What is a detox?

Detoxifying, detoxing, cleansing, and purifying. All terms that have the same goal in mind, namely to cleanse the body (liver and kidneys) of accumulated toxins. In nature, horses regulate this themselves by seeking out certain plants that help with the removal of toxins. Unfortunately, horses in the Netherlands do not have this free choice enough, so toxins are not expelled and the body's natural filters become clogged. You can compare it to a filter in your car. Throughout the year, it gets clogged with dirt from the air and in the fuel/oil. That's why it's necessary to replace filters in cars regularly. You can't obviously replace the liver and kidneys, but they get clogged in the same way. By doing a detox, you ensure that these toxins are expelled and the horse can fully use its natural filters again.

Why are people afraid of a detox?

Fear of the unknown is a well-known saying. Not everyone is familiar with the benefits of detoxing, which creates a fear of the unknown. Negative stories about detoxing often prevail as well. Starting a detox at the wrong time can have consequences. However, detoxing has mainly positive properties, so there is no need to be afraid of doing a detox for your horse. There are very powerful detoxes that cleanse toxins but do not support the liver and kidneys. It could be too energy-consuming at that time, and the horse could develop other health problems. These are often in drop form. Also, a detox should not last longer than 14 days. Therefore, always choose a short-term detox that not only has a cleansing function but also a supportive function.

When should you not use detox?

A detox based on herbs that lasts no longer than 14 days can be given to horses without risk. However, there are some situations where it is advisable to consult an expert first:

• In pregnant mares
• When taking medication (advisable after completing medication)
• When experiencing reduced energy due to illness (advisable after illness)
• In case of acute hoof abscesses (advisable after recovery from hoof abscess)

If your horse is currently ill and has very low resistance, it is not advisable to do a detox. A detox requires extra energy from the horse, and if the horse already needs to use all its energy to get better, it can be too burdensome. These horses often need a detox because the disease and reduced resistance bring an increased amount of toxins (also through medication). However, wait with a detox until your horse has sufficient energy and resistance again and when the medication has been completed. A detox after medication is highly recommended. Medications are taxing for the liver because it has to deal with a buildup of toxins. You will see that a horse recovers faster through a detox after its medication.

Also, for example, in the case of hoof abscesses, we advise against doing a detox. The hooves are already sensitive, and if more toxins are released, it could lead to laminitis. Therefore, wait with a detox until the horse has almost recovered from the hoof abscess.

But when should you do a detox?

Holistic veterinarians recommend giving horses a detox twice a year, in spring and autumn for prevention. Every horse can benefit from it. This is because horses ingest many toxins through food, drinking water, and inhalation. For example, through dewormers, contaminated water, and too much sugar in the diet. Therefore, cleansing the toxins in spring and autumn is advisable, especially for horses in the following situations:

• Horses with a dull coat
• Horses that have difficulty shedding/hair growth
• Horses with sensitive fetlock hollows
• Sensitivity to certain substances (mites and summer eczema)
• Horses standing outside next to a busy road
• Horses drinking rainwater from puddles
• Horses sensitive to hoof abscesses (not during a hoof abscess)
• Horses that eat dandelions, buttercups, or acorns

A detox is actually suitable for every horse that has sufficient energy and resistance. It positively contributes if the horse has a condition to boost its resistance. With an accumulation of toxins, the horse's resistance decreases. By expelling these toxins, you increase the horse's resistance.

What to consider when choosing the right detox?

If you opt for a herbal-based detox (milk thistle, artichoke, turmeric, juniper) in high concentration, a 5-day course (50 ml per day) is sufficient. If you give it because the horse has or had a condition, we recommend a 7-day course (100 ml per day). It is also important that it has a supportive effect on the liver, kidneys, and bile function in addition to a cleansing effect.

An additional benefit of giving a detox to your horse is that nutrients and supplements are absorbed better. The body then has space again to absorb these nutrients.

Conclusion: a detox is not intimidating

A detox is not a scary thing, it is a phenomenon that horses naturally do but do not have the opportunity to do in the fields and paddocks in the Netherlands. Additionally, all horses ingest toxins through food, drinking water, and inhalation. For example, through dewormers. Therefore, it is advisable to cleanse these toxins at least once, but preferably twice a year. Choose the right time for a detox. We recommend spring and autumn, but if your horse is sick at that time, it is advisable to do the detox at a later time. If you are unsure whether your horse needs a detox or about the right timing, feel free to contact us for advice!