Evening primrose is a flowering plant that many dog owners may be curious about. If you’ve wondered, “Can dogs eat evening primrose?” or “Is evening primrose bad for dogs?”, this comprehensive guide will provide the information you need.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Ingesting small amounts of evening primrose is generally not toxic to dogs. However, some potential side effects in canines may include upset stomach, diarrhea and headache.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key details around evening primrose and dogs, including the plant’s toxicity level, possible side effects, and steps to take if your pup ingests some by accident.

Evening Primrose Toxicity Level for Dogs

Mildly toxic in large doses

Evening primrose contains phenylalanine, which in high doses can be toxic to dogs. However, the plant is generally considered only mildly toxic to canines. According to the ASPCA, ingesting evening primrose may cause minor gastrointestinal upset in dogs like vomiting or diarrhea.

These symptoms are often short-lived.

Larger doses taken over time pose more risk. Consuming substantial amounts could irritate the stomach, potentially causing internal bleeding in extreme cases. However, most toxicity is seen when dogs eat the seeds or supplements. The oils and extracts are more problematic than the leaves or flowers.

Toxicity comparison to other plants

Compared to extremely toxic plants, evening primrose is relatively low risk for dogs. Highly poisonous plants like sago palms, oleander, or azaleas can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal issues, cardiac problems, seizures, liver damage, coma, or death with just small ingestions.

Whereas minor evening primrose ingestion leads primarily to temporary stomach upset.

That said, because it can negatively impact dogs in large amounts over time, owners should still keep evening primrose out of reach. The ASPCA lists evening primrose with a “Toxicity Level of 2 out of 5”, but popular houseplants like pothos rate 3 out of 5.

Impact of dosage amount

The amount of evening primrose a dog consumes plays a major role in poisoning risk. Small ingestions of leaves or flowers may lead to no issues. Whereas consuming many parts, large volumes of leaves, substantial seeds or supplements can mean toxic reactions.

  • Seeds or capsules – greater poisoning risk
  • Oils and extracts – higher toxicity
  • Leaves and flowers – typically less hazardous
Dosage Amount Toxicity Severity
Licking pollen or eating 1 flower Minimal to none
Ingesting leaves from several stems Mild gastrointestinal signs
Consuming many leaves or flowers Moderate digestive upset
Eating many seeds or capsules Severe stomach bleeding possible

So in smaller volumes, evening primrose likely poses little toxicity threat to dogs. But pet owners should still avoid letting Fido ingest the plant, especially seeds or supplements. Overall, it’s a relatively mild danger that becomes progressively worse with dosage amount.

Possible Side Effects in Dogs

Evening primrose oil can have some minor side effects in dogs if not used properly. Understanding the potential risks can help dog owners make informed decisions about using this supplement.

Gastrointestinal issues

The most common side effect is gastrointestinal upset. Some dogs may experience mild diarrhea or vomiting when first starting evening primrose oil. These symptoms often resolve on their own within a few days as the dog’s system adjusts.

To reduce stomach issues, veterinarians recommend starting with a low dose and slowly increasing over 2-4 weeks. Giving the oil with food can also help. If symptoms persist or worsen, discontinue use and talk to your vet.

Other symptoms to watch for

While less common, evening primrose oil can occasionally cause side effects like fatigue, headache, nausea, rash, or bruising. These may indicate an individual sensitivity or allergy to one of the compounds.

High doses may interfere with some medications. Check with your vet about possible interactions, especially if your dog takes blood thinners or drugs for conditions like epilepsy or diabetes.

Long-term health concerns?

There is little research on the long-term use of evening primrose oil in dogs. However, most evidence in humans suggests that Taking the oil for up to a year appears to be safe for adults when used appropriately (Source).

As with any supplement, it’s a good idea to use the lowest effective dose, monitor your dog for side effects, and take occasional breaks from use.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Evening Primrose

Induce vomiting if eaten recently

If you catch your canine companion munching on evening primrose plants or see evidence that they’ve recently ingested parts of the plant, inducing vomiting can help eliminate the toxins before they’re absorbed.

According to the ASPCA, the sooner you can get the plant material out of your dog’s stomach, the better their chances of avoiding serious toxicity issues. Consult with your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away if your furry friend ate evening primrose in the last couple hours.

To prompt vomiting at home, your vet may recommend giving your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide. Administer 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight, up to 3 tablespoons maximum. This should trigger vomiting within 10-15 minutes if given shortly after ingestion.

Stay calm and monitor your dog closely during this process.

Call animal poison control or your vet

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) have experts available 24/7 to provide guidance if you think your dog got into evening primrose. They can help assess how much was ingested, how long ago, and any symptoms present.

Based on the details, they’ll advise next steps, such as inducing vomiting at home or going to the emergency vet right away.

Be prepared to provide details like your dog’s age, breed, weight and current condition. Pictures of the plant can also help identify specifics. This info allows them to give tailored recommendations for your pup’s situation.

Provide supportive care as needed

If vomiting was already induced at home and symptoms seem mild, the poison control experts may recommend monitoring your dog closely for the next 24 hours while the toxins leave their system. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, symptoms from mild toxicity can include gastrointestinal upset, drooling, dilated pupils and unsteadiness.

If you notice these, follow advice to keep your dog comfortable.

For example, appetite stimulants prescribed by your vet can help restore normal food intake after vomiting. Making sure fresh water is always available encourages proper hydration too. Though rare, severe toxicity causes life-threatening heart problems, so immediate vet care is essential if you observe fainting, seizures or arrhythmia.

While the toxicity potential varies by the specific primrose species and individual dog size, try limiting access to these plants in your yard and on walks. Quick action if ingested can help prevent serious issues in your beloved pet.

Precautionary Steps for Dog Owners

Supervise your pup around evening primrose plants

Evening primrose can be toxic to dogs if ingested, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your furry friend when they’re around these flowering plants. Don’t allow your dog to nibble on or play with evening primrose, as ingesting any part of the plant – leaves, flowers, roots, or seeds – could cause illness.

If you notice your dog about to munch some evening primrose, quickly steer them away and distract with a treat or toy. Constant supervision is key to keeping your four-legged companion safe.

Consider removing evening primrose from your garden

If you grow evening primrose in your garden or yard, you may want to strongly consider removing it entirely if you have a dog. Eliminating the plant takes away the temptation and risk of your pup sampling the toxic vegetation.

If you decide to keep evening primrose on your property, make sure it’s in an area that’s completely blocked off from your dog by fencing or plant barriers. You can also opt for evening primrose varieties that don’t spread rapidly and aggressively invade turf grass, keeping the plant more contained.

Whenever your dog is outside off-leash, check that they don’t have access to the toxic flowering plant.

Administer activated charcoal if advised

If you believe your dog has ingested evening primrose, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Based on your dog’s size and symptoms, your vet may advise you to administer activated charcoal at home before bringing your dog in.

Activated charcoal binds to the toxins, helping block absorption in the body. Never give activated charcoal without your vet’s guidance, as dosage is imperative. Keep an emergency supply of activated charcoal on hand just in case, but have your vet walk you through proper administration.

With quick action, your furry friend has a good chance of making a full recovery.

Conclusion

While not severely toxic, evening primrose does come with some risks and potential side effects if dogs ingest too much of the plant. By supervising your pet, removing evening primrose from your garden, and calling your vet at the first sign of illness, you can help keep your furry companion safe and healthy.

We hope this guide gave you the comprehensive details you were seeking on evening primrose’s toxicity level for dogs. Understanding exactly how different plants impact dog health allows owners like you to make informed decisions to protect your pet.

Similar Posts