“Detox” is a word that gets thrown around frequently, but a true understanding is often missing. Often it’s equated with all sorts of symptoms such as really inflamed skin or chronic diarrhea.
Done correctly, there should hardly be any symptoms!
But before we dive in… A Word of Caution…
Before you start detoxification, consult with your holistic vet to make sure your dog or cat can handle it. They can then also help you with adapting the detox process to your pet’s very individual needs.
I’m also more than happy to help guide you and take this journey with you through my Holistic Pet Health & Longevity Method Program (more info here).
The Proper Order of Detox
Phase 1 – The Prep Phase
Time to clean house! Let’s limit exposure to toxins for your furry friend (and you!) anytime, anywhere. Your pet, your body, and yes, the entire planet will be sending you “thank you” notes!- Take inventory of all the products you use in and around your house. That includes personal care products. The Environmental Working Group is a great resource to find out how toxic something is.
- Many toxins are lurking in pet foods. Grain free kibble for example contains the highest levels of Glyphosate (Roundup) of all pet foods and is damaging to the gut. High heat processing creates carcinogens and increase inflammatory markers – a sign of ongoing damage. Learn about the ingredients found in your pet’s meals.
- Consider the preventatives you use as well (vaccines, flea/tick/heartworm drugs). Look for healthier alternatives and minimize application as much as possible.
- Water and air can also be loaded with toxins. Getting a good water and air filter can make a world of difference. Check out the EWG’s water database to see what lurks in your water and which filter best removes toxins
Phase 2 – Restore Cellular Energy, Reduce Inflammation
Imagine a rainbow plate, but for your pet! Abiologically appropriate diet rich in colors and nutrients gives their cells the energy boost needed to kick toxins to the curb. Remember, a weary cell is a lazy cleaner, and we’re not here for a year-long “detox reaction” (red hot inflammation). Let’s get those cells lively and ready!- Start with slowly transitioning to a biologically appropriate diet that most closely mimics what they would eat in the wild. Enzymes and a bit of stomach acid support such as apple cider vinegar or Betaine hydrochloride can help smoothen the transition.
- Add superfoods such as blueberries, broccoli sprouts, mushrooms, bone broth, dandelion greens and omega-3s to boost cellular function and reduce inflammation.
- A variety and rotation of foods can replenish your pet’s nutrient deficiencies.
Phase 3 – Unclog the Drain
- This phase is geared towards opening up the detox pathways. It’s like unplugging the drain so the junk can get flushed out.
- Provide nutrients that support liver and kidney function such as milkthistle, dandelion, flavonoids, Vitamins (A, B, C, D, E), glutathione and N-acetyl cysteine to transform fat soluble toxins into intermediary metabolites. These are then further processed to water soluble compounds in the liver with the aid of amino acids and sulphur rich foods (cruciferus veggies, garlic). Finally the toxins leave the body via urine and feces.
- Healing the gut is essential too, because an intact gut lining will prevent toxins from leak right back into the circulation. Constipation would not be helpful as you can imagine. The biome is also a big contributor to detox. Thus testing and restoring balance is essential.
- Lymph moves toxins. When the flow stagnates, so do the toxins. Good flow is best achieved through regular daily exercise.
Phase 4 – The Deep Clean
- Now that the cells have more energy, the gut is healed and the detox organs are up to speed we can reach in deeper and start mobilizing toxins from tissues with the aid of binders. Some can and should of course already be added in Phase 2 (charcoal for example) to bind toxins in the gut.
- For tissue detox, it’s best to use binders that strongly attach to toxins and don’t let go once they grabbed onto it. Biotoxin Binder and Poli Pet’s Renew are some of my favorites, but for myself I use a variety because they all have different affinities and properties.
- Doing a hair tissue mineral analysis is a good way of determining your pet’s level of certain toxins and provide more information on how to support elimination. Check Pup and Parsely Pet offer this type of testing.
Extra Detox Tips
Dandelion Root Tea – The roots are great for supporting the liver and the leaves assist the kidneys and act as a diuretic. The GI tract and microbiome also benefit.
Cut organically grown dandelion roots from your yard into small pieces- Add to water and bring to a boil
- Simmer for a while
- Strain out the root parts
- Add a little raw honey
- Can be added to regular meals or the fasting substitutes for pets
Cleansing baths
Mild shampoo to help remove the environmental particles that accumulated on the skin (repeat as often as needed)- Follow with an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse diluted with water (50/50)
- Between bath, wiping their body with a damp wash cloth (just water, no wipes)
- Generously rinsing paws with water after being outside
Fasting
This gives the body a little break from having to process food and can also reset the immune system.
Human research shows that just 3 days of fasting can rebalance the immune system and turn immunologically driven diseases around. I’ve done this before and healed a painful autoimmune condition.
It’s quite powerful!
I’ve also treated a few dogs this way. They had developed an allergic reaction after having been stung by an insect. Although they responded to steroids for the immediate hypersensitivity reaction, every time their guardians wanted to stop the steroids, the hives and itching flared up again. After a modified fast, their immune system went back to normal again.
Yeah!
There are many fasting options. Here is one I like:
- Juice Fast (human)
-
Celery juice (consumed separately)- Several servings of a variety of juiced fruit and veggies including dandelion leaves
- I’m drinking as much as I feel like to not feel like I’m starving
- Fasting substitutes for pets
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- Bone broth (no onions)
- Raw g
oat milk - Pureed veggies andfruit
- Dr. Ihor Ba
- sko gave some great options in the Dog Detox Summit
- Cats should not be fasted on very low calories, because they can develop life-threatening hepatic lipidosis
- Best to heal the gut first in animals with GI issues. That itself will help the skin.
- Duration should be guided by how your animal is feeling and their overall health. Holistic veterinary supervision is highly recommended.
Sauna and Red Light Therapy supports an increase in blood flow, oxygen transport as well as cellular energy.
- Several times a week for 15-20 minutes shows significant life extending benefits in humans.
- Pets can also benefit due to the infrared light, but since they don’t sweat, their body temperature needs to be monitored. Panting, restlessness, and other signs of discomfort will indicate that they had enough. Listen to your animals if you try this.
FEELING OVERWHELMED?
If you’re passionate about your pet’s health and looking to access comprehensive holistic veterinary care, our Holistic Pet Health & Longevity Method program may be exactly what you need. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Odette Suter, you will navigate the complexities of your pet’s gut and overall health with ease and confidence. Plus, feel the healing power of a supportive community of fellow pet parents as you engage in weekly Q&A sessions with Dr. Suter.
With the Holistic Pet Health & Longevity Method you get:
- Dr. Suter’s proven healing strategy: A step-by-step guide born from 30 years of veterinary experience combined with her own healing journey
- Personalized advice and support to create a diagnostic and treatment plan tailored to your pet
- Gain clarity on other common health issues and health related questions such as oral health, preventatives, autoimmune disease and cancer
- Tips to streamline and simplify your pet’s care
- Knowledge to advocate for your pets and improve communication with conventional vets
- Emotional and mental well-being support for you and your pet
And so much more!
If this speaks to you make sure to watch our free masterclass or schedule an interview to see if the Holistic Pet Health & Longevity Method program is the right fit for you and your furry friend. We are here to be your partner in health, offering truly holistic care no matter where you are in the world.
