Holistic Pet Care: A Guide to Safely Detoxing Dogs and Cats

Uncategorized Apr 29, 2024

As pet parents, we want nothing but the best for our furry companions. However, we often overlook the fact that our pets are exposed to a variety of toxins on a daily basis. Your pets will be exposed to over 85,000 toxins a year!

These toxins can accumulate in their bodies and cause health issues over time. That's why it's essential to detox your pets regularly. In this blog post, we'll discuss the internal and external sources of toxins, signs of congested detox pathways, how detox pathways work, and how to safely detox your dogs and cats using food and herbal remedies.

Internal and External Sources of Toxins

Toxins can enter your pet's body in several ways. One of the most common ways is through their food. Many commercial pet foods contain preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors that can be harmful to your pet's health. Kibble diets, in particular, are high in carbohydrates, which can lead to inflammation and obesity. Glyphosate, a herbicide commonly used in agriculture, can also be found in pet foods and can cause health problems in pets. Learn more about your pet's food to keep them safe.

Other sources of toxins include pesticides, herbicides, and cleaning products. Flea and tick chemicals can also be toxic to your pets. Even the air we breathe can contain toxins like carbon monoxide and cigarette smoke.

Signs of Congested Detox Pathways

If your pet's detox pathways are congested, it can lead to various health issues. Some common signs include increased liver values like ALP/ALT, lethargy, skin problems, itchiness, diarrhea, behavior problems, chronic health issues, and even cancer.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it's essential to take action and support your pet's detox systems.

How Detox Pathways Work

Detoxification is the process by which your pet's body eliminates toxins. This process primarily occurs in the liver, kidneys, and gut.

The liver is responsible for the two phases of detoxification, phase I and phase II.

During phase I, toxins are broken down into smaller molecules that can then be processed further in phase II. Phase II involves the conjugation of these smaller molecules with other compounds, making them easier to eliminate from the body.

After the liver processes the toxins, they are eliminated through the bile into the stool. The kidneys also play a vital role in eliminating toxins by filtering the blood and removing waste products through urine. If any of these pathways are not working effectively, toxins can build up in your pet creating health problems.

How to Safely Detox Your Dogs and Cats

Detoxing your pets doesn't have to be complicated. There are several safe and effective ways to support your pet's detox pathways.

1.Fresh Food Diets

One of the best things you can do for your pet's health is to feed them a fresh food diet. Fresh food diets consist of whole foods that are minimally processed and free from additives and preservatives. These diets are rich in nutrients and can help support your pet's overall health. If you need guidance on how to optimize your pet's nutrition, make sure to download our free Simple Guide To Improve Your Pet's Food.

2. Remove Toxins in the Environment

Another critical step in detoxing your pets is to remove toxins from their environment. This includes using natural cleaning products, avoiding herbicides and pesticides, and using natural flea and tick repellents. One of our favorite websites to help guide in picking out safe home products is EWG's Skin Deep website.

Make sure to check out our natural flea and tick remedies to help avoid these common toxins that are creating inflammation and potentially harming your pets.

3. Superfoods

Certain foods can also help support your pet's detox pathways. Blueberries, asparagus, and B vitamins are all excellent choices. Milk thistle, burdock, and dandelion are also powerful detoxifiers that can help support liver function.

A few brands that I recommend include (start with only one to not over-stimulate detox pathways):

4. Binders

Finally, using binders like zeolites, activated charcoal, and bentonite clay can help bind to toxins in your pet's system and eliminate them from the body. If the elimination pathways through the kidneys and out the gut are not working well (like constipation!), then toxins will get recirculated back into the liver to have to be reprocessed.

Brands that I recommend to help with binding toxins include (start with one product):

These binders work best when combined with the above supplements and fresh foods to help support the removal of toxins and natural cellular metabolism waste products to keep your dog and cat thriving naturally.

Detoxing your pets is an essential step in supporting their overall health and wellbeing. By understanding the sources of toxins, signs of congested detox pathways, and how detox pathways work, you can take steps to keep your pets healthy and happy for life.

Need Additional Holistic Veterinary Support?

If you are looking for additional support and guidance in caring for your pet’s health, consider reaching out to a holistic veterinarian. Holistic veterinarians take a whole-body approach to pet health, considering not only physical symptoms but also emotional and environmental factors that may be affecting your pet’s well-being.

If you are interested in learning more about holistic pet care, our Healthy Holistic Pet For Life Blueprint may be a helpful resource for you. This comprehensive program provides step-by-step guidance on how to support your pet’s health naturally, using a combination of nutrition, supplements, herbs, and lifestyle modifications with the support and mentorship of Dr. Katie Woodley, a holistic veterinarian, through a private, supportive community and weekly Q&A’s.

The Healthy Holistic Pet For Life Blueprint includes:

A step-by-step guide to healing the root cause of your pet’s health condition following our Five Pillars of Health frameworks
Guidance on selecting high-quality supplements and herbs to support your pet’s health for maintaining optimal health and/or healing disease
Strategies for managing common pet health issues such as allergies, arthritis, and digestive problems
Tips for creating a pet-friendly and toxin-free home environment while safely supporting detoxification
Guidance on using energy healing techniques to support your pet’s emotional and mental well-being
And much more!

If you are interested in learning more about our Healthy Holistic Pet For Life Blueprint, make sure to watch our free masterclass or apply for an interview to learn if this program is what you’re looking for to take your pet’s care to the next level. We are here to support you in providing the best possible care for your furry friend.

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*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. The information contained in thenaturalpetdoctor.com is strictly for educational purposes. Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in thenaturalpetdoctor.com, you are taking full responsibility for your actions. Please consult your veterinarian for medical advice for your own pets. Dr. Katie Woodley cannot answer specific questions about your pet’s medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Links in the blog are typically affiliate links that let you help support us.