askHELTIE HELTIEdog® When do you give your dog a detox?

When do you give your dog a detox?

A detox for dogs... that might sound a bit strange. Detoxing is a weird hobby with green drinks for celebrities who have nothing better to do, right? Wrong! Did you know that detoxing is actually a very natural process, where the body is cleansed from the inside out and the immune system is strengthened? So, a detox for your dog could actually be a good idea.

Detox

14 August '23 • 3 min reading time

A detox supplement is an extract of herbs that purify the blood and are good for the liver and kidney function. The gallbladder function is also strengthened by a detox. This improves digestion. You always give a detox as a cleanse for a maximum of one week and only to healthy dogs.

Healthy liver, kidneys, and immunity

Every animal, including your dog, gets contaminants from the environment. For example, from air, soil, or water. But ordinary physiological processes, such as movement and digestion, also produce waste products. The liver and kidneys are responsible for removing these waste products. It is good to help these organs occasionally with flushing and removing all the junk they collect. In addition, your dog's immune system is very important for health. It ensures that pathogens like bacteria and viruses do not have a chance to make your dog sick, but are removed in time. So, it is important that your dog's immunity is maintained.

Purifying herbs

The herbs turmeric, boldo, fennel, artichoke, and milk thistle are often part of a detox extract. This is due to the special healing and supporting qualities of these plants. Turmeric is attributed with anti-inflammatory properties. Research has also shown that this Asian turmeric can prevent kidney damage. Boldo (Peumus boldus) is originally from Chile. Scientists have found that this traditional medicinal plant helps prevent liver damage and support liver function. In addition, boldo contains antioxidants and acts as a diuretic. It also has a strong antibacterial effect. Recent research in dogs has shown that milk thistle and artichoke also improve liver function, in both healthy dogs and those with liver problems. Milk thistle is a very well-known herb for the liver, which also improves gallbladder function. This facilitates digestion in general and the processing of fats in particular. Artichoke is also good for digestion. Fennel, on the other hand, is also seen as an antioxidant and liver-supporting plant.

Not for every dog!

Because detox releases and removes toxins, such a treatment is only suitable for healthy dogs. A detox actually costs quite a bit of energy. After the detox, the dog will feel much more energetic, but it can be intense at the time. That is also the reason why you should do a short detox, for a maximum of a week. A dog that is sick or has recently undergone surgery should not be given a detox. Also, a detox should not be used in dogs with a weakened immune system! Only dogs in good health may receive a detox. If in doubt, you can always contact for advice.

When to detox?

For healthy dogs, we recommend a detox in spring and autumn. Also, around four weeks after deworming, a detox can be a good idea.

Sources:

Bas M, Tugcu V, Kemahli E, Ozbek E, Uhri M, Altug T, Tasci AI. Curcumin prevents shock-wave lithotripsy-induced renal injury through inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity in rats. Urol Res. 2009 Jun;37(3):159-64. doi: 10.1007/s00240-009-0186-4. Epub 2009 Apr 2. PMID: 19340419.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19340419/

Marie Claire Lanhers, Michel Joyeux, Rachid Soulimani, Jacques Fleurentin, Michèle Sayag, François Mortier, Chafique Younos, Jean-Marie Pelt. 1991. Hepatoprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Traditional Medicinal Plant of Chile, Peumus boldus. Planta Med 1991; 57(2): 110-115.

https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-2006-960043

Wendakoon, Chitra; Peter Calderon; and Daniel Gagnon. 2012. Evaluation of Selected Medicinal Plants Extracted in Different Ethanol Concentrations for Antibacterial Activity against Human Pathogens. Journal of Medicinally Active Plants 1, (2):60-68.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7275/R5GH9FV2

Giannetto, C.; Arfuso, F.; Giudice, E.; Rizzo, M.; Piccione, G.; Mhalhel, K.; Levanti, M. Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effect of a Nutritional Supplement with Silymarin Phytosome, Choline Chloride, l-Cystine, Artichoke, and Vitamin E in Dogs. Antioxidants 2022, 11, 2339. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11122339

Also interesting:

Respiratory

8 August '23 • 2 minutes reading time

Which herbs to support a coughing dog?

Even dogs can sometimes have issues with their respiratory system. Due to a weakened immune system, a dog may start coughing and even have some mucus stuck in its lungs. Dogs that have had kennel cough can also benefit from some support. But which herbs can you use for dogs in these situations? Read more in this blog!. Eucalyptus Almost everyone is familiar with the typical "sauna" scent of eucalyptus. But this tree also has a strong medicinal effect. Especially the older leaves are rich in essential oils and are widely used in products to support the respiratory system. Eucalyptus is disinfectant, anti-infective, mucolytic, and anti-cough. Echinacea Many people have echinacea in their garden, known as purple coneflower. Echinacea is truly the herb to support the immune system, helping to boost immun...

Detox

25 September '23 • 1 minutes reading time

Autumn: the ideal season to give your dog a detox!

Detoxing, or cleansing the body of the dog and getting rid of toxins, is something we recommend doing twice a year. Both in the spring, but also in the autumn. In this blog, we will explain why detoxing is advisable in the autumn.. What happens during a detox? Detox, drainage, cleansing. All different terms, but all meaning virtually the same thing. Over time, a dog builds up toxins in the body. This is due to, for example, car exhaust fumes, toxins from microorganisms, food, drinking water, and also from illness and/or medication. These toxins accumulate in the body, including in fat tissue, and cause the entire body and organs to function less well. You can think of it as a clogged drain. A detox ensures that these block...

Digestion

Infection with worms or other intestinal parasites is a common risk for dogs. Such an infection can cause health problems for the dog itself, but some of these parasites can also cause disease in humans. Regular fecal testing helps prevent problems.

16 November '23 • 2 minutes reading time

The how and why of fecal testing in dogs

Infection with worms or other intestinal parasites is a common risk for dogs. Such an infection can cause health problems for the dog itself, but some of these parasites can also cause disease in humans. Regular fecal testing helps prevent problems.. Fecal testing is a way to check if your dog is infected with worms or other intestinal parasites, such as giardia. These parasites can seriously harm the health and well-being of your dog. In puppies, a worm infection can also lead to growth retardation. Some worms and parasites can be transmitted to humans. It is usually advised to have your dog undergo fecal testing at least three times a year. If your dog frequently comes into contact with other dogs or regularly eats raw meat, it may be wise...