Our four-legged friends are exposed to different stresses every day - be it from environmental toxins, medication or sudden changes in diet. Normally, the liver, kidneys and intestines take on the task of filtering and breaking down harmful substances. But sometimes these organs reach their limits. In such cases, dietary adjustments, sufficient fluid intake and veterinary measures can relieve your pet's organism and support their well-being. . Below you can find out how to recognize whether a detox is useful for your dog and which measures may be suitable for this.
From: Alena Thielert
Your dog's body has a sophisticated system for reliably neutralizing and eliminating harmful substances. The liver plays a central role in this: it converts harmful substances into less toxic compounds, which then pass through the bile into the intestines or via the bloodstream to the kidneys. The kidneys filter these substances from the blood and remove them from the body via the urine. At the same time, the intestines support detoxification by absorbing indigestible or broken down residues and excreting them in the feces.
This interaction ensures that the body remains largely unburdened despite daily stress - as long as the organs are healthy and efficient.
If the body's own detoxification organs are no longer working in balance, this often manifests itself in various symptoms. These include:
But please note: Many of the signs mentioned can have numerous causes. Side effects of medication can also be an indication that the body needs support in eliminating harmful substances.
Persistent complaints should therefore always be clarified by a vet
A detoxification cure is always a good idea when the body is particularly challenged. After antibiotic treatment, it can help to stabilize the intestinal flora. After a vaccination, it relieves the metabolism, and after an anesthetic it supports the breakdown of the medication used. Gentle support can also facilitate digestion when changing food. Dogs with recurring skin or digestive problems and older animals with a slower metabolism also benefit. It is important to start the detoxification slowly, to observe the reactions carefully and to adapt the measures to the individual needs of the dog.
There are various ways to gently support your four-legged friend's body. The aim is to relieve the body's own detoxification organs and promote the elimination of harmful substances. The following home remedies have proven particularly effective:
It is important to tailor each measure to your dog's needs and seek veterinary advice before long-term use.
Even gentle cures are not a sure-fire success. Temporary tiredness or soft stools may occur at the beginning of a change in diet. An initial worsening is not uncommon, especially at the beginning: tiredness, mild diarrhea or increased scratching are possible. However, these symptoms should subside after a short time. If the stress persists or worsens, a visit to the vet is absolutely necessary.
Also pay attention to possible interactions: Substances such as healing clay should always be administered at a distance from medication and micronutrients. Dogs with pre-existing conditions, on the other hand, require a veterinary assessment before liver detoxification.
The detoxification organs work best when the body is not confronted with unnecessary stress in the first place. A well-tolerated, clearly composed diet reduces "disruptive factors" in the bowl. This means that the liver, kidneys and intestines have less extra work to do.
Note: "Detox" cures are not a veterinary standard. Evidence-based are dietary feeds for special nutritional purposes (e.g. Support of liver/kidney function, stabilization of digestion through intestinal flora stabilizers/probiotics). These purposes are defined in EU Regulation (EU) 2020/354; "detox" as a cure is not listed there as a dietary purpose.
Alena Thielert
