Coconut oil is an amazing product - it has so many uses and the benefits of using it regularly are unquestioned. However, one thing you should NOT be using it for is to moisturize your hairless pets.

Now, before you object, hear me out - yes, the internet is full of advice saying that this is a good product to combat dryness in hairless pet’s sensitive skin, but there are a number of good reasons why I disagree. As a qualified and experienced holistic practitioner who has studied the unique skin needs of all hairless pets extensively, my expert opinion is that coconut oil can do more harm than good.

• Firstly, not all coconut oil is created equal. There is a huge discrepancy in product quality across brands and using an inferior grade coconut oil can cause a lot of problems for our naked babies. It can make them dry, itchy, give them flaking skin, and in extreme cases cause skin flare ups and rashes.

• The efficacy of coconut oil as a moisturizing agent often depends on what it is combined with. RenewedPet regular and restorative formulations of shampoo and conditioner uses an organic fractionated coconut oil (which is extremely high-quality), BUT it is the combination of other ingredients that are added that enhance the coconut oil and make the products effective. Coconut oil alone, no matter how superior the quality, cannot have the same effect as when it is combined with other complimentary ingredients.

• Coconut oil is a thick, greasy substance that can potentially clog the pores of a hairless pet's skin, leading to skin issues, including acne or folliculitis (not to mention making your hairless pet a literal dirt magnet!). 

• Prepping your hairless pet’s skin before you apply anything to them is a vital part of the grooming process. Simply adding coconut oil to your pet will result in all the dirt and muck on their skin being trapped under a layer of oil. Our skinny pig, cat and hairless dog grooming kits all come with exfoliating gloves for this very reason. It is important to gently exfoliate all the dirt and dead skin cells off of your pet before applying anything. Only after properly cleaning your pet’s skin with one of our uniquely formulated shampoos for hairless pets, and exfoliation is your pet’s skin ready to absorb all the hydrating goodness of a balanced skin conditioner. Applying the conditioner while the skin is still wet, helps to lock in all that extra hydration.

• Some pets may be allergic to coconut oil, which can result in skin irritation, redness, or even more severe reactions. This is why RenewedPet offers a ‘sensitive skin formula’ shampoo & conditioner alternative for pets who are allergic to coconut. 

• Hairless pets, like Sphynx cats, are known to groom themselves extensively. If they ingest too much coconut oil during grooming, it could potentially lead to digestive issues.

• Although coconut oil is hydrating for some individuals, it can have a drying effect on others. In certain cases, it may disrupt the skin's natural moisture balance and exacerbate dryness. I receive multiple messages everyday from pet-parents who have been using coconut oil, seeking a solution for dry skin that actually works.

So what is the best thing to use to keep hairless pets soft, smooth and moisturized?

• You need to use a product that is formulated specifically for the needs of hairless animals. 
• You need something that recognizes and accounts for differences in skin types across a breed. 
• You need something that is formulated by an expert in hairless pets. 

You need RenewedPet products!

When you think of hydration, the first thing that comes to mind is water. There is not really anything better to hydrate your skin than high quality reverse osmosis water. 

Our shampoo and conditioner combo is uniquely designed and works to trap in moisture keeping your hairless pet soft, smooth and clean for longer periods. We use only the best, organically sourced, non-GMO ingredients to ensure that not a drop of harmful substance will ever touch your precious baby’s skin. Our products are formulated specifically for the concerns of hairless pet parents when it comes to taking the best care of your pet’s skin. 

We have three formulations that cover all types of skin, so even pet parents with the most sensitive pets can use our products with peace of mind. 

It's important to experiment with your hairless pet’s bath schedule to find the frequency that is best for your pet. Some pets do best once per week, others only once every 2 weeks, and some even less frequently than that. Just like us, every hairless pet’s skin is different - some is oilier, some is dryer - so it’s important to find what works best for your baby.

So throw your stash of coconut oil in the trash and usher in a new dawn of perfectly soft and velvety skin on your hairless pet today!

Keep giving your pets the best of natural life!

~PetCoachApril 

April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H