Organic Sunflower Oil

(Helianthus annus)

There are many potential ingredients that can go into various ointments and creams intended to help heal dog paws that are dried, cracked, and painful, and one of them is sunflower oil. This is considered a non-volatile oil that is derived from compressed sunflower seeds.

It is commonly used in cosmetics because it is a potent emollient, which essentially means it helps to soften and smooth skin. For painful dog paws, finding relief is not just about providing comfort for the beloved four-legged companion but also to help restore the skin and help protect it into the future.

Why Use Organic Sunflower Oil for Dogs

There are many times when dog owners need to find some type of solution to help alleviate various symptoms and other conditions for their companions. Because dogs’ paws undergo a tremendous amount of abuse during the average day, it’s essential to help make sure they are healthy and in good condition.

For dogs that live within cities and other urban areas, they may spend a considerable amount of their time walking on paved surfaces. Not only can this become extremely hot in the summer, it can also dry those paws out, causing them to become painful. It can reach a point where the dog doesn’t want to go for walks, at least until their paws feel better.

Sunflower oil is high in fatty acids and that helps to combat free radicals in the skin, which is one of the major causes of premature aging of the skin and drying out. It also helps to sooth the skin, helping the dog’s paws feel better quicker, and that can aide in the healing process.

Essential Properties of Organic Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is rich in a number of fatty acids. It is known as a triglyceride, and its official ‘profile’ (chemical composition) is as follows:

• Linoleic acid (omega-6): 59%
• Oleic acid (omega-9): 30%
• Stearic acid
• Palmitic acid

There are several different ‘types’ of sunflower oil that are produced. The most common are considered either ‘high linoleic,’ ‘high oleic,’ and ‘mid oleic.’ The composition of sunflower oil can be directly impacted by genetics and climate, meaning where the sunflower oil derives from could have an influence on its effectiveness overall.

The oil is a liquid at room temperature, but can change properties as the temperature drops.

Because dogs don’t have the ability to naturally produce fatty acids, it’s important to supplement their daily diet with nutrition that can provide them with at least a minimal level. Even getting the minimal level of these essential fatty acids still might not be enough to avoid painful dog paws.

The best way to provide comfort and relief to any dog is to rely on a paw protectant, such as a cream or ointment. With the right blend of ingredients, including sunflower oil, a paw protectant should be all natural and focus on the right combination of fatty acids, healing properties, soothing properties, and more.

Organic sunflower oil is one of those ingredients that can make a world of difference for any dog that’s dealing with painful paws.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-40-sunflower%20oil.aspx?activeingredientid=40&activeingredientname=sunflower%20oil
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower_oil
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02541904#page-1