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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
Pets are exposed to toxins every day, from food, water, cleaning products, lawn chemicals and medications. The liver, kidneys, gut and skin work hard to clear them, but when the load is too high, toxins build up and health problems follow. Supporting your pet isn't about a strong cleanse. It's about lowering what goes in and gently supporting the organs that clear it out.
Where toxins come from
✓ Lawn and garden chemicals: pesticides, weed killers and fertilisers
✓ Household cleaners, air fresheners, smoke and solvents
✓ Heavily processed foods with artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
✓ Tap water: chlorine, fluoride and heavy metals
✓ Medications, chemical pest control and vaccines
Signs of a high toxic load
Itchy or irritated skin, digestive upsets, frequent infections and low energy, and over time, strain on the liver and kidneys. Many chronic issues have toxic load as part of the picture.
Test first
Detoxing shouldn't always come first. An HTMA shows mineral imbalances and toxic heavy metals building up in your pet's body. Dr Ava Frick, a holistic vet, reads the results and will advise whether a detox is appropriate for your pet's current condition, so you know what to do next instead of guessing. See the Dr Ava Frick HTMA test.
Gentle support, not a strong detox
For most pets, I recommend gently supporting the detox organs, the liver and kidneys, rather than doing a strong detox. A strong detox can pull out minerals along with the toxins, and you don't want that.
✓ For the liver: Animal Essentials Milk Thistle or Dandelion. For a formula with both milk thistle seed and dandelion root and leaf, there's Animal Essentials Liver Defense.
✓ To help bind and remove toxins: Adored Beast Soil & Sea, which contains chlorella.
✓ After vaccines: Adored Beast Rebalancer gives gentle vaccine support.
A stronger remedy is only needed when the toxic load is very high, such as for pets going through chemotherapy. Then a formula that supports both the liver and kidneys, like Amber Naturalz Internal Gold Detox Kit, can help.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
When we brought BeanBean home, she had just been given a round of pest control medication, and I didn't know when she was last vaccinated. I gave her gentle vaccine support anyway, using the Rebalancer for 2 days.
I also added milk thistle seed to her supplements, along with Adored Beast Soil & Sea, which has chlorella to help pull out toxins. Gentle, steady support, nothing harsh. To know what your own pet needs, an HTMA is always my recommended starting point.
Everyday ways to lower toxic load
Feed fresh, species-appropriate food. The fewer processed ingredients and additives, the less your pet's body has to clear. My PawNutrition feeding framework can help.
Filter their drinking water. A simple filter removes much of the chlorine, fluoride and heavy metals.
Switch to non-toxic cleaning at home. I use JOOF Hygiene Water around the home and on my pets. See also these pet-safe cleaning recipes.
Wipe down daily and bathe regularly. Wipe paws and coat after every walk, and bathe your pet regularly too, especially during haze season, if you often visit dog parks, or if your pet likes rolling on grass. In Singapore, grass in public areas is often sprayed with pesticides.
Don't over-medicate or over-vaccinate. Ask your vet about titer testing before boosters, and about gentler alternatives to frequently used drugs like antibiotics and steroids. Natural options like Dr Goodpet Flea Relief can replace chemical pest control.
Support the gut and immune system. CocoTherapy coconut oil supports gut and immune health, which helps the body clear toxins naturally.
Go slowly. Making too many changes at once can leave pets feeling worse for a while, with loose stools or itchy skin. Make one change at a time.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I detox my pet?
Lowering toxic load is an everyday habit, not a one-off cleanse. Gentle, ongoing support for the liver and kidneys is better than an occasional strong detox.
Is a strong detox ever needed?
Sometimes, when the toxic load is very high, such as during chemotherapy. An HTMA and a holistic vet's advice will tell you if your pet needs it.
Is coconut oil a detox?
It supports the gut and immune system, which helps the body clear toxins, but it's one part of a bigger picture.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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