When we address diseases such as cancer, diabetes, blindness, arthritis, obesity and a host of other maladies occurring in our pets, we must take a serious look into the underlying conditions linked to the development of these diseases. In a rational observation, most of these challenges are not a disease but a red flag that something in the body is not functioning properly.
All disease has 2 causes, deficiency and toxicity. Health is dictated by what the body takes in through the air, water, foods and synthetics such as drugs. If one lives a more natural, clean and pure lifestyle, the healthier the body will be. Needless to say, as pet parents we must always be diligent in questioning what we give and expose to our pets.
Most deficiencies are caused by feeding an inappropriate diet or foods that lack the bio-available nutritional values or contain elements that prevent utilization of those nutrients. Processing of even the most natural foods can be devastating to its’ nutritive values.
Numerous toxins are unfortunately a way of life in today’s world with over 80,000 identified in our air, water, food and drugs. Our pets are especially vulnerable as they are not protected as seriously as humans are. They do not wear shoes to prevent absorption of toxins through their feet and can’t wash their face and body as we do. In fact, their method of cleansing is often licking themselves and ingesting even more of the toxins as well. Oral health is also important. When you have a pet with halitosis, most of the time this is a red flag to something else going in in their body.
Here’s a key factor in the formation of diseases. Toxins that enter the body and the deficiencies they facilitate must be dealt with in a physiological process. The body has a unique filtering system to process these poisons through the liver, kidney and lymphatic system. The constant burden of this system trying to perform its proper functions often leads to disease of the organs themselves causing what is known as liver or kidney disease or failure.
When other diseases in the body worsen, the diagnosis of liver or kidney failure usually follows and then eventually causes death. This is because these organs are being killed by the toxins and their ability to be filtered subsequently diminishes along with their ability to perform the life sustaining production of hormones, enzymes and other bio-functions. Unfortunately, standard blood testing can’t show the toxicity load and usually doesn’t even show these issues until there is already serious damage to these organs. Understanding the type of blood test being done is imperative to the pet owner.
Treatment of just the symptom of other diseases without realizing the core causes of toxicity and deficiency prevents the body from healing itself. In fact, drugs by their own nature contribute to this toxic load and also disrupt normal physiological functions to repair and replace damaged and dead cells. The living body is a magnificent dynamic being, constantly cleaning, repairing and rebuilding itself when given the right tools. While we can do little to control the toxins in the air and water, we can control the quality and appropriateness of the foods we feed and limit the chemicals that we give to our pets.
Even though prevention is key, it is never too late. As pet parents, supporting the health of the kidneys and liver throughout our pets’ life with natural, nutritious detoxifying foods and herbs is paramount to our pets sustaining optimal health and longevity.
Bill Piechocki, nutritionist and Dr. Diane Sudduth, DVM are partners in Fiesta Pet Deli in Pompano Beach, FL, and co-hosts of the PetHealthCafe.com radio show. Our 40 years in the animal field has provided us unparalleled vision and information which we pass to our clients daily. We can be reached at www.PetHealthCafe.com or 800-940-7387. Call us for a free consultation or stop by Fiesta Pet Deli, we would be more than happy to help.
