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January/February 2008 Alternative Health
Heal Fido Heal: Animals Need to Detox Too

by Erin Zamzow, DVM

We are living in a world in which toxics have been introduced at an alarming rate since the end of World War II.

Chemicals that we trust are safe may later be proven to be harmful. The levels of toxins in our environment, our food and consequently, our organs, are increasing each year. While the toll of chronic heavy metal and chemical buildup in our bodies cannot be understated, our pets also experience the same toxic shock to their systems.

Some of the proven consequences of body toxicity include almost all degenerative diseases, cancer, premature aging and compromised immune systems. But even prior to major problems of this nature, everyday life becomes complicated by heavy metal induced "mental fog," mood swings, depression, cravings, slowed recovery, weakness and weight gain.

Sources of Toxics

Mom

The process of accumulating poisons starts in utero as toxins cross the placental barrier. Then mammalian milk, whether from human to infant or pet mom to pup, continues to channel these substances into young bodies.

Food and Water

We need no reminder of the recent pet food recall catastrophe to insure that we are diligent about our animals' food. Even organically grown ingredients cannot be protected from polluted air and rain. A study done by veterinarian Gloria Dodd found heavy metals in even high quality canned pet food and unacceptably high levels of aluminum in many pet foods.

In 42 states, some 260 contaminants were detected in public water supplies, 140 of which were unregulated chemicals, according to the Environmental Working Group. Bottled water is a potential solution, except that 25 to 30 percent comes from municipal tap systems. Additionally, the plastics from the bottles can leach, contributing endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A and phthalates.

Air - Indoors and Outdoors

Billions of tons of chemicals are put into the air every year including pesticides, dioxins, fumes from industrial processing and vehicles, and mercury from coal-fired power plants in the U.S. as well as from the jet stream traveling from Asia and other countries. Amazingly, with as much as we spew into our outdoor air, our indoor air is 10 times more polluted. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is contaminated with flame-retardant gases, formaldehyde, paints and household building materials. Household dust, which your pet breathes and licks, contain these and more.

Grooming Products and More

Pesticides in fly sprays are extremely toxic while pet grooming products contain sodium laurel sulfate, phthalates, triclosan and preservatives that go directly on skin and into a pet's internal systems, or are ingested as they clean themselves. Vaccines may also be a source of heavy metals and other carcinogens such as formaldehyde and aluminum. Phthalates are used to soften plastic, and can be found in feed buckets, pet dishes, animal toys, and in the linings of canned foods destined for both human and animal consumption.

Helping Pets Detoxify

Combating toxins and the damage they create in our pets can be accomplished in two ways: removing the toxins, and replacing and boosting network antioxidants.

Removing toxics

One very effective and safe modality for removing heavy metals and toxins from the body is through the use of ingested zeolites, which are minerals formed when volcanic ash hits seawater. Tiny honeycomb-shaped cages are formed in a mineral matrix that has a very strong negative charge. Since heavy metals and many toxins have a positive charge, they are attracted to the little cages, trapped and passively removed so as not to create a greater burden on the kidneys or other organs of elimination. Other methods include acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal and nutritional modalities.

Replacing antioxidants

Network antioxidants are effective in scavenging free radical molecules and repairing tissues. They can also protect the body from the stress of infection, inflammation and aging, which is basically oxidation of tissues and consequent degeneration. In this way, antioxidants are an integral part of detoxification.

Key network antioxidants include: coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C and glutathione. There are many others as well and many are found in abundance in fruits, vegetables, green tea and other sources. A supplement that provides valuable antioxidants as well as supporting the body's endogenous production of these substances is ideal.

Our pets' bodies are designed to heal - the mechanisms are in place. Removing the roadblocks to health and encouraging natural healing mechanisms is the most basic foundation we can lay for our pets' long and happy lives.

Dr. Erin Zamzow is a consultant for VivoNaturals' veterinary division, VivoAnimals. VivoAnimals provides innovative, cutting edge natural health solutions for animal companions. Visit www.AnimalDetox.com.