Helping Your Pets Detox

Detoxification is essential for any animal that has been treated with multiple courses of medications such as steroids, antibiotics or antihistamines which are often prescribed for animals with itchy skin or digestive disorders. Even pets who have been fed heavily processed foods for years will experience a build up of toxins in their body which must be released when they switch to a healthier diet.

Helping support your cat or dog's health is an important part of being a pet parent. Sometimes, a detox is a great way to support your pet’s wellbeing. Below, we will discuss 5 things to keep in mind to help detox your dog or cat.

Five Ways to Detox Your Pets

1. Switch to a Raw Diet

Changing to a raw food diet can initiate detoxification. You may see an increase in symptoms such as itching or an odd rash develop initially, but it will typically diminish within 7 to 14 days. Herbal rinses or oatmeal baths can help soothe itchiness and rashes until symptoms subside. However, be cautious of using oatmeal shampoo if your dog has a yeast infection. Oatmeal shampoo can exacerbate this issue.

2. Homeopathic Remedies

The elimination process can be supported with herbal or homeopathic remedies. Milk thistle and dandelion are commonly used for detoxification and liver support. The length of time it takes to detoxify will vary with the severity of the problem and the response of the individual animal. 

Many other herbs and remedies, such as turmeric for dogs, can be used to aid in the detoxification process, however it is best to consult a holistic veterinarian first to avoid giving your pet any harmful substances. If you don’t see any improvement in 21 days, or if symptoms worsen, consult a holistically trained veterinarian.

3. Probiotic Supplements

For dogs and cats that exhibit digestive difficulties such as loose stools, additional supplements can help support the health of the intestinal lining.

Probiotic supplements can aid in re-establishing the healthy bacteria needed by your pet’s digestive system. You can give human probiotic supplements to dogs and cats, just adjust the dosage to your pet’s body weight, (usually ¼ capsule for cats, and ½ – 2 capsules for dogs).

4. L-glutamine

L-glutamine is an amino acid that is critical for maintenance of proper intestinal metabolism, structure and function. Most health food stores carry several brands of L-glutamine. Again, adjust dosage to your pet’s body weight – keeping in mind that most suggested dosages on the bottle are for a 120-150 lb human.

5. Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm is a useful herb for detoxification and intestinal support as it both soothes and tones tissues while drawing out and eliminating toxins. You can make a gruel out of the powder or purchase a tincture (preferably glycerin based).

Support your Pet’s Detox with Darwin’s

Always consult a veterinarian when your dog or cat shows signs of any illness. When more serious causes have been ruled out, however, a diet change may be just what is needed to alleviate chronic itching or digestive troubles.

At Darwin's, we create natural pet food that helps support their overall health. Our raw food options help support the immune system of cats and dogs, and aid in the detoxing process. Our products focus on natural ingredients that support the overall health of your pet, and we avoid typical ingredients found in most processed foods. Check out our natural pet food, and get your pet started with their detox.

Resources:

Natural Veterinary Medicine by Susan G. Wynn and Steve Marsden

Herbs for Pets by Gregory L. Tilford and Mary L. Wulff