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.

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:

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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.

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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.

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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