Clients often ask “are toxins harmful to my dog?” Toxins are dangerous for humans and their loyal, furry counterparts, the family dog. Let’s discuss how toxins impact your dog, where toxins come from as well as ways to help your dog detox. Keep reading to learn about more about toxins and your dog!
Toxins are everywhere. You’re probably thinking “Well, how does my dog get exposed to toxins, anyway?” Good question. It’s really simple; inhalation, skin absorption and ingestion. Your dog comes into toxins every single day. Anything from mold, mildew, gases, oil, household cleansers, to prescription drugs, vaccinations, food and treats. It’s really hard to avoid being exposed to toxins these days. Fortunately for your dog, his little body has a built in detoxification system via his waste removal organs such as the kidney, liver, and skin. A healthy dog will usually be protected by his built in detoxification system but dogs that are diseased, injured, aging or have an otherwise compromised immune system are at risk for inflammation, illness and potentially fatal diseases such as cancer.
Are toxins harmful to my dog? And if so, how do I detox?
You now might be wondering what you can do to help your dog detox. We thought so. Keep reading.
One way you can help your dog detox is through the use of herbs. There are specific herbs that strengthen the waste removal organs that we mentioned above: the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic and immune systems.
The liver. Milk thistle, licorice, burdock root, yellow dock and Oregon group strengthen the liver as well as aid digestion. These herbs will support your dog’s natural detox process by helping to eliminate toxins from his blood.
The Immune System. Garlic and Echinacea will support the immune system of your dog.
The Lymphatic System. Clover and cleavers support the lymphatic system in removing toxins from the tissue in your dog’s body.
The Kidneys. Herbs that act as natural diuretics aid in the removal of toxins from your dog’ s body. Marshmallow, cranberry, and corn silk are all excellent examples of herbs that serve this purpose.
Another way you can help your dog detox is through the use of supplements. Chlorophyll is an amazing supplement that provides your dog with the greens he may not be getting through his daily diet. Dark greens are not just good for you! Let Fido, reap the benefits of dark greens too. In fact, it is believed that chlorophyll can reverse diseases and disorders that negatively impact your dog’s organs.
Additionally, you can help your dog detox by simply making some changes to his lifestyle! This might seem daunting but it’s really not. First your dog should be drinking plenty of clean, filtered water. Don’t allow him to drink from puddles, streams, rivers or oceans. Feed your dog an all natural diet, organic if at all possible. If you do feed your dog commercial, bagged dog food, know the product. Learn how to read labels! Many commercial dog foods and treats are laden with chemicals, which is so dangerous for your dog.
You might be a little overwhelmed at the moment. I understand. Try to digest the information, do some research on your own and consult a holistic vet. With the advances in veterinary medicine, there’s plenty of information out there to help you keep your dog free from toxins which will result in a long, healthy life. We hope this answered your question “are toxins harmful to my dog?”
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