which aren't stored in adipose tissue.

However, coconut oil is high in calories and saturated fat. One tablespoon contains 117 calories and 13.6 grams of fat. Coconut oil has more saturated fat than lard does.

Although eating coconut oil in moderation isn't likely to harm your health, it's not likely to help you lose weight either. For successful, long-term weight loss, stick to the basics — an overall healthy-eating plan and exercise.

[chachi]

The only skin problem mine have had is chachi had mange and had to be treated for it. He had one bout with itchiness and I changed food and the itchiness stopped so no I dont think all yorkies have allergy related itching

[Deb1]

I think I will have a visit with my vet about her itching and what to add if any thing to her diet. Maybe request a skin scraping to see if their is a cause for the symptoms. I would like to find out why she scratches not just cover the symptoms . My yorkie that passed in August rarely scratched, only had 1 yeast ear infection in 10 years! Max rarely scratches, either! Teeka is my baby and I want the best for her. Thank you everyone for the input!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Deb1

I think I will have a visit with my vet about her itching and what to add if any thing to her diet. Maybe request a skin scraping to see if their is a cause for the symptoms. I would like to find out why she scratches not just cover the symptoms . My yorkie that passed in August rarely scratched, only had 1 yeast ear infection in 10 years! Max rarely scratches, either! Teeka is my baby and I want the best for her. Thank you everyone for the input!

I'm like you; I want to find the why's! Sometimes covering up symptoms just gets you further down the hole. On the other hand, sometimes it just seems like our knowledge is still so limited, and we have to settle on what may help with symptoms. Best of luck!

[kjc]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I'm like you; I want to find the why's! Sometimes covering up symptoms just gets you further down the hole. On the other hand, sometimes it just seems like our knowledge is still so limited, and we have to settle on what may help with symptoms. Best of luck!

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org...h%20Center.pdf

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

It only promotes weight gain because it is high in calories like any fat product. I know some people have said it promotes metabolism and weight loss, but is there any scientific research that says this? From the Mayo Clinic website. Coconut oil and weight loss: Does it work? - MayoClinic.com

One must be willing to look at the subject open-mindedly and in depth...research does not ever come from one source alone. Take care. {{{Hugs}}}

[kjc]

Originally Posted by navillusc

One must be willing to look at the subject open-mindedly and in depth...research does not ever come from one source alone. Take care. {{{Hugs}}}

Link to list of PubMed research articles:

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org...h%20Center.pdf

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by navillusc

One must be willing to look at the subject open-mindedly and in depth...research does not ever come from one source alone. Take care. {{{Hugs}}}

My background is science and research, so I’m kind of a hard nose. Please don't get me wrong, it may work, but I'm just the type that needs proof before you make certain statements. I really wish they weren't saying SO many things about it and what it will cure; they did the same thing with apple cider vinegar a few years ago, and that just makes me more skeptical. I would definitely agree it needs more study, and because it doesn't seem dangerous in any way, and it would not harm most people or animals, so you could do your own little experiment. However, people should be aware that YES, it does contain calories and saturated fat.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by navillusc

Coconut oil does not promote weight gain...quite the contrary, actually...it promotes metabolism and weight loss. Coconut oil has been in recent years downplayed and sometimes outright 'demonized' but its benefits have not changed. There has been 'confusion' introduced surrounding saturated fats, which I will not attempt to explain here, but "saturation" relates to molecular attributes specifically and is not synonymous with "unhealthy" by any means.

You can buy coconut oil lots of places these days...just make sure you get 100% virgin organic coconut oil.

Coconut oil is amazing. I use it daily.

[Deb1]

Would coconut milk have the same benefits? Or does it have to be an oil?

[LowRain]

It could be a food allergy. When I first adopted Artie, he had what looked like acne on his belly. His previous owners had been feeding him canned Pedigree Chicken. I switched him to dried Wilderness Chicken, thinking that a higher quality food might improve his overall coat. The acne rash persisted. The vet thought it was some sort of allergy, but did not want to use medication yet. A groomer suggested switching him to Pure Vita Duck and Oatmeal dried food. The acne rash cleared up within two weeks of the switch and has never returned. He eats a combination of the Pure Vita Turkey and Duck and Oatmeal. Problem solved.

[Deb1]

LowRain, she has been on BB Freedom for about 2 1/2 months and gets only gluten free homemade treats, green beans or greek yogurt to top her kibble.