Detoxifying Your Pet – Why and When it's Important

Did you know that people are only able to correctly identify when something is toxic to dogs or cats roughly half of the time?1 Read on for information on some common toxins and tips on how to help your dog detox.

Key Takeaways

• Dogs are frequently exposed to potentially toxic substances, some of which may not seem harmful to many people.
• Toxins are also naturally produced by the body - and your dog’s body.
• Like humans, dogs are able to naturally detoxify, with organs like the liver and gut playing key roles.
• Therefore, it's essential to support the health of these organs, as well as the immune system.

See Related: Why is My Dog Losing Hair in Patches?

Understanding Detoxification

Our bodies are constantly exposed to all kinds of toxins. The same is true for our dogs.² 

In fact, one study that used silicone wristbands and collars found that dogs and their owners shared very similar chemical loads.³ In other words, our dogs are exposed to many of the same toxins as we are.

Detoxification can describe a few different processes, but at its most simple, it refers to the removal of toxins from the body. The body has multiple ways to naturally remove toxins; organs like the liver, kidneys, and skin all play important roles. The same is true in dogs.

However, just like us, our dog's body can sometimes do with a little support to help it deal with toxins. This is especially true if your dog has been exposed to an unnaturally high amount of toxins, or their natural detoxification abilities have been undermined by some external factor like stress. 

Common Sources of Toxins

Before we discuss how to get rid of toxins, we need to understand where they come from.

Many toxins are, unfortunately, inevitable. For example, our dogs naturally produce toxins as by-products from vital, life-giving chemical reactions.⁴

However, other toxins are anything but inevitable. Environmental toxins can come in all kinds of forms, from many different sources.

One study of a diagnostic lab in Kansas found the following sources of toxins:

• Therapeutic drugs were the most commonly reported source of toxic exposure, accounting for over 35% of calls to the clinic
• Household chemicals, 15.5%
• Foods, 14.8%
• Pesticides, 13.9%
• Plants, 12%
• Industrial chemicals and fertilizers, 3.6%
• Cosmetics, 2.8%

Remember, this only accounts for reported incidents of toxic exposure. Exposure can sometimes take years to produce ill effects.

Household Chemicals

Many of the products we use to keep our homes clean can contain toxins.⁵ Laundry products, air fresheners, scented plug-ins, bug killers, and even dryer sheets may contain elements or compounds that can be toxic to dogs.

Some toxic ingredients commonly included in household chemical products include the following:⁶

• Ammonia (often in the form of ammonium hydroxide)
• Chlorine (usually called bleach or sodium hypochlorite)
• Formaldehyde (often called formalin, methylene, or formic aldehyde)
• Phenol (can appear under many different names, including carbolic acid, phenolic acid, and benzenol)
• Isopropyl alcohol (also called rubbing alcohol)

Dogs can be exposed to these toxic ingredients in many different ways. They might ingest them, walk through them, or fall into them (e.g., into a toilet). Even recently treated surfaces can be a dangerous source of exposure.⁷ 

Exposure to these toxins might not produce short-term effects. But a recent study concluded that dogs with higher exposure to these household chemicals had a higher chance of becoming sick.⁸

Diet

While dogs can certainly ingest chemicals, we wouldn't consider them part of their diet. But plenty of food items can be just as toxic for dogs as these chemicals.

As we mentioned above, people are perhaps less informed about toxic foods than you might expect. Participants in one study tended to underestimate the danger of foods that are edible for humans, like macadamia nuts, caffeine, grapes, artificial sweeteners, onions, garlic, and chives.⁹

In fact, all these food items (and more!) are toxic for dogs. They can even be life-threatening.

Because food items don't necessarily seem toxic, unlike harsh chemicals, we might underestimate the dangers. For example, you might be careful to keep your cleaners away from your dog, but many pet parents have had their pooch steal a bit of food at least once.

According to one study, food items accounted for almost 15% of hazardous exposure cases at Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.¹⁰ The most common route of exposure was oral.¹¹

Chocolate is particularly dangerous. According to one study, it accounts for about 25% of all poison exposures in dogs.¹²

Your dog's food may also contain toxins, especially if it's low-quality. In one study from 2021, dangerously high concentrations of toxic heavy metals were found in a shockingly high percentage of dog foods.¹³

For example, 100% of tested commercial dog foods contained dangerously high levels of mercury. Over 95% contained high levels of uranium, and over 80% contained too much lead.

Another study similarly found high levels of chromium, mercury, and arsenic in dozens of different dog foods.¹⁴

Bonus: 10 Science-Based Benefits of Owning a Dog

Pollution

We humans have an unfortunate habit of dumping toxic pollutants into the environment. What kind of pollutants you and your dog may be exposed to depends on where you live.

For example, research shows that people (and dogs) living in hilly rural areas are more likely to be exposed to pesticides, while those living by the sea are more likely to be exposed to rodenticides. ¹⁵

Rodenticides, or chemicals used to kill rodents, are particularly dangerous. They make up a large proportion of reported exposures. ¹⁶

Environment

The environment your dog lives in may also contain toxins. Many indoor and ornamental plants, for example, can be toxic to dogs.¹⁷

How to Detox a Dog: Gentle Detoxification

As we mentioned, your dog's body can naturally eliminate toxins. Therefore, supporting your dog's well-being is crucial in helping them detox.

