of course) to be two of the most effective herbs (foods) to remove heavy metals from the pet’s body safely and successfully. I wouldn’t suggest using them solely, as all action herbs should be used with complimentary herbs known as a catalyst, to help facilitate the action required. Bladderwrack and Cilantro “grab on” to the heavy metals in the body, and then comes the need to move them from the body through the proper eliminatory channels. Calcium Benton- ite clay can help this process by acting like a magnet, drawing the toxins in, while dandelion leaf, burdock root, and schisandra berry can assist the organs to pass this bundle with ease.
Neurotoxins are toxins that directly affect the Neurological (cen- tral nervous) system (thought, emotion, sight, taste, hearing, smell)
Unfortunately, neurotoxins are commonly prevalent in many pet (and human) products prescribed and used on a regular basis, including flea and tick prevention products. Studies show many neurotoxins may cause seizures, respiratory failure, and much more. Many popular household pesticides have been shown in tox- icity tests to have systemic effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Here is a list from the CDC of neuro- toxins and their toxicological profile. You may be shocked to see how many of these toxins are in products you use with your pets or yourself on a daily basis:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/ toxorganlisting.asp?sysid=18.
How toxins affect our pet’s overall health
Homeostasis is the ability of the body to maintain balance. Tox- ins disturb the natural flow of homeostasis which in turn kicks the immune system into gear to defend against them, thus creating im- balance and dis-ease. A strong immune system that is not overload- ed with toxins can fight this off at the first signs of toxin trouble, but a weakened immune system with a heavy load of toxins will show symptomatic signs as mentioned above. You may also see stiffness in the joints, some days more than others. The stiffness results may come from overburdened organs, (i.e., liver, gallbladder, kidneys), not allowing the body to process and eliminate as it should, and in turn creating toxic inflammation in the cartilage and a lessening of the synovial fluid in the joints. Skin is the largest organ of elimina- tion. When the liver is burdened and not able to function efficiently, you may find hot spots, rashes, irritated and red skin, chronic chew- ing and licking, and even parasites.
How can we prevent/rid toxic overload in our pets?
The obvious answers include cleaning up the diet by feeding good quality whole (unprocessed) foods, fresh filtered, drinking water, living without chemicals in your own environment, and be- ing mindful of places you take your pets (the more natural the better so as to avoid pesticides/herbicide exposure). Ask your veterinarian about titers to determine if your pet actually needs a vaccine that may be “routine.” Use natural flea and tick control, bring balance to the immune system, and use non-toxic products at all times. Ultimately, a healthy pet with a balanced immune system is not a good host to parasites.
How to start a detox for your pet To truly detox and cleanse, we must remove toxins from the
liver, kidneys, gallbladder, intestines, GI tract and colon; remove harmful bacteria and heavy metals; stimulate the lymphatic system and blood; and nourish the skin all while supporting the immune system with nutritive properties and feeding your pet clean whole foods with fresh clean water. This will be a nice time to introduce coconut water. It’s excellent as a catalyst in any cleanse, it balances electrolytes and encourages water consumption. Dogs and horses love it.
Is your pet showing symptoms?
To detox a pet with symptomatic allergies or chronic health is- sues, I suggest a minimum of a 30 day detox followed immediately with an essential supplement that will balance, strengthen, and support the immune system to help the body continue to thrive after the cleanse. If your pet has had chronic illness/immune issues for more than a year, you may want to consider cleansing for one week each month until you and your vet feel the issues are at bay.
Are you looking for a preventative routine?
To detox a non-symptomatic pet as part of a preventative routine to eliminate toxic build-up, I suggest a 30 day detox fol- lowed with the essential supplement. You may want to consider doing this two or three times each year, depending on the diet and environment. If medications or vaccinations are used, then you can detox for 2-4 weeks (depending on the drug) after the last dose has been used. Keep in mind that ANY detox/cleanse should start very slowly, with small doses working up to recommended dose stated on product label. This can take 1-2 weeks for your pet to adapt comfortably. As with ourselves, cleansing should be introduced slowly, not abruptly, for ease and comfort. Sometimes even minute doses are necessary if your pet is ill or elderly, working closely with your holistic vet if this is the case. When choosing a detox product for your pet, keep one thing
at the top of your mind: If you want to rid the body of toxins and heavy metals, don’t use a product unless the ingredients are clean. This means they are Certified Organic, grown and harvested with- out the use of chemicals, and free of heavy metals. After all, what good would it do to add something to the body that you’ve been trying to get rid of? So, here’s the answer to the opening question: “YES!” Every pet on the planet needs to detox; some acutely and some periodi- cally……. all pets can benefit from cleansing.
Joyce Belcher, is a Herbalist-Formulator specializing in organic me- dicinal formulations for animals and herbal consultant in veterinary herbalism. She is a member of the NASC (National Animal Supple- ment Council), American Botanical Council, MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association), American Herbalist Guild and Flower Essence Society and Columnist for Dogs Natu- rally Magazine. About Herbs for Life, Inc: Small batch, handcrafted manufacturer in York, Maine USA since 2008. Pure, organic herbal pet supplements with no fillers or bulk agents. Formulas uniquely developed by a erbalist/Formulator and Holistic Veterinarians. See ad on page 13.
www.EssentialLivingMaine.com
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