Evening Primrose Oil for Dogs (5 Facts & Tips to Help)
- Veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic
- Updated: 2023-04-12
This article is about the valuable oil of evening primrose. It finds its application in body care, health care and against complaints of many kinds. In this article we show you everything important about this special oil. In addition, we have for this article advice from the veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic caught up. So be curious.
Actually this plant is called Common evening primrose. Judging by its healing and soothing effect, it is not at all mean. On the contrary.
The "common evening primrose
The common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) can be found in naturally preserved meadows, wild roadsides and sparse forests.
Unmistakable features by which you can recognize the plant are the pronounced height of growth and bright yellow flowers.
Evening primrose is a biennial plant. In the first year of development, it forms only a little conspicuous, flowerless and densely growing rosette of leaves on the ground.
In the second year, the long stem thrives and grows straight up to the sky. The stem is very strongly formed and hairy all over. Along it sit alternately arranged large elongated leaves with a slightly wavy edge.
In the month of June, the magnificent bright yellow flowers flourish and exude a beguiling fragrance. One flower consists of four large petals and reaches a size of up to 30 cm. It unfolds from a green bud.
A fully grown evening primrose can reach a height of up to 200 cm. For stability and water supply, it forms a so-called taproot. This thick root reaches deep into the soil. Propagation takes place via seeds that mature in a large capsule and then burst open.
Evening primrose as a medicinal plant
The use of evening primrose has a long tradition in natural medicine and was already appreciated by native peoples. In addition to the healing properties of the oil, the flowers, buds, leaves and root get a place in the herbal cuisine. Gourmets praise the tasty and mild aroma.
The important ingredients of the plant are in the seeds or in the oil of the seeds. Experience shows that the oil has a healing effect on various ailments of humans and animals. It is obtained by pressing the seeds in a special mill.
The most valuable ingredients of evening primrose oil include. Amino acids, minerals, vitamin E Regardless, it could also mean that your dog monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The most important are the polyunsaturated Omega-6 fatty acids, called Linoleic acid and Gamma-linolenic acid. These acids are responsible for important functions in metabolism and are vital for a healthy organism. Since the body cannot produce them itself, they must be supplied to it through food.
In high-quality dog food should contain the omega-6 fatty acids. They allow fat-soluble vitamins to be utilized. In addition, they provide your pelt nose with valuable energy and support the immune system.
If your four-legged friend receives too few fatty acids, the deficiency will soon become noticeable. Your pet shows a poor general condition and appears ill.
When does evening primrose oil help dogs?
Used in time, the oil can prevent and alleviate physical ailments. It can be used both internally and externally. Especially with Skin problems it is a small miracle cure. Skin problems are usually caused by the following:
- Too much solar radiation
- Too much calcareous water
- Dietary errors
- Diseases
- Genetic conditions
- Allergies
- Fungal infestation
- Parasites such as mites, fleas, fungi and ticks
If parasites have infected your pet, they spread rapidly and damage the skin more and more. They attack the surface, sometimes burrow into it and feed on scales, sebum or blood. The skin becomes itchy and taut.
Irritation of the skin is extremely unpleasant. Your cat will try to soothe the irritation and will scratch or gnaw on the affected areas. This scratching or gnawing usually causes more itching, which is a vicious circle and can lead to sores and severe infections.
These 12 symptoms indicate skin irritation:
- Dehydrations
- Redness
- Scaling and pustule formation
- Cracks
- Eczema
- Inflammations
- Excruciating itching
- Superficial injuries
- Hair loss
- Brittle hair structure
The internal application
Evening primrose oil is a prima dietary supplement in the daily feed. The ingredients can act in many ways:
- Lowers high blood pressure
- Strengthens the nervous system
- Acts against arteriosclerosis
- Alleviates rheumatic complaints of muscles and joints
- Promotes fat metabolism
- Provides a healthy skin and radiant coat
- Has a positive effect on the immune system
Are there any side effects?
Before you give your faithful companion evening primrose oil, it is best to read the description of the application and dosage. If you follow the instructions for use, side effects are unlikely.
If your protégé suffers from a chronic disease or is acutely seriously ill, you should seek the opinion of a veterinarian before administration. Likewise, a possible incompatibility with other means or medications is to be avoided.
Possible side effects may include nausea, vomiting, stomach and intestinal discomfort. If such phenomena occur, the doctor should also be consulted.
Which evening primrose oil should I buy?
Evening primrose oil is available in bottles with a pipette and portioned in capsules at a well-stocked pet supply store. When buying, quality is crucial, because you certainly want to get the best effect from the ingredients.
High-quality oils are distinguished from low-quality ones by the use of products from controlled organic cultivation, without the addition of pesticides, dyes and other additives.
The pressing of qualitative oil was done gently and without heating. In addition, it should still be long shelf life. When opening the bottle should emit a pleasant smell. The liquid itself is clear, flowing and not flaky.
All oils and the substances they contain are damaged by too much light and heat and lose their valuable active ingredients.
Therefore, you should store them in a dark and cool place. Oils with quality are usually bottled airtight in a dark bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evening primrose oil is an oil obtained from the seeds of the common evening primrose. The oil has medicinal activity both in humans and dogs.
Evening primrose oil has a very beneficial effect on skin diseases. It helps here against itching, irritation, allergies and parasite infestation. It also contains valuable omega-6 fatty acids, minerals and vitamin E.
Evening primrose oil can be added to the feed as a dietary supplement or applied externally to the skin. On the skin, it relieves itching, for example.
High-quality oils are distinguished from low-quality ones by the use of products from controlled organic cultivation, without the addition of pesticides, dyes and other additives.
Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress. If these side effects occur, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
Our recommendation
Should you consider buying an evening primrose oil, it should be very pure.
ConsiderEvening primrose oil is one of the most gentle and harmless remedies. However, the effect of the ingredients on the organism requires patience and time.
I am a veterinarian and writer on animal health topics. Animals are my passion, and it is my personal goal to create medically accurate articles and videos to educate pet owners as much as possible.
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