Argan Oil Benefits & Origins
Recently there has been buzz surrounding the benefits of argan oil including argan oil for dogs. Let’s discuss what argan oil is and the potential benefits it may have. Argan oil is an extract that comes from the argan tree found in Morocco. Argan oil has high levels of vitamin E and fatty acids which have shown to benefit hair and skin cells. Today many people use argan oil as a skin moisturizer, conditioner, stylizer (reduces frizzy hair caused by humidity/static), skin problems such as a dry skin/acne, anti aging, nail treatments and skin protection/recovery. Humans consume this magical oil via a pill or topical use in oil form applied to the skin.
Argan Oil for Dogs?
Before you ask “how can this benefit my dog?”, you should speak with a veterinarian or expert about utilizing such oils on your dog. Argan oil has been found to contain 0 substances that are toxic to pets, but there are side effects such as kidney and pancreas problems if orally consumed in high volumes (which is why it is recommended to only use topically on dogs). If you apply argan oil to your dog’s coat, you should monitor their behavior and ensure they are not licking the oil. You should always consult a professional first and stick with 100% pure argan oil. You never know if your dog could have an allergic reaction or similar.
Argan Oil Benefits for Your Dog
There are several ways that you can use this oil to benefit your dog. The most common use of argan oil is on your dog’s hot spots. Hot spots are visible spots on your dog’s coat/skin. Such spots are usually caused by allergies, sun burn, irritation from scratching, bug bites, etc. Generally they are a spot that is caused from some form of irritation. Argan oil has shown to reduce the urge to scratch/lick and help recover the skin damage caused from irritation.
Argan Oil for Moisturizing
Another benefit argan oil posses for your dog is a moisturizing agent for the skin/coat/paws/elbows and de-tangle solution. You can apply the oil and comb through after a bath or make a spray solution that can be sprayed on the coat, elbows, paws, etc. The argan oil will not only moisturize the skin and hair, but keep their coat soft, smooth, and stylized. This works especially well with poofy/fuzzy coats that can quickly become a tangled mess. You can mix argan oil into your dog’s shampoo for baths as well. This is not only effective and efficient, but it will reduce the potential of ingestion. How many dogs have you heard of that enjoy licking/consuming shampoo? When mixed into shampoo, it creates a solution that will likely not tempt your dog to consume/lick. 25% oil to 75% shampoo is a good starting point.
Argan oil can reduce hair loss as well. Dry/irritated spots on your dog can cause hair loss and damage to your dog’s coat. By using argan oil to reduce irritation and promote recovery, you are helping reduce hair loss to the coat.
Kimberly Mattar
Written June 12th, 2018
Last Updated September 4th, 2020
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Kim is the co-owner of DogLoverStore with her husband, John. She earned her BS in operations management at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She enjoys walking in nature, gardening in the sun, eating sour candy, going on drives, yoga, and reading.
