Spots and shots may stress the crew, so here’s how we help them pull it through. While our dog's body knows how to do its detox time, we can help its cleanup crew shine!
To begin, it must be said that adequate nutrition, hygiene and overall care practically eliminates the need to 'detox' as the body does that pretty well on its own. But, over time, intolerances can build up and there's also the exposure to so-called miscief makers (i.e. air pollution and so on) that weaken the body's natural detox mechanism. Fortunately, when there is a need to take action, with animals, very often very little is needed to restore factory settings. This is why I always started with gentle approaches such as altering nutrition and using homeopathic and/or naturopathic support that never failed me (sometimes they magically solved the problem entirely on their won and when needed, they complemented traditional medicine by speeding things up or eliminating drug side-effects).
Detox is a natural process and the body's innate strength. Ideally, all you have to do is prevent outside actions/factors from debilitating this already perfect mechanism. If this has happened, do not despair as this is when we can take action but keeping in mind that all we have to do is simply restore 'factory settings'.
1. Enhance meals with herbal power
A pinch of the right herbs can often be all the 'detox maintenance' a healthy dog needs to stay in optimal health. Again, less is always best and a pinch truly is all it takes! When fed in moderation, the right herbs are perfectly safe and can be of great benefit.
Always check twice as for example, dogs can only eat curly parsley while italian parsley is highly toxic to them. While curly parsley elp ease digestion, reduce gas, and freshen breath, acting as a gentle diuretic, helping flush toxins, excessive use can be toxic and lead to dehydration and kidney strain due to a high oxalate content.
While infusions can be used, they are entirely different (in terms of chemical composition), so we will address infusions separately in a different post.
IMPORTANT: If your dog is on medication, you need to consult a veterinarian before adding herbs because herbs can interact with drugs.
Best is finely chop and sprinkle directly on food. Just a pinch. Always gradually and never more than one herb so you get a clear feedback what your dog's gut likes.
1. Dill - acts as an anti-foaming agent in the stomach, reducing gas and bloating. It is also soothing with antispasmodic qualities, aiding in cases of stomach cramps, vomiting, and mild diarrhea. With antibacterial properties, it helps fight gut mischief makers and can even aid with constipation.
2. Basil - an anti-inflamatory and antioxidant power house, besides being rich with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as magnesium (important for muscle function, heart health, and cellular energy production) and iron, it is a natural adaptogen which many of us often forget in overly stressed everyday routines. It is also a great aid in blood sugar regulation because it can help increase insulin sensitivty.
3. Coriander (cilantro) - a great source of magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants, also an anti-parasitic (against worms). Some studies show its benefits for brain and heart for dogs suffering from epilepsy. While it aids in digestion, too much can cause stomach upset. To be avoided when using blood thinners.
4. Dandelion (leaves + root)- while great for healthy liver and kidneys, being a great natural diuretic, it needs to be used with extreme care and under veterinary guidance to avoid dehydration (which is extremely dangerous in case of weakened kidneys).
2. Post-vaccines detox
The idea of vaccines is more than a great one- administering weakened forms of germs that cause diseases and therefore, produce a mini version of the disease to stimulate the immune response which protects the body from the actual thing for a while. Unfortunately, they are not 100% effective and the actual response of the animal is a critical factor. Therefore, in some cases, they can cause health disturbances, especially when the animal is sick, weak, malnourished, toxicated or simply when its immune system has been weakened for some reason and that could due to a previous disease, drug therapy or genetics. All in all, this is a very complex subject and one that is best advised with your vet. Dr. Pitcairn clearly states and elaborates his opinion in his book (spoiler: parvo and distemper are non-negotiable) so you can also use it for your discussion. The good news is that when possible, a blood test can show antibodies, i.e. rabies titer test, and in some counties, that can be accepted instead of a booster vaccine (the first one is obligatory). There's a big difference between an annual rabies vaccine and France where many used are valid for as many as 3 years. The UK has an even bigger span for low-risk travelers of up to 10 years, etc.