Your Dog's Liver

Liver health is crucial for detoxification. One of the liver's many functions is removing toxic compounds from the blood.¹⁸

There are plenty of research-backed supplements that can help support liver health. One is glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. We combine glutathione with a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in our Maxx Life and Liposomal Glutathione for Dogs to help support and liver function.

The Digestive System

As you might imagine, the digestive system is critical for flushing toxins from the body.¹⁹ Both urine and feces are major avenues by which your dog expels harmful substances.²⁰

Supporting your dog's gut health is therefore very important. A healthy diet is critical for overall wellness. 

Consider checking your dog's food, as lower-quality feed can contain toxic substances. Interestingly, one study of dozens of dog foods found that canned foods were far less likely to contain dangerous levels of heavy metals than dry foods.²¹

There are also plenty of supplements that can help support your dog's gut.

For example, colostrum is known to help support a healthy gut. In one study, puppies given colostrum had greater fecal quality, an indicator of a healthy GI tract, than others not given the supplement.²²

Our Bovine Colostrum Supplement for Dogs blends grass-fed bovine colostrum with whole plant extract and organic blueberry powder to help maintain proper gut flora and pH.

The Immune System

Sometimes, toxins come from harmful microorganisms. It's therefore essential to help your dog maintain a healthy, properly functioning immune system. 

Allergens can also be considered toxic. Various supplements can help support pets with seasonal allergies. Adaptogenic mushrooms, for example, have been studied for their potential ability to support the immune system.²³

We combine no fewer than five powerful adaptogenic mushrooms — Agarikon, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail — in our Functional Mushroom Immune Tincture, to help assist your dog's immune system.

Skin and Coat

Dogs eliminate fewer toxins via the skin than humans, but it's still important. In other words, detoxification is yet another reason to help your dog maintain a healthy coat. 

Other Detoxification Tips

Address Stress

Stress is no good. You know that. But did you know that stress can make it harder for your dog to detox? 

For example, research shows that stress can affect dogs' immune function.²⁴  Remember, the immune system is a crucial part of detoxification.

There are plenty of ways to help your dog manage normal stress. One great option is CBD, which studies show can promote relaxation in dogs. You could add CBD Hemp Extract to your dog's food or tempt them with a delicious Calming Hemp Dog Treats.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a popular natural supplement for detoxification - hence why we used it in our Liposomal Glutathione for Dogs. Research shows it has potential antioxidant properties, and studies on farm animals suggest it can support the health of the gut and liver.²⁵

In one small study from 2025, several French Bulldogs were given milk thistle and Ginkgo biloba supplements for three weeks. Researchers found evidence that the supplements may support liver health.²⁶

Filtered Water

Water can sometimes contain pollutants, heavy metals, and other toxins. Depending on where you live, the water available for you to drink may not be ideal. Filtered water can be helpful for removing lead, forever chemicals, and other harmful substances from water.²⁷ 

Conclusion

We may live in a toxic world, but that doesn't mean we have to put up with toxins. Detoxification is important for both us and our furry friends.

Because our dogs, like us, detoxify naturally, assisting their overall well-being is essential. Consider supplements to assist your dog's liver, immune system, skin, and gut, which all play roles in natural detox.

Keep Reading: How Long Do Dogs Really Live?

Sources

1. More Education About Pet Toxins Needed, Study Finds | NC State News
2. Mortality and heavy metals environmental exposure: a study in dogs
3. Dogs can be 'early-warning systems' for toxic chemical exposure at home | National Geographic
4. Detoxification to Promote Health: A 7-Day Program
5. Toxicology of household cleaning products and disinfectants - PubMed
6. Common Cleaning Products That Can Harm Your Pets
7. Managing exposure to cleaning products in cats and dogs
8. Dogs exposed to household chemicals more likely to get cancer, study finds | US news | The Guardian
9. More Education About Pet Toxins Needed, Study Finds | NC State News
10. Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats - PMC
11. Dog and Cat Exposures to Hazardous Substances Reported to the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: 2009–2012 - PMC
12. Some food toxic for pets - PMC
13. Toxic element levels in ingredients and commercial pet foods | Scientific Reports
14. Individual and combined contamination of the toxic metals in commercial cat and dog food | Scientific Reports
15. Geographical characteristics influencing the risk of poisoning in pet dogs: Results of a large population-based epidemiological study in Italy - ScienceDirect
16. Some food toxic for pets - PMC
17. Emerging Plant Intoxications in Domestic Animals: A European Perspective
18. Liver Disease in Dogs | PetMD
19. Characteristics of the Digestive Tract of Dogs and Cats | SpringerLink
20. Some food toxic for pets - PMC
21. Individual and combined contamination of the toxic metals in commercial cat and dog food | Scientific Reports
22. Benefits of Bovine Colostrum on Fecal Quality in Recently Weaned Puppies - PMC
23. Medicinal Mushrooms For Dogs | PetMD
24. Stress Can Impact a Dog’s Immune Function | Purina Pro Club
25. Use of Milk Thistle in Farm and Companion Animals: A Review - PMC
26. Effects of Gingko biloba and Milk Thistle Extracts on Biomarkers of Antioxidants Status and Liver Function in Healthy Dogs - PMC
27. Is filtered water healthier than tap water?

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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.