Understanding Detoxification in Cats and Dogs: A Complete Guide for Pet Parents

Have you ever thought about whether or not your pet needs a detox?  We are quite familiar with the idea in humans, but if we benefit from a detox, so will our pets! 

What exactly is detoxification?

Well, detoxification is the natural process that occurs in the body when it eliminates toxins and waste products. This process occurs continuously through several organ systems, primarily the liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin in healthy cats and dogs. The main centre for the detoxification process in the body is the liver.   It breaks down any harmful substances and converts them into forms that can be safely disposed of.  The problem in todays world is our bodies were not designed to detox the 1000’s of chemicals we and our pets are now exposed to. 

Cats and dogs don't usually need intensive detox programs. Their bodies are naturally equipped with efficient detoxification systems. But, supporting these natural processes through proper care and nutrition can have a significant impact on their overall health.

The struggle to detox

Sadly, our pets' bodies are increasingly struggling with detoxification because of the mounting burden of environmental toxins. Unlike their ancestors, our domesticated animals are exposed to a toxic cocktail of synthetic chemicals on a daily basis.  These include pesticides, household cleaners, plastics, air fresheners, and pollutants from things like vehicle emissions and industry.  Because they are smaller they absorb proportionally higher concentrations of these toxins.

Limited dietary variety compared to wild animals can also mean they are missing key nutrients that support detoxification pathways in the liver and kidneys.  While indoor pets have reduced access to natural detoxifying elements like fresh air, sunlight, and diverse plant materials that wild animals have access to. Toxic overload overwhelms their natural detoxification systems, which can increase the risk of cancer, autoimmune disorders, allergies, and other chronic health issues.

The body’s detoxification heroes

Now, let’s look at the body’s detoxification powerhouses – the organs that are the heroes behind keeping our bodies healthy!

The liver

The liver performs over 500 functions.  It filters the blood, processes nutrients, and neutralizes toxins. It also produces bile to help digest fats and removes waste products from the bloodstream. For detoxification to be effective a healthy liver is essential.

The kidneys

The kidneys also filter waste products from the blood. To aid in this process they produce urine which eliminates toxins and maintains proper electrolyte levels. Hydration is crucial for optimal kidney function.

The respiratory system

The lungs job is to eliminate carbon dioxide and other gaseous waste products while also providing oxygen to the body.

Skin and coat

The skin acts as a protective barrier and eliminates some waste through sweating in the paw pads. Regular grooming supports this process by helping to remove dead skin cells.

Supporting natural detoxification

Quality nutrition

Feeding high-quality, species-appropriate food is the foundation of supporting detoxification.

What to look for in foods:

• All natural ingredients (ie. a species-appropriate PMR or BARF diet for dogs)
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or fillers
• Zero or low carbohydrate content
• Omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health

Here are some food that help to clean the liver:

·       Garlic

·       Beetroot & carrots

·       Green leafy vegetables

·       Green tea

·       Apples

·       Avocados

·       Olive oil

·       Cruciferous vegetables

·       Cabbage, kimchi coleslaw, sauerkraut

·       Turmeric

·       Walnuts

Stay away from foods with chemical additives, by-products, or ingredients your pet may be sensitive to.

Hydration

Fresh, clean water must be available at all times. Many cats prefer running water, so a pet fountain may be a good choice. Proper hydration supports kidney function and plays a crucial role in flushing toxins from the body. Be conscious of your pets water intake, because changes can indicate health issues.

Exercise

Regular exercise promotes circulation and supports lymphatic drainage. It also helps maintain a healthy weight in your pet and reduces stress on their detoxification organs. Make sure your exercise schedue is tailored to suit your pet's age, breed, and health status.  Here’s a blog on Turning Exercise into Play

Reduce stress

Chronic stress can impair your pets immune function and their detoxification processes. Ensure you provide a calm home environment for your pet and maintain consistent routines as this is comforting for them.  Also, make sure they have a safe space to retreat when they need it.

Signs of toxic exposure

While supporting the natural detoxification process keep an eye on these symptoms that may indicate the need for further treatment or assessment by a vet:

• Loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Difficulty urinating or changes in urination patterns
• Yellowing of eyes or gums (jaundice)
• Lethargy or unusual behavioural changes
• Excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing
• Seizures or neurological symptoms

Safe detoxing for pets

Gradual dietary changes

It’s really important for dogs with any digestive issues that change to diet in support of detoxification are done slowly over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. Slowly mix in an increased amount of the new food and decrease the amount of the old food.

Natural supplements

Some beneficial natural supplements include:

• Milk thistle for liver support
• MicroMed probiotics for digestive health and immune system support
• Omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory effects

Detox your environment

A hugely overlooked part of the detoxification process is to eliminate or at least reduce exposure to toxins in your pets environment as best you can by:

• Choosing natural pest control and weed killers
• Ensuring proper ventilation in your home

(Note: Poor indoor air quality can expose pets to harmful chemicals, allergens, and toxins that accumulate in enclosed spaces. Proper ventilation helps remove these airborne contaminants and ensures fresh oxygen circulation.  This in turn reduces your pet's toxic load and supports their natural detoxification processes.)

• Choose natural cleaning supplies
• Store any chemicals or medications securely
• Using pet-safe cleaning products
• Opt for pet-friendly shampoos

Home remedies

What's safe for humans may be toxic to animals.  Avoid using human detox methods or supplements on pets.  Their physiology differs significantly from ours and requires a different approach.  If you are keen on a good detox programme for your pet we are happy to share our protocol with MicroMed customers.

Overview

When starting the detoxification process always remember that every pet is unique, and what works for may not work for another. Here at MicroMed we offer a 4 Step Foundational Health Programme to help guide our pet parents through the process, as part of our complete health assessment and treatment.  For more information send an email to sales@micromed.org.nz