According to veterinary homeopaths, the biggest trouble arises when a dog's health has been restored after exhaustive work, only for the dog to suffer a relapse and go into a decline after a required rabies vaccine. Fortunately, even if you live in a country with a more intense schedule of vaccination, there is a way to avoid this and it is simply by giving a homeopathic remedy Thuja 30c within 2 hours of getting the vaccine. Again, senior dogs might not need every vaccine every year and a good vet will always weigh the consequences (keep in mind that consequences are worse when they are older= weaker so protection is just as important but your vet studies his'her ass off to be able to make a sound judgement that is in your pet's best interest and this is when titer test helps. The bottom line is that you have your homeopathic tool, and once you found a wholistic vet you trust, you trust them all the way.
3. Annual liver detox
The majestic body lab, the liver, does more than 400 functions. Yet, we make it word even harder, i.e. with processed foods and unfortunately, with its benefits aside, kibbles are processed. For younger dogs who are healthy and with well-balanced nutrition, you can afford to do nothing on the detox front in the early years as a young and vibrant body will take care of the waste on its own, especially if your dog has no difficulties handling the regular exposure that chemicals that do more good than harm (protect against inner and outer parasites, heart worm, etc). But, to prevent them from happening, i.e. anal gland issues, allergies, and so on that can come as a result of overload of continous use of inner and outer parasite protection chemicals, you want to keep the organs working at their full capacity for as long as possible.
So, stimulating the liver and cleansing out toxins is something your dog can also benefitng from, joining you on your spring detox for example. Milk thistle is the liver herb and is a good idea in spring time or after liver-burdening activities such as vaccines and drugs. Just go for a clean ingredients product as additives kind of ruin the whole point by stressing the liver unnecerssarily. Pet Wellbeing has 100% milk thistle extract while JT has a potent Hepato Pharma Liquid mixture which also benefits the gall bladder, kidneys and intestines so if there's serious work to do (i.e. elevated liver parameters, ALT, ALP, etc), this will definitely do the trick. In addition to milk thistle, it has also liver-loving artichoke, an aminoacid L-metionin, spirulina, gall-bladder loving dandelion, inositol, and a few other well-thought of ingredients.
As the saying goes, there is no effect without side-effect and herbs are no exception. As glorified as it may be for the liver, milk thistle lso acts as a phytoestrogen and can have weak estrogen-like effects in the body - and 'do no harm' always requires caution, drugs or herbs, it applies the same.
As always, your vet chooses which product is best considering your dog's unique background.
4. Intestines cleanse - when needed.
It's quite simple really- toxication happens when food is not digested and therefore stays and rots, which happens when intestines don't work as intended. Therefore, if you think you about it, 'detoxing the liver' which can even regenerate on its own is more of a sales slogan than an actual need. Obviously, a fatty liver needs help and so on, but without including the gut- toxins stay.
Based on my personal experience, Maza's main DVM and I concluded with is that her kidney failure kicked off with a metabolic disorder, a fire that we needed time to put out - time that we didn't have. Yet, altering her diet (gently!) showed clear tangible results as we got to calm the storm and balance all parameters (TBA, lipase, amylase, and so on) with an anti-inflammatory homemade diet that respected her intolerances. My only advice would be to constantly nourish the gut microbiome whose health is ALWAYS reflected in the quality of fur, stool and so on- so you will know when things go south.
When the gut needs a detox, a good place to start is with an organic silicea-based gel does the trick and it also does not interfere with absorption of quality nutrients, supplements and drug therapy, if any. It's also my favorite go-to in case of diarrhea as it attracts the mischief makers and helps in flushing them out.
The second option would be slippery elm bark. It forms a gel-yish compound that also helps repair the gut lining. However, one should be careful when your dog is on any kind of therapy as it can lower its absorption.
The food intolerance test says plenty so an elimination diet plus some personalized support (prebiotic/probiotic/naturopathic support in terms of inulina or a pinch of herbs mentioned above) is often enough so even in the case of gut dysbiosis, a gentle approach can do wonders. Never forget, little is always better as the dosage can often be the difference between a remedy and poison.
