What is Echinacea?
Echinacea is a genus of plants from the composite family, which includes several species of herbaceous plants. The best-known species are Echinacea purpurea (red coneflower), Echinacea angustifolia (narrow-leaved coneflower) and Echinacea pallida (pale coneflower). The plants originate from North America and were already used as a remedy by the indigenous peoples. The roots, leaves, flowers and seeds contain various ingredients that are said to have a positive effect on the immune system. These include polysaccharides, alkylamides, flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives and essential oils.
How does echinacea work?
Echinacea is said to stimulate and support the immune system in various ways. On the one hand, it is said to promote the formation of antibodies that are specifically directed against pathogens. On the other hand, it is said to increase the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells, which eliminate non-specific harmful organisms. In addition, echinacea is said to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and wound-healing effects. Thanks to these diverse effects, echinacea is said to strengthen the body's own defenses and prevent or fight infections.
What are the benefits of echinacea for dogs?
Echinacea can be used in dogs as an accompanying therapy for various illnesses that weaken or burden the immune system. These include, for example
- Infections of the respiratory tract such as coughs, bronchitis or kennel coughs
- Urinary tract infections such as cystitis or pyelonephritis
- Skin infections such as abscesses or poorly healing wounds
- Viral infections such as herpes or distemper
- Allergies or autoimmune diseases
Echinacea can also be used to prevent infections, e.g. in young or old dogs, chronically ill dogs or dogs in stressful situations. By strengthening the immune system, echinacea can improve the dog's general well-being and vitality.
What are the side effects of echinacea in dogs?
Echinacea is generally well tolerated by dogs and has few side effects. However, there are a few points you should bear in mind before giving your dog echinacea:
- Echinacea should not be given continuously, as this can lead to overstimulation of the immune system. The recommended duration of use is a maximum of two to three weeks. After that, a break of at least 14 days should be taken.
- Echinacea should not be used in dogs whose immune system is weakened, e.g. in dogs with leukemia or AIDS or in dogs receiving immunosuppressive drugs such as cortisone. In these cases, echinacea can weaken the effect of the medication or cause undesirable interactions.
- Echinacea should not be used in dogs with an existing allergy to composite plants, as allergic reactions may occur.
