Pesticide Detox Remedies for Pets

Pesticide poisoning is a real threat to pets today. Natural remedies to detox pets from pesticides, such as diatomaceous earth, activated charcoal and apple cider vinegar can reduce risks of the health problems many domesticated animal face from regular chemical exposure.

Which Pets are at Risk from Chemical Poisoning?

Unfortunately, vast numbers of pets are frequently exposed to a variety of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Dogs and cats that live in urban areas where herbicides are frequently used on lawns and in parks are at risk. Farm animals who live near row crop farms will have regular exposure to herbicides and pesticides that are sprayed from airplanes and farm equipment. Even the water sources that these animals have access to will often have run off chemicals in them. Pets living in areas where pesticides are sprayed over neighborhoods have exposure to chemicals.  Even small animals living exclusively in apartments can be exposed to chemicals designed to kill termites and other pests.

In general, small animals will have a lower tolerance for chemical exposure than larger pets. In other words, you and your house cat may be living in the same area, but small bodies will end up with a higher proportion of exposure to chemicals for their body weight.

Most pets also spend more time on the floor and the ground than people. A person wearing shoes will not have the same amount of physical contact with pesticides as an animal with four feet to the ground. Likewise, animals often lie directly on grassy areas that have been sprayed. Chemicals easily absorb into the skin. Dogs that like to sniff as they walk will be breathing in chemicals from the ground.

What are the Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning in Pets?

Incidents of tumors, cysts, skin problems, allergies and neurological disorders are common among pets. Chemical exposure, vaccinations and poor quality food have all been linked to these common pet disorders. These disorders tend to arise from regular exposure to chemicals over long periods of time.

Sometimes a pet will experience a sudden onset of symptoms from an acute overexposure to pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. Symptoms of acute poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and sudden neurological abnormalities.

What Can A Pet Owner Do to Reduce Health Problems Caused by Pesticides?

1. If you have a yard for your pet, do not use chemicals on your yard. There are many natural alternatives for pests in your yard, including diatomaceous earth. 
2. Stop killing the weeds in your yard! Many of them are actually herbs with health benefits, like plantain.
3. If your dog frequently takes walks in areas that have been exposed to chemicals, it is very important to rinse off his paws off after a walk. You can add a few drops of dog shampoo to a bowl or pot, fill part way with warm water, and then dip each paw into the water and use your fingers to get inside the pads. For pesticides that your dog might have brushed up against on a bush, you can use a damp towel to wipe his fur after a walk. Give him more than an occasional bath.
4. If you need to address fleas, roaches, or ants in your home, use natural alternatives. This will be safer for you and for your pets.

How Do I Detox my Pet from Pesticides and Herbicides?

If your pet is frequently exposed to chemicals and this is beyond your control, you can choose a natural remedy or two and keep him on a maintenance dose.

1. Milk Thistle - Milk thistle herb helps the liver to detoxify from chemicals.
2. Activated Charcoal Powder - Charcoal is a safe and inexpensive remedy for many different toxins. It is tasteless and can be mixed with food. 
3. Turmeric - Turmeric root powder is a blood purifier that is effective for tumors, cysts, skin problems and allergies. Pet dosing information for pets can be found here. 
4. Essiac Tea - Essiac tea is a safe and gentle detoxifying formula that has helped many pets with health problems like cysts and tumors.
5. Burdock Root - Burdock root is a blood purifier. It's taste is not unpleasant and burdock root powder can be easily mixed into a pet's food.

You can also seek to limit other assaults to your pets system. For example, give your pet a high quality diet and fresh water, preferably spring water or filtered water. Avoid unnecessary vaccines for your pet. Use natural flea repellents instead of chemical flea and tick treatments.

Regular exercise and sunshine are also important for your pet's immune health.

Do you have a remedy for pesticide poisoning? We would love to hear about your remedy!