5. Lymph detox
The lymph is basically what the organs marinade in. Unlike blood, it does not have a heart pump, and what gets it moving is movement. So, walks are non-negotiable. Lymphatic drainage is a pleasant and gentle additional stimulative tool, but in case of weakened kidney function and oncologocical diagnosis, it is not advised as the body needs all its power to get those toxins out of the body afterwards.
Heels has a good homeopathic combo within its detox kit, Lymphomyosot. While I didn't use it specifically as it is an achololic dilution, I used its ingredients list to stymulate lymph circulation, in addition to specific anatomy codes for the lymphatic system + toxins that my quantum machine picked up on that were burdening Maza (calculus, heavy metals, pollution and so on). The best approach is always to consult your homeopath and provide him/her with all the necessary information to tailor a mixture for your furry angel. In our case, the beginning point was Lymphosot ingredients list where we picked out the ones that Maza needed and made them in 30c potency. Some examples are:
Myosotis arvensis is used for treating stomach upset and even rheumatoid arithiris, as well as swollen lymph nodes and inflamed tonsils.
Anti-inflammatory Veronica officinalis is given to counter nervous exhaustion due to excessive mental activity. It is also a go-to for skin issues (and our skin reflects the state of both our liver and lymphatic system).
Teucrium scorodonia's use varies across digestive tract disorders, airway infections, reproductive organ protection and wound healing.
The almighty Pinus sylvestris has a reputation for just any sort of rheumatic disorders, as it protects joint and bone health. The go-to for cramps and just easing any kind of discomfort on that front, even when it comes to serious infections.
Gentiana lutea is a remedy for digestive disturbances, including bloating, nausea and so on.
Equisetum hiemale is needed when there are urinary tract issues.
Smilax (Sarsaparilla) is a strong depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant and tonic player that was used in treating siphilis. It is characterized by eczema and erruptions following hot weather and vaccinations, with present urinary disturbances.
Scrophularia nodosa is a supportive agent for detoxification and whenever the lymphatic system requires stimulation, it is well advises it in any skin condition with itching and irritation.
Calcarea Phosphorica is often prescribed for patients with bone health concerns, I used it more for teeth health but it is well placed in this blend due to it regulating mineral metabolism.
Natrium sulfuricum helps to eliminate excess fluid and toxins from the body. It also stimulates the production of bile, supports detoxification function of the liver and you will also find it in blends against joint pain.
Fumaria officinalis detoxifies the body by purifying the blood.
While focused on thyroid health, Levothyroxinum is a great aid for lymph drainage, antiedemic, detoxification, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action.
Araneus diadematus- this is one of the spider remedies. All Aranea remedy symptoms are characterized by periodicity, and coldness, and great susceptibility to dampness, therefore lack of vital heat. This particular one can be fiven for so-called burning headaches and disorders of the nervous system distinguished by neuralgia with unexpected and aggressive soreness.
Geranium robertianum is a gastrointestinal remedy used for used for diarrhea, to improve functioning of the liver and gallbladder, to reduce swelling (inflammation) of the kidney, bladder, and gallbladder health.
Nasturtium officinale is given primarly to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and respiratory disorders, it is also effective in enhancing immunity, promoting the formation of red blood cells,
Ferrum jodatum is used for anaemia and minor kidney inflammation, eyes and ears, as well as enlargement of the lymph glands.
There's also GUNA's Lympho Detox blend from which I was also inspired with many useful remedies:
Taraxacum officinale, or better known as dandelion, is the go-to for spring liver detoxes, supporting bile flow and acting as a diuretic. While the plant is to be used with veterinary guidance as in case of compromised kidney function, dehydration cannot be risked, the beauty of homeopathy is that this side-effect is removed.
Graphites is a go to for patients with long-term history of skin disorders.
Juglans regia is another skin conditions remedy, especially when itching is present.
Magnesia phosphorica is a great aid for severe neurological pain.
6. Kidney and bladder detox
According to Chinese Traditional Medicine, kidneys store the 'jing'- an essence of one's life force that consists of both qualitative and a quantitative component, is finite in quantity. I've "christened" the kidneys as our life batteries.
