Summer is starting to ease it’s way into fall and we can forget that even though it’s not hot anymore, there are still potential dangers lurking for our dogs. As leaves begin to change colour and drop and the air begins to get crisper, a host of moulds, fungi, allergens and toxins can target our canine friends.
Detoxes for people are getting trendier, and for good reason: cutting out things like sugar, caffeine and alcohol, even for a short amount of time, can do wonders for our bodies. The same goes for dogs, although they have a different host of problems to deal with. As they live closer to the ground, and often roll around in the grass, dig in the mud, etc., they open themselves up to not only hungry fleas, ticks and worms, but pesticides, herbicides and household cleaning chemicals. There’s also air pollution, second hand smoke and even some forms of pest treatments can have harmful chemicals in them. To top it off, feeding your dog dry, processed kibble adds to the toxic soup.
If your dog starts to have chronic conditions like skin irritations, ear infections and a sensitive stomach, it’s a probable sign of the toxic buildup in your dog’s organs. When it can’t keep up with the load, the body tries to remove the waste products through the skin and mucous membranes.
To help your dog get through this trying time, there are some easy steps you can take:
- Don’t use pesticides on your lawn — use natural, chemical-free alternatives instead
- The same goes for cleaning products in your house — there are lots of options in grocery stores nowadays and depending on the surface you’re cleaning, you can always use a mixture of water and white vinegar
- Get rid of shampoos, soaps, etc. with sulfates. These ingredients can contribute to cancer
- Switch to an all natural diet, one without processed foods and which incorporates a variety of protein sources
- Exercise!
Allergies are a sign that the body is out of balance, so giving your dog a natural, whole food based diet is the best defense to ward off environmental toxins.
