Coconut Oil.. Any tips?

[LuvTaycieGirl]

Originally Posted by YorkieMumma

The elevated triglycerides level in the Maltese baby is very unfortunate and I have no doubt her mommy is doing everything to reverse the levels. Unfortunately we don't know any more details about the Maltese's health, or diet. The biochemistry of why lipid levels are elevated in the blood is much more complicated than just eating "fat".

I agree with you, work closely with your vet before using any supplement BUT ALSO, do your own research. Actually, research has shown that a diet very high in carbohydrates (in relation to protein) can spike triglyceride levels in the blood.

High triglyceride levels may be due to:
Cirrhosis
Diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates
Hypothyroidism
Nephrotic syndrome
Pancreatitis
Poorly controlled diabetes

More and more studies have shown beneficial effects from coconut oil and blood serum levels. Coconut especially seems to have positive effects on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. I always encourage people to do their own research and learn as much as possible. Here are some informative links that reference studies on this topic:

Coconutoil.com - Mary Enig Ph.D. on the Effects of Coconut Oil on Serum Cholesterol Levels and HDLs

Coconut Lowers LDL, VLDL and Triglycerides, Raises HDL
Coconut Lowers LDL, VLDL and Triglycerides, Raises HDL

I too, am not a fan of Mercola, but I have been going to Dr. Becker for my Yorkies and kitties for many years, and her knowledge is undeniable. She is compassionate, concientious, and I know that she continues to research and stay current on vet medicine. I have been to many, many vets, and I have to say that she is one of the most well-informed vet I have ever been. Her association with Mercola is not reason for me to discount her knowledge. My long-term experience with her has been excellent and I trust her with my fur-babies.

And I agree with you 100% LadyMom, always work closely with a vet you trust.

Thank you for this stimulating conversation! I love it when we inspire others to learn more!

WOW! I would say I learned something! What an interesting thread this became! Thankyou both for all your knowlege! I am so impressed and grateful to you both.

[YorkieMumma]

LuvTaycieGirl, you're very welcome! Back to your original question on coconut oil, I've been giving it to my 2 Yorkies and kittys for over 5 years and none of them have developed hyperlipidemia. One of my Yorkies, Violet had allergies and was on Prednisone. I thought she would have to be on prednisone forever, but after giving her coconut oil, she has been off pred for years now. I have heard many first-hand stories on how it has helped hypothyroid dogs, IBD, colitis dogs, etc. You can read some compelling testimonials about how coconut oil has help their dogs:
CocoTherapy - Testimonials

Also, coconut oil has been part of our family's diet for generations, our relatives have had no issues with high cholesterol or high triglycerides. Infact, most have them have lived long lives.

For those interested in elevated triglycerides in dogs, here are excellent information on this subject:

Canine hyperlipidemia

High Cholesterol in Dogs | PetMD

High Triglycerides in Dogs | eHow.com

Thank you again, and I promise to stop posting so many articles! ;-)

[Ladymom]

In the interest of fairness, YorkieMumma, you really should have disclosed upfront that you sell Cocotherapy.

[YorkieMumma]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

In the interest of fairness, YorkieMumma, you really should have disclosed upfront that you sell Cocotherapy.

Yes, CocoTherapy is my brand, LadyMom, but the brand of coconut oil was irrelevant in this discussion. Someone else did mention my brand earlier in the post (for which I am grateful), but my main concern was addressing the topic about coconut oil and its effects on triglyceride levels.
I typically do not push my coconut oil brand on anyone in discussions such as this, as there are many other brands of coconut oil out there. There are differences, and again, it is up to the consumer to do the research and buy what is best for them. As for inserting the testimonial link, it is one of the most comprehensive collection of testimonials from dog owners, which I think would help others learn from what other dog owners had to say about coconut oil.

Coconut oil is a personal passion, which is why I am so committed to educating other dog owners about it --- regardless of brand.

[hugz4all4]

I prefer using the fish oil over the coconut oil. Ive tried both and even though my dogs loved the coconut, it made them stink, thier breath and ears stunk so bad I was constantly bathing them. I had read on here that it was suppose to help with bad breath, runny eyes, doggy ordor etc but it made my dogs worse. It made Tuckers coat very greasy looking all the time. So we went back to using the fish oil and everyone looks and feels great.. I do know that others have had great success with it and Ryan is AWESOME to do buisness with.. I still use the coconut oil for myself and my kids, we use it on our hair, skin, chapped lips etc. It is great stuff, just didnt work for my pets.

[LuvMySissy]

I don't sell CoCo therapy, but I have been using both that and other coconut oils for two years now on the recommendation of the nutritionist I work with in conjuction with the holistic vet.

There are many healing properties associated with coconut oil not found in other oils, particularly not in fish oils - especially with it comes to the digestive tract. Many pups who canot tolerate fish oil because of the high fat content, can tolerate coconut oil.

We found a significant difference in the quality of my girls' coats within about a month of use (and we had been using salmong oil previously). We do use it sparingly - about 1/4 tsp per day (my girls are both around 5 lbs).

Not everyone is going to agree with this. Just like not everyone will agree with the nutritionist I use. Neither of my girls has elevated triglycerides. And Sissy's lipase levels, though still elevated, are now at the lowest they have ever been. In fact, I would venture to guess she is the first yorkie on this site diagnosed with Protein Losing Enteropathy still going strong two years later.

[happyhart]

Originally Posted by hugz4all4

I prefer using the fish oil over the coconut oil. Ive tried both and even though my dogs loved the coconut, it made them stink, thier breath and ears stunk so bad I was constantly bathing them. I had read on here that it was suppose to help with bad breath, runny eyes, doggy ordor etc but it made my dogs worse. It made Tuckers coat very greasy looking all the time. So we went back to using the fish oil and everyone looks and feels great.. I do know that others have had great success with it and Ryan is AWESOME to do buisness with.. I still use the coconut oil for myself and my kids, we use it on our hair, skin, chapped lips etc. It is great stuff, just didnt work for my pets.

If the coconut oil made your dogs stink, it could be that they were detoxing. Coconut oil is a natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral, and, when there is bacterial or fungal kill-off, symptoms may appear worse. I have 5 yorkies, and one of them did get a slightly oilier coat. So I just reduced her portion to 1/8 tsp, 2x a day, and now her coat is perfect! Every dog is different, so you might have to adjust the dosage according to their needs.

My friends dog got allergic to fish oil, eventually, and my vet said that happens more. She loves coconut oil and the benefits. I love CocoTherapy and I even take it myself! lol! I dont sell Cocotherapy, but they do have tons of great info on their website:

Great info on anti-bacterial, anti-viral:
CocoTherapy - Amazing Coconut Oil

Best comparison table I've seen on the diff between fish oil & coconut oil:
CocoTherapy - Amazing Coconut Oil - What's the difference between Fish Oils and Virgin Coconut Oil?

Love their coconut chips too!!!!!!!!! Amazing for making solid stools!

[happyhart]

Originally Posted by YorkieMumma

Yes, CocoTherapy is my brand, LadyMom, but the brand of coconut oil was irrelevant in this discussion. Someone else did mention my brand earlier in the post (for which I am grateful), but my main concern was addressing the topic about coconut oil and its effects on triglyceride levels.
I typically do not push my coconut oil brand on anyone in discussions such as this, as there are many other brands of coconut oil out there. There are differences, and again, it is up to the consumer to do the research and buy what is best for them. As for inserting the testimonial link, it is one of the most comprehensive collection of testimonials from dog owners, which I think would help others learn from what other dog owners had to say about coconut oil.

Coconut oil is a personal passion, which is why I am so committed to educating other dog owners about it --- regardless of brand.

THANK you for all the info you shared! Incredible information on tryglyceride levels. Lots of people, unfortunately even VETS dont understand coconut oil, just because it's a saturated fat. What they dont' know its a medium-chain fatty acid and is metabolized in the body differently from the long-chain fatty acids of saturated fats (animal fats). Sorry but lots of vet out there are clueless about nutrition and only know what dog food companies tell them. YorkieMumma, thank you for your informative website!