For preventive purposes, a homeopathic mixture is a good place to start and Heels has a good kidney and bladder mixture Berberis Cosmoplex. Naturally, it has Berberis vulgaris that is #1 when it comes to kidney and bladder health, and even in most difficutl cases, 30c potency does wonders.
In this mixutre, it is accompanied by a diuretic Solidago virgaurea, that is often used as adjuvant in treatment of minor complaints of the urinary tract and Cantharis(Lytta vesicatoria) that is #1 for urinary complaints and diseases.
JT's Hepato Pharma mentioned above is a also good place to start as it has kidney-loving herbs like dandelion (root is best as a diuretic, as we want to use as little as possible to cover as many fronts as possible. But, if you are aiming for the kidneys, they also have their preferences. Maza's departure kicked off with chronic renal disease and we fought fiercely through the 'it ain't over till the fat lady sings' for the time that the kidney's allowed us. What I used is Pet Wellbeing's Kidney Gold and while unfortunately, one bottle did not make a difference in blood parameters (creatinine and BUN/urea), I like to believe it is one of the many things that helped guard Maza's vitality for as long as it did throughout the battle. It has Rehmannia root (rehmania glutinosa) that helps support energy levels, tibetan Cordyceps militaris mushroom that works on immune, kidney and liver fronts, adaptogenic Astragalus membranaceus that when combined with tonifying Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis) have been clinically shown to promote normal kidney function. But, it is wise to use herbs as carefully as antibiotics- even when there are no side-effects, it's best to leave them to work at their full strength when needed as opposed to tiring the body with too much 'prevention' which in a way will diminish their power once it's truly needed.
7. SPA time - the magic synergy of Epsom salt and aromatherapy.
Epsom salt has been gaining popularity as a beneficial tool in your dog's health care routine. I have used as a warm bath when anal glands needed help to empty on their own (hopefully), it is also a beneficial aid for muscle relaxation and skin irritations. When it comes to animals, I find only a professional aromatherapist can prescribe essential oils and us, owners, should stick to less concentrated and more gentle options such as hydrosols (by-product in the oil distillation process that are basically 99% of water, yet still contain that plant power in that 1%). For Maza, circulation-boosting rosemary and soothing lavender hydrosol blend did wonders when I used it as a bath for skin irritations and anal gland detox purposes. When you use epsom salt, wash it out afterwards. If you use only hydrosols, there's no need to rinse after as the therapeutical part is letting it air dry, ideally.
As the saying goes, death is not defeat, not rising to the challenge of life is and boy did we rock that with waving tail and vibrant strotting till the very last days. I like to think detoxes from modern day challenges played a part in that simply because they aided in keeping Maza's body 'wired' to life for as long as that was possible. Their bodies, just like ours, have only two modes of operating: life or death. The accumulation of our daily actions ultimately makes that choice. In Maza's case, I can only feel blessed that she enjoyed a vibrant life until the moment came for something as natural as leaves starting to fall when autumn inevitably arrives after summer.
Therefore, I wholeheartedly reccomend taking preventive measures that your vet will give his blessing for to protect not just kidney function but all detox functions as long as possible as remember - when intestines, kidneys and liver do their jobs optimally, as intended, there is nothing for you to do - meaning no detox needed :) We basically jump in only when our lifestyle compromises nature's perfect and powerful self-healing mechanism (with lack of movement and excessive amounts of processed food, chemicals, pollution and so on).
Basically, we can never stay clear of mischief makers- there will undoubtedly be at least one tummy ache etc, but we can do our best to nourish our dog's immune system with proper care so he or she goes through such challenges more easily. Think of gentle detoxing as regular maintenance of your dog's defense and overall health mechanism.
Like having a family doctor, having a vet who knows your dog since the puppy phase is priceless because together, you will figure out your dog's weak spots and with regular checkups, you will do whatever is possible to make sure your dog's healthspan is as long as possible.
As always, looking forward to your comments below